Negril: Glass Bottom Boat Snorkeling & Booby Cay Seafood Stop

Summary

Negril reef snorkeling by glass bottom boat with booby cay island lunch stop

You’ll feel the Caribbean come alive beneath you on this Negril glass bottom boat tour — watching fish flicker past your feet, snorkeling warm reefs near Med Reef or Anchor & Cannon reef, then drifting onto Booby Cay Island where fresh seafood sizzles over charcoal. It’s relaxed, full of color, and leaves you wanting just one more hour under that sun.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you first step onto a boat and the floor gives just a little under your weight? That’s how it started for me in Negril, barefoot on the sand looking for this yellow boat called “The Lucky Duck.” Our guide, Devon, waved us over with a grin and I could already smell salt and grilled fish drifting from somewhere down the beach. We slid out over water so clear you could see every ripple of sunlight on the sand below. I pressed my face to the glass bottom — honestly, I felt like a kid again — spotting these long trumpet fish and flashes of blue from tiny angels darting around bits of coral.

The ride to Med Reef was quick, maybe fifteen minutes but time didn’t really matter. Devon handed out masks and joked about his “lucky” flippers (I think he’s had them since the ‘90s). The water was warm when I slipped in — not cold at all, more like a hug. He pointed out a puffer fish hiding in some rocks and then just let us float around for an hour. I tried to follow a ray but lost it behind some sea fans. At one point I just lay still, listening to my own breathing through the snorkel and the distant sound of reggae from another boat somewhere. Not sure why but that moment stuck with me.

Afterwards we headed to Booby Cay Island. There were maybe four vendors grilling lobster and crab right there on the sand, smoke curling up into palm leaves. I tried saying “lobster” in patois — pretty sure I butchered it because one of the cooks laughed and handed me a Red Stripe instead. The seafood isn’t included but honestly, you’ll want to try it anyway (bring cash). We wandered along the beach for a bit, watched some kids chasing each other through shallow water. When it was time to go back, nobody really wanted to leave yet — even Devon looked reluctant as he called us back to The Lucky Duck.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glass bottom boat tour and snorkeling

• Meet at designated beach or Margaritaville
• Board the yellow boat "The Lucky Duck"
• Enjoy 15-minute glass bottom boat ride
• Snorkel at Med Reef for 1 hour
• Explore Booby Cay island for 1 hour
• Purchase fresh seafood or relax on beach
• Return to hotel or Seven Mile Beach

Top questions

How long does the Negril glass bottom boat tour last?

The total duration is about 2–3 hours including travel time between stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this snorkeling tour?

Yes, pickup is included from designated beach hotels/resorts in Negril or Margaritaville; West End pickups have an extra fee.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, all snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Can you buy food on Booby Cay Island?

Yes, fresh lobster and crab are available for purchase from local vendors on Booby Cay Island (not included in tour price).

Is this tour suitable for beginners at snorkeling?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and beginners are welcome; guides will assist if needed.

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Where does the tour depart from?

You can board directly from your hotel beach or Margaritaville Negril; look for “The Lucky Duck” yellow boat.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from most Negril resorts or Margaritaville (with West End pickups available for an extra fee), entry fees to Booby Cay Island itself, use of all snorkeling equipment at Med Reef or Anchor & Cannon reef, plus return transport back to your starting point after relaxing on the island beach.