Bermuda Private Catamaran:Snorkeling, Shipwrecks & Cliff Jumping

Bermuda is at its best from the water, and this private catamaran puts you right in the middle of the island’s best blue-water activities. You can visit shipwrecks and caves, stop at pretty swimming spots, and set the pace with your own captain instead of following a large group.

I especially like the private format for mixed-age families and the fact that snorkeling gear and a paddle board are already onboard. Captain Bryan gets frequent praise for adjusting the route to suit each group, while Captain Jonas has also been singled out for his patience and local knowledge. The main drawback is the short three-hour running time. With snorkeling, cliff jumping, caves, and sailing all on the wish list, you may want more time.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 12 people: Your group has the catamaran to itself, making this a strong choice for families and friends.
• Captain-led route: Bryan or Jonas can shape the outing around swimming, snorkeling, caves, shipwrecks, paddleboarding, and cliff jumping.
• Good for mixed ages: Families ranging from young children to older adults have found ways to enjoy the trip, though cliff jumping is optional.
• Snorkeling gear and paddle board included: You do not need to rent the main water equipment separately.
• Three hours goes quickly: The route is flexible, but fitting every activity into one outing may feel rushed.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can change the plan, especially around shipwreck sites, with calmer-water alternatives offered when possible.

Why Bermuda looks better from a private catamaran

From shore, Bermuda can look like a string of lovely beaches. From a catamaran, you see the island as a series of coves, cliffs, caves, reefs, and small stretches of coast that are hard to appreciate from land.

That change in viewpoint is the heart of the trip. You are not simply being transported to one beach. You are moving between several water stops, with the captain choosing places suited to the sea conditions and your group’s interests.

The private setup matters. A group with teenagers may want cliff jumping and snorkeling, while grandparents may prefer a quiet ride, a swim, or time on the boat. With only your party onboard, you do not have to match the rhythm of strangers.

The catamaran also gives you more room than a small motorboat. You can sit in the sun or shade, move around during the ride, and use the onboard bathroom if needed. That makes a difference on a family outing, especially when the group includes children or older adults.

Meeting Captain Bryan or Captain Jonas on the water

Captain Bryan is the name most closely tied to this experience, and he is often praised for quick communication before the trip and for meeting groups near the cruise ships. He is a Bermuda native and shares facts about the island, its caves, coastal structures, weather, and waterways while you sail.

That local perspective adds real value. You are not just looking at attractive scenery. You can ask about the places you pass and get practical suggestions for the rest of your time on the island.

Captain Jonas has also led the trip and is described as patient, safe, and good at finding appealing places for cliff jumping, swimming, and snorkeling. The exact captain may depend on the date, so I would confirm that when booking if having a particular guide matters to you.

The captain’s role is especially important when conditions change. One group faced rough seas near the shipwreck area and was offered a choice between canceling for full credit or visiting calmer parts of the route. That is the right kind of flexibility for a water outing. You want the captain to put safety ahead of checking every box on the plan.

Snorkeling over reefs and shipwreck sites

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip. You receive the necessary snorkeling equipment onboard, so you avoid arranging a separate rental and can spend more of the limited time in the water.

The route may include shipwreck areas, reefs, and other sites around Bermuda. Conditions determine what is practical on the day. Rough water can make a shipwreck stop less appealing, while a sheltered cove may offer better visibility and an easier swim.

The underwater scenes described for this outing include healthy coral, many kinds of fish, and bright colors. One group also spotted a sea turtle. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the variety of sites gives you more than one chance to see something interesting.

I would treat the snorkeling as suitable for a range of ability levels, but you should still be comfortable around open water. Captain Bryan has helped reassure children and nervous swimmers, and the captain keeps an eye on people in the water. That support is useful, but it does not replace basic water confidence or adult supervision for children.

If snorkeling is your main goal, tell the captain early. The route is tailored to the group, and the three-hour schedule means your priorities should guide the plan.

Caves, cliffs, and the thrill of jumping in

The caves add a different side to the outing. Seeing them from the boat gives you a close look at Bermuda’s rocky coast, and the captain can explain some of the area’s background as you approach.

Cliff jumping is the most energetic part of the trip. The captain takes you to locations considered safe for the activity and gives instructions before anyone jumps. That does not mean every person in your party must participate. You can watch, swim, paddle, or stay aboard while others take the leap.

This is a good arrangement for groups with different comfort levels. Teenagers and adults may want the adrenaline rush, while younger children or cautious relatives can enjoy the water without pressure.

Still, cliff jumping deserves a clear warning. It is an optional activity, and you should follow the captain’s guidance about the location and conditions. Do not assume that every attractive ledge is suitable. The value here comes from having a local captain choose the spot, not from jumping wherever you happen to see a rock.

Paddleboarding and swimming in clear water

The included paddle board gives your group another way to use the water. You can paddle around a calm area, take turns, or simply use it as a floating platform between swims.

This is particularly useful for a mixed-age group. Some people may want active time on the board, while others may prefer noodles, swimming, or relaxing on the catamaran. The boat carries the gear, so you do not have to decide in advance whether a separate paddleboard rental is worth the trouble.

The water is the star here. Bermuda’s clear turquoise sea makes even a simple swim feel special, and the combination of open water and coastal scenery keeps the outing from becoming repetitive.

I would not expect a full instructional paddleboarding session. The board is an included activity tool, not a formal lesson. If your group has never used one, ask the captain for guidance and take turns in a calm area.

What three hours can realistically include

The advertised duration is about three hours, including sailing between sites. That is long enough for a satisfying taste of several activities, but not enough for unlimited time at every stop.

A typical outing may involve:

• Meeting the captain and discussing your priorities
• Cruising along Bermuda’s coast
• Stopping to snorkel
• Visiting a shipwreck area or cave when conditions allow
• Swimming or using the paddle board
• Visiting a cliff-jumping location if your group wants it
• Returning to the pickup point

The route is not a fixed sightseeing checklist. That is a benefit, but it also means you need to make choices. If your group wants a leisurely sail and long snorkeling stops, you may not have time for every cave, wreck, and jump.

I suggest deciding before departure what matters most. For example, a family with young children may choose swimming, caves, and a short snorkel. A group of adults may prioritize snorkeling, shipwrecks, and cliff jumping. Tell the captain at the start so the time is used well.

Several groups wished they had booked a longer slot because the outing ended just as everyone was settled in. If your budget and schedule allow it, ask whether a longer charter is available.

A private charter that can work for families

The boat has proved a good fit for broad age ranges, including groups with children as young as four and adults around 70 or older. One party included a baby and adults through their mid-60s, while another included people from about seven to 80.

That does not mean every activity suits everyone. It means the private format allows people to participate at their own level. A nervous passenger can get help boarding, a child can use the floating equipment, and stronger swimmers can take on the cliff jump.

The catamaran is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained, with places to sit in both sun and shade. The onboard bathroom is another practical feature that small boats often lack.

You should still consider mobility and water comfort before booking. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the experience is built around boarding a boat, moving around onboard, and getting in and out of the water. If someone in your party has specific mobility needs, ask the operator for current details before paying.

The price makes more sense with a full group

The private charter costs $1,098 per group, with up to 12 people. That is expensive for one or two people, but the value changes quickly when you fill the boat.

At the full capacity, the price works out to about $91.50 per person. For six people, it is about $183 each. For four people, it is about $274.50 each. The more friends or family members you bring, the stronger the value becomes.

You are paying for a private captain, a catamaran, flexible routing, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and bottled water. You also avoid paying separate rental fees for the main water gear and avoid sharing the boat with an unrelated group.

Lunch is not included, though an onboard lunch can be arranged. Alcoholic drinks are also not included. If food matters to your group, settle that detail before the trip rather than assuming it comes with the charter.

For a cruise stop, the private format can be especially worthwhile. You can meet near the ship, spend your limited port time on the water, and return without losing time to a large group’s schedule. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement in advance, since pickup is offered at select hotels and cruise locations.

Weather and sea conditions can change the day

This is an outdoor water activity, so weather is not a minor detail. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Even when the trip goes ahead, sea conditions may alter the route. Rough water can affect access to shipwreck sites, snorkeling areas, or exposed cliff locations. The captain may offer calmer-water stops instead, which is a sensible trade-off even if it means changing your original plan.

I would avoid placing this trip on the final few hours of a tightly scheduled visit unless you have plenty of backup time. Cruise passengers should allow a reasonable buffer before the ship’s departure. The operators can work around conditions, but they cannot control the sea or your ship’s timetable.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this Bermuda catamaran?

I would choose this experience for families, friend groups, cruise passengers, and anyone who wants a private day on the water rather than a standard beach stop.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You want several activities in one outing
• Your group includes different ages and confidence levels
• You like having a captain adjust the route
• You want snorkeling and paddleboard equipment included
• You prefer local conversation over a scripted tour
• You are splitting the cost among several people

I would think twice if you only want a long, quiet sail, since three hours may feel too activity-focused. I would also reconsider if your group is very small and the full private price is difficult to divide.

Should you book it?

Book this private Bermuda catamaran if you want a flexible mix of snorkeling, caves, swimming, paddleboarding, and optional cliff jumping. The strongest reasons are the private boat, the attentive captains, the included water gear, and the ability to adapt the route when conditions or group preferences change.

For the best value, bring enough people to share the $1,098 group price and decide your top two activities before boarding. If you want every stop at a relaxed pace, ask about a longer charter. If you are visiting Bermuda by cruise ship, confirm pickup and return timing carefully.

FAQ

How long is the Bermuda private catamaran experience?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The price covers a private group of up to 12 people.

What activities are available during the trip?

You can choose among snorkeling, visiting shipwreck areas and caves, swimming, paddleboarding, and cliff jumping, depending on conditions and your group’s preferences.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

Is a paddle board included?

Yes. Use of a paddle board is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but an onboard lunch can be arranged.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.