PARTY Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling Rick’s Cafe ADULTS ONLY

A lively adults-only catamaran cruise in Negril — what’s in store?

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet lively way to experience Negril’s stunning coastline, the Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling might just be your ticket. Priced at $88 per person, this 4-hour voyage takes you from Jam West in Negril to a series of iconic spots, including Margaritaville and Ricks Café, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, dance, and soak in the sunset. The tour is designed exclusively for adults — so no kids, just good vibes, unlimited drinks, and scenic views.

What we love most are the scenic cruising along 7 Mile Beach—a stretch of one of the Caribbean’s most famous coastlines—and the chance to sip unlimited drinks onboard, especially Appleton Rum and Red Stripe Beer, while listening to reggae tunes. Another highlight is the culmination at Ricks Café, famed for cliff jumping and world-famous sunsets.

A potential consideration? Weather can influence the experience, especially the visit to Ricks Café, since rough seas or rain might limit your access. Still, the tour offers a full alternative — a scenic sail and bus transfer to Ricks Café for sunset viewing if the dock isn’t accessible.

This cruise suits travelers who want a fun, social day out with lively music, good drinks, and iconic sights. It’s particularly attractive if you enjoy snorkeling, beach stops, and a young, energetic vibe. If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet day on the water, or a more family-friendly excursion, you might want to consider other options. But for those craving a party atmosphere with Caribbean charm, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Adults-only atmosphere ensures a lively, no-kid zone for fun-loving travelers.
• Snorkeling at Sandy Cove Reef offers a chance to see vibrant marine life.
• Unlimited drinks and snacks onboard keep the energy high throughout the cruise.
• Weather can affect the schedule, especially visits to Ricks Café, so flexibility is key.
• Roundtrip transfers are included, simplifying logistics from most Negril hotels.
• The tour length of 4 hours makes it a perfect half-day activity — not too long, not too rushed.

An in-depth look at the cruise experience

Starting with the logistics

The party begins at Margaritaville Negril at 2:30 pm, where you’ll meet your crew and hop aboard a well-equipped catamaran. With a maximum group size of around 120 travelers, the boat can feel lively but not overly crowded if everyone’s spread out. Roundtrip transfers are included from most Negril hotels and resorts, so you don’t need to worry about how to get there — just be ready for a scenic drive to Jam West.

What’s on the itinerary?

The day is structured around two main stops: Rick’s Cafe and Margaritaville. The first stop is Rick’s Café, famous for cliff jumping, watching local daredevils leap into the sea, and spectacular sunsets. You get about an hour here, which is enough time to soak up the atmosphere, watch the cliff jumpers, grab a drink at the bar, or simply relax on the rocks. Some reviews mention that weather can impact the experience—if seas are rough, the boat might not dock, but you’ll still get to see the famous sunset from the bus or a scenic sail.

Next, the cruise moves to Margaritaville for snorkeling. You’ll snorkel at Sandy Cove Reef, where clear waters and coral formations promise vibrant marine life. The crew helps ease beginners into snorkeling, which is noted as a positive aspect in reviews. This segment lasts about 40 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy the water or relax on the boat.

The vibe onboard

Music is a core part of the cruise — expect reggae tunes and upbeat Caribbean beats. The crew keeps the energy high with entertainment and friendly service. Unlimited drinks flow freely, including local favorites like Appleton Rum, Red Stripe Beer, vodka, and rum punch. Light snacks such as banana chips and cheese balls are available when supplies last, though some reviews suggest they are limited and may not be available the whole time.

Authenticity and authenticity concerns

Authentic touches like local music and scenic views make this cruise feel more genuine than a typical tourist trap. The scenery along Negril’s coast and the famous 7 Mile Beach is breathtaking, making it a visual treat. Several guests appreciated the knowledgeable crew and the entertaining atmosphere, with reviews highlighting the crew’s friendliness and the overall vibe.

What do travelers say?

There’s a mixed bag of reviews, but many praise the great views, energetic crew, and good value for money. Tiffany called it an “excellent experience” with “great views and fun crew” — she recommends booking without hesitation. Another review, by Tequila, added that the crew helped ease participants into snorkeling and enjoyed the drinks onboard.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some travelers felt the organization was lacking, especially when weather impacted the schedule. Cathy was disappointed about the absence of snorkeling fins and staff confusion, while Kynya mentioned disappointment due to weather and confusion at the end when Ricks Café was missed. Others, like Cynthia, expressed safety concerns, citing overcrowding and difficulty in physically accessing the boat, especially in choppy waters.

The safety and comfort considerations

The tour emphasizes safety and comfort, but some reviews suggest that overcrowding and rough seas can make parts of the experience uncomfortable or even unsafe. The bunkering of passengers and the need for walking in waist-deep water to board** can be challenging for some. It’s wise to dress for water activities, wear sunblock, and bring your own towel. Pregnant travelers are explicitly advised not to participate, and the maximum group size is 120.

Pricing and value

At $88 per person, the tour offers a good mix of scenic views, snorkeling, drinks, and iconic sights. The inclusion of roundtrip transfers simplifies logistics and enhances value. While lunch is not included, the stops at Margaritaville and Ricks Café offer opportunities to buy food and drinks locally. Considering the local entertainment, scenic beauty, and lively atmosphere, this tour provides a fun, cost-effective way to experience Negril’s best-known spots in a single afternoon.

Who is this cruise best suited for?

This cruise works best for adults seeking a lively social experience — perfect for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy music, drinks, and scenic coastal views. It’s ideal if you love snorkeling, sunset watching, and a bit of adventure, especially if you don’t mind crowds or variable weather.

If you prefer quiet, in-depth exploration or are more safety-conscious about overcrowding or water access, you might find this experience a bit too energetic or unpredictable. The weather dependency also means flexibility might be necessary, especially during rainy seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling at Sandy Cove Reef is included, the crew helps beginners ease into it. If you’re not comfortable in the water, you might still enjoy the boat ride and sightseeing, but snorkeling may be limited.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum drinking age is 18, and pregnant persons are not allowed on the catamaran. The tour is strictly for adults, ensuring a party-friendly atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Bring sunblock, a towel, shades, and some cash or credit card if you plan to buy drinks or souvenirs at Ricks Café or Margaritaville. No heels are allowed onboard, and dress appropriately for water activities.

Is food provided?
Light snacks such as banana chips and cheese balls are included when available, but no full meals or lunch are provided during the cruise.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather conditions, but if seas are too rough at Ricks Café, the schedule may be adjusted. You might do the full ocean sail and then be transferred via bus to Ricks Café for sunset viewing. Refunds are possible if the tour is canceled due to weather.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours’ notice means no refund. Be sure to confirm your booking early, especially during busy seasons.

Final thoughts

This Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling offers a lively, scenic, and social way to enjoy Negril’s coast. The combination of music, drinks, and iconic sights like Ricks Café makes it particularly appealing for travelers who love a vibrant atmosphere and fun group experiences. The inclusion of transfers and the opportunity to snorkel add good value, especially if you’re looking to tick multiple attractions off your list in one go.

While the experience can be affected by weather and overcrowding, many guests find it a highlight of their trip, thanks to friendly crew, stunning views, and the overall relaxed Caribbean vibe. If you’re after a fun-filled, social afternoon with a splash of adventure and spectacular sunsets, this cruise is worth considering.

Final recommendations

If you value entertainment, social energy, and scenic beauty, and are prepared for the unpredictability of weather or crowds, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suited for young adults, groups of friends, or couples who want a blend of snorkeling, dancing, and sunset viewing. Just remember to dress for water activities, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy every moment.

For those seeking a more relaxed, private experience or with mobility concerns, look into other options that might be less crowded or more flexible. But for pure Caribbean fun with a bit of a party, this cruise hits the right notes.