Sail and Snorkel at Cades Reef

Set out on a captivating journey to Antigua’s stunning Cades Reef with the Sail and Snorkel tour. This 6-hour adventure allows you to experience the island’s natural beauty from both above and below the surface. Sail along the southern coast, learn about the vibrant marine life during a snorkeling session, and indulge in a delectable barbecue lunch – all while enjoying personalized attention from the crew. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating day on the water or a chance to reconnect with nature, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that may just leave you wondering what other secrets Antigua holds.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Antigua.

Key Points

• A 6-hour sailing and snorkeling adventure at Cades Reef in Antigua, with a scenic sail along the southern coast, snorkeling, and a barbecue buffet lunch.

• Departing at 9:30 am from Tropical Adventures Antigua in St. John’s, with round-trip transportation and a maximum group size of 10 travelers for a personalized experience.

• Includes the provision of full snorkeling gear and unlimited drinks, with gratuities for the crew not included in the tour price.

• Not recommended for individuals with back problems, serious medical conditions, or pregnant travelers, and has limited accessibility.

• Overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 40 reviews, with positive feedback on the friendly crew, delicious food, and scenic views, but some critiques on delays and mixed snorkeling visibility.

Tour Overview

This sailing and snorkeling tour at Cades Reef in Antigua offers a 6-hour adventure for up to 10 travelers.

The tour departs from the Tropical Adventures Antigua meeting point in St. John’s at 9:30 am, with round-trip transportation from local hotels or the cruise port.

Participants will sail along the scenic southern coast of the island, then dive into the clear waters of Cades Reef to explore the vibrant coral and tropical fish.

A barbecue buffet lunch and unlimited drinks will be served on board, followed by a visit to secluded bays for relaxation and swimming.

The tour concludes with a sail back to the original departure point.

Activity and Duration

The sailing and snorkeling tour at Cades Reef lasts approximately 6 hours, providing ample time for guests to fully experience the island’s scenic coastline and vibrant underwater ecosystem. Visitors will sail along the southern shore of Antigua, taking in the breathtaking views before arriving at the Cades Reef site. Once there, they’ll don provided snorkeling gear and explore the diverse marine life and healthy coral formations. A delicious barbecue buffet lunch is served on board, accompanied by unlimited drinks from the open bar. After the snorkeling adventure, the tour will make a stop at a secluded bay for further relaxation and exploration before sailing back to the starting point.

Activity	Duration
Sailing	Journey along southern coast
Snorkeling	Exploration at Cades Reef
Lunch	Barbecue buffet on board
Beach Stop	Relaxation and swimming

Location and Meeting Point

Travelers will meet at Tropical Adventures Antigua, located at 45C3+7J2 on Redcliffe Street in St. John’s, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda.

Situated in the heart of Antigua, Tropical Adventures Antigua is the meeting point for this exciting tour. The location is easily accessible, whether guests are arriving from their hotels or the nearby cruise port.

From there, they’ll be transported by private vehicle to the marina where the sailing adventure begins.

Once gathered, the group will depart for the marina, where they’ll board the vessel and begin their scenic sail along the southern coast of the island.

Transportation and Group Size

Private transportation provides round-trip transfers from St. John’s hotels or the cruise port to the marina where the sailing adventure begins.

The tour group is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. This small group size allows the crew to cater to each guest’s needs and provides ample space on the boat for everyone to move around comfortably.

The intimate setting also creates opportunities for guests to mingle and bond over their shared love of the Caribbean’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re arriving by hotel or cruise ship, you’ll be whisked away to the starting point of this unforgettable sailing and snorkeling excursion.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Once aboard, guests can expect a range of inclusions to enhance their sailing and snorkeling experience. A full snorkeling gear set is provided for all participants, ensuring they’re equipped to explore the vibrant underwater world of Cades Reef.

In addition, a delicious barbecue buffet lunch is served on board, accompanied by unlimited drinks from the open bar. The transportation to and from the boarding location is also included, allowing for a seamless start and end to the adventure.

However, gratuities for the attentive crew aren’t included in the tour price, leaving guests the opportunity to show their appreciation at their discretion.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from either the hotel or cruise port, transporting guests to the marina where the sailing adventure commences.

From there, the journey along the scenic southern coast of Antigua offers breathtaking views as the group sails towards the renowned Cades Reef.

Once at the reef, passengers will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling, marveling at the live coral and diverse tropical fish.

After the snorkeling exploration, a delicious barbecue buffet lunch is served on board, allowing guests to savor the surroundings.

The experience then continues with a visit to secluded bays, where travelers can relax, swim, or go beachcombing before sailing back to the original departure point.

Accessibility and Restrictions

Accessibility for this tour is limited, as it is not wheelchair-accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Plus, the experience is not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or individuals with serious medical conditions. Vegetarian options are available, however, which caters to dietary restrictions.

Accessibility	Restrictions
Not wheelchair-accessible	Back problems
Children must be accompanied	Pregnant travelers
Vegetarian options available	Serious medical conditions

While the tour may exclude certain individuals, the majority of travelers can enjoy the stunning scenery, snorkeling, and relaxation that this excursion offers. Guests are advised to consider their personal health and mobility before booking.

Reviews Summary

Based on the 40 reviews, the overall rating for this sail and snorkel tour at Cades Reef in Antigua sits at 4.0 out of 5.

Travelers frequently praise the friendly and attentive crew, the delicious food and ample drinks, as well as the scenic views and exclusive beach access.

However, some have reported delays in departure, issues with crew behavior, and mixed experiences regarding snorkeling visibility and coral health.

Common recommendations include bringing sunblock, enjoying the atmosphere, and booking directly to avoid potential issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers, allowing solo adventurers to join and experience the sailing and snorkeling activities with a small group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

While the tour operator doesn’t advertise specific senior or student discounts, they may offer some flexibility on pricing for these groups. It’s best to contact them directly to inquire about any potential discounts that could apply.

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour is lightweight, comfortable clothing that can get wet. Participants should wear swimsuits, sun hats, and water shoes or sandals. Bringing a towel and sunscreen is also advised.

Is Photography Allowed During the Snorkeling Activity?

Guests are generally allowed to bring cameras during the snorkeling activity, but it’s important to ensure they’re waterproof and suitable for underwater use. The tour operator may have additional guidance on photography policies.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear Instead of Using the Provided Equipment?

You can bring your own snorkeling gear, but the tour provides it for all participants. Using the included equipment may be more convenient, as the crew will ensure it fits properly and is in working condition.

Recap

The Sail and Snorkel at Cades Reef tour offers a magnificent way to experience Antigua’s natural beauty.

Guests can look forward to a scenic sail, snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life, and a delicious barbecue lunch, all while enjoying the personalized attention of the crew.

This 6-hour adventure is the perfect opportunity to take in the island’s splendor.