Leisure Full Day Catamaran (Blue, Aqua or LIC)

Sun, sea, snorkeling, and Nevis await. This seven-hour catamaran trip combines a coastal sail from St. Kitts with a 45-minute stop at Shitten’s Bay, lunch, beach time, and a lively return ride. I especially like the spacious boat with shaded seating, a restroom, and room to move, plus the easy mix of snorkeling and relaxation. The main consideration is the party atmosphere on the way home, which may not suit anyone seeking a quiet sailing day.

I also like that snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks are included rather than added one by one. The crew assists first-time snorkelers, and the boat carries no more than 60 people, a useful limit on a full-day outing. Still, the schedule depends on weather, and the exact lunch location and boat details can vary among the Blue, Aqua, or LIC catamarans.

Key details before you book

• Shitten’s Bay snorkeling stop: About 45 minutes in the water, with masks, fins, and flotation vests provided.
• Nevis beach time: Swim, relax, and enjoy lunch either on board or at the beach, depending on the boat in use.
• Seven hours on the water: The trip begins and ends at Port Zante Marina in Basseterre.
• Open bar after snorkeling: Drinks are included, with alcoholic beverages available only to those aged 21 and older.
• Small enough to feel manageable: The maximum group size is 60 people, with shaded seating, a restroom, and broad decks.
• Pickup is available: You can book transportation to the marina instead of arranging your own ride.

Setting off from Port Zante Marina

The day begins at Port Zante Marina, listed at 77VG+496 in Basseterre. If you choose the pickup option, transportation is offered to the marina. Several bookings specifically praise punctual drivers, so pickup can be useful if you are staying away from the port or simply want one less detail to manage.

Once aboard, staff collect your shoes. This is a small island-cruise ritual, but it changes the feel of the trip at once. You move around more easily, the deck feels less cluttered, and the day takes on a relaxed, barefoot rhythm.

The catamarans are built for sightseeing rather than speed. You get wide decks, shaded seating, a bar, and a restroom. That matters during a seven-hour outing. A narrow boat can make a full day feel cramped, while these vessels give you choices: sit in the shade, find a sunny spot, watch the coast, or gather near the music.

The advertised boat may be Blue, Aqua, or LIC. The exact vessel affects where lunch is served and perhaps some onboard features, so it is wise not to expect every boat to be identical. One boat may have a slide, for example, while another may have a slightly different arrangement.

The group limit is 60 people. That is not a private cruise, but it is also not an enormous floating crowd. The size leaves room for a social atmosphere without making the boat feel completely packed, according to the available details.

Sailing along St. Kitts’ Caribbean coast

After departure, the catamaran follows the coast toward Shitten’s Bay. The scenery is a major part of the experience. You get a long view of St. Kitts from the water, with turquoise sea, coastal views, and the changing outline of the island as the boat moves south.

I would treat this sailing time as part of the main event, not as transportation between activities. Put the phone away for a while, find a comfortable spot, and watch the coastline pass. The catamaran is designed for this kind of slow viewing, and the open decks give you a better sense of the sea than a bus tour ever could.

The crew sets a friendly tone from the beginning. Their style is energetic and social, with music and drinks becoming more prominent as the day goes on. That works well for couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys meeting people while on holiday.

It is less ideal if you want a silent sail with long stretches of calm. The return trip is particularly musical, with singing, rum punch, and a party feel. I would choose a shaded seat away from the busiest area if you want to enjoy the views without being in the middle of the action.

Snorkeling at Shitten’s Bay

The first main stop lasts about 45 minutes. Staff provide masks, fins, and flotation vests, so you do not need to bring a full set of equipment. First-time snorkelers receive assistance, which makes this a friendlier introduction than a stop where you are simply handed gear and sent into the water.

The marine life named for this area includes snappers, damselfish, trumpetfish, angelfish, and several kinds of parrotfish. Sea turtles are also protected in the area. The experience is about seeing ordinary reef life in its own setting, not visiting a large aquarium or following a tightly scripted show.

I like that the snorkeling is built into a wider day. If you are confident in the water, 45 minutes gives you a focused look without taking over the entire excursion. If you are less comfortable, the time is long enough to try the activity, rest, and perhaps make another attempt with help from the crew.

Bring a suitable waterproof camera if you want photographs. The fish and clear water can make this one of the best chances for pictures during the trip, but you should keep your expectations sensible. Water clarity, sea conditions, and animal sightings can vary, and turtles are protected wildlife, not a guaranteed photo opportunity.

The supplied flotation vests are especially useful for people who swim but do not snorkel often. Use the equipment as directed and listen to the crew before entering the water. This is a guided activity in a marine setting, so safety matters more than trying to reach every part of the snorkel area.

Lunch and the crossing to Nevis

After snorkeling, the mood shifts from active to easygoing. Lunch is described as a substantial meal, including chicken and rice, salads, and dessert. Depending on the catamaran, it may be served on board before docking or on the beach after arrival in Nevis.

That variation is worth noting when you plan your expectations. You will receive lunch, but you may not know the exact setting until the boat assignment and day’s schedule are confirmed. Food served beside the beach has a different feel from a meal enjoyed on deck, and both have their advantages.

The open bar is available after snorkeling. Drinks include refreshing beverages and rum-based options such as rum punch, with the crew keeping service going through the afternoon. Alcoholic drinks are restricted to people aged 21 and older. If you are traveling with children, the rest of the trip remains available to them, but the bar rules still apply.

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the value here. At $155 per person, the price is not a minor shore excursion fee. Yet it includes a full day, boat transportation, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and an open bar. If you would otherwise pay separately for a snorkel trip, a meal, drinks, and transport to a beach, the package becomes easier to justify.

Children under five are free, and the child rate applies from ages six through 11. The provided information does not specify the child price, so check that amount before booking.

Nevis beach time and the Sunshine’s option

The boat continues to Nevis, where you get beach time for swimming and relaxing. One booking specifically describes about two hours on the beach, while another notes enough time for swimming and floating. The precise timing can vary, but you should expect a proper stop rather than a quick photo pause.

This is the part of the day that keeps the outing from becoming an all-action schedule. After snorkeling, you can swim, sit by the water, or simply enjoy being on a different island. A beach chair may be available for rent on arrival, so bring some cash or another accepted payment method if you want that extra comfort. The details provided do not confirm the chair price.

Some departures include lunch at Sunshine’s on Nevis. That option has been praised for its food, but it should not be treated as guaranteed for every boat or departure because lunch arrangements can differ. Ask at booking if the restaurant stop is important to you.

Nevis adds a useful sense of place to the excursion. You are not only sailing offshore and turning back. You get a beach stop on another island, even if the visit is short and focused on swimming rather than sightseeing inland.

The tradeoff is time. A beach stop of roughly two hours leaves little room for exploring beyond the shore. If you want a full Nevis island tour, historical sites, or a long restaurant meal, this is not the right format. This trip gives you a taste of Nevis from the beach.

The musical return to St. Kitts

The final stretch is designed as a celebration. Music plays, drinks continue, and the crew encourages a social ride back to St. Kitts. Several details point to an upbeat atmosphere, including singing, new friendships, rum punch, and plenty of room on deck.

This return journey is where the tour earns its reputation as more than a simple snorkel transfer. You can chat with people you met during the day, watch the sea, and let the boat carry you back to Port Zante. The crew is described as friendly, enthusiastic, professional, and attentive to safety.

I would plan your seating with the return ride in mind. If you want to join the fun, stay near the music and bar. If you prefer a quieter end to the day, use the outer or shaded areas when possible. The boat’s size gives you some choice, but the atmosphere will still be social.

The excursion ends back at the starting point. That makes it practical for a day in port, since you do not need to arrange a separate return from Nevis or another beach.

What the $155 price really covers

At $155, this is best viewed as a full-day package rather than a short boat ride. The included elements are substantial:

• Approximately seven hours aboard the catamaran
• Coastal sailing from St. Kitts to Shitten’s Bay and Nevis
• Snorkel mask, fins, and flotation vest
• Assistance for first-time snorkelers
• Lunch
• Open bar and nonalcoholic beverages
• Beach time in Nevis
• Return to Port Zante Marina
• Optional pickup

The value improves if you plan to drink, snorkel, and use the beach stop. It is less compelling if you do not drink and would rather spend the day touring St. Kitts by land. You are paying for the boat, crew, food, equipment, and the easy flow from one activity to the next.

The environmental promise is also worth noting. The operator says it works to reduce its footprint and protect the marine environment. That does not remove the need for responsible behavior, so avoid touching coral or protected animals and follow the crew’s instructions in the water.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several island activities in one day without handling separate bookings. It suits people who enjoy swimming, casual snorkeling, music, drinks, and a friendly group setting.

Families can consider it too, especially since children under five are free and young children have a reduced rate. Still, the open-bar and party elements mean parents should decide if the overall tone fits their family.

It is also a good choice for cruise passengers using Port Zante, couples looking for an easy day on the sea, and repeat visitors who want to return to Nevis in a relaxed way. The full-day pace gives you time to settle into the outing rather than rushing from stop to stop.

I would look elsewhere if your priorities are a quiet luxury cruise, extensive reef exploration, a private boat, or a detailed inland visit to Nevis. The snorkeling stop is limited, and the beach time is only one portion of a busy day.

Booking, weather, and practical planning

Confirmation is provided at booking. Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is Port Zante Marina in Basseterre. The activity ends at the same marina.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The experience also depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or insufficient bookings cause cancellation, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. A waterproof phone case or suitable camera is useful for the snorkel stop. Since shoes are left with staff, wear something easy to remove and avoid carrying items you do not need on the boat.

The operator is Scenic Escape St. Kitts Ltd. The experience has a 4.9 rating from 18 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on the crew, boat space, lunch, punctual pickup, snorkeling, beach time, and lively return ride.

Should you book the St. Kitts to Nevis catamaran?

I would book this if you want a sociable, well-filled day that covers sailing, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a Nevis beach stop for one price. The crew and practical setup receive especially strong praise, and the spacious catamaran helps make seven hours on the water comfortable.

Before paying, confirm which boat is scheduled, how lunch will be served, and whether pickup is included in your selected option. Choose it for fun, variety, and an easy island day. Skip it if you want silence, privacy, or several hours of serious snorkeling.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin and end?

The tour begins at Port Zante Marina in Basseterre, St. Kitts, and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks, fins, and flotation vests are included. Staff also assist people who are snorkeling for the first time.

Is lunch included?

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

Who can drink alcohol on the boat?

Alcoholic beverages are available only to people aged 21 and older. The open bar is available after snorkeling.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.