Luxury by Sea: Inside the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour

If you’re dreaming of a single, unforgettable day that captures the best of Antigua by water, the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour delivers. This full-day loop around the island blends iconic coastal scenery, guided snorkeling, a beach break on uninhabited Green Island, a delicious BBQ lunch, and an open bar—all aboard a fast, first-class power catamaran. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour includes, what you’ll see, how long it takes, and the simplest way to arrange it through Cocobay’s concierge.

Why Choose the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour

The Excellence experience is purpose-built for travelers who want to do it all—without juggling complex logistics. Operated by Tropical Adventures Antigua, the tour circles the entire coastline of Antigua in approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours on an 80ft power catamaran designed for comfort, speed, and stability. Expect a day that’s equal parts adventure and indulgence, with curated stops and onboard service that let you relax into the rhythm of the sea.

At a glance

Recommended by 98% of travelers, the circumnavigation offers a complete “greatest hits” of Antigua—from natural stone arches to storied bays—seen as explorers and sailors see them: from the sea.

What’s Included (And What That Means For Your Day)

A hallmark of the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour is how much is bundled in, so you can simply step aboard and enjoy.

• Open bar: Soft drinks and water throughout; alcoholic beverages are served after snorkeling. After all activities are completed, enjoy rum punch on the ride back.
• BBQ lunch: A satisfying onboard meal with chicken and fish options.
• Guided snorkeling: Gear and guidance to explore Antigua’s clear, fish-filled waters.
• Beach break: Time to unwind at Green Island, an uninhabited gem in Antigua’s North Sound.
• Snacks, bottled water, and soda/pop: Stay refreshed without lifting a finger.
• Onboard restroom: Added comfort during a full day on the water.

These inclusions eliminate guesswork and extra planning, ensuring you maximize time in the water and on deck.

The Route: Antigua’s Icons By Water

While conditions can shape the exact flow of the day, the circumnavigation consistently showcases standout coastal landmarks and serene anchorages:

Pillars of Hercules

Towering, fluted rock formations sculpted by sea and wind—an unmistakable natural landmark best appreciated from the water.

Jumby Bay and Bird Island

Glide past the storied Jumby Bay area and the low-lying Bird Island. These North Sound highlights frame calm, clear waters and abundant marine life.

Devil’s Bridge

A dramatic natural arch on Antigua’s rugged Atlantic side, where the ocean’s power is on full display from a safe offshore vantage.

Green Island Beach Break

An uninhabited island escape ideal for sun, sand, and a refreshing swim. This is where the day exudes pure leisure—before or after your guided snorkel stop.

By circling the entire island, you’ll experience both the Caribbean Sea’s tranquil turquoise and the Atlantic’s wilder edge—two faces of the same paradise.

How Long Is the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour?

• The total tour time typically runs approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
• Travel time between stops is pleasantly punctuated by onboard service, music, and the open bar (alcohol served after snorkeling).
• The tour’s pacing balances sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach time—without feeling rushed.

Comfort, Capacity, and Accessibility

• The 80ft power catamaran offers a stable, comfortable ride with plenty of space to relax.
• There’s a restroom onboard, an important convenience for a full day at sea.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• To preserve a personalized feel and smooth operations, the activity has a maximum of 31 travelers.

Where You Join the Tour

You’ll board at Deep Water Harbour or Jolly Harbour Marina, or at the dock or beach of a listed hotel or meeting point. It’s recommended you reconfirm your pickup time and location at least 24 hours prior for a seamless start.

Food & Drink Highlights

• BBQ lunch with chicken and fish options served onboard.
• Open bar with soft drinks available throughout; alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling, aligning with best-practice safety on the water.
• Rum punch is served after all activities are completed for a celebratory cruise back.

Safety and Snorkeling Best Practices

Excellence’s approach—no alcohol before in-water activities and guided snorkeling—is designed for a safe, relaxed experience. As a guest, you can enhance comfort and safety with a few simple choices:

• Hydrate regularly with water and soft drinks before snorkeling.
• Follow your guides’ instructions and stay within marked areas.
• Use a comfortable, well-fitted mask and snorkel when provided.

Quick Answers (Optimized for Featured Snippets)

What is the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour?

A full-day power catamaran cruise that circles the entire island of Antigua, featuring an open bar, BBQ lunch, guided snorkeling, and a beach break at Green Island, with sights like the Pillars of Hercules and Devil’s Bridge.

How long does it last?

Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours.

What’s included?

Open bar (alcohol after snorkeling), BBQ lunch (chicken and fish options), snacks, bottled water, soda/pop, guided snorkeling, a beach break, and an onboard restroom.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

How do I book?

Kindly have the Cocobay Concierge arrange the excursion and reconfirm your pickup time and location at least 24 hours before departure.

Practical Tips to Elevate Your Day

• Reconfirm 24 hours prior: Touch base to confirm your pickup details and meeting point.
• Pack smart: Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, a light cover-up, and a quick-dry towel go a long way.
• Hydrate early: Sip water or soda before snorkeling; enjoy the bar’s alcoholic options after you’re done in the water.
• Camera readiness: Bring a waterproof case for your phone or a compact action camera to capture the Pillars of Hercules and Devil’s Bridge.
• Footwear: Easy on/off sandals are helpful for beach stops.

Related Sea Adventures You Might Love

• For a relaxed sailing vibe: Wadadli Cats Antigua: Catamaran Tours
• For a reef-and-lobster day: Creole Antigua: Lobster Lunch Cruise
• For an educational nature focus: Adventure Antigua: Eco Tour

Bonus: Barbuda by Sea with Excellence (Seasonal)

Excellence also runs a day trip to Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, typically offered seasonally (May to October) and intended for hotel guests (not cruise ship passengers). Travel time is about 90 minutes each way, with highlights that include the world’s largest Frigate bird colony at Codrington Lagoon, two beach breaks on the 17-mile beach, lunch, and an open bar. If you’re visiting in season and want a wilder, more remote island feel, ask the concierge about current availability.

How to Book the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour

• Speak with the Cocobay Concierge: They’ll coordinate dates, pickup points, and reconfirmation for a smooth experience.
• Plan ahead: Popular dates fill quickly. Reserve early, then reconfirm 24 hours prior.
• Explore official details: For more about the tour and images, visit the Excellence page: Excellence Tours Antigua – Circumnavigation

Conclusion

The Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour is a one-day masterclass in Antigua by sea: circling the island, snorkeling clear waters, relaxing on Green Island, and savoring a BBQ lunch with an open bar—on a comfortable 80ft power catamaran. With iconic sights like the Pillars of Hercules and Devil’s Bridge on the route, it’s a luxury-forward adventure that feels effortless from start to finish.

Ready to set sail? Contact the Cocobay Concierge to reserve your spot on the Excellence Catamaran Circumnavigation Tour, reconfirm your pickup 24 hours in advance, and prepare for an extraordinary day on the water.