Sail and Snorkel at Cades Reef

Exploring the vibrant marine life of Cades Reef is a must-do activity for any visitor to Antigua. This 6-hour sailing and snorkeling adventure takes travelers on an unforgettable journey, treating them to stunning coral formations, tropical fish, and a delicious BBQ lunch. With an open bar, friendly crew, and secluded bays, it’s the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Caribbean. But what else can you expect from this tour? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Points

• A 6-hour boat tour from St. Johns, Antigua, that accommodates up to 10 travelers and is priced starting at $105 per person.
• Opportunity to sail, snorkel, and explore the vibrant Cades Reef, with snorkel gear provided.
• Includes a barbecue buffet lunch and unlimited drinks from an open bar, with gratuities included.
• Daily tours starting at 9:30 AM, with round-trip transportation from St. Johns hotels or cruise port.
• Positive reviews for crew professionalism and snorkeling experiences, but some concerns about delays, reef conditions, and crowded boat experiences.

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors the opportunity to sail and snorkel at Cades Reef, a popular destination off the coast of Antigua.

The 6-hour boat tour departs from St. Johns and accommodates up to 10 travelers. With an average rating of 4.2 from 47 reviews, the tour is priced starting at $105 per person.

A 6-hour boat tour from St. Johns accommodating up to 10 travelers at $105 per person with a 4.2 average rating from 47 reviews.

Inclusions feature round-trip transportation, snorkel gear, a barbecue buffet lunch, an open bar, live commentary, and gratuities.

Participants can explore the coral formations and tropical fish at Cades Reef, relax on secluded beaches, and enjoy drinks and music on the return sail.

Inclusions

The tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the sailing and snorkeling experience.

Travelers receive round-trip transportation from their St. Johns hotels or cruise port to the marina. Snorkel gear is provided, ensuring participants can fully enjoy the underwater world.

A barbecue buffet lunch and unlimited drinks from the open bar fuel the adventure. The crew provides live commentary, sharing their expertise about the local environment.

Gratuities are also included, eliminating the need for additional payments. Private transportation to the boarding location ensures a seamless start to the excursion.

Itinerary

Travelers begin their Sail and Snorkel adventure with pickup from their hotel or cruise port, transferring to the marina where the excursion departs.

Once aboard, they explore the vibrant Cades Reef, discovering its coral formations and tropical fish while snorkeling. Lunch, a barbecue buffet, is prepared on board during the snorkeling activity.

Travelers snorkel the vibrant Cades Reef, discovering its coral formations and tropical fish, while enjoying a barbecue buffet lunch prepared on board.

After, the boat visits secluded bays, offering opportunities for relaxation, swimming, and beachcombing.

As the tour concludes, guests sail back, enjoying drinks and music. Throughout the experience, a live commentary provides insight into the local environment and culture.

Important Information

Although the tour departs from Tropical Adventures Antigua on Redcliffe Street in St. Johns, it’s important to be aware of a few key details. The tour runs daily, starting at 9:30 AM, but it’s not suitable for those in wheelchairs or with serious medical conditions. Guests should also note the cancellation policy – free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s recommended to bring sunblock and double-check pickup times, as well as consider booking directly with the operator for better communication.

| Key Information | Details |

| — | — |

| Meeting Point | Tropical Adventures Antigua, Redcliffe St, St Johns |

| Start Time | 09:30 AM |

| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions |

| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience |

| Recommendations | Bring sunblock, check pickup times, consider booking directly with the operator for better communication |

Customer Experiences

Guests have offered a mix of feedback on their experiences with this tour. Positive reviews praise the crew’s professionalism, the delicious food, and the lively atmosphere.

Travelers also highlight the great snorkeling at Cades Reef. However, some critiques mention delays in departure, disappointing reef conditions with 99.5% dead coral, and a crowded boat experience.

Snorkeling at Cades Reef was a mixed bag – great for some, but delays, poor coral, and crowded boats disappointed others.

Visibility during snorkeling was reportedly mixed. To ensure the best experience, the tour operator recommends guests apply sunblock and check pickup times.

Booking directly with the operator is also suggested for better communication.

Booking Considerations

When planning a sail and snorkel adventure at Cades Reef, there are a few booking considerations to keep in mind.

Travelers should book directly with the tour operator to ensure clear communication and better manage expectations.

While the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, it’s not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for pregnant guests or those with serious medical conditions.

It’s also worth checking pickup times, as some guests have reported delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the typical duration of the sail and snorkel tour at Cades Reef? The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, departing from St. Johns, Antigua.

The sail and snorkel tour at Cades Reef lasts approximately 6 hours, departing from St. Johns, Antigua.

Participants can expect round-trip transportation, snorkel gear, a barbecue buffet lunch, and an open bar with unlimited drinks. The tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and includes guided commentary on board.

However, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests should consider packing sunscreen and double-checking pickup times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

This tour may not be the best fit for families with young children. The activity includes snorkeling, which may be difficult for young kids, and the boat capacity is limited to 10 travelers, potentially making it crowded.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal Option?

The tour operator offers a barbecue buffet lunch, but they don’t specifically mention vegetarian or gluten-free meal options. It’s best to contact them in advance to inquire about any dietary accommodations they can provide.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate in the Snorkeling?

No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate in the snorkeling. The tour provides snorkel gear, and the reef is located in shallow waters, making it accessible for both swimmers and non-swimmers.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for this tour. However, the activity may not be suitable for very young children as snorkeling requires some swimming ability. The tour operator recommends consulting them if bringing young participants.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

You can bring your own snorkeling equipment for this tour. However, snorkel gear is included in the price, so you don’t need to if you don’t want to. The tour operator provides high-quality snorkel sets for all participants.

The Sum Up

The "Sail and Snorkel at Cades Reef" tour offers an unforgettable Caribbean experience. Guests can explore the vibrant coral formations and tropical fish while snorkeling, enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch, and relax in secluded bays. With friendly crew members and an open bar, this tour promises an exceptional day on the water.