Montego Bay by catamaran: how to choose your trip
5 min read
Short answer: in Montego Bay we offer six catamaran trips, and the choice comes down to three questions: do you want the boat to yourselves (private, priced per boat, for up to 50 or 60 guests) or a shared seat (priced per person)? Morning, afternoon or sunset? And is it a family day or an adults-only one? This guide compares them side by side, explains the marine park where most of them snorkel and lists what is and is not included.
Quick answers
- Private trips: champagne sunset (about 2 hours, up to 50 guests), morning (about 3 hours, up to 60) and afternoon (about 3 hours, up to 60).
- Shared trips: snorkelling with live music (about 3 hours), adults-only party (about 3 hours, 18+) and sunset cruise (about 2 hours).
- Included on all: an open Jamaican bar (Red Stripe on tap, rum punch and more), water and soft drinks; snorkelling equipment on the snorkel trips.
- Not included: gratuities.
- Pickup: optional on two shared trips and required on the shared sunset cruise.
The marine park
The Montego Bay Marine Park was created in 1992 by a ministerial order under Jamaica’s natural resources law (the Natural Resources (Montego Bay Marine Park) Order, 1992), and it is described as the country’s first marine park. It is managed by the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust. Our listings say the snorkelling stops are inside the park, and several describe snorkelling “at the Montego Bay Marine Park” with a stairway or crew to help you into the water. The copies of the order we found are scanned and we could not read the park’s rules, so we do not list them here: follow your crew’s instructions and ask before you step in the water.
Six trips, compared
| Trip | Format | Time | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private champagne sunset catamaran | Private (up to 50) | About 2 hours | A sunset for your group, with champagne mimosas and a custom playlist |
| Private morning catamaran | Private (up to 60) | About 3 hours | Families and groups; snorkelling at the marine park, front nets and a guide |
| Private afternoon catamaran | Private (up to 60) | About 3 hours | Reggae and soca on board, snorkelling with a forward stairway for easy entry |
| Catamaran with snorkelling and live music | Shared | About 3 hours | Couples, families and friends who want to book per person; crew look after beginners |
| Adults-only catamaran party | Shared, 18+ | About 3 hours | Couples and friends; reggae DJ, open bar and snacks |
| Sunset catamaran cruise | Shared | About 2 hours | A sunset with live music; pickup is required |
How to choose
- Booking per person or per boat: private trips are priced per boat; shared trips per person. Compare the listings with your group size: a private boat can be better value for a large group.
- Morning or afternoon for snorkelling: both include snorkelling equipment; the morning suits families, the afternoon adds the music and the party mood.
- Sunset: choose the private champagne trip for a group, or the shared sunset cruise if you are two or three.
- Adults only: the shared party trip is 18+; the private ones are for your own group.
What is included
Across the six listings you will find an open Jamaican bar (Red Stripe beer on tap, Appleton rum, vodka, rum punch and fruit punch), bottled water, sodas and juices, light bites, music and, on the snorkel trips, equipment and a guide. The champagne trip adds a glass of champagne or mimosa. Gratuities are not included. The shared snorkel trip lists a foot massage for the ladies on board, which says something about the mood of the day.
Conditions to check before booking
- Cancellation differs by trip: the shared catamaran with snorkelling and live music is non-refundable according to its listing. Read the conditions of the trip you choose.
- Pickup: optional on the shared snorkel and party trips, required on the shared sunset cruise; the private trips have no pickup.
- Health and accessibility: the listings say the trips are not wheelchair or stroller accessible and are not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back problems.
For the rest of your stay, read the Montego Bay guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which trips are for adults only?
The adults-only catamaran party (18+).
Do I need to know how to snorkel?
No. The listings mention a crew who look after beginners and, on one trip, a stairway to enter the water.
Is the snorkelling inside the marine park?
Several listings say so. We did not read the park’s rules; follow the crew’s instructions.
Are drinks included?
Yes: an open Jamaican bar on all six trips, according to the listings.
Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included.
Can I cancel?
It depends on the trip; the shared snorkel trip is non-refundable. Check each listing.
Which is best for a group of 20?
A private catamaran: it is priced per boat and holds up to 50 or 60 guests.
Sources
- Jamaica · The Natural Resources (Montego Bay Marine Park) Order, 1992 (FAOLEX; scanned copy, not machine-readable).
- Jamaica Tourist Board · Montego Bay Marine Park, 25th anniversary (not machine-readable).
- Our trip descriptions: private morning catamaran, shared catamaran with snorkelling, sunset catamaran cruise.
Last checked: 27 October 2026.
