Antigua: Cades Reef Snorkel & Catamaran Lunch Charter

Sail Antigua's Reef in a Catamaran, Snorkel Among Rays and Coral

You board a catamaran at Jolly Harbour, snorkel Cades Reef with expert crew guidance and top-quality gear, spot rays and coral gardens, shower off on deck, then eat a proper island lunch with drinks while sailing back. The whole experience takes half a day and includes everything except getting yourself to the harbour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and relax on Cades Reef

• Board the Jolly Cat catamaran
• Sail Antigua’s west coast
• Receive snorkel gear and briefing
• Snorkel at Cades Reef
• Enjoy local food and open bar
• Listen to Caribbean music
• Cruise back to Jolly Harbour

The experience

The salt spray hits your face the moment the Jolly Cat leaves Jolly Harbour, and you know you're not on a crowded tour boat. The catamaran cuts across Antigua's west coast at an easy pace, passing hidden coves and white-sand beaches that look emptier than they should. The crew hands you snorkel gear (top-quality stuff, not the rental-bin leftovers), and runs through a relaxed briefing that doesn't feel like a safety lecture. If you've never snorkeled before, they walk you through it without making you feel rushed. If you have, they point you toward the coral gardens and let you loose.

Cades Reef is the main event. You drop into water so clear you can see the bottom from the boat, and the reef unfolds in front of you like someone turned up the color saturation on the whole ocean. Colorful fish dart between coral heads, rays glide past like they own the place, and if you're lucky, a turtle drifts by without hurrying. The crew stays in the water with you, not hovering but there if you need them. The whole snorkel session runs long enough to actually explore, not just dip in and climb back out. After you've had your fill, there's a fresh-water shower on deck to rinse off the salt.

Back on the boat, the crew serves up a savory BBQ chicken or creole fish with green salad, rice and seasonal fruit: real food, not the token sandwich you'd expect. The open bar keeps flowing, and Caribbean music plays while you dry off and watch the coastline slide past. The catamaran's spacious enough that you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and the whole vibe stays relaxed without feeling slack. One detail that stuck: they use mineral sunscreen on board, no chemical stuff allowed, so the reef stays protected and you're not adding to the damage.

The tour runs half a day from Jolly Harbour, so you're back with time to do something else. Book early in the week if you can. The boat fills up, and small groups mean the crew actually knows your name by the end.

What’s included

• Top-quality snorkel gear, life vest, water noodles and floating loungers.
• savory BBQ chicken or creole fish with green salad, rice and seasonal fruit.
• open bar with chilled drinks.
• fresh-water shower on deck.
• mineral-based sunscreen.
• expert crew guidance throughout the reef snorkel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hobby Lobby Tours

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants a real reef snorkel without arranging transport, gear rental or lunch separately. The catamaran handles all three and keeps the group small enough that the crew knows what they're doing.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the snorkel tour?

Snorkel gear, life vest, water noodles and floating loungers, a guided reef session, BBQ chicken or creole fish lunch with salad and fruit, an open bar, fresh-water shower and mineral sunscreen.

How long is the tour?

Half a day. The boat departs from Jolly Harbour and returns the same morning or afternoon, leaving you time for other activities.

Do I need snorkel experience?

No. The crew gives a relaxed briefing and stays in the water with you. Beginners feel confident, and experienced snorkelers can explore deeper into the coral gardens.

What if I don't want to snorkel?

You can stay on the catamaran, swim off the boat or just relax with a drink. The crew doesn't pressure anyone into the water.

Is the reef protected?

Yes. The tour uses only mineral-based sunscreen on board (no chemical sunscreen is allowed) to keep the reef safe.

Can infants come?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap throughout the tour.

What should I bring?

A towel, sunglasses and a light cover-up. The boat provides snorkel gear, sunscreen and a shower, so you don't need to pack much.