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Antigua and Barbuda365
Boat TourWest Coast

Catamaran Day Cruise

See the island by sail, snorkel and beach

DifficultyEasy
DurationHalf to full day
PriceFrom around US$90 per person
Type
Boat Tour
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
Half to full day
Price
From around US$90 per person
Group size
Varies by boat; up to 75 guests on Spirit of Antigua
Best season
Year-round
Fitness
Low
Physical req.
Low. Suitable for most ages; some balance is needed to board and move on deck. Snorkeling is optional.
The experience

Catamaran Day Cruise

Circle Antigua by catamaran with snorkel stops, an open bar, and a beach landing, a relaxed way to see the coastline without skippering a boat yourself.

A catamaran day cruise is the easiest way to see Antigua from the water, no sailing experience required. Large, stable sailing catamarans have varying meeting points, including Jolly Harbour, St John's check-in and hotel beach pickup, and either circumnavigate the island over a full day or run a shorter half-day loop to the calmer north and west coasts. Either way you trade the helm for a sun deck, a soundtrack, and a rum punch.

The classic full-circle trip rounds the island clockwise, taking in the rugged Atlantic east coast, the cliffs near English Harbour, and the string of bays along the leeward west. Crews typically anchor for one or two snorkel stops over reef, then beach the boat at a quiet cove for swimming and lunch. Most operators include an open bar with local Wadadli beer, rum punch and soft drinks.

Popular landing spots and snorkel sites include Great Bird Island in the North Sound and Green Island off Antigua's east coast, and the calm sand of Ffryes Beach on the west coast. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and a waterproof phone pouch.

If you would rather get on and in the water more actively, pair the cruise with dedicated snorkeling, or step up to a full private yacht charter for a tailored route. The day cruise remains the best-value introduction to why Antigua claims a beach for every day of the year.

At a glance

What to know before you go

Good for
✓Families
✓Couples
✓Groups
✓First-Time Visitors
Included
✓Sailing cruise with crew
✓Snorkel gear and one or two snorkel stops
✓Beach landing for swimming
✓Open bar (local beer, rum punch, soft drinks)
✓Lunch on most full-day trips
What to bring
✓Reef-safe sunscreen
✓Towel and swimsuit
✓Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
✓Hat and sunglasses
✓Cash for crew gratuities
✓Light cover-up for sun
Good to note
✓Strong sun and reflection off the water increase sunburn risk
✓Those prone to seasickness should prepare for the exposed east coast
✓Never stand on or touch coral at snorkel stops
Plan it

Plan this experience

The essentials for booking Catamaran Day Cruise and getting there.

Best season
Year-round
Meeting point
Varies by operator: Jolly Harbour dock, St John's check-in or hotel beach pickup
Group size
Varies by boat; up to 75 guests on Spirit of Antigua
Get directions →
This activity is in
Jolly Harbour & the Southwest →

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Most full-day and half-day catamaran cruises include the sailing itself, one or two snorkel stops with gear provided, a beach landing for swimming, and an open bar with local beer, rum punch, and soft drinks. Many full-day trips also include lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off are often available. Confirm exactly what is included when you book, as it varies by operator.