Caicos Cays Private Boat Charter: Snorkel, Beaches & Shipwrecks

Snorkel the barrier reef, then anchor at empty beaches in a single afternoon

A half-day private charter of the Caicos Cays aboard the Catalyst, a 35-foot boat with shaded decks and bow space for sunbathing. You choose the itinerary: snorkel the barrier reef, visit Half Moon Bay's iguana sanctuary, explore Fort George's historical cannons, or anchor at pristine beaches and the La Famille Express shipwreck. The captain and crew tailor the day to your pace, relaxed or adventurous.

The experience

What makes this charter work is the boat itself and the crew's knowledge of the islands. The Catalyst carries up to a small group with plenty of shaded deck space, bean bags in the bow, and nets over the water: built for both lounging and exploring. Your captain is a waterman who knows the best reefs, the quietest beaches and which sites suit the conditions on the day you go. You're not following a set route. Instead, you tell them what appeals and they navigate there.

Snorkeling happens at multiple spots on the barrier reef if that's your focus, or you can skip it entirely and spend the afternoon island-hopping. Half Moon Bay holds an endemic iguana sanctuary with a lagoon on one side and a bay on the other. Fort George sits on a beach where you can find sand dollars among its historical cannons. The La Famille Express shipwreck lies in shallow water. The Caicos Cays scatter with pristine, nearly empty beaches: the kind you anchor at alone. A platter of cheese, meat, hummus, fruit and baguettes comes aboard, along with local beer, wine, rum, vodka, and soft drinks, so you're fed and hydrated through the afternoon.

The boat leaves from a dock near George (the operator's base), and the half-day runs four hours. Snorkeling gear is provided. If you want to add scuba diving or kiteboarding to the day, the crew can arrange that too: kite gear is not included, but they know the spots and can guide you.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• water, soft drinks and local beer.
• white wine, rum and vodka.
• fresh fruit and a platter with hummus, carrots, cheese, meat, grapes, pickles and baguettes.
• use of shaded deck space and bow seating with bean bags.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Caicos Catalyst

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers live commentary throughout, so anyone comfortable in English can follow the captain's stories about the islands and the sites you visit. The pace is entirely yours: anchor for an hour at one beach or move between five stops in the afternoon, whatever suits your group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between snorkeling at Half Moon Bay and the barrier reef stops?

Half Moon Bay is a lagoon and beach site where you see the endemic iguanas and explore the shallows. The barrier reef stops are deeper water with more coral and reef fish. Your captain can take you to one, both, or neither depending on what you want to do that day.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear or do I have to use what's on the boat?

Snorkeling equipment is included and provided on the Catalyst. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer it.

What happens if the weather turns bad during the charter?

The captain monitors conditions and will adjust the itinerary or timing to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Discuss weather concerns when you book so the crew knows your preferences.

Can I customize the stops, or is there a set route?

The entire charter is customizable. You tell the captain and crew what interests you (snorkeling, beaches, historical sites, or a mix), and they plan the route around your preferences and the conditions that day.