Private Catamaran Swim sail snorkel cliff jumping SUP

Bermuda’s best moments often happen away from the main beaches, and this private catamaran takes you to the water instead of keeping you on shore. In about three hours, you can sail around the Great Sound, stop for snorkeling, swim in a calm cove, paddle a SUP, or jump from the cliffs at places such as Admiralty Park or Spanish Point.

I like the private format, since your group can shape the outing instead of following a fixed route. I also like the useful gear on board, especially the snorkeling equipment, SUP, crystal kayak, restroom, cooler, grill, and Bluetooth audio system.

The main drawback is cost. At $1,175 per group of up to 15, this makes good sense for a full family or friend group, but it is expensive for a small party. Food and drinks cost extra, towels are not supplied, and the crew may not be able to sail if the wind is wrong.

Key points to know before you book

• A private catamaran for up to 15 people: The price covers the boat, not a per-person fare, so the value improves sharply with a larger group.
• Your route can change with the conditions: The crew may take you to a sheltered bay when the water is choppy or the wind is not right for sailing.
• Several water activities are included: Snorkeling gear, a SUP, and a crystal kayak are available, with cliff jumping and swimming added when conditions and personal comfort allow.
• Captain Mark and crew keep the outing flexible: Mark, Alex, Georgia, and Matt are among the crew named in guest accounts, and the trip can be shaped around families, teens, and first-time snorkelers.
• Sunset costs no more: Start times are flexible, and a sunset cruise is available without an added charge.
• Bring towels and sunscreen: Spray sunscreen and tanning lotion are not permitted, shoes come off before boarding, and red wine is not allowed.

Why this private Bermuda sail works so well for groups

The big appeal is control. A standard boat trip may give you a set departure, a set stop, and a set pace. Here, you can tell the crew what your group wants from the afternoon. You might spend more time swimming, ask for a snorkeling stop, make room for cliff jumping, or simply stretch out on the catamaran and let the breeze do the work.

That flexibility matters when your group has mixed interests. Parents can relax while children use the front hammock. Teens can try a cliff jump or paddleboard. First-time snorkelers can stay in shallow water while stronger swimmers explore farther out. Adults who prefer a quiet sail can enjoy the ride and the views without taking part in every activity.

The catamaran is also a practical choice for a family reunion, cruise group, or party of friends. With space for 15, the boat gives you a shared outing without splitting into several smaller bookings. A group of 10 to 15 people gets the strongest value from the $1,175 rate. A couple or small family will pay much more per person, so compare the price with the cost of other private charters before booking.

The crew includes Captain Mark and, depending on the departure, crew members such as Alex, Georgia, or Matt. The tone described by the operator is relaxed rather than formal. That fits the setting. You are not signing up for a lecture-heavy cruise. You are booking an easygoing day on the water where the crew helps you make sensible choices.

Sailing the Great Sound and West Bermuda

The outing begins with a slow shift into island time. The stated plan is not a packed list of stops. Instead, the catamaran moves around the bays and coves of Bermuda, with the final route shaped by wind, water, and your requests.

On a good sailing day, the crew can raise the sails and give you a proper glide across the Great Sound. One family group had a windy afternoon and used those conditions for a pleasant sail before moving into a sheltered bay for swimming. On another trip, the wind direction did not allow sailing, but the group still spent time swimming and cliff jumping.

That is an important point: this is a catamaran outing, but sailing is not guaranteed. If you care most about sailing under canvas, ask about the forecast and wind before departure. If your main goal is swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the boat, changing conditions matter less.

The catamaran has room to spread out, plus a front hammock that children particularly enjoy. You can bring a playlist for the Bluetooth system, or ask the crew about music options. A large cooler and gas grill are available, but ice, meals, snacks, and preferred drinks must be requested ahead of time and billed separately.

Swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered cove

The crew can take you to a calmer cove for swimming and snorkeling. This is where the private format pays off. If the open water is rough, the captain can look for a more protected place rather than forcing the group to swim in uncomfortable conditions.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent masks and fins separately. Still, bring your own towel, and use regular lotion or sunscreen rather than spray sunscreen or tanning oil. These restrictions are easy to miss when packing, but they matter on a boat.

The water experience can range from a quiet swim in a shallow sandy area to snorkeling around a cove with visible fish. Several outings included both snorkeling and swimming, while one group found the snorkeling only average but still rated the overall three hours highly because the cliff jumping and relaxed schedule made up for it.

That is a fair way to view this trip. The snorkeling is part of the day, not a promise of a major reef site or a long guided marine tour. Conditions, visibility, and the chosen cove will affect what you see. If you are booking mainly for coral, marine life, or a formal snorkeling lesson, ask for details before paying. If you want easy access to the water with gear already on board, it is a strong feature.

Cliff jumping at Admiralty Park and Spanish Point

Cliff jumping is one of the most popular optional activities on this charter. Stops have included Admiralty Park, Spanish Point, and other local spots selected by the captain. The jumps give older children, teens, and adventurous adults a memorable challenge, while anyone who prefers to stay aboard can simply watch or swim.

Do not treat cliff jumping as a required part of the outing. The activity depends on conditions and your comfort level. The reviews describe the crew helping groups find suitable places, but the supplied information does not promise a specific height, exact jump site, or guaranteed stop.

This is also where the private setting helps. Your captain can spend time explaining the stop and letting your group decide who wants to take part. Families with young children can enjoy the boat, swimming, and kayak while older children try the jump.

If your group includes people with limited mobility, a fear of heights, or no interest in jumping, the trip can still work. Snorkeling and SUP use are optional too. You are paying for the boat and crew, not for a requirement to complete every activity.

SUP, crystal kayak, and time on the water

The included stand-up paddleboard gives you another way to explore a quiet bay. It is a good choice for confident swimmers who want a little activity without committing to a cliff jump. The crystal kayak adds a different view of the water, since its clear design can help you look below the surface while paddling.

These activities are best understood as extras that add choice to the charter. You may not have time for every option during a three-hour trip, especially if the group wants a long sail, a swim, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Tell the captain your priorities early so the route fits your group.

The crew has also taken groups to locations where they could swim through caves, use the SUP, kayak, and snorkel in one afternoon. Those details show how much variety the boat can offer, but they should not be read as a fixed promise for every departure. The final plan depends on weather, wind, water conditions, and the wishes of your group.

What is included, and what you need to arrange

The charter includes the following:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Restroom on board
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Crystal kayak
• Bluetooth audio system
• Gas grill and large cooler

Food and drinks are not included. The boat has a cash bar with assorted beverages for purchase, and special drinks, snacks, or meals can be arranged in advance. This is worth clarifying before boarding, especially if you assume that beer, wine, or soft drinks are part of the package.

One unhappy experience came from confusion over drinks and extra charges. The practical lesson is simple: ask exactly what is included, what you may bring yourself, and what the cash bar costs. Do not assume that a cooler or grill means food is supplied.

Bring towels and sunscreen. Spray sunscreen and tanning lotion are not allowed because of the boat’s surfaces and cleaning needs. Everyone must remove shoes before boarding, with no exceptions. Red wine is also prohibited.

Transportation to the meeting point is not included. You will need to arrange public or private transport yourself. The experience is near public transportation, but the operator does not provide a transfer service.

How the $1,175 price measures up

The listed cost is $1,175 for a group of up to 15. That works out to about $78 per person if you fill every place. For 10 people, it is about $118 each. For six people, it is about $196 each, before food and drinks.

That makes the charter most attractive for a large group. A family of 12 to 15 can split the cost and gain a private boat, a restroom, water equipment, and a flexible route. A smaller party may find a shared excursion cheaper, though it will not offer the same control or privacy.

I think the value is strongest when your group actually uses the boat’s range of options. If you sail, swim, snorkel, paddle, and cliff jump, the price feels easier to justify. If you simply cruise around and make one or two short stops, the cost may feel high.

The experience also has value for cruise passengers. The crew has worked with groups visiting by cruise ship and has taken them to the water, then returned them in time for the ship. Still, you should confirm timing carefully. The charter lasts about three hours, and transportation to the meeting point is your responsibility.

Who should book this catamaran

This trip is a good fit for:

• Families with children, teens, and adults who want different activity levels
• Groups of friends sharing a private boat
• Cruise passengers seeking a flexible Bermuda water outing
• First-time snorkelers who want equipment provided
• People who prefer swimming and relaxing over a tightly scheduled tour
• Adventurous adults and teens interested in cliff jumping

It may not suit you if you want a low-cost boat trip for two people, a guaranteed sailing experience, or a formal marine tour focused on detailed reef interpretation. It also requires some physical effort for snorkeling, SUP use, swimming, and cliff jumping, though all of those activities are optional.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. If anyone in your group has a specific physical concern, confirm the boat access and activity details before booking.

Weather, cancellation, and smart planning

The charter requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded.

I would book early in your Bermuda stay if possible, especially if the water day is a top priority. That gives you more room to move the trip if weather changes. Flexible start times help, and sunset cruises cost no more, which is a pleasant option for a group that wants a slower, quieter outing.

Should you book Island Time Bermuda?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the price and want a private day that can shift between sailing, swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, SUP use, and simple relaxation. The strongest part is not one single stop. It is the freedom to build the afternoon around your own group.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, food and drink costs, sailing expectations, and your preferred activities. Bring towels, suitable sunscreen, and a playlist if music matters to you. If your group includes young children, first-time snorkelers, and adventurous teens, this catamaran gives everyone a way to enjoy Bermuda from the water.

FAQ

How much does the private catamaran cost?

The price is $1,175 per group, with up to 15 people allowed.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran outing lasts approximately three hours.

What water equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, and a crystal kayak are included. The boat also has a restroom.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks cost extra. A cash bar offers assorted beverages, and special drinks, meals, snacks, ice, and other requests can be arranged in advance for an additional charge.

Can I book a sunset cruise?

Yes. Start times are flexible, and a sunset cruise does not cost extra.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.