REVIEW · FULL-DAY CATAMARAN CRUISES

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC)

★ 5.0 · 17 reviews From $155 Operated by Scenic Escape St. Kitts Ltd. · Bookable on Viator
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Trade the resort pool for two islands. This seven-hour catamaran trip combines a scenic sail from St. Kitts, a snorkeling stop at Shitten’s Bay, lunch, beach time in Nevis, and a music-filled ride home. I like the way the day mixes activity with downtime, so you are not stuck snorkeling for hours or sitting on a beach all afternoon.

I also like the spacious catamarans, with shaded seating, a restroom, a bar, and room to move around. The crew gets high marks for being friendly, safety-conscious, and fun. The main consideration is the party atmosphere: music, drinks, and sing-alongs are part of the appeal, but this may not be the right choice if you want a quiet sailing day.

  • Snorkel at Shitten’s Bay for about 45 minutes, with masks, fins, and flotation vests included.
  • Sail between St. Kitts and Nevis, enjoying open Caribbean views from a purpose-built catamaran.
  • Eat lunch on board or at the beach, depending on the boat and day’s arrangement.
  • Spend beach time in Nevis, with swimming and the option to rent a beach chair.
  • Enjoy an open bar, including rum punch and other drinks, with alcohol served only to those age 21 and older.
  • Travel in a group of up to 60 people, with pickup available and return to Port Zante Marina.

What this St. Kitts catamaran day is really like

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - What this St. Kitts catamaran day is really like

This is not simply a boat ride with a quick swim stop. It is an all-day outing built around three pleasures: being on the water, spending time in Nevis, and enjoying a lively crew-led atmosphere.

You meet at Port Zante Marina in Basseterre, identified by the location code 77VG+496. If you book the pickup option, transportation is available, and the service has been praised for being on time and polite. That matters in St. Kitts, where a late ride to the marina can put a needless dent in the morning.

Once on board, you leave your shoes with the staff. This small touch helps keep the deck clean and gives the trip a relaxed, barefoot feel. The catamarans are designed for water tours, not just adapted for them, so you get shaded seating, open deck space, a bar, and a restroom. For seven hours at sea, those practical features count for a lot.

The boats can carry up to 60 people. That is large enough to create a social mood, but the available feedback suggests the boat may not feel packed on every departure. One particularly useful detail is that the boat left on time and still allowed enough time for snorkeling and Nevis. I would still arrive ready to board at the stated meeting time, since a full day on the water works best when the schedule stays on track.

Sailing along St. Kitts’ Caribbean coast

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - Sailing along St. Kitts’ Caribbean coast

The first part of the outing is the sail away from Basseterre and along the St. Kitts coast. This is when you settle into the rhythm of the boat, find a shady seat, and take in the coastline from the water.

I recommend moving around a little rather than claiming one spot for the whole trip. The shaded areas are useful when the sun is strong, while the open deck gives you better views and a place to feel the breeze. If you want a quiet start, use this portion of the trip before the music and social side of the outing gathers pace.

The crew handles the practical side of the journey while also keeping the mood upbeat. Several details consistently earn praise: the boat is clean, the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is organized without feeling stiff. Safety also receives attention, which is especially important when the day includes swimming, snorkeling, alcohol, and children.

The open bar is available during the trip, with refreshing drinks and rum punch among the choices mentioned. Alcoholic beverages are restricted to people age 21 and older. If you are traveling with children or prefer not to drink, the day still offers plenty to do, including snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and the scenery.

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Snorkeling at Shitten’s Bay

The catamaran anchors at Shitten’s Bay for a snorkeling stop of roughly 45 minutes. Some outings have allowed closer to an hour, but you should think of this as a focused stop rather than a long snorkel session.

Masks, fins, and flotation vests are included. First-time snorkelers can get help from the crew, so you do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part. The vests are useful even for confident swimmers because they let you conserve energy and spend more time looking below the surface.

The fish mentioned for this area include snappers, damselfish, trumpetfish, angelfish, and several kinds of parrotfish. Sea turtles may also be seen, but they are protected, so observe them without touching or chasing them. That is both better for the animals and more likely to give you a calm sighting.

A waterproof camera could be worthwhile here. The colorful fish and clear tropical water provide the best chance for memorable photographs during the day. Keep your expectations sensible, though. Marine conditions can change, and no operator can guarantee a particular animal or perfect visibility.

If you have never snorkeled, listen carefully to the crew before entering the water. This is one of the strongest parts of the excursion for active visitors, but the stop is not the whole point of the tour. If snorkeling is your main goal, a dedicated reef trip with more water time might suit you better.

Lunch, drinks, and the crossing to Nevis

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - Lunch, drinks, and the crossing to Nevis

After snorkeling, the mood shifts from activity to eating and relaxing. Lunch is served either on board or at the beach in Nevis, depending on which catamaran is operating and how the day is arranged.

The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. Chicken and rice, salads, and dessert are among the dishes described, and one outing included lunch at Sunshine’s in Nevis. Since the exact setting can vary, do not book this expecting one fixed restaurant or one guaranteed menu.

I like this flexible arrangement because it lets the crew fit lunch around the day’s sailing and docking plans. It also means you should be prepared for a slightly different flow from one departure to another. The important point is that lunch is part of the package, not an extra expense waiting for you at the beach.

The open bar continues after snorkeling. Drinks are available while you eat and relax, which helps explain why this trip feels more like a social sea day than a formal sightseeing cruise. If you want to make the most of the scenery, pace yourself. Seven hours is a long time to be in the sun, and the return crossing can be just as lively as the outbound sail.

Beach time in Nevis

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - Beach time in Nevis

The Nevis stop is what gives this trip more range than a basic catamaran cruise. After lunch, you get time at the beach for swimming, sitting by the water, and meeting other people on the boat.

The exact length can vary, but one outing allowed about two hours on the beach. That is enough time to swim without rushing, though it may feel short if you want a long, quiet beach afternoon. A beach chair can be rented on arrival, according to the information provided, so bring that extra cost into your plans if you do not want to sit directly on the sand.

Nevis provides a change of pace from the catamaran. The snorkeling stop is active and compact, while the island portion is slower and more open-ended. You are not being marched from one attraction to another. You can swim, relax, enjoy a drink, or simply take in the coast before returning to the boat.

This stop also helps families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can get in the water, while anyone who prefers not to snorkel can enjoy the beach. Still, the day includes boarding, swimming, and time in the sun, so it is best suited to people who are comfortable with a full outdoor excursion.

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The musical ride back to St. Kitts

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - The musical ride back to St. Kitts

The return sail is often the most social part of the day. Music comes on, drinks continue, and the crew encourages a party mood. Sing-alongs and rum punch have become part of the experience, and the boat gives you a chance to chat with people you met during lunch or snorkeling.

One catamaran may include a slide, but that feature is not presented as standard across every boat, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promise. The same applies to small differences in timing and lunch location. The core program remains the sail, snorkeling, Nevis beach time, lunch, and drinks.

I appreciate that the crew is described as both enthusiastic and professional. A good party boat needs that balance. Music is fun when the staff keep the day moving and watch out for safety. If you prefer a silent sail with only the sound of the sea, you may find the return trip too energetic.

The tour ends back at Port Zante Marina, where it began. That simple arrangement is helpful if you are staying in Basseterre or spending the day near the cruise port.

Is $155 a fair price?

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - Is $155 a fair price?

At $155 per person, the value depends on how many parts of the package you plan to use. The price includes roughly seven hours on the water, the catamaran ride, snorkeling gear, crew assistance, lunch, beach time in Nevis, and an open bar. Pickup is also offered, though you should check the exact option when booking.

Paying separately for a boat trip, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and transport could quickly approach the same total. The convenience of having those pieces arranged together is a major advantage. You also get a full day rather than a short harbor cruise.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, dislike group activities, or plan to spend most of the day sitting quietly. You are paying for the whole package, including the lively onboard atmosphere. For someone who wants a simple beach day, a lower-cost shore option may make more sense.

The strongest value comes from using the day fully: snorkel at Shitten’s Bay, eat the included lunch, swim in Nevis, and enjoy the return sail. At a rating of 4.9 from 18 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it, the experience has a strong record, though that is still a relatively small sample.

Who should book this catamaran?

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a social full-day experience rather than a quiet private charter. Couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and cruise visitors with a free day in St. Kitts can all find something to enjoy.

It suits people who like variety. You get a little snorkeling, a little sightseeing, a proper meal, a beach stop, and music on the way home. You do not need to be an experienced snorkeler, and children under five are free. A child rate applies to ages 6 through 11. The supplied details do not specify a child price for age five, so check that point before booking.

I would hesitate if you have limited mobility or need a highly tailored, quiet program, since the trip includes boarding a boat, moving around a catamaran, entering the water for snorkeling, and spending time on a beach. The available details say most people can participate, but they do not provide specific accessibility information.

The operator also follows responsible tourism practices, with an emphasis on protecting the marine environment and reducing its footprint. That does not change the basic fun of the day, but it is a welcome part of choosing a water activity in a sensitive coastal setting.

Practical tips for getting the most from the day

Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC) - Practical tips for getting the most from the day

  • Arrive at Port Zante Marina with enough time to board. The boat is expected to leave on schedule.
  • Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a camera suitable for water use.
  • Use the shaded seating when you need a break from the sun.
  • Take the flotation vest if you are new to snorkeling or want to conserve energy.
  • Treat sea turtles as protected wildlife. Watch them from a respectful distance.
  • If you want a beach chair in Nevis, budget for the rental.
  • Pace yourself with the open bar, especially if you plan to swim.
  • Check whether your departure includes pickup, the slide, onboard lunch, or beach lunch, since those details can vary by boat.
  • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Bad weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Port Zante Marina in Basseterre, St. Kitts. The location code provided is 77VG+496.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, Port Zante Marina.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran outing lasts approximately seven hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered. Confirm the pickup option and details when you book.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks, fins, and flotation vests are included in the tour.

What is the minimum age for alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic beverages are available only to people age 21 and older.

Are children allowed, and how much do they pay?

Children under five are free. A child rate applies to children ages 6 through 11. The supplied details do not state the price for age five, so confirm it before booking.

Should you book the Leisure Full Day Catamaran?

Book it if you want a packed but easygoing sea day with snorkeling, lunch, Nevis beach time, and a party-leaning sail home. The clean boats, helpful crew, included gear, food, and open bar make the $155 price reasonable for someone who intends to use the full package.

Skip it if you want silence, privacy, or a long dedicated snorkeling session. For everyone else, this is one of the more efficient ways to combine St. Kitts and Nevis in one day, with enough structure to keep things simple and enough free time to make the outing feel like a holiday.

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