Snorkel – Lobster Lunch Cruise to Bird Island and Paradise Reef

Exploring the stunning waters of Antigua and Barbuda is an exhilarating experience, and the Snorkel Lunch Cruise to Bird Island and Paradise Reef offers just that. Rated highly by travelers, this comprehensive tour combines the best of snorkeling, beachside dining, and breathtaking scenery. With a personalized approach and convenient hotel pickups, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure. But what truly sets this excursion apart is the chance to take in the vibrant coral reef and witness the island’s natural beauty firsthand.

Key Points

• A 9-hour snorkel and lunch cruise to Bird Island and Paradise Reef, priced at $175 per person with drinks and a beachside lobster lunch provided.
• Tour has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
• Highlights include visits to Maiden Island and snorkeling at a coral reef, with a moderate fitness level required for participation.
• Pickup available from most west and north coast hotels, but transportation from east and south coast is not included.
• Tour has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 419 reviews, with praise for the professional staff, delicious food, and picturesque setting.

Overview and Highlights

The Snorkel Lunch Cruise to Bird Island and Paradise Reef offers an immersive experience for travelers in Antigua. This highly-rated tour, with 96% of travelers recommending it, takes guests on a boat ride to secluded islands where they can snorkel on a coral reef and enjoy a beachside lobster lunch, weather permitting.

Priced from $175 per person, the tour includes drinks and lasts around 9 hours. With a maximum of 30 travelers, the experience promises an intimate and personalized outing amidst Antigua’s picturesque scenery.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the start.

Itinerary and Inclusions

Visitors can expect to visit Maiden Island and snorkel at a coral reef during this tour.

The tour includes a beachside lobster lunch, though seasonal availability means chicken or fish alternatives are available. Drinks like rum punch are provided throughout the day.

Hotel pickup is offered from most west and north coast hotels, though taxis from the east or south coast aren’t included.

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Meeting and Operating Hours

This tour’s meeting point is Jolly Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda.

The tour operates Monday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, during the dates of March 2, 2024 through April 30, 2026.

Guests have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

This cruise offers a convenient service, providing hotel pickup from most hotels on the west and north coast, though taxis from the east or south coast aren’t included.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

4.9 out of 5 stars on average, based on 419 reviews, indicate this snorkel lunch cruise has overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers.

Common praises include:

1. Professional and friendly staff

2. Delicious food, especially the grilled lobster (when in season)

3. Picturesque setting with a fun atmosphere

4. Varied snorkeling experiences, with some guests spotting turtles, stingrays, and diverse marine life, though visibility can be inconsistent on certain days.

While the tour is generally well-organized, some guests have suggested improvements regarding snorkeling guidance and visibility.

Pricing and Availability

The Snorkel Lunch Cruise to Bird Island and Paradise Reef is priced from $175.00 per person.

This all-inclusive tour offers a boat ride to secluded islands, snorkeling on a coral reef, and a beachside lobster lunch (seasonal). Drinks, including rum punch, are available.

Hotel pickup is provided from most west and north coast hotels, though taxis from the east/south coast aren’t included.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour operates daily from 8 AM to 5 PM year-round.

Transportation and Accessibility

Guests enjoy hotel pickup from most hotels on the west and north coast of Antigua for this tour.

Hotel pickup is available from most hotels on the west and north coast of Antigua for this tour.

Taxis from the east and south coast aren’t included, so travelers from those areas will need to make their own arrangements to reach the meeting point at Jolly Harbour.

The tour has a maximum of 30 participants and isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.

Key accessibility details include:

1. Hotel pickup available for most west and north coast hotels.

2. Taxis not included for east and south coast hotels.

3. Maximum of 30 travelers per tour.

4. Not wheelchair accessible; moderate physical fitness required.

Seasonal Considerations

While the tour operates year-round, guests should note that the availability of certain menu items is subject to seasonal variations.

Specifically, the tour features grilled lobster as part of the lunch, but this is only available during the lobster season, which runs from July to April.

During the closed season in May and June, alternative protein options like chicken or fish are provided instead.

Guests can still expect a delicious beachside lunch regardless of the time of year, but those seeking the lobster experience should plan their visit accordingly.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

Though the tour generally receives excellent reviews, guests may want to consider a few additional tips to enhance their experience.

For instance:

1. Be mindful of the seasonal closures – the tour suspends lobster service during May and June, offering alternative meal options instead.

2. Confirm tour availability and pickup details when booking, as transportation from the east and south coasts isn’t included.

3. Prepare for moderate physical activity, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

4. Consider bringing underwater cameras or GoPros to capture the vibrant marine life and scenic backdrops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear, but the tour company provides equipment for those who don’t have it. Using the provided gear ensures a proper fit and allows the staff to assist with setup.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be the best fit for children. It requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and the boat ride and snorkeling activities may be challenging for younger kids. However, the tour does offer alternatives to the lobster lunch.

What Type of Footwear Is Recommended?

For this water-based activity, it’s best to wear sandals, water shoes, or other non-slip footwear that can get wet. Closed-toe shoes aren’t recommended as you’ll be entering the water during the snorkeling portion of the tour.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim?

Swimming skills aren’t required, as the snorkeling portion takes place in shallow waters. However, guests should feel comfortable and relaxed in the water to fully enjoy the snorkeling experience on this tour.

Can I Take Photos During the Snorkeling Activity?

Yes, guests can take photos during the snorkeling activity. The tour operator encourages participants to bring underwater cameras or waterproof phone cases to capture the vibrant marine life and beautiful coral reef.

The Sum Up

The Snorkel Lunch Cruise to Bird Island and Paradise Reef offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Antigua’s vibrant marine life. With a high customer satisfaction rate, the tour provides a personalized experience, including a beachside lobster lunch and convenient hotel pickup. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time adventurer, this cruise promises an unforgettable day amid the stunning scenery of Antigua and Barbuda.