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Bermuda Boat Charters: The Top Choices
Private boat charters in Bermuda is not exactly cheap. But if you want an exclusive experience of exploring offshore reef or wreck areas and small islands with pristine beaches, get amazing glass bottom views of corals and marine life, sunset views, BBQ on board, cocktail party etc, chartering a boat is the way to go.
Photo: Tam Marina, Bermuda
You can even combine activities like swimming, snorkeling or kayaking with a private boat trip. If you are planning to be in Bermuda in a private group of 20 or so, a boat charter may turn out to be an easily affordable option. There are small self driven motorboats too that are ideal for 2 to 6 persons (depending on size) and can easily reach out to secluded coves along the coastline.
There are more than 20 power cruisers and sailing boats in Bermuda which are available for charters and piloted by experienced local captains. Most of these boats are 30 to 60-ft in length and can carry up to 30 to 100 persons. However there are few boats that have much larger capacity of about 200 or more. These are usually chartered for corporate excursion or private functions like wedding parties.
NOTE: Some of these boats are offered by multiple operators which means that ownership of a boat may lie with someone else... several operators act only as booking agents. Also keep in mind that most of these motorized cruisers are regularly scheduled for group tours during high season (May to October). So for chartering a boat in high season, it’s advisable to book well in advance.
In a charter cruise, where you go and what you do is usually up to you and the captain of the boat. Usually the captains prefer travelling to and around the small islands of the
Great Sound water area. This is a relatively calm and protected water area.
Several captains advertise year-round operations, but the off-season schedules can be quite irregular. Captains usually use this off-season period for maintenance and repairs. Sometimes they close the operation altogether if bookings are low.
Here are the top boat charters in Bermuda:
Bare Foot Charter Boat
The very personable captain and her adorable "first mate" make this private charter tour one of the best in Bermuda. They chart out a perfect itinerary as per your interests and take you to some of the best spots you could ask for.
You can visit countless beautiful coves, interesting shipwrecks, deserted vacation bungalows with a great history, some of the best spots for swimming, snorkeling and viewing sea turtles and feeding fish.
Photo: Bare Foot Charter Boat, Bermuda
The knowledge about the island that the tour operator shares is unbounded and deeply interesting.
They typically collect guests from convenient public docks like Hamilton waterfront, Royal Naval Dockyard and other agreed public docks around the island.
Phone: +1 (441) 533-8333.
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Fantasea
They have several boats that can be availed for private charter (most require to be rented for minimum of 2 hours).
The range of boats include small self-driven Boston Whaler (with a capacity of only 3 persons, self driven Pontoon boat with capacity of 10 persons, to large crewed motor cruisers and catamarans that are ideal for sightseeing in groups or even taking part in water sports like swimming, snorkeling etc, or anchoring at a lovely offshore island beach to relax and enjoy. Fantasea operates from the dockyard.
Rising Son Cruises
They have two lovely catamarans - Rising Son-II with a capacity of 80 persons and Filante with a capacity of 60. Both have modern amenities including free Wi-fi and great sound system. The catamarans are ideal for sunset cocktail sailing or anchoring them at a small bay to swim and snorkel at a nearby beach.
Website: www.risingsoncruises.com
Photo: Rising Son Cruises
Sail Bermuda
Captain Zuill operates "Shekynah", a 51ft Morgan charter sail boat since 1997. The boat is large enough to accommodate 25 passengers and can take you to some great places where some of the other boats will struggle. They have also acquired Wyuna, a 47ft catamaran which was originally built in 2005.
Website: sailbermuda.com
Photo: Sail Bermuda
Traveler Charters
This luxury boat charter offers a rather unique experience of sailing on Bermuda waters on a luxury motor yacht, having some fun and adventure activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, etc, and dining on the boat which is complete with an open kitchen and a wonderful chef and crew to keep you company.
There is a wide range of pre-set menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which you can choose from or you can customize the menu exactly the way you want. And there are of course fine wine and cocktails to further augment the sailing experience.
Ana Luna Adventures
They have a beautiful and fully furnished 45' catamaran which operates from Grotto Bay Beach at the eastern end of the island (in Hamilton Parish). They can also deliver the boat at other dock locations at an extra charge. The boat is available for two types of private cruises:
Photo: Ana Luna Adventures, Bermuda
Intimate Cruise with up to 6 persons. You can charter the boat for 2 hours or more. The cruise includes the yacht, captain, crew, snorkel gears, fresh water and hibiscus tea, light snack. Other options by arrangement can include scuba diving, massage, meals etc.
Party Cruise with up to 40 persons. You can charter the boat for 2 hours or more. The cruise includes the yacht, captain, crew, snorkel gears, fresh water and hibiscus tea, light snack. Other options by arrangement can include massage, meals etc.
Website: analunaadventures.com
Tam Marina Charter Boats
Here again you have option of chartering a large or a smaller boat. Tam Marina, by the way, also organizes great cocktail cruises in private charter boats. So if you are keen to watch the sunset on Atlantic while sipping your favorite drink, Tam Marina can be a great option.
Website: ladyboats.com
Lady Charlotte in Hamilton Harbor
Photo: Tam Marina
Moby Dick Charters
If you are planning a sunset or sightseeing cruise in St. Georges, then this can be a great option. Captain Peter Rodday (known as Pete) will be happy to show you the wonderful secluded islands of the eastern water, historic forts, traditional Bermuda cottages on the shoreline, a shipwreck (Typhoon) and more. You might be able to even spot a green turtle or a long tail bird along the way.
Moby Dick Charters
This is a 40-ft boat made in St. George's in 1960s with its hull made of Bermuda Cedar. It can accommodate up to 16 persons. He also offers private whale watching tours (in season). You can charter the boat for half day or full day and even customize your tour. $700 for a half day (4 hours) and $1400 for a full day charter (8 hours). You can bring your own food and beverages.
Bermuda Yachts
They offer a luxurious 77 foot catamaran 'ZARA' for private group charters. It is the largest catamaran available in Bermuda. There is ample inside and outdoor seating and the top deck offers a panoramic view which makes the boat very special. The boat comes with captain, crew, fuel, snorkel gear, water toys and flotation devices. There is also a full bar available (drinks are chargeable).
Zara (Catamaran)
Photo: Bermuda Yachts
You can charter the boat for a small group for intimate sailing or a large group party. Some of the popular cruises include the Sailing and Swim Cruise, Sunset Sail and Sit Down Dinner Cruise.
The company also offers a 42-foot fast RIB boat ZEUS that can accommodate up to 27 persons. This boat is ideal to go out to secluded offshore water areas for a swim and snorkel. There is a toilet onboard. They provide snorkeling gear and flotation devices.
Zeus RIB Boat
Photo: Bermuda Yachts
There is also onboard stereo with bluetooth. You can bring your own drinks and they'll provide cooler and ice, or they can arrange drinks at an extra cost.
Website: bermuda-yachts.com
Captain Kirk's Fleet
The operator has several boats of various sizes and types including a large catamaran, glass bottom motor cruisers of various capacity and even a small fast rib boat.
The range of boats in the fleet caters to private groups of various sizes (20 to 250), and depending on the boat you charter, you can use it for sunset sailing, sightseeing along the coastline, swimming and snorkeling at a wreck or reef site, holding large private function etc.
Coral Sea Boat
Photo: Captain Kirk's Coral Adventures
While most of these boats are used for regular group tours during the summer season, you can also book and charter a boat in advance.
Website: kirksadventures.com
Looking Glass
This is an elegantly designed 55-foot motor yacht. The boat has a capacity of 75 persons. The boat’s specious decks and unique glass bottom design allows it to host safari style trips to the coral reefs and also provide elegant solution for cocktail and dinner parties on the water.
You can enjoy cocktails at sunset, as you cruise the inner islands of the Great Sound. Later you can have a great meal on the spacious upper deck while anchored in a calm wonderful lake. After desserts are served it cruises out to the sea gardens where you view the underwater world at night through the glass bottom hull. Finally on your return, sit back and enjoy the romantic cruise back.
Some of the key features of this charter boat includes a large fly bridge with elevated open air seating, large salon with ample shaded seating on lower deck, glass bottom for great underwater viewing, full service bar and catering on extra charges, large swim platform with easy access ladders, snorkel equipment, two bathrooms. They can also arrange water sports on request.
Contact: Island Tour Center
True Charters
This is a relatively new company offering charter sail on their Lagoon 400 Catamaran known as Azalea. Beautiful from outside as well as inside, Azalea has enough space both on the deck and below the deck and can accommodate up to 25 persons.
Operated by Nicole and Josh, all their charter sailing include two Crystal Clear Kayaks (bottom transparent), Standup Paddle Boards, snorkel gear, and tubes/noodles for swimming.
Catamaran of True Bermuda
Photo: True Charters
The Private Sailing Charters for groups are customized as per requirement. They can take you to lovely shipwreck area, or reef area where you can snorkel/swim and watch wonderful marine life, sail around the Great Sound, do some cliff jumping at Admiralty House Park etc.
True Bermuda Charters operate all year. The pick up point is flexible and can be mutually agreed upon (it could be Hamilton, dockyard or St. George). A very hospitable crew and accommodating to your needs, they also welcome you on board with a welcome drink and snacks.
They also offer Liveaboard Charter with adventure and entertainment (for up to 6 persons).
Website: www.thetruehospitalitygroup.com
Bermudaful Charters
Derek Simons is the captain and owner of Bermuda's one of the newest private charter boat business. He has years of experience on Bermuda's waters and vast local knowledge.
The boat Island Vibez is a 2020 model Beachcat pontoon boat and can accommodate up to 12 persons. There is an onboard small bathroom, music system with bluetooth, and a comfortable ladder for entry/exit to water. The boat has dual Bimini shades which can cover the full boat if you so want.
Photo: Bermudaful Charters
You can bring in whatever snacks or drinks you want to have or you can ask them to pick it up for you. They are located at Royal Naval Dockyard (on Freeport Drive). You can choose from a selection of pick up and drop off points as per your convenience.
Website: bermudafulcharters.com
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
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Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Jim and Lori Sylvia (May 2014) - Overnight Crewed Charter Boat
Hi, My wife and I arrive Bermuda on June 19th depart June 22nd. Looking for 1 to potentially 2 days on a charter with an experienced captain. Power or sail ok. want to snorkel, swim and relax with good food and drink. Any recommendations? Thanks very much.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) May 2014
Hi, You can consider Venetian (Email: [email protected]). They have a 100-ft luxury motor boat and offer customized and overnight charter cruises. You can take it to secluded bays or water areas, swim, snorkel etc. It has four luxury cabins, fly bridge, marble top bar, deck area with lounge chairs to relax, swimming platform at the stern (they offer snorkel gears), exclusive dining room, etc.
They have extensive food menu and good selection of wine and cocktails. Although the boat can accommodate more than 25 persons, they also have packages and rates for a couple. It's operated by experienced captain and crew.
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