Bermuda: Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling with Rum Swizzle

Summary

Catamaran sailing from King’s Wharf to secluded Bermuda waters

You’ll feel Bermuda’s Great Sound come alive as you sail by catamaran from King’s Wharf—sun on your face, salt in your hair. Jump into turquoise water to snorkel above reefs or try kayaking and paddleboarding near hidden beaches. With friendly crew guiding you and a rum swizzle in hand for the ride home, it’s easy to forget everything else for a while.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull as we pushed off from King’s Wharf—there’s something about that sound that makes you realize you’re really out here. The crew on the Rising Son catamaran had this easy way about them, cracking jokes while they showed us where to stash our shoes. The sails went up and suddenly all I could hear was wind and some reggae drifting from a speaker somewhere behind me. I just stretched out on the netting, sun warm on my legs, watching those impossible blue shades shift under us.

We sailed maybe an hour through Bermuda’s Great Sound (I lost track, honestly), passing these little pastel houses tucked into green hills. Our guide—Sam—pointed out a sandbar where locals sometimes play cricket at low tide. Didn’t expect that detail. When we anchored, everyone sort of hesitated before jumping in but Sam just laughed and did a cannonball off the side. The water was cool but not shocking, more like a gentle wake-up. I tried snorkeling first; saw tiny purple fish darting around coral that looked like old bones. There was this moment underwater when everything went quiet except for my own breathing—kind of peaceful and strange at the same time.

I swapped my mask for a paddleboard after that (not gracefully). A couple of us wobbled our way toward the beach while one woman managed to stand perfectly still and take photos—I have no idea how she did it. There were kayaks too if you wanted them. Someone from the crew handed me a plastic cup with rum swizzle when I got back onboard; sweet and spicy at once, with orange slices floating inside. It tasted like summer should taste. We lounged around as we sailed back, music up a little louder now, people talking quietly or just staring out at the water like they didn’t want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bermuda catamaran and snorkeling cruise

• Board catamaran at King’s Wharf
• Sail into the Great Sound
• Relax on trampoline or deck
• Anchor at secluded swim spot
• Receive safety briefing and snorkel instructions
• Snorkel above nearby reef
• Use kayaks or paddleboards
• Enjoy 1.5 hours of water activities
• Return to catamaran for rum swizzle
• Cruise back with tropical music
• Purchase additional drinks onboard (optional)

Top questions

Where does the Bermuda catamaran cruise depart from?

The tour departs from King’s Wharf in Sandys Parish on Bermuda’s northwest tip.

How long do you spend swimming or snorkeling during this tour?

You have about 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, kayak or paddleboard at the anchoring site.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Bermuda cruise?

Yes, use of snorkel gear is included along with kayaks and paddleboards.

What drink is included on board?

A complimentary rum swizzle cocktail is served after swimming; other drinks are available for purchase.

Is lunch included in this Bermuda catamaran tour?

No lunch is included; only soft drinks and one rum swizzle are provided.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to King’s Wharf departure point.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness to walk on/off the boat and use swim ladders.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes use of all snorkel gear plus kayaks and paddleboards for exploring near the reef or beach, soft drinks throughout the trip, and a classic Bermudian rum swizzle served after your swim—all guided by an easygoing local crew before returning to King’s Wharf by catamaran.