Grace Bay: Private Catamaran Sail & Snorkel with Open Bar

Summary

Grace Bay sailing adventure with reef snorkel and iguana island stop

You’ll board right on Grace Bay Beach for a private catamaran sail with local crew, gliding past turquoise water to snorkel Leeward Reef’s colorful fish. Explore Iguana Island’s wild sandbars with native guides before relaxing over lunch and open bar as you cruise back—sun-warmed skin and salty hair guaranteed.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a grin from Captain Andre as we shuffled barefoot onto the catamaran at Grace Bay Beach — he just nodded at my sunhat and said, “You’ll want that.” The sand was warm already, even at 9am. I remember the way the boat creaked as we pushed off, and how the crew handed out cold drinks before anyone even asked. My partner tried to help hoist the sail but mostly just tangled the rope (Andre pretended not to notice). The water here is this weirdly unreal blue — almost too bright — and you can hear little waves slapping under the nets if you lie down. I kept looking for dolphins but only saw a single flying fish skipping by. Still counts.

We stopped at Leeward Reef for snorkeling — I’d never seen coral so close before. Our guide, Marsha, pointed out a barracuda lurking near some purple fans (she called it “the grumpy neighbor”). The salt stung my nose but in a good way, like waking up fast. There were these tiny yellow fish everywhere; I think she said sergeant majors? I lost track of time floating there, honestly. Back on deck someone passed around fresh fruit and rum punch — maybe too early for that but nobody seemed to care.

Iguana Island was next (Little Water Cay or Half Moon Bay depending on weather), and yeah, there really are iguanas just hanging out in the brush. Marsha told us about their weird little head-bobbing thing — apparently it’s flirting? She laughed when I tried to imitate it. Some people wandered off along the sandbar while others swam in the lagoon; I ended up just sitting in shallow water watching baby turtles dart around my toes. Lunch was simple sandwiches on board as we sailed back — nothing fancy but after swimming it tasted perfect. On the way home, Andre let us pick music; someone played Bob Marley and everyone got quiet for a bit, just listening to wind and water together. That feeling stuck with me longer than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail, snorkel, nature walk, and lunch

• Board vessel at Grace Bay Beach
• Sail along Providenciales North Coast
• Relax on bow nets and watch marine life
• Snorkel at Leeward Reef with guide
• Go ashore for guided nature walk
• Swim or walk on beach (optional)
• Enjoy lunch and open bar on boat
• Hoist sails and cruise back

Top questions

How long is the private catamaran sail from Grace Bay?

The tour lasts about 4 hours total, including sailing, snorkeling stops, and time on Iguana Island or Half Moon Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Grace Bay tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided by the crew for use during your reef stop.

Are food and drinks included during the catamaran trip?

Your day includes deli sandwiches (vegetarian options available), chips & salsa, fresh fruit, plus an open bar with rum punch, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Where does hotel pickup happen for this Grace Bay catamaran tour?

Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels located along Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales.

Can you see wildlife like turtles or iguanas during this trip?

Yes—you may spot turtles while snorkeling Leeward Reef and will visit an island home to native Rock Iguanas.

Do you actually sail or is it mostly motoring?

This is a genuine sailing experience—the crew hoists sails so you travel by wind power along much of the route.

Which island do you visit for iguanas: Little Water Cay or Half Moon Bay?

The stop depends on weather; both islands have Rock Iguanas but only one is visited per tour.

Is lunch served onboard or on land?

Lunch is served onboard after your swim/snorkel stops as you begin sailing back toward Grace Bay Beach.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Grace Bay hotels, all snorkeling equipment provided by friendly local guides, deli sandwiches with vegetarian options alongside chips & salsa and fresh fruit for lunch onboard, plus an open bar featuring rum punch, local beers, soft drinks and bottled water before returning to shore.