Ricks Cafe Cruise Snorkeling Open Bar DJ OCEAN EDEN BAY/CORAL

Thinking about taking a boat trip from Negril that combines snorkeling, lively onboard entertainment, and the sunset spectacle at Rick’s Cafe? This tour offers a taste of everything – cruising along the coast, checking out coral reefs, and enjoying a vibrant party atmosphere. While it’s billed as a fun-filled experience, it’s worth digging into the details before booking.

What we love about this experience is how it balances relaxing snorkeling with high-energy entertainment. The onboard open bar keeps the mood lively, and the scenic views of the Caribbean Sea are hard to beat. However, potential travelers should be aware that the snorkeling itself might be limited, and the crowd can be quite large. This tour is best suited for those eager for a mix of adventure and socializing, and not necessarily for anyone seeking a peaceful, undisturbed reef experience.

Overall, if you’re after a vibrant day on the water with the chance to see some marine life, enjoy a party atmosphere, and catch the famous Negril sunset, this cruise could be a great choice. Just keep expectations in check and be ready for a lively, social outing.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with snorkeling and a lively party at Rick’s Cafe
• Inclusion of hotel transfers adds convenience and value
• Limited snorkeling time may frustrate those seeking extensive underwater exploration
• Open bar and snacks onboard contribute to a carefree, party vibe
• Group size capped at 120 travelers helps maintain an energetic atmosphere but can feel crowded
• Weather-dependent cancellations ensure safety, but may affect plans
• Booking in advance is recommended, often 13 days ahead on average
• Suitable for most travelers, but not for pregnant guests or those expecting a quiet outing

The Experience in Detail

This cruise kicks off in the mid-afternoon, with pick-up included, making it a stress-free way to start your adventure on Negril’s waters. The journey lasts approximately four hours, which offers enough time to enjoy the key stops without feeling rushed. Most travelers will appreciate the hotel transfers, especially after a long day of sightseeing or beach lounging. This convenience is included in the $150 per person fee, making the tour easier to book and less stressful to organize.

The First Stop: Snorkeling at Rhodes Hall Reef

The tour begins with a one-hour snorkeling session at Rhodes Hall Reef. This coral reef is a highlight for many, offering a chance to see marine life and vibrant coral formations. The provided snorkeling gear means you don’t need to bring your own, and the reef’s calm waters make it accessible for most skill levels. However, some reviews point out that the snorkeling portion may be limited—just about 30 minutes of actual underwater time. This might be disappointing for avid snorkelers hoping for a more extensive reef experience.

One reviewer shared, “Overall enjoyed the trip but certainly not my favorite snorkeling experience. First, it was ONE 30-minute snorkel for a four-hour trip. And they forced us to wear life jackets, so not really a snorkel excursion in my book. More like a float on the surf.” This suggests that the snorkeling is more of a highlight than a full-blown exploration, but it still offers a chance to see fish and coral.

The Second Stop: Rick’s Cafe and the Party Atmosphere

Next, the tour shifts to the iconic Rick’s Cafe—a must-visit for any traveler wanting to experience Negril’s legendary sunset scene. You’ll arrive in time for beach time at Margaritaville, where the real party begins. The cafe is famous for its cliff jumpers, which add an adrenaline rush to the sunset views.

Many reviews rave about the lively vibe at Rick’s Cafe. “Feeding the fish bananas. Watching a pod of wild dolphins as well as seeing a sea turtle. Had a wonderful time,” one happy traveler reports. The opportunity to see wildlife like dolphins and turtles adds an unexpected layer of value, even if it’s not guaranteed. The bar here offers cold rum punch, Red Stripe Beer, and other drinks, which naturally keeps the good times flowing.

Be aware that the crowd can be large, especially during peak times, which creates a festive, energetic atmosphere but can also mean less space to relax. Some travelers find this part of the cruise a highlight, while others may feel overwhelmed by the noise and activity.

Snorkeling at Sandy Cove Reef

Following Rick’s Cafe, the tour includes a second snorkeling stop at Sandy Cove Reef. This spot promises more marine life and a different underwater scenery, but again, the time allocated for snorkeling is limited. The focus here is more on the experience of being on the water and enjoying the lively onboard environment.

The Sunset and Return

As the cruise winds down, the vessel departs just as the sun begins to set. The views of the Caribbean sunset are widely praised—an unforgettable sight that makes the whole day worthwhile. The trip concludes with a ride back to your hotel, completing a full, adventurous afternoon.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a picture of mixed experiences. A standout positive comment highlights the crew’s friendliness and the overall fun atmosphere: “The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Will recommend this excursion to anyone. 5 stars.” Many enjoy the social aspect, the stunning views, and the value for money.

However, not all reviews sing praises. One reviewer expressed disappointment, noting, “Thunderstorms, snorkeling was not good. A lot of money for nothing really. Was looking forward to seeing a good snorkeling area and we couldn’t go there.” Weather is a factor that can impact the experience, so travelers should be flexible and prepared for possible cancellations or shorter snorkeling.

Another traveler felt the snorkeling was somewhat superficial, stating, “It was ONE 30-minute snorkel and they forced us to wear life jackets, so not really a snorkel trip in my book.” This points to the importance of managing expectations—this cruise is more about the overall lively experience than a full-day adventure with extensive underwater exploration.

Analyzing the Value

At $150 per person, the tour offers good value considering the hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, snacks, and unlimited drinks. It’s a full four-hour experience that combines activity, scenery, and social fun. For those seeking an adventurous, social outing with a Caribbean sunset, this cruise hits the mark.

However, if your priority is extensive snorkeling or a quiet day on the water, you might find this tour somewhat lacking. It’s more about the vibe—the party atmosphere, the wildlife sightings, and the stunning views—than a diving-focused adventure.

Practical Tips for Future Participants

• Book well in advance, especially if you want to secure a spot, as most travelers do about 13 days ahead.
• Don’t expect hours of snorkeling; plan for a quick underwater peek and lots of socializing.
• Wear comfortable beachwear and avoid high heels—you’re moving between boat, beach, and possibly uneven surfaces.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to stay protected during the sun-soaked parts of the trip.
• Be prepared for a lively crowd; if you prefer smaller groups, this might feel a bit hectic.
• Arrive on time—showing up at 2:30 pm ensures you won’t miss the start.
• Remember that weather can impact the trip, so have flexible plans in case of cancellations or rescheduling.
• Tips are not included, so consider tipping the crew for their friendly service.

The Sum Up

This Rick’s Cafe cruise offers a lively blend of snorkeling, scenic views, and the party atmosphere that Negril is famous for. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine a bit of underwater adventure with the excitement of a Caribbean sunset, all with unlimited drinks onboard and a vibrant social scene.

The experience shines brightest when the weather cooperates and the group is ready to enjoy the energetic vibe. It’s especially well-suited for those looking for a fun, social day out rather than a dedicated snorkeling expedition or a peaceful, quiet boat tour.

For travelers eager to see some marine life, watch a famous sunset, and enjoy a lively party at Rick’s Cafe, this cruise delivers good value and memorable moments. Just keep your expectations aligned with the realities of a party-focused, short snorkeling stop, and you’re likely to end your day with a big smile.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately four hours, including stops for snorkeling and beach time at Rick’s Cafe.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most Negril hotels and resorts offer included pickup, making it easy to join the tour without extra hassle.

What does the snorkeling involve?
You’ll stop at Rhodes Hall Reef and Sandy Cove Reef for about 30 minutes each, with snorkeling gear provided. However, some reviews note that the snorkeling time is limited.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the onboard open bar features Red Stripe Beer, Rum Punch, Appleton Rum, and other spirits, plus sodas and juices—all unlimited during the trip.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, pregnant persons are not allowed onboard, likely due to safety concerns with the boat and alcohol.

What should I wear?
Beachwear is recommended—no high heels—and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While most travelers find it enjoyable, the lively atmosphere might be better suited for adults or older children, as the cruise is adult-only or family-friendly depending on options.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of poor weather, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to weather.

How many people can join?
The maximum group size is 120 travelers, which helps keep the energy lively but can feel crowded during peak times.

This cruise offers a lively, scenic, and social way to enjoy Negril’s coast, combining the best of Caribbean views, a fun onboard atmosphere, and a famous cliff-side sunset. If you’re after a memorable day with a bit of everything and don’t mind the crowds or limited snorkeling, it’s a trip worth considering.