Kingston Harbour Cruise: Night DJ Boat & Sunday Beach Buffet

Summary

Kingston city lights, live music on the water and a Sunday escape to Maiden Cay

You’ll drift through Kingston Harbour at night with music playing and city lights flickering all around you, or sail out on Sunday morning for a slow day at Maiden Cay beach with food, drinks and new friends. Expect real Jamaican flavors at the buffet, stories from local guides, plus time to swim or just watch Kingston fade into the distance.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a cold Ting as we push off from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge — you can hear the city behind us, but already it feels quieter out here. Our guide, Andre, grins and points out the skyline as the boat picks up speed. “That’s downtown Kingston,” he says, and I try to snap a photo but honestly the lights blur together in a way that looks better in memory than on my phone. The DJ starts warming up — old reggae mixed with something I don’t know — and people are laughing over the wind. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed floating past all that city noise.

Friday night on Kingston Harbour is different from anything I’ve done in Jamaica before. There’s this salty breeze and the sound of glasses clinking, plus the odd burst of dance moves when someone’s song comes on. The crew keeps everyone topped up (I probably had too much rum punch), and there’s food set out buffet-style — jerk chicken, rice, plantains, all steaming under little silver lids. At one point Andre tells us about Port Royal’s pirate days; he does this dramatic pirate voice that makes half the boat laugh out loud. So yeah, not your average tour guide.

The Sunday beach cruise is slower — we left from Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal just after breakfast (I was still finishing my coffee). The ride out to Maiden Cay feels like a secret; you can see planes coming in over Norman Manley Airport, but then suddenly it’s just white sand and blue water everywhere. Some people swim straight off the catamaran while others just wade in with their drinks held high above their heads. Music drifts over the water and there’s this moment where everyone goes quiet watching the sun hit those empty sands. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Friday evening Kingston Harbour cruise

• Depart from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge
• Board 69ft Power Catamaran
• Enjoy live DJ music onboard
• Tour Kingston Harbour for 3 hours
• Eat and drink included
• Take photos of city lights

Day 2 — Sunday morning beach cruise to Maiden Cay

• Depart from Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal
• Board 69ft Power Catamaran
• Cruise to Maiden Cay beach
• Swim and sunbathe on white sand
• Enjoy live DJ music onboard
• Eat and drink included
• Socialize with friends

Top questions

What time does the Kingston Harbour Cruise depart?

The Friday evening cruise departs at 8pm from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge Downtown Kingston.

Where does the Sunday Beach Cruise leave from?

The Sunday cruise departs from Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal in Kingston.

Is food included on both cruises?

Yes, both cruises include a buffet-style meal with Jamaican dishes.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, alcoholic beverages and soda are included throughout both cruises.

How long is each cruise?

The Friday evening harbour cruise lasts about 3 hours; Sunday duration depends on time spent at Maiden Cay.

Can I swim during the tour?

You can swim or wade during the Sunday Beach Cruise at Maiden Cay.

Do I need to bring anything special?

Please bring the credit card used for payment and a valid photo ID for boarding.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departures are from central locations in Kingston.

What’s included

Your ticket covers entry onto a 69ft power catamaran with live DJ sets, an open bar with alcoholic drinks and sodas, plus an all-you-can-eat Jamaican buffet for both Friday night harbour cruises and Sunday trips to Maiden Cay beach—just remember your payment card and photo ID for check-in before you set sail.