Great Sound water looks unreal from a catamaran. A half-day on the Rising Son II turns Bermuda’s coastline into a moving postcard, with an easy sail, a calm swimming cove, and your pick of snorkeling or paddling.

I especially like two things: the crew’s hands-on swim guidance and the laid-back way you get to spend your time once you’re anchored. On past outings, people have highlighted Capt. Sam and the crew’s energy (names like Steve, Wesley, Jermaine, Abby, Matty, and Zeeks show up again and again), plus the fun add-on of music and a post-swim rum swizzle.

The only real catch is practical: you need moderate fitness and comfort climbing on and off the boat using steps and the swim ladder. Also, depending on where you anchor, the snorkel experience can be amazing—or a bit more quiet for fish than you hoped.

Key highlights to know before you go

• A real pick-your-own-water adventure: snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, all included
• Great Sound cruising first: about an hour of sailing before you even hit the cove
• Short, clear safety + snorkel instruction before you go in
• On-board lounging is easy: sun deck, shaded areas, and space on the netting/trampolines
• Rum swizzle after the swim plus the option to buy more drinks on the way back

Why this Bermuda catamaran day feels like your kind of trip

Bermuda has plenty of boat tours, but this one has a simple vibe: sail out, swim and snorkel, then choose your own tempo. The Great Sound boat time is the backbone of the trip, and that matters because you’re not rushing from one stop to the next.

You’re also not forced into just one activity. When you reach the anchored swimming spot, you can snorkel over the reef, or switch gears and paddle around the bay on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. That “switch when you feel like it” style keeps the day from feeling like a checklist.

The crew adds the human touch. Even when the schedule stays relaxed, they focus on safety and comfort right away—people specifically call out how the staff makes first-timers feel at ease.

Getting to King’s Wharf and boarding Rising Son II

This outing starts at the Dockyard Watersports Centre area, at Island Tour Centre (4 North Arm Drive, Sandys MA 01, Bermuda). The trip ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not figuring out transportation after you’re wet, sun-touched, and happily tired.

Your ticket is mobile, so plan on having it ready on your phone when you arrive. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability), which is useful if your Bermuda schedule is moving around.

The boat carries up to 75 travelers, which is large enough to feel lively but small enough that you generally aren’t stuck elbow-to-elbow the whole time. Reviews often mention the boat feeling comfortable and not overpacked, which lines up with the overall “relaxed cruise” approach.

That hour of sailing: where the catamaran shines

After boarding the Rising Son II, you head out for about an hour of sailing into the Great Sound. This is the part I think a lot of people underestimate. It’s not just “getting to the good part.” It’s the scenery at a moving speed—coastline views, open water, and that slow, calming catamaran rhythm.

Onboard setup helps. You can lounge on the sundeck, duck into the cabin if you want shade or a quick photo break, or hang out in the space between the hulls on the netting/trampolines. If you like water views, you’ll spend a lot of this hour looking up and around, not at a tour guide talking.

There’s also onboard music. Past groups mention it as fun without being so loud that you dread it. That balance matters on a sailing day—music should set the mood, not drive it.

The swim stop: snorkel time above a reef (and more options than you expect)

When the catamaran reaches the secluded swimming spot, the crew anchors and runs a quick safety demonstration plus a snorkeling lesson. The key point here: you get guidance before you’re expected to go in, so you’re not guessing with the gear.

Then it’s snorkel time. You’re provided with snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins), and you float above the reef to look for marine life and living coral. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, the lesson helps you get oriented fast—how to move with fins, what to look for, and how to manage time underwater.

A realistic note: several past guests point out that fish variety can vary by cove and conditions. That doesn’t mean you’ll see nothing—it just means your best chance at “wow, this is stuffed with fish” depends on where they anchor that day.

Here’s a detail worth planning around: you’ll be using steps and a swim ladder to get in and out. If you’re not comfortable with that, bring a calm mindset and go slow. This tour works best when you’re physically okay with a little climbing and getting your confidence back quickly once you’re in.

Your 1.5 hours at the cove: kayak or paddleboard on your schedule

After snorkeling, you get about 1.5 hours of free time at the swimming area. This is where the experience stops feeling like a traditional “tour” and starts feeling like time you actually control.

You can swap from snorkel gear to:

• a kayak
• a stand-up paddleboard

You can paddle around the bay area and, depending on conditions and what’s available, out toward a nearby sandbar or beach.

Two practical thoughts from the experience style and how groups describe it:

1. There may be limited numbers of watercraft at any one time. Some groups have said they had to wait their turn, especially on boats with fewer boards/kayaks available.
2. To make the most of your time, go early in your free window rather than “thinking about it later.” The cove clock moves fast.

If you prefer being in the water but not necessarily fully active, this is also a good window to mix in lounging—climb up, cool down, then re-enter. Many catamaran days feel like nonstop movement; this one has a natural rhythm that fits people who like breaks.

Some guests also mention fun extra activities at certain stops, like cliff-style jumping from a higher spot or boat roof. That’s not the core promise of every trip, but it does suggest the crew sometimes lets the cove get a little more adventurous when conditions allow.

Rum swizzle, music, and the return sailing back to Bermuda

Once you’re back aboard, the cruise heads back toward the island. On the way, you get a complimentary rum swizzle after the swim time is done—an easy, friendly reward that also signals the day’s main swim block has wrapped up.

You can also purchase additional drinks from the bar on the return. There’s an important rule here: minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times, and the alcohol limit is 18+. If you’re traveling with teens, that’s a good thing to mention upfront so expectations are clear.

Music continues in the background, and the vibe tends to be playful. People frequently describe the crew as entertaining and very involved without turning the day into a loud show. Think: a fun atmosphere that still lets you enjoy the water and photos.

Price and value: is $111.12 a good deal?

At about $111.12 per person, you’re paying for a half-day catamaran sail plus a whole set of “water access” perks. The price makes more sense when you look at what’s included:

• snorkel equipment
• kayak and paddleboard equipment
• complimentary soft drinks
• a complimentary rum swizzle after the swim

Food is not included, and there’s no towel provided. That’s typical for this style of tour, but it’s worth planning around so you don’t end up buying extra things you could have brought.

In real value terms, the best part is the included variety. If you snorkel and then paddle, you’re getting more than one activity out of the same fare. If you only snorkel, you still get a proper sailing outing with a guided swim setup, not just a quick boat drop-off.

So yes, I think it’s good value for people who want Bermuda’s water time without paying for separate kayak rentals or snorkel gear upgrades.

Who should book this (and who might be happier elsewhere)

This tour is a great match for:

• couples and families who want a mix of relaxation and water activities
• travelers who like having options instead of a strict itinerary
• strong swimmers who enjoy snorkeling and are curious about paddling in calm bays

It can be a tougher match if:

• you don’t feel steady climbing steps and using a swim ladder
• you want a beach-style day with dry time and no gear
• you’re hoping for a guaranteed “fish buffet” every time—cove and conditions can change what you see

Weather matters too. The experience runs only with good conditions and can switch dates if it can’t operate. That’s normal for the sea, and it’s a good reason to avoid booking this as your only option on a tight, inflexible schedule.

What to pack so the day stays easy

Because there’s no towel and food isn’t included, pack like you’re planning a swim-and-sail day:

• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a swimsuit you can easily get on and off
• a small bag you can keep dry or a way to store your phone
• water shoes or footwear with traction (helpful around boarding areas)
• snacks or lunch if you’ll be hungry after the cruise

If alcohol is part of your plan, remember the drink-free option is still built in. Soft drinks are included, and you’ll still get the swizzle that’s part of the experience.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids or teens: confirm everyone’s comfort with water access. The physical fitness notes are there for a reason.

Should you book this Rising Son catamaran adventure?

If you want a true half-day on Bermuda water that mixes snorkeling + paddling + lounging, this is an easy yes. The free snorkel setup and the chance to switch activities at the anchored cove make it feel flexible and fun, not rigid.

I’d book it when:

• your group has mixed interests (snorkelers and paddlers together)
• you value crew energy and a guided, safety-first water entry
• you’re okay with stairs, a swim ladder, and getting your day wet

I’d skip or choose a different type of tour if water access is a problem for your group. For everyone else, it’s a strong way to experience Bermuda without burning the whole day on logistics.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes use of snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard equipment, plus complimentary soft drinks and a rum swizzle after the swim.

Do I need to bring snorkel gear or a towel?

Snorkel equipment is provided. Towel and food are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own towel and plan for meals.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

Where do I meet, and does the tour end there too?

You meet at Island Tour Centre, Dockyard Watersports Centre (4 North Arm Drive, Sandys MA 01, Bermuda). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

A complimentary rum swizzle is included. The minimum age to consume alcohol is 18.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the activity level like?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level and be able to walk on and off the boat via steps, and up and down a swim ladder for water access.

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