Antigua: Self-Drive Reef Boat & Guided Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Snorkel Cades Reef after piloting your own boat along Antigua’s wild coast

You’ll drive your own two-seater motorboat along Antigua’s wild west coast before snorkeling Cades Reef with a local guide right beside you. Expect close-up views of coral and tropical fish, plus time to laugh (and maybe get splashed) as you captain your boat. It’s hands-on adventure—with pickup and all gear included—that leaves you buzzing long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap-slap of little waves against our inflatable boat as we waited for the signal to go. The boats are just big enough for two, so it felt like we were in our own bubble, engine humming under us. Our guide—Andre, who seemed to know everyone on the dock—shouted something about “keeping left of the yellow buoy” and grinned when he saw me double-checking the throttle. I was nervous at first (I mean, they actually let you drive these things), but once we pulled away from shore and caught that salty wind, it was just pure fun.

We hugged the west coast of Antigua for a while, passing little coves where kids waved from the rocks. The water changed color every few minutes—sometimes deep blue, sometimes almost clear green—and there was this constant smell of sun-warmed salt and sunscreen. Andre zipped ahead in his own boat, waving us on whenever we slowed down to stare at pelicans or what looked like a floating coconut (it was a turtle; I still can’t believe I almost missed that). It’s about seven miles out to Cades Reef, but honestly it went by fast because you’re too busy laughing or yelling over the engine.

When we finally anchored inside the reef lagoon, Andre handed out masks and fins—mine were a bit tight but he swapped them out without fuss—and explained how not to step on anything sharp (“Just float, don’t walk,” he said). The water here is so clear you can see every ripple of sand below. I followed Andre through patches of coral where bright parrotfish darted around us. At one point I froze because a stingray glided right underneath me; Andre just gave me a thumbs up like it happened every day (maybe it does?).

I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating above all that color and movement. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that light shifting across the reef and how small I felt in a good way. We climbed back into our boats with wet hair and salty skin—tired but kind of giddy—and steered back toward shore with Andre leading the way again, sunburn creeping in despite all my efforts with sunscreen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive boat and snorkeling tour

• Drive your own two-seater boat
• Explore west coast of Antigua
• Visit stunning Cades Reef
• Put on snorkel, mask, and fins
• Snorkel in crystal clear waters
• See marine life and coral reef
• Tour guide accompanies snorkeling

Top questions

How long does the Antigua self-drive boat & snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included in this Antigua snorkeling tour?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned vehicle is included in your booking.

Do I need previous boating experience for this tour?

No previous experience is required; guides provide instructions before departure.

What age do you need to be to drive the boat?

The minimum age for drivers is 18 years old; passengers must be at least 5 years old.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Antigua reef tour?

Yes, masks, fins, and snorkels are provided for all participants.

How many people fit in each boat?

Each inflatable motorboat seats two people comfortably.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your half-day includes roundtrip transport from your hotel or cruise ship by air-conditioned vehicle, use of an 11-foot two-seater motorboat (shared between two people), all snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, snorkel—and guidance both during boating and while exploring Cades Reef itself before heading back ashore together.