Private Catamaran Swim sail snorkel cliff jumping SUP

Island time begins on the water. This private Bermuda catamaran gives your group up to 15 people a roomy boat, a restroom, snorkeling gear, a SUP, and a crystal kayak for exploring coves around the Great Sound. I especially like the freedom to shape the outing and the friendly, flexible crews led by captains such as Mark, Alex, Georgia, and Matt.

I also like that the boat works for mixed groups. Kids can relax on the forward hammock while teenagers try cliff jumping, and adults can swim, paddle, listen to music, or simply sit back with a drink. The main drawback is cost: at $1,175 per group, it makes the most sense when you fill much of the 15-person capacity, and drinks and food cost extra.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Three hours on a private catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with no strangers and no fixed public-tour schedule.
• Cliff jumping is optional: Admiralty Park, Spanish Point, and other spots may be considered, depending on conditions and your wishes.
• Snorkeling and swimming are built into the day: The crew can seek out a calmer cove when wind or waves make open water less comfortable.
• SUP and crystal kayak included: These add variety for people who would rather paddle than snorkel.
• Flexible timing, including sunset: Start times can be arranged, and sunset cruises do not carry an extra charge.
• Bring towels and sunscreen: Shoes come off before boarding, spray sunscreen and tanning lotion are not allowed, and red wine cannot come onboard.

What This Bermuda Catamaran Trip Is Really Like

This is not a standard sightseeing cruise with a strict route and a guide pointing out every landmark. It is closer to renting your own floating base for three hours, with a captain and crew who can help turn the afternoon toward swimming, snorkeling, sailing, cliff jumping, or quiet time.

That flexibility is the biggest reason to choose it. You can tell the crew what your group wants, then adjust as the day unfolds. A family with small children may prefer a shallow sandy swimming area and a sheltered cove. A group of teenagers may ask for cliff jumping and more time in the water. A couple of adults may care most about sailing and a peaceful bay.

The boat carries up to 15 people, so this is particularly useful for a family reunion, cruise group, birthday outing, or friends traveling together. You pay by the boat rather than per person. At the full capacity, the listed price works out to about $78 per person before food and drinks. For six people, it is roughly $196 each, which is a much harder value to defend.

The exact route is not locked in. The captain may adjust plans for wind, waves, and what your group wants to do. That is good news in Bermuda, where a sheltered bay can make the difference between a pleasant swim and a rough one.

Setting Out Around Bermuda’s Great Sound

The trip begins with a short orientation and a practical rule: everyone must remove their shoes before boarding. There are no exceptions, so wear something easy to slip off and leave bulky footwear behind.

Once underway, you can settle into the boat’s open-air layout. The catamaran provides more room than a small motorboat, and the forward hammock gives children and relaxed adults a comfortable place to stretch out. A Bluetooth audio system lets you play your own music, or the crew can offer music options.

The sailing itself depends on the wind. On breezy days, the crew may put up the sail and use the conditions for a proper sail around the coast. On another day, the wind direction may not allow much sailing, and the boat may spend more time motoring between swimming areas. If sailing is your top priority, ask about likely conditions when you arrange the trip.

The route may include bays and coves around western Bermuda. You get a water-level view of the island, with rocky shorelines, small inlets, and the changing color of the sea around the boat. The point is not to collect landmarks at speed. It is to spend time in Bermuda’s coastal setting without a timetable pressing you along.

Swimming and Snorkeling in a Sheltered Cove

The crew carries snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to rent masks and fins separately. The captain can choose a calmer cove when the open water is choppy, which is one of the most useful parts of having a private boat.

Snorkeling conditions can vary. Some outings have produced excellent fish viewing in a small cove, while other groups found the snorkeling merely acceptable. That difference may come from weather, water clarity, location, and expectations. This is not a guaranteed reef expedition with a fixed marine site. It is a flexible swim and snorkel trip where the crew chooses a suitable place on the day.

The boat also works well for first-time snorkelers. You can enter the water when ready, stay near the boat, and return to the catamaran without feeling rushed by a large group. Optional water activities mean non-swimmers or cautious participants can remain onboard while others head into the water.

Bring your own towels. They are not supplied. You should also bring sunscreen, but avoid spray sunscreen and tanning lotion, which are not allowed onboard. That small rule is easy to miss and worth handling before you arrive.

Cliff Jumping at Admiralty Park and Spanish Point

Cliff jumping is one of the most popular ways to add a little excitement to the outing. Depending on the route and conditions, the crew may take you toward Admiralty Park or Spanish Point, where people can jump from the rocks into the water.

This activity is optional. That matters for mixed groups, since one person may want a thrill while another would rather swim, paddle, or remain on the boat. The crew can help keep the activity organized, but you should treat cliff jumping as a personal choice and only take part if you are comfortable with the height, water entry, and conditions.

Several groups have combined cliff jumping with snorkeling in the same three-hour outing. Others have gone to a shallow sandy area for a gentler swim. The boat’s flexibility lets you avoid spending the entire trip on one activity.

Do not assume cliff jumping will always be possible. Weather, wind, water conditions, and the captain’s judgment can change the plan. One outing included swimming through caves, while another could not sail because of wind direction but still found a good place to swim. The best approach is to see the route as adaptable, not guaranteed stop by stop.

SUP, Crystal Kayak, and Time for Non-Swimmers

The included stand-up paddleboard gives you another way to use the water. You can paddle around a calm cove, take turns with your group, or simply leave it unused if swimming and sailing are enough.

The crystal kayak is a nice extra for anyone who wants a view into the water without putting on snorkeling gear. It also gives younger children or less confident swimmers an activity that feels adventurous but can be done at a gentler pace.

These extras are valuable because a group of 10 or 15 rarely wants the same thing at the same time. Some people may jump from rocks, others may snorkel, and others may stay aboard with a drink and music. A private boat lets each person set their own pace.

Physical activities are optional, but the trip is not entirely passive. You should be comfortable moving around a boat and entering or exiting the water if you plan to snorkel, paddle, or swim. The operator says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Practicalities

Food and drinks are not included in the $1,175 price. You can arrange catering, snacks, and special beverages in advance for an additional charge. The catamaran has a gas grill and a large cooler, though ice, food, and special requests are billed separately.

There is also a cash bar with assorted beverages for purchase. Bring clear expectations here. A drink offered onboard may not be complimentary, so ask the crew what is included and what carries a charge before ordering. This avoids an unpleasant surprise at the end of the trip.

You may be allowed to bring your own drinks, but red wine is not permitted. If you are planning a group celebration, confirm the beverage plan ahead of time. A homemade rum swizzle has been part of at least one especially enjoyable outing, but you should not assume a particular drink is included on your trip.

The Bluetooth audio system is a welcome touch. Bring a playlist if your group has strong musical opinions, or ask the crew for options. You will have a better time if someone takes responsibility for music before the boat leaves.

The Crew and the Feel of the Day

The crew gets much of the credit for making this trip work. Captain Mark and Captain Alex are frequently associated with the operation, while Georgia and Matt have also worked on outings. The crew’s role is more than steering the boat. They help groups decide how to use limited time, adjust plans for weather, and keep different ages and confidence levels comfortable.

The strongest part of the service is its relaxed attitude. The outing is designed to feel personal rather than scripted. A family with young children, a blind adult, teenagers, and older relatives can all use the boat differently, with the crew helping everyone take part safely.

That said, the experience can feel too loose if you expect a tightly planned sightseeing program. One group described spending much of the time cruising and making a couple of stops. If you want a detailed historical tour, ask how much local history the captain plans to cover. Some outings include island history, but the central focus is recreation on the water.

Is Three Hours Enough?

Three hours is enough for a satisfying mix of activities, but you will need to make choices. A typical outing might include sailing, a cliff-jumping stop, snorkeling in a cove, and a little time on the SUP or kayak. You will not have unlimited time at each location.

If your group wants a slow afternoon with long swims and extended sailing, three hours may feel short. One group wished it had booked longer after fitting in several activities. On the other hand, three hours works well for cruise passengers, families with young children, or anyone who wants a focused water outing without committing a full day.

Flexible start times help with scheduling. Sunset cruises are available without an extra charge, which can be appealing for couples or groups seeking a quieter atmosphere. If you are visiting from a cruise ship, allow enough time to reach the meeting point and return to the ship. Transportation to the meeting point is not included.

Price, Group Size, and Overall Value

The $1,175 group price is easiest to justify when you have a large group. With 15 people, you get a private boat, crew, restroom, water equipment, and a route shaped around your preferences for about $78 per person before extras.

At 10 people, the base price is about $118 each. At six, it is about $196 each. That is still reasonable for a private boat day in Bermuda if privacy and flexibility matter, but it is not a bargain compared with joining a shared excursion.

The value also depends on how much of the equipment you use. Snorkeling gear, the SUP, crystal kayak, restroom, music system, and onboard cooler are all included. Food, ice, and beverages are not. If your group expects drinks and lunch to be part of the base cost, budget for those separately.

The biggest value is control. You do not have to follow a stranger’s preferred pace, and you can redirect the outing toward a calm cove when conditions change. For a full family or friend group, that control can be worth more than a lower per-person price on a shared boat.

Who Should Book This Catamaran?

I would choose this for a group that values privacy, water activities, and a relaxed schedule. It is a strong fit for families with children and teenagers, groups of friends, and cruise passengers who want a memorable half-day near the ship.

It also suits groups with mixed interests. You can combine sailing, snorkeling, cliff jumping, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, music, and quiet time without forcing everyone into one activity.

I would think twice if you are traveling with only two or three people, want a full meal and open bar included, or expect a formal sightseeing lecture. The price becomes less attractive with a small party, and the flexible format may feel too casual for some visitors.

Weather matters. The company requires suitable weather and may reschedule or offer a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation. If you have only one narrow window in Bermuda, keep that policy in mind and avoid scheduling the boat at the very end of your trip if possible.

FAQ

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The catamaran accommodates up to 15 people. Only your group participates in the private outing.

How long is the trip?

The outing lasts approximately three hours.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are included. A crystal kayak is also available onboard.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the catamaran has a restroom.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food, snacks, ice, and drinks are not included in the base price. Catering and special beverage requests can be arranged in advance for an additional charge, and assorted beverages are available for purchase at the cash bar.

Can I bring my own towels and sunscreen?

You should bring your own towels and sunscreen. Spray sunscreen and tanning lotion are not allowed onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather may result in a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book It?

Book this catamaran if you can fill a good portion of the 15-person capacity and want the freedom to choose your day on the water. The combination of a private boat, capable crew, snorkeling gear, SUP, kayak, restroom, and flexible stops gives a large group plenty to do.

Before booking, confirm the meeting point, beverage charges, food plan, and your preferred activities. Tell the crew if cliff jumping is a priority, if you need a sheltered swimming area, or if small children are coming along. With those expectations clear, this is a very good way to trade a fixed tour route for three hours of Bermuda shaped around your own group.