Gulf of Mexico Catamaran Day Sail with Shelling: 42ft Cool Beans

Sail, swim, and hunt shells on a private island in the Gulf

A 2.5-hour catamaran sail on the Gulf of Mexico with a stop at a private island for swimming and shelling, weather permitting. The 42-foot Cool Beans carries up to 20 passengers and includes soda, water, and beer and wine for adults 21+. You'll swim roughly 100 feet from the anchored boat to the beach. Floaties and life jackets are provided. Children from age 2 are welcome, and onboard bathrooms are available.

The experience

You board the Cool Beans and set out into the Gulf of Mexico with limited motoring. The sail itself is the point. Complementary drinks (soda, water, beer and wine for adults) and island music set the pace as you take in the water and the local wildlife passing by. The catamaran is built for comfort, with shaded and open seating so you can sit back or stay on deck.

After roughly an hour, the boat anchors in about 5 feet of water, about 100 feet from a private island beach. This is where you swim to shore for the shelling part of the excursion: floaties and life jackets are on hand if you need them. The beach is where you hunt for shells and spend time in the water while the boat waits. Weather can affect this stop, so the crew will call it based on conditions on the day.

Onboard bathrooms are available throughout the 2.5-hour charter. Bring a camera. The Gulf often delivers wildlife sightings worth capturing. Parties of seven or more will have an 18% gratuity added to the base price at checkout.

What’s included

• Complementary soda, bottled water, beer and white wine for adults 21+.
• life jackets and floaties for the swim to the island.
• onboard bathrooms.
• shaded and open seating throughout the catamaran.

Information

Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day at 10:00, 10:30 and 13:00, from US$ 70 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and Saturday: 10:00, 10:30 and 13:00Friday and Saturday: 10:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

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

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Cool Beans Cruises Catamaran Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?The swim to the beach is the only physical demand. If you're comfortable entering the water and swimming roughly 100 feet, this sail works for all ages and fitness levels. The 2.5-hour duration is short enough for a free afternoon or a break from land-based sightseeing, and the boat's shaded seating means you can pace your sun exposure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (2 to 5 years).

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 water entry like for the shelling part?

You'll swim from the anchored catamaran to the beach: the boat sits in about 5 feet of water, roughly 100 feet from shore. Floaties and life jackets are provided if you need them to make the swim easier.

Are drinks really included on the Cool Beans?

Yes. Soda, bottled water, beer, and white wine are included for all passengers. Adults 21 and older can have beer and wine. Younger passengers get soda and water.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The shelling stop at the private island is weather permitting. The crew will decide on the day whether conditions allow the beach swim. The sail itself will still happen, but the island stop may be skipped if it's unsafe.

How many people typically go on this catamaran?

The Cool Beans holds up to 20 passengers, so you're sailing with a small to medium group rather than a large cruise-style crowd.