Private Snorkel and Beach Charter in Antigua — Just You, the Reef and a Quiet Beach
If the idea of sharing a snorkel boat with thirty strangers puts you off, this trip is the antidote. The Private Snorkel and Beach Charter in Antigua gives you a captain and a boat all to yourselves: just your party sails off the calm west coast to a reef and a shipwreck, then drifts to a quiet beach with local drinks and snacks in hand. It's unhurried, exclusive and built around couples and small families — here's everything to know before you go, plus how it compares with the other antigua and barbuda snorkeling tours.
About the Private Snorkel & Beach Charter
Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund
The boat and captain are yours — no other guests aboard
An unhurried half-morning or afternoon on the water
Local refreshments poured as you sail between stops
Snorkel tropical fish and an underwater wreck off the coast
Wind down on a secluded stretch of sand, just your group
Why Book the Private Snorkel & Beach Charter
Most snorkel trips in Antigua run as group excursions — a big boat, a fixed schedule and a crowd at every stop. This one flips that around. You charter the whole boat, so the captain takes only your party out, and the day moves at your pace rather than a timetable's. That exclusivity is exactly what reviewers single out: families and couples mention noticing other boats packed with large groups and being glad they had their own. It earns a perfect 5.0 stars across 69 reviews.
The charter works the calm western shore off Jolly Harbour, where the water is sheltered and clear and the sailing is gentle between stops. If you want to weigh a private boat against the island's group and self-drive options, line them up on our antigua and barbuda snorkeling tours page.
Because there's no fixed group to wait on, the rhythm is relaxed — snorkel as long as you like at the reef, linger over a drink while you sail, and have the beach largely to yourselves at the end. It's the pick when the company matters as much as the marine life: a private day for two, or a small family wanting space to themselves on the water.
What You'll See Underwater
The west-coast reef is calm and clear, and your captain knows where the life is. On a typical charter you can expect:
- Clouds of tropical reef fish — parrotfish, sergeant majors and snappers
- An underwater shipwreck to glide over and around
- Healthy coral heads in sheltered, easy-to-snorkel water
- Rays cruising the sandy patches near the reef
- The chance of a passing sea turtle along the reef edge
- Calm, clear conditions with good visibility on most days
What's Included (and What Isn't)
What's Included
- A fully private boat and captain for your party only
- Snorkel gear — mask, snorkel and fins
- Local drinks served on board
- Light snacks during the charter
- A guided reef and shipwreck snorkel stop
- A relaxed stop at a quiet beach
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (meet at Jolly Harbour)
- Gratuities for the captain (optional but appreciated)
- Your own towel, swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen
- Lunch or a full meal
How the Charter Flows
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Start
Meet your captain at Jolly Harbour
Board your private boat at Jolly Harbour, meet your captain and settle in — the boat is yours for the next three hours.
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First stop
Reef snorkel
Sail out to a sheltered west-coast reef and slip in to snorkel among tropical fish and coral at your own pace.
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Second stop
Shipwreck snorkel
Move on to an underwater shipwreck to glide over and explore — a quiet, atmospheric highlight with no crowd around it.
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On the water
Drinks & snacks while sailing
Relax on deck with local drinks and light snacks as the captain cruises you toward the day's final stop.
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Finish
A quiet beach
Wind down on a secluded stretch of sand, largely to yourselves, before the unhurried sail back to Jolly Harbour.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
A little preparation keeps the charter relaxed. It's a private boat, so timing is flexible, but you'll meet at Jolly Harbour rather than getting hotel pickup.
- What to bring: swimwear under your clothes, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- You should be comfortable in the water — basic swimming ability is needed to snorkel the reef
- Not allowed: glass bottles on board and single-use plastics left behind; touching or standing on the coral
- Meet at Jolly Harbour; allow time to find the dock, and confirm exact drinks and snacks when you book
Want the reef but prefer to drive your own boat? Take the wheel on the Reef Riders self-drive tour. Or if a full day with a meal sounds better, the lobster lunch cruise to Cades Reef pairs guided snorkeling with a beachside grilled lobster.
Where It Starts — Jolly Harbour, Antigua
Who This Tour Is For
This is the charter to choose when you want the reef, the shipwreck and a beach — without ever sharing them with a tour group.
- Couples wanting a private, romantic half-day on the water
- Small families who'd rather have a boat to themselves
- Travelers who dislike crowded group excursions
- Anyone who wants to set their own unhurried pace
Not Suitable For
- Budget travelers — a private charter costs more than a group seat
- Large groups beyond a couple or a small family
- Anyone who can't make their own way to Jolly Harbour (no hotel pickup)
Private Snorkel & Beach Charter — FAQ
Is the boat really private to just my group?
Yes — you charter the whole boat, so the captain takes only your party. Reviewers love that there's no crowd at any stop. See how it compares with group trips on our antigua and barbuda snorkeling tours.
Where does the charter start, and is pickup included?
You meet your captain at Jolly Harbour on Antigua's west coast; hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transfer. Confirm the exact dock and meeting time when you check availability.
What will we see snorkeling?
A sheltered reef full of tropical fish plus an underwater shipwreck, with rays and the occasional turtle along the way. For more reef-and-wreck options, browse our snorkeling tour list.
How much does the private charter cost?
It starts at $257 and includes the private boat, snorkel gear, drinks and snacks, and a quiet beach stop. Weigh it against the island's group trips on our antigua and barbuda snorkeling tours page.
Is this a good trip for couples or small families?
Ideal — the calm pace and private boat make it perfect for couples and small families who want space to themselves. If you'd rather drive your own boat to the reef, try the Reef Riders self-drive tour.
What Travelers Say About the Private Charter
My husband and I had a fantastic time! As it's a private charter and we were the only guests aboard, our captain Akeale gave us his undivided attention. We saw lots of beautiful fish at the first reef stop, cruised through Jolly Harbour, then snorkeled a shipwreck — very cool. Highly recommend!
Exactly as described. My family of five had an amazing time. The private experience really made the difference — we noticed other boats with large groups, which looked crowded. Being on our own felt special and relaxed. Communication throughout was seamless. Highly recommend!
My husband and I had a wonderful time with our captain, Akeale. We loved that it was just the two of us. The snorkeling on the reef was incredible — we saw rays and so many colorful fish. Our adventure culminated in rum punch on a deserted beach. Highly recommend.