Antigua: Bird Island Snorkel Cruise & Lobster Beach Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling starfish at Paradise Reef and lobster lunch on Bird Island

You’ll board a comfortable catamaran from Antigua for a day trip with snorkeling at Paradise Reef and Bird Island, guided by locals who know every corner of these waters. Enjoy a fresh lobster lunch right on the sand with open bar drinks flowing, plus hotel pickup for an easy start. Expect laughter, sea breezes, and maybe even dolphins — it’s more relaxed than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before the van pulled up for our hotel pickup — turns out, everyone else was just as excited for this Antigua snorkeling cruise as I was. The catamaran felt bigger than it looked in photos, and the crew (I think one of them was called Junior?) handed out cold drinks right away. There was music, but not too loud, just enough to make you feel like you’re on holiday. The first stop was Paradise Reef, and I’ll admit I hesitated before jumping in — something about new places always makes me pause. But then someone pointed out a turtle bobbing near the boat and suddenly half of us were in the water with masks on.

Snorkeling there is kind of dreamy — not super crowded, lots of bright fish, and these starfish that look fake until you see them up close. Our guide Li showed me how to spot stingrays gliding along the sand (I probably squeaked when one swam under me). After that we drifted toward Bird Island. You can smell the grill before you even get off the boat — honestly, I didn’t expect lobster to taste that good on a beach picnic table with sand stuck to my feet. The crew cracked jokes while serving lunch; someone tried teaching me a bit of Antiguan Creole but I’m pretty sure I butchered every word.

There’s this moment after eating when everyone just sort of went quiet, watching pelicans dive in the distance and feeling that salty breeze. I still think about that view sometimes — maybe because it felt so easy to just be there, no rush at all. We saw dolphins playing off Maiden Island on the way back (the captain slowed down so we could watch), and by then most people were stretched out in the sun or sipping rum punch from plastic cups. It’s funny how quickly six hours goes by when you’re floating between islands, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and Lobster Lunch Cruise

• Pick up from major hotels
• Board 55-foot motor catamaran
• Snorkel at Maiden Island
• Watch for dolphins and turtles
• Relax on Bird Island beach
• Enjoy fresh lobster lunch
• Open bar available onboard
• Return to hotels

Top questions

How long is the Antigua snorkeling cruise & lobster lunch tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Antigua?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from all major hotels on Antigua’s western and northern coasts.

Are alcoholic drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, there’s an open bar with alcoholic beverages included throughout the tour.

Is lunch provided during the Bird Island snorkel cruise?

Yes, a fresh lobster lunch is served right on Bird Island beach as part of your tour.

Can infants join this Antigua snorkeling cruise?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is snorkeling equipment provided or do I need my own?

The description doesn’t specify; check with Creole Antigua Tours directly for gear details.

Will we see wildlife like turtles or dolphins?

You may spot turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and starfish while snorkeling or cruising between islands.

Are there stops at more than one island during this day trip?

Yes, you’ll visit both Bird Island (for lunch) and Maiden Island (for snorkeling).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from major hotels around Antigua’s western and northern coasts, two guided snorkeling stops at Paradise Reef and Maiden Island, a fresh lobster lunch served right on Bird Island’s beach with an open bar throughout the cruise before returning in the afternoon.