Snorkeling in Negril: Catamaran Cruise with Reef & Rick's Cafe

Reef snorkeling, a beach afternoon, reggae at sunset: one day, three moments

A full-day catamaran snorkeling cruise from Jamaica's North Coast to Negril includes bus pickup, time on 7 Mile Beach for lunch, an afternoon reef cruise with snorkel gear, drinks and live music, a stop at Rick's Cafe for sunset, and return transport. The catamaran departs in the afternoon after beach time; boarding requires wading into the water, so expect to get wet. Family-friendly departures run Mondays and Wednesdays; adults-only cruises sail Tuesday through Sunday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Negril Beach and Catamaran Cruise

• Bus ride to Negril
• Free time at 7 Mile Beach
• Board catamaran cruise
• Snorkel at the reef
• Enjoy drinks and music on deck
• Stop at Rick's Cafe for sunset
• Reboard bus after sunset

The Experience

The day starts with a guided bus ride through Jamaica's North Coast to Negril, where you have free time to explore 7 Mile Beach and grab lunch on your own before boarding the catamaran in the early afternoon. The boat leaves from Margaritaville with snorkel equipment provided, and you'll spend the afternoon in the water at the reef spotting colorful fish and corals, or relaxing on deck while the crew keeps drinks and reggae music flowing. Weather permitting, the cruise includes a stop at the reef and a visit to Rick's Cafe, Jamaica's most famous sunset bar, where you'll watch the sun drop into the sea with a live band playing before the bus returns you to your hotel after dark.

Boarding and exiting the catamaran requires wading into the water—bring swimwear and water shoes, and plan to get wet. The exact duration depends on where you're staying in Jamaica, since the bus ride to Negril varies by pickup location. Family-friendly cruises run Mondays and Wednesdays; if you're traveling without children, adults-only departures are available Tuesday through Sunday. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, French, German and one additional language.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned bus transportation from your North Coast hotel to Negril.
• free time on 7 Mile Beach to explore and buy lunch on your own.
• afternoon catamaran cruise with snorkel equipment.
• unlimited drinks onboard.
• live reggae music.
• stop at the reef (weather permitting).
• visit to Rick's Cafe for sunset (weather permitting).
• return hotel drop-off.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Holiday Services Ltd

Is this one for you?Book the Monday or Wednesday family-friendly departure if you're traveling with children; choose a Tuesday-Sunday adults-only cruise if you want the party atmosphere without kids. Either way, the fixed itinerary—bus, beach time, reef snorkeling, Rick's Cafe sunset, and return transport—means the whole day holds together without you arranging stops or timing.

Traveler reviews

3.96★★★★★★★★★★

396 verified traveler reviews

5 ★219

4 ★66

3 ★36

2 ★25

1 ★50

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the snorkeling like at the reef stop on this catamaran cruise?

The reef stop features colorful fish and corals you'll see while snorkeling with provided equipment. Weather permitting, this is part of the afternoon cruise portion; if conditions don't allow it, you can relax on deck instead.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel equipment is provided and included in the cruise. You just need to bring swimwear and water shoes, since boarding the boat requires wading into the water.

What time does the catamaran leave, and how long is the cruise portion?

The catamaran departs in the early afternoon from Margaritaville in Negril, after you've had time on 7 Mile Beach. The full tour duration varies depending on your hotel location on the North Coast, ranging from 4 to 12 hours total.

Is Rick's Cafe included in this tour, and what happens there?

Rick's Cafe is included as a stop during the cruise portion (weather permitting). You'll arrive by boat and watch the sunset with a live reggae band playing before reboarding the bus after dark for your return journey.

Are drinks included on the catamaran?

Yes, unlimited drinks are included onboard the catamaran as part of an open bar. Live music and a party atmosphere are also part of the cruise.

Can I bring my children on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 3 on family-friendly cruises running Mondays and Wednesdays. Adults-only cruises depart Tuesday through Sunday if you prefer a different vibe.