Negril Glass Bottom Boat: Snorkeling & Booby Cay Island Lunch

Summary

Glass bottom boat ride to booby cay island with snorkeling stop

You’ll board a glass bottom boat right from Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, snorkel above colorful coral reefs with your local guide, then relax on Booby Cay Island while fresh fish or lobster grills nearby. Expect laughter, sandy feet, and those quiet moments looking out at endless blue — it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped right onto the glass bottom boat from the sand outside our hotel on Seven Mile Beach — no shoes, just warm sand between my toes and that salty breeze. Our captain, Devon, waved us aboard with a grin and a “Y’alright?” The engine sputtered to life and suddenly we were gliding over water so clear I could count starfish on the bottom. I kept leaning over the glass panels, trying not to drop my sunglasses in. Devon pointed out patches of coral — “That’s where we’ll stop for snorkeling,” he said, and I got this little jolt of nerves (I’m not exactly Jacques Cousteau).

The reef was closer than I expected. Devon handed out masks and fins — mine fogged up instantly, which made me laugh underwater. He showed us where to swim for the best fish; tiny blue ones darted around my fingers and there was this one stripey guy who seemed to follow me everywhere. The water tasted a bit metallic but clean, and when I surfaced I could hear reggae drifting from somewhere far off on shore. Sun on my back, salt in my hair — you know that feeling?

After an hour or so we climbed back in (awkwardly — I always forget how hard it is with fins), and headed for Booby Cay Island. It’s just a small patch of white sand and scrubby trees but wow, does it feel like its own world. Locals had set up a grill under some palms; smoke drifted over the beach and you could smell lobster sizzling. Devon introduced us to Miss June who runs the grill — she laughed when I tried to order in patois (“Mi wan di fish!”). We ate with our hands sitting in the shade, juice running down our wrists. Didn’t even care about the sand everywhere.

I still think about that view from Booby Cay — turquoise water all around, pelicans swooping low. On the way back Devon let my friend steer for a bit (I think he just wanted a break). The sun was getting lower but everything felt bright anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glass bottom boat and snorkeling tour

• Pickup from resort or beach
• Board glass-bottom boat
• Snorkel at Carol Reef for 1 hour
• Visit Booby Cay Island
• Relax on white sandy beach
• Optional fish and lobster grill
• Return to Seven Miles Beach

Top questions

How do I get picked up for the glass bottom boat tour in Negril?

If you’re staying on Seven Mile Beach, pickup is directly from your resort beach; otherwise you can meet at Margaritaville or another chosen spot.

Is snorkeling gear included on this Negril boat trip?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during your reef stop.

Where does the Negril glass bottom boat go?

The tour visits coral reefs near Negril for snorkeling before heading to Booby Cay Island.

Can I buy food on Booby Cay Island during this tour?

Yes, locals grill fish and lobster for sale right on Booby Cay Island.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; guides help beginners during snorkeling.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by glass bottom boat directly from your resort or meeting point along Seven Mile Beach in Negril, use of snorkeling equipment at the coral reef stop guided by your captain, plus free time to swim or relax on Booby Cay Island before returning to shore.