REVIEW · CATAMARAN SNORKELING CRUISES

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping

★ 5.0 · 98 reviews Operated by New Wave Bermuda · Bookable on Viator
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Bermuda looks best from the water, and this private catamaran puts you right in the middle of the island’s clear coves, caves, reefs, and shipwreck sites. Your captain, often Bryan or Jonas, can shape the outing around your group instead of running a fixed script. Snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and cliff jumping are all on the table.

I like two things right away: you get the boat to yourselves, and the captains adjust the plan to suit the group. That matters when your party includes both confident swimmers and people who need a little reassurance. I also like that snorkel gear, paddleboards, noodles, bottled water, and a bathroom on the catamaran are provided. You do not need to rent the main equipment separately.

The main limitation is time. Three hours goes quickly when you want to see caves, snorkel, paddleboard, swim, and jump from the cliffs. Rough seas can also make shipwreck visits impractical, though the captain may offer calmer sites instead. Lunch and alcohol cost extra, and the experience depends on good weather.

Key points to know before booking

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - Key points to know before booking

  • Private catamaran for up to 12 people: Your group controls the pace and activity choices.
  • Captains Bryan and Jonas: Expect local facts, island history, safety guidance, and help in the water.
  • Several water activities in one trip: Snorkel, swim, paddleboard, explore caves, and cliff jump when conditions allow.
  • Good for mixed-age groups: Families ranging from young children to older adults have used the boat successfully.
  • $1,098 per group: Full groups get the strongest value, especially if you would otherwise book several separate activities.
  • Three hours on the water: Enough for a lively outing, but short if you want every activity at length.

Why seeing Bermuda by catamaran changes the day

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - Why seeing Bermuda by catamaran changes the day

Bermuda is made up of islands, inlets, reefs, and a long, irregular coastline. From land, you see beaches and viewpoints. From a catamaran, you can connect those pieces in one outing, moving from a sheltered swimming area to a cave or reef without packing up and changing transport.

This is not a large party boat with strangers. The booking is private for your group, up to 12 people, so you can spend more time doing what suits you. If half the group wants to snorkel and the rest would rather paddleboard or sit in the shade, the captain can work around those preferences.

I see this flexibility as the tour’s biggest strength. The captain can ask what you want to do, explain the available choices, and adjust for sea conditions. That is especially useful for a family group, a cruise stop with limited time, or a birthday outing where not everyone has the same idea of fun.

The catamaran itself also gives you room to spread out. There are places to sit in the sun or shade, and a bathroom is available onboard. Those details sound small until you are spending several hours on the water with children, older relatives, or a group that does not want a basic open boat.

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Meeting Bryan or Jonas on the water

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - Meeting Bryan or Jonas on the water

Captain Bryan receives the strongest praise in the supplied feedback, while Captain Jonas is also singled out for patience, local information, and good judgment around the island. Bryan is described as a Bermuda native who shares facts about the coast, caves, structures on shore, and the history of the island as you cruise.

That local context gives the ride more purpose. You are not only moving between swim stops. You might hear why a particular cave matters, learn about a coastal building, or get suggestions for the rest of your stay. The information is woven into the ride rather than delivered as a formal lecture.

Communication before the trip is another practical plus. Bryan has helped groups choose pickup points based on where they were staying and their schedule. Select hotel pickup is available, and cruise passengers have been able to meet the boat close to the ship. Confirm the exact meeting point when you book, since pickup depends on your location.

The captains also appear to take safety seriously without turning the outing into a lecture. They explain where it is safe to jump, keep an eye on people in the water, and help nervous passengers get comfortable. That matters if your group includes first-time snorkelers or children.

A three-hour route built around your group

The listed route covers multiple locations around Bermuda rather than naming one guaranteed sequence of stops. That is a benefit in changing weather, but it also means you should not expect a fixed checklist of exact sites.

A typical outing can include several of these:

  • Snorkeling around reefs or shipwrecks
  • Swimming in calm, clear water
  • Paddleboarding
  • Exploring caves from the water
  • Cliff jumping at suitable locations
  • Cruising along the coast while learning about Bermuda

The captain decides what works best on the day, with your preferences in mind. If the sea is rough near the shipwrecks, the boat may head toward calmer water. This kind of adjustment is better than forcing a planned stop that is uncomfortable or unsafe.

Three hours is enough to create a full morning or afternoon, but you need to choose your priorities. If snorkeling is your main goal, tell the captain early. If cliff jumping is the reason you booked, say so before the boat leaves. Trying to fit every activity into the time slot can leave each one feeling rushed.

For a group with young children, older relatives, or mixed swimming abilities, the flexible approach is useful. One person can paddleboard while another swims, and people can take breaks aboard the boat. The outing does not require everyone to take part in every activity.

Snorkeling over reefs and shipwrecks

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - Snorkeling over reefs and shipwrecks

Snorkeling is one of the most consistently praised parts of this outing. You receive the equipment onboard, so you do not need to arrange masks, snorkels, or fins separately. The snorkeling locations can include shipwrecks and reef areas, depending on weather and sea conditions.

The underwater scenery described by the supplied information includes healthy coral, many kinds of fish, and bright colors. One group also reported seeing a sea turtle. That sighting is not guaranteed, of course, but the possibility helps explain why the snorkeling is more than a quick swim stop.

Shipwreck sites add another layer of interest. You are not looking only at open water and fish. You may also see the remains of a wreck below the surface, giving the captain a chance to explain the area and its past. Visibility and access depend on the day, so treat shipwreck snorkeling as a possibility rather than a promise of one specific wreck.

If you have inexperienced swimmers in your party, tell the captain. Bryan has reassured children and helped people who felt uneasy about getting onto the boat or into the water. You should still be comfortable following safety instructions, and children need close adult supervision.

Bring your own swimwear, towel, and sun protection. Bottled water is included, but lunch is not. Alcoholic drinks are also excluded, so plan around that if your group wants refreshments beyond the provided water.

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Caves, cliffs, and the right amount of adventure

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - Caves, cliffs, and the right amount of adventure

The cliff jumping is the most exciting part for many groups. The captain takes you to suitable locations and explains how to reach the safe jumping points. You decide if you want to jump. Nobody needs to take part, and the boat also works well for people who prefer swimming, paddling, or relaxing.

This is a good setup for a mixed group. Teenagers and adults can get the thrill of a jump while younger children or cautious relatives enjoy the water at their own pace. The captain’s local knowledge is especially valuable here because cliff jumping is only sensible at known, appropriate spots under favorable conditions.

Cave exploration offers a quieter kind of adventure. You can approach Bermuda’s caves from the sea and see the rock formations from a different angle than you would on land. The supplied details do not promise that you will enter every cave or explore each one on foot, so think of this as a coastal viewing and water-based exploration stop.

The same goes for swimming. Bermuda’s water is clear and inviting, but the exact swimming area depends on wind, waves, and the route chosen. A calmer alternative may replace a rougher planned stop. That flexibility is one reason this private trip can work for both active and cautious groups.

Paddleboards, noodles, and easygoing time afloat

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - Paddleboards, noodles, and easygoing time afloat

Paddleboards are included, as are snorkeling supplies. Noodles have also been available for people who want support while floating. These extras help turn the boat into a movable base rather than simply a ride between two points.

Paddleboarding gives you a break from snorkeling and a good way to enjoy calm water without committing to a cliff jump. It can suit adults, older children, and anyone who wants to be active but not overly adventurous. Conditions matter, so the captain may steer you toward a sheltered area for this activity.

You can also choose to do very little. Sit in the shade, watch the coastline, talk with your group, and take a swim when the mood strikes. That balance is important because a private boat should not feel like an amusement park schedule.

The boat has been described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable, with room in both sun and shade. Those features make a real difference on a warm day. A crowded boat can make even beautiful scenery tiring, while a private catamaran gives your group some breathing room.

What the $1,098 price means for your group

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - What the $1,098 price means for your group

The listed price is $1,098 per group of up to 12 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $91.50 per person for three hours. A group of six would pay about $183 per person if the total were split evenly, so the value improves sharply as more people join.

This is not the cheapest way for one or two people to spend time on the water. For a larger family, two families traveling together, or a cruise group of friends, the private format can make more sense than paying separate rates for several activities.

The price includes bottled water, snorkel equipment, and a paddleboard. It does not include lunch or alcoholic drinks. You should also remember that the main value is privacy and flexibility, not simply transport. If you want a fixed sightseeing cruise with little activity, you may not use what you are paying for.

The option to arrange lunch onboard can be useful for a longer-feeling outing, but lunch is not included in the stated price. Ask about the food arrangement before departure so you know what is covered. With only three hours, many groups may prefer to eat before or after and use the boat time for the water activities.

Who will enjoy this Bermuda excursion most

Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping - Who will enjoy this Bermuda excursion most

I would look closely at this trip if you are traveling with a group of six to 12 people. Families, cruise passengers, multigenerational groups, and friends who want both relaxation and action are the natural match.

It also works well if your group has different comfort levels. A confident adult can cliff jump, a child can use a noodle near the boat, and someone else can stay aboard in the shade. The captain can keep the day moving without making every person follow the same plan.

This is less suitable if you want a long, dedicated shipwreck expedition or an entire day under sail. Three hours is a compact outing. It is also not ideal for someone who wants guaranteed access to every named activity, since weather and sea conditions can change the route.

Most participants can take part, and service animals are allowed. The boat is near public transportation, and select hotel pickup is available. Ask ahead about your specific pickup point and any mobility concerns, since the supplied details do not describe the boarding setup in full.

Weather, cancellations, and useful planning details

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation normally arrives at booking. If you book within four hours of departure, confirmation comes as soon as possible and depends on availability. For a cruise stop, I would avoid leaving this until the last minute.

Plan to arrive ready for the water. Wear swimwear, bring a towel, and use sun protection. Since the captain may adjust the route, keep your schedule flexible after the trip rather than booking a tight connection immediately afterward.

Should you book the New Wave Bermuda catamaran?

I would book it for a group that wants a private, active morning or afternoon and values a captain who can adjust the plan. Bryan and Jonas bring local information, the boat carries the main water equipment, and the mix of snorkeling, caves, paddleboarding, swimming, and cliff jumping gives everyone several ways to enjoy Bermuda.

The strongest value comes with a larger group. At full capacity, the per-person price is reasonable for a private boat, captain, gear, and three hours of access to multiple coastal sites. For a small group, the cost is harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility matter a great deal.

Book this if you want a personal outing rather than a fixed cruise. Before paying, decide which two activities matter most, confirm the pickup point, and ask about lunch if you want food onboard. If you accept that weather may change the route and that three hours passes quickly, this is a strong way to make the sea the main event of your Bermuda visit.

FAQ

How much does the private catamaran tour cost?

The experience costs $1,098 per group, with up to 12 people allowed in the group.

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Who operates the experience?

The experience provider is New Wave Bermuda. Captains named in the supplied information include Bryan and Jonas.

What activities are available?

You can choose among snorkeling, shipwreck viewing, cave exploration, paddleboarding, swimming, and cliff jumping, depending on conditions and the route selected.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a paddleboard included?

Yes. Use of a paddleboard is included.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although lunch may be available as an onboard option. Confirm the arrangement before the trip.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

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