Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC)

The best island days happen offshore. This seven-hour catamaran trip pairs a scenic sail from St. Kitts with snorkeling at Shitten’s Bay, lunch, beach time in Nevis, and a lively ride home. I especially like the included snorkel gear and staff help for beginners, along with the roomy boat, shaded seating, restroom, and open bar. The main consideration is the party atmosphere, which may not suit you if you want a quiet sailing day.

I also like the way the trip gives you more than a boat ride. You get a real change of scenery, from St. Kitts’ coast to a Nevis beach, with time to swim and relax rather than rush from one activity to the next. Lunch may be served aboard or on the beach depending on the catamaran, so the exact meal setting is not fixed.

Key details at a glance

• Snorkeling at Shitten’s Bay: About 45 minutes in the water, with masks, fins, and flotation vests included.
• A full day at sea: The outing lasts about seven hours and returns to Port Zante Marina.
• Nevis beach stop: Spend time swimming, relaxing, and enjoying lunch, with beach chairs available to rent according to the tour details.
• Open bar and music: Drinks flow after snorkeling, and the ride home turns more social with music and singing.
• Comfortable catamarans: Expect shaded seating, broad decks, a restroom, a bar, and room to move around.
• Small enough to feel organized: The maximum group size is 60 people, and the boat is not intended to be packed beyond comfort.

Leaving Port Zante for a day at sea

Your day begins at Port Zante Marina in Basseterre, listed at map code 77VG+496. Pickup is available if you choose that option, and the transport reports describe drivers arriving on time and behaving professionally. If you arrange your own way to the marina, allow enough time to arrive before departure.

Once aboard, staff collect your shoes. This is a simple detail, but it helps set the tone: the boat becomes a relaxed, barefoot space rather than a formal vessel. You can settle into shaded seating, find a place on the open deck, or watch St. Kitts recede as the catamaran heads along the Caribbean coast.

The catamarans used for these trips were designed for water tours, not merely adapted for them. That matters on a seven-hour outing. You have a restroom, bar, shaded areas, and enough deck space to avoid feeling stuck in one seat. One boat also had a slide, according to the trip details, though you should not assume every catamaran will have the same setup.

The group limit is 60 people. That is not a private cruise, but it gives the operator a clear ceiling and helps explain why several people praised the open feel of the boat. If you want absolute solitude, this is not the right format. If you like meeting people and having a social day without being tightly packed in, the size should work well.

Snorkeling at Shitten’s Bay

The first major stop is Shitten’s Bay, where the catamaran anchors for roughly 45 minutes of snorkeling. The water is described as turquoise, and the underwater setting includes coral and tropical fish such as snappers, damselfish, trumpetfish, angelfish, and several kinds of parrotfish. Sea turtles may also be seen, but they are protected marine life, so sightings are never guaranteed and should be enjoyed from a respectful distance.

All the basic equipment is included: mask, fins, and flotation vest. That saves you from packing a full kit or paying an extra rental charge once you reach the anchorage. The staff also assist first-time snorkelers, which makes this a reasonable choice if you are curious but not fully confident in open water.

Forty-five minutes is enough to get a good look, but it is not an all-day snorkeling session. Strong swimmers may find the stop a little short, especially if equipment fitting takes time. On the other hand, a set time keeps the day moving and leaves room for Nevis, lunch, and the return sail.

Bring a waterproof camera if you have one. The fish described here make underwater photos possible, but only if your equipment is suited to salt water. I would also treat the snorkeling as one part of the day rather than the sole reason to book. The appeal comes from the combination of water time, the crossing, lunch, and beach time.

Sailing across to Nevis for lunch

After snorkeling, the catamaran continues toward Nevis. This crossing gives you a different view of the islands and creates a useful break between active time in the water and the slower afternoon stop.

Lunch is included, but the exact setting depends on the catamaran in use. It may be served aboard before the boat docks, or on the beach after arrival. The meal has been described as chicken and rice with salads and dessert, and some outings have included lunch at Sunshine’s on Nevis. Since the arrangement can vary, it is best to think of this as a provided island-style meal rather than booking around one guaranteed restaurant experience.

That flexibility is practical. A meal aboard keeps the schedule tidy and avoids moving a large group ashore. A beach lunch, by contrast, gives you the pleasant feeling of eating beside the water. Neither option is automatically better, but the difference may matter if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant or setting.

The open bar becomes especially useful after snorkeling. Drinks are available after the water stop, and the boat’s bar serves refreshing beverages during the day. Alcoholic drinks are reserved for people age 21 and older. If you do not drink, the day still includes the sail, meal, swimming, and music, so the bar is not the whole point of the trip.

Beach time on Nevis

The Nevis stop is where the outing slows down. You can swim, sit by the shore, and enjoy the surf without being hurried through a short photo stop. One account describes about two hours at the beach, while another mentions enough time for a swim and relaxation. The precise length can change with the boat and schedule, but the stop is clearly meant to be a substantial part of the day.

Beach chairs may be rented once you arrive. That is worth noting because the trip does not say chairs are included. If comfort matters to you, bring enough money for that option and ask the staff about availability when you reach the beach.

The island stop also adds a local touch to what could otherwise be a standard catamaran cruise. You are not simply sailing in circles off St. Kitts. You are crossing to another island, eating there or nearby, and spending time on its coast before returning.

Still, this is not a guided land tour of Nevis. The provided plan centers on the beach, swimming, food, and drinks. If you want historic sites, inland scenery, or a full island tour, you will need a different excursion. This trip keeps its attention on the sea and shoreline.

The return trip turns up the music

The ride back to St. Kitts is often the liveliest part of the day. Music plays, drinks remain available, and the mood becomes more social as people share the experience. Singing along, meeting new people, and enjoying rum punch are central to the character of this cruise.

The atmosphere is described as fun and energetic rather than restrained. That is a real strength if you want a cheerful Caribbean party on the water. It is also the clearest warning for anyone hoping for a peaceful sunset-style sail. You can find shaded seating and quieter corners, but the sound and group energy will be part of the package.

Some outings have featured popular local drinks such as rum punch and Killer Bees. These names appear in the trip accounts, but drink selections can vary. The important point is that the bar and music are built into the experience, not optional extras added at the last minute.

The catamaran returns to Port Zante Marina, the same place where the day begins. That makes the finish simple, especially if you are staying near Basseterre or arriving from a cruise ship. The activity does not leave you at a second location.

How good is the $155 value?

At $155 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. It is a full-day package that includes the catamaran ride, snorkel equipment, assistance in the water, lunch, open-bar service, music, the Nevis stop, and the crew’s work throughout the day.

I think the value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, snorkeling, lunch, and transport to a beach. Combining those pieces also removes the hassle of coordinating several bookings. Pickup is offered, which can add even more convenience if you are not staying close to Port Zante.

The price is less compelling if you plan to avoid alcohol, skip snorkeling, and spend most of the day quietly reading. You would still receive lunch, the crossing, and beach time, but some of the package is built around the bar and social mood.

The food has received strong praise, including chicken and rice, salads, and dessert. The boat has also been described as clean, attractive, and spacious. Those details matter on a long outing. A lower-priced cruise can look attractive at first, but a cramped deck or limited facilities becomes tiresome after several hours.

Children under five ride free, and the child rate applies from ages six through 11. The supplied information does not state the rate for ages five or 12 and older, so check the booking details for your party before paying.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a busy, easygoing island day with several activities built into one plan. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and people who enjoy meeting others while on holiday.

First-time snorkelers are welcome because staff provide help and flotation vests. Still, you should be comfortable entering the sea or prepared to stay aboard during the water stop. The tour is designed for most people to participate, but it is not presented as a private, fully customized outing.

The trip also suits anyone who wants to see Nevis without arranging a separate ferry or land plan. You get a taste of the island through its beach and food, not a full cultural tour. That distinction helps you book it for the right reason.

I would be more cautious if you dislike loud music, group activities, or a drink-centered setting. The crew’s enthusiasm is one of the most praised features, but it also means the boat can feel more like a floating party than a quiet nature cruise.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided when you book. The tour starts and ends at Port Zante Marina, and pickup is available as an option. The activity lasts approximately seven hours, so plan for a full day rather than trying to fit another major excursion around it.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a waterproof way to carry your phone or camera. Wear something comfortable for sitting on deck, and remember that shoes are left with the staff after boarding.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants. If that number is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead, along with late changes, are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local St. Kitts time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from another time zone.

Final call: book it for the whole day, not just the snorkeling

I would book the Leisure Full Day Catamaran if you want a well-filled day that blends sailing, snorkeling, Nevis beach time, lunch, and a lively return trip. The boat comfort, friendly crew, included equipment, and open bar give the $155 price a fair case, especially when pickup is useful to you.

I would skip it if your ideal day means quiet water, a private boat, or extensive sightseeing on Nevis. For everyone else, this is a strong all-round choice for seeing more of the islands without juggling several separate plans.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

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

Where does the tour end?

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

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered. The supplied information does not specify which hotels or areas are covered, so confirm the pickup details when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The package includes a mask, fins, and flotation vest. Staff assist people who are new to snorkeling.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The catamaran anchors at Shitten’s Bay for about 45 minutes of snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and may be served aboard the catamaran or on the beach in Nevis, depending on the boat being used.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

An open bar is included. You must be at least 21 years old to receive alcoholic beverages.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted. If weather or insufficient participation causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.