Private Catamaran Swim sail snorkel cliff jumping SUP

Bermuda’s best water outing may be the one where you decide what happens next. This private catamaran carries up to 15 people around the Great Sound, with snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, crystal kayak, restroom, and room to stretch out. I like the flexible route and the way Captain Mark, Alex, Georgia, and the rest of the crew adjust plans to the wind and your group. The main tradeoff is simple: food and drinks cost extra, and three hours can feel short when everyone wants to swim, jump, sail, and paddle.

I also like that you can request a sunset departure at no extra charge. Cliff jumping and snorkeling are optional, so a mixed group can split its time between action and hammock lounging. Just bring towels and sunscreen, leave your shoes at the dock, and remember that red wine is not permitted onboard.

Key points to know before you book

• Private for up to 15 people: Your group has the catamaran to itself, which makes this a strong choice for families, cruise groups, and reunions.
• You set the pace: Ask for cliff jumping, snorkeling, swimming, SUP, kayaking, sailing, or a quiet cove, subject to conditions.
• Captain Mark and his crew adapt well: Alex, Georgia, and other crew members have helped groups with children, first-time snorkelers, and mixed activity levels.
• Water gear is included: Snorkel equipment, a SUP, and a crystal kayak are available, along with an onboard restroom.
• Food and drinks are separate: A cooler, grill, and cash bar are available, but ice, meals, snacks, and special drinks must be arranged and billed separately.
• Weather matters: Wind can change the sailing plan, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Three hours on your own catamaran

This is not a set sightseeing circuit with a fixed list of stops. You board a private catamaran, meet the captain and crew, and talk through how your group wants to use the time. The boat then heads around Bermuda’s bays and coves, with the route shaped by the weather, sea conditions, and your priorities.

That flexibility is the heart of the trip. A family with young children may want a shallow swimming area and calm water. A group of teenagers may ask for cliff jumping at Admiralty Park or Spanish Point. A mixed-age group can combine a short snorkel stop with paddleboarding, kayaking, and time stretched out on the forward hammock.

The three-hour length is enough for several activities, but not every possibility at a leisurely pace. If all 15 people want to snorkel, paddle, swim, and jump, you will need to keep moving. I would discuss your top two or three goals before leaving the dock. That gives the crew a clear idea of what matters most.

Sailing across Bermuda’s Great Sound

The ride itself is part of the experience. When the wind cooperates, the crew can raise the sails and let the catamaran move quietly across the Great Sound. You get a different view of Bermuda from the water, with the coastline, coves, and rocky points opening up as you cruise.

Do not book this as a guaranteed sailing lesson or a long pure-sailing trip. Wind direction and strength can prevent the crew from putting the sails up, as happened on one outing. On another windy afternoon, the crew used the conditions for a good sail before finding a sheltered bay for swimming. The practical lesson is that the crew works with the weather rather than fighting it.

That flexibility also helps on choppy days. The captain may trade an exposed swimming location for a calmer cove. This can mean less open-water scenery, but it usually makes the swimming and snorkeling more comfortable. If you care most about sailing, ask about expected wind when you arrange your trip. If you care most about getting in the water, the crew has more room to adjust.

The catamaran has space for a large group without making the whole trip feel like a packed public boat excursion. Bring a playlist if music matters to you. The boat has Bluetooth audio, so you can connect your own music, or you can ask the crew to provide options.

Cliff jumping at Admiralty Park and Spanish Point

Cliff jumping is one of the most memorable options on this charter, but it is not an automatic part of every route. Groups have been taken to Admiralty Park and Spanish Point for jumps, depending on conditions and what they request.

The crew can help you find a suitable place, but you remain responsible for deciding if the activity is right for you. The tour information makes clear that some activities require more physical effort. Cliff jumping, swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking are optional, so no one has to take part.

This is useful for a group with different comfort levels. Strong swimmers and older children can try a jump, while others can remain on the boat or swim in a calmer spot. Parents should keep in mind that the presence of a crew does not make cliff jumping risk-free. Listen to instructions, check the water, and do not pressure hesitant family members.

The value here is the private setting. You are not being pushed through a large group schedule. The captain can spend more time on the activity your group actually wants, though the three-hour clock still limits how long you can stay.

Snorkeling in a sheltered cove

Snorkeling is supplied as part of the charter, and the crew can take you to a cove with calmer water and fish. Several outings have paired a cliff-jumping stop with snorkeling, while others have focused more on swimming and easy water time.

The quality of the snorkeling will depend on the site, weather, water clarity, and how much time remains after other activities. One outing described the snorkeling as fine but less impressive than the cliff jumping. That is a fair expectation. This is not sold as a specialist reef trip. It is a private day on the water where snorkeling is one of several choices.

First-time snorkelers can still fit in well. The crew has helped families with beginners, and the private format lets you take your time with masks and fins. If snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, say so before departure and ask the captain to give it a proper share of the schedule.

The supplied equipment saves you from packing fins, masks, and snorkels for a whole group. You should still bring your own towel and use permitted sunscreen. Spray sunscreen and tanning lotion are not allowed onboard, so apply suitable sunscreen before boarding.

SUP, crystal kayak, swimming, and hammock time

The boat carries a stand-up paddleboard and a crystal kayak. These give you two quieter ways to enjoy the water between faster activities. The kayak is especially useful for people who want to look into the water without committing to a full snorkel session.

Paddleboarding takes balance and effort, and it may not suit everyone. The same goes for swimming in open water. The crew can help your group choose a calmer area, but you should judge your own ability and comfort.

For people who prefer not to get wet, the catamaran has room to relax. A forward hammock gives children and adults a pleasant place to stretch out while the boat moves between stops. This matters more than it may sound. On a private charter, not every minute needs to be filled with an activity.

I like this mix because it works for a family of 10 or 15 people with different ideas of fun. Some can snorkel, some can paddle, some can jump, and others can simply listen to music and enjoy the breeze. That is a better fit than a tightly timed public excursion if your group rarely agrees on one activity.

What the crew adds to the day

The named crew members who appear in the booking information and trip feedback include Captain Mark, Captain Alex, Georgia, and Captain Matt. The exact crew may vary, but the operating style is clear: the captain asks what your group wants and adjusts the route when possible.

Captain Mark and Alex have handled family groups, teenagers, small children, and adults with different needs. Georgia and Alex have also been praised for helping a family that included two children under five and a blind adult. That does not mean every request can be met, but it suggests a patient, hands-on approach.

The crew also adapts to conditions. On windy days, they may use the wind for sailing, then move to the lee of an island for calmer water. On days with jellyfish, they may need to alter the plan. This is the kind of practical local judgment you want on a small private boat.

Do not expect a formal lecture or a nonstop narration. The experience is more relaxed and conversational. You can ask for suggestions, but you should also speak up about what you want. The more clearly you explain your group’s priorities, the more useful the flexible format becomes.

Food, drinks, music, and onboard rules

Food and drinks are not included in the $1,175 group price. The boat has a large cooler and gas grill, but you must request ice, meals, snacks, or special drink preferences in advance, and those items are billed separately.

There is also a cash bar with assorted beverages for purchase. This creates a point you should settle before boarding. Ask what is included, what costs extra, and how purchases will be handled. One dissatisfied customer expected beer, wine, and soda to be included and was charged for drinks. The operator explained that the charter was customizable, but the situation shows why a quick confirmation matters.

You may be able to bring your own drinks, but follow the boat’s rules. Red wine is not allowed onboard. Shoes must come off before boarding, with no exceptions. This keeps the boat cleaner and reduces the chance of damage to the deck, but it is worth knowing before you arrive.

The Bluetooth sound system lets you bring a playlist. If music is important to your group, bring one rather than assuming music will already be playing. Towels are not supplied, so pack one for each person who plans to swim.

Is $1,175 a good value?

At first glance, $1,175 is a large price. For one or two people, it would be hard to justify. For 10 people, it works out to $117.50 each before any food, drinks, or transport. With 15 people, the base cost drops to about $78.33 per person.

The value comes from privacy and control, not from a long list of included meals or luxury extras. You are paying for a private boat, crew, restroom, snorkeling equipment, SUP, crystal kayak, and the chance to shape the route. A public boat may cost less per person, but it will not give your group the same say over timing and stops.

The price makes the most sense for a full group that will use the equipment and wants several kinds of water activity. It is less compelling for a small party that only wants a simple ride and swim. You also need to add the cost of drinks, food, ice, and transportation to the meeting point.

For a cruise stop, the private setup can be especially useful. Some outings have met the boat near a cruise ship, and the crew has been able to manage the timing for a return to the ship. Still, you should confirm the meeting point and allow a sensible margin before sailing. Transport to the meeting point is not provided by Island Time Bermuda.

Weather, timing, and practical preparation

Start times are flexible, and sunset trips do not carry an extra charge. A morning outing may suit families who want active water time before the heat builds. An afternoon or sunset trip can be better for a slower sail and softer light, though the best choice depends on your group and the day’s conditions.

The charter requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and a late cancellation is not refunded.

Bring:

• Towels
• Permitted sunscreen
• A swimsuit and dry clothes
• A playlist if you want your own music
• Cash or another way to pay for bar purchases

Leave your shoes off the boat and do not bring red wine. Food, drinks, ice, and special requests need to be arranged ahead of time. Service animals are allowed, and the experience is near public transportation, but transportation itself is not included.

Who will enjoy this private Bermuda charter most?

I would choose this for a family reunion, cruise group, birthday outing, or friend group of eight to 15 people. It is also a good match when some people want adventure and others mainly want a comfortable ride and swim.

It suits you if you like making decisions as you go. You can ask for cliff jumping, snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, swimming, or sailing, then change plans when the wind or water suggests a better option.

I would think twice if your group wants a tightly scripted tour, an included lunch and open bar, or a guaranteed sailing route. I would also ask careful questions if snorkeling is your only priority, since the charter gives you several water activities rather than focusing on one underwater site.

Should you book this catamaran?

Book it if privacy, flexibility, and group time matter more to you than an all-inclusive package. The strongest reason to choose it is the mix: cliff jumping for the bold, snorkeling and paddling for active swimmers, and hammock time for anyone who wants to take Bermuda slowly.

Before paying, confirm your meeting point, preferred activities, food and drink costs, and the likely plan for the weather. If your full group can share the price, this private catamaran offers a practical way to see Bermuda from the water without forcing everyone into the same pace.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran experience?

The charter lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran can accommodate a private group of up to 15 people.

What activities are available?

You can request sailing, swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, stand-up paddleboarding, and crystal kayaking. Some activities require more physical effort and are optional.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a restroom available onboard?

Yes. The catamaran has a restroom.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food, snacks, ice, and drinks are not included. A gas grill, large cooler, and cash bar are available, and special food or beverage requests can be arranged in advance for an additional charge.

Can I choose the start time or book a sunset cruise?

The experience offers flexible start times, and sunset cruises do not cost extra.

Do I need to bring towels and sunscreen?

Yes. Bring your own towels and sunscreen. Spray sunscreen and tanning lotion are not allowed onboard.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.