Rising Son Catamaran Adventure in Bermuda

Bermuda’s Great Sound is the star here. You spend about three hours aboard Rising Son II, sailing from King’s Wharf to a quiet swimming spot where you can snorkel above a reef, paddle a kayak or stand-up board, or simply float with a rum swizzle afterward. It is an easygoing boat outing with enough choice to suit both active swimmers and passengers who would rather stretch out in the sun.

I like the friendly crew and the flexible use of the water stop. Captains and crew members such as Sam, Steve, Jermaine, Wesley, Abby, Matty, and Zeeks have been singled out for good humor, island stories, safety help, and personal attention. I also like the boat itself, with open deck space, shaded seating, a cabin, and trampolines between the hulls.

The main consideration is equipment and reef quality. There may be only one kayak and one paddleboard for a fairly large group, so you could wait your turn. Fish sightings can also be modest, and the snorkeling stop depends on weather, water conditions, and jellyfish.

Key points to know before you book

• Sailing time matters: The trip begins with a scenic ride across the Great Sound, often lasting about an hour, though the exact route can vary.
• You choose your water activity: Snorkel, swim, paddle, or stay aboard during roughly 1.5 hours at the swimming spot.
• The crew sets the tone: Names connected with the boat include Captain Sam, Steve, Jermaine, Wesley, Abby, Matty, and Zeeks.
• The rum swizzle comes after swimming: Soft drinks are complimentary, and a rum swizzle is included after the water stop. Alcohol is for those 18 and older.
• Bring your own towel: Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are supplied, but food and towels are not.
• This is an active boat trip: You need to manage steps on and off the catamaran and use a swim ladder to reach the water.

Setting sail from King’s Wharf

You meet at the Island Tour Centre, Dockyard Watersports Centre, at 4 North Arm Drive in Sandys. This is convenient if you are already at King’s Wharf, especially on a cruise stop in Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard area. The trip returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the water.

Rising Son II is a catamaran, which gives you several ways to spend the first part of the trip. You can sit in the cockpit for shade, find a place on the upper deck, stretch out on the trampolines between the hulls, or retreat into the cabin. That choice matters in Bermuda’s strong sun. I would claim a comfortable spot early, then move around as the boat gets underway.

The opening sail is not just transportation to the snorkel site. It gives you a broad look at Bermuda’s coastline and the Great Sound, with time to settle into the relaxed pace. The crew also shares island information and boating details, and names such as Captain Sam and Jermaine have been associated with especially engaging trips.

The listed sailing time is about an hour, but the exact length can change. One departure reached its water stop in about 20 minutes, while the usual outline allows closer to an hour. Wind, route, and the chosen anchorage all affect the timing. If your main goal is snorkeling, remember that this is a sail-and-swim outing, not a nonstop reef trip.

Choosing your place on the catamaran

The boat is designed for social time, but it is not simply a party cruise. Music plays during the ride, though it has generally been kept at a level that allows conversation. The crew often adds humor and stories, giving the trip a warm, informal feel without making every minute a programmed activity.

You will find sunny and shaded areas, which makes a real difference for families and mixed groups. One person can read or take photos from the cabin while another swims. Someone who wants a more active morning can head for the netting, while a less confident swimmer can remain aboard and watch the action.

The maximum capacity is 75 people. That is a reasonable size for a catamaran, but it is still large enough for popular departures to feel busy around the water equipment. Some outings have had around 40 people, with only one kayak and one paddleboard available. If those activities are important to you, plan on taking turns rather than expecting one for every pair or family.

The Great Sound swimming stop

Once the catamaran anchors, the crew gives a safety talk and explains how to use the mask, fins, snorkel, and life vest. This is useful even if you have snorkeled before. You then have about 1.5 hours for the water activities, depending on the day’s timing and conditions.

The snorkeling takes place above a nearby reef. You might see living coral and schools of tropical fish, but the amount of marine life is not guaranteed. Some outings have produced plenty of fish, while others have found only a few small reefs and limited variety. Set your expectations at a pleasant look below Bermuda’s water rather than a major wildlife encounter.

Water conditions can change the plan. Jellyfish have caused at least one location shift, with the crew moving to another spot that worked better. That is a sensible tradeoff. The exact cove and reef are less important than having a safe place where people can swim and use the equipment.

You should be comfortable in open water before booking. The experience requires you to move down a swim ladder, and the boat does not provide a beach-style entry. If you are unsure about swimming, you can remain on board, but the trip is best for people who can manage water access without extensive assistance.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and time in the water

The water stop gives you more than snorkeling. You can use a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore around the bay, head toward a nearby sandbar or beach, or simply paddle close to the boat. These options are valuable if you want movement but are not interested in wearing a mask and fins.

The catch is supply. There may be one kayak and one paddleboard, so a popular departure can create a queue. I would treat them as bonus activities rather than the central reason to book. If you are happy to swim and snorkel while waiting, this will not bother you. If everyone in your group wants a board, the limited number may feel frustrating.

Some trips have also included cliff jumping or jumping from the boat roof. That activity appears to depend on the location, crew, and conditions, so do not book this excursion expecting a guaranteed cliff jump. If it is permitted on your departure, listen closely to the crew and follow the safety instructions.

Families can enjoy the mix, but children and teenagers must have a parent or guardian with them at all times. The trip is particularly well suited to groups with different energy levels. Strong swimmers can head into the water, while others can stay aboard, take photos, and enjoy the views.

The crew, music, and rum swizzle

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Steve has been associated with lively, entertaining trips, while Captain Sam, Jermaine, Wesley, Abby, Matty, Zeeks, J, and Brandon have all been named in connection with helpful service, island information, or a welcoming atmosphere. Crew assignments can change, so you should not expect a particular person on every departure.

The balance between safety and fun is important. The crew explains the snorkeling gear, checks that people understand the water rules, and helps passengers feel at ease. At the same time, the mood stays informal, with music, jokes, and conversation.

After the swim, you receive a complimentary rum swizzle. Soft drinks are also included. Additional drinks can be purchased from the bar, and some departures have offered a drink for purchase on the way out before the included serving on the return. Only people age 18 and older may consume alcohol, so families should plan around that rule.

The rum swizzle is a pleasant finish, but it should not be the sole reason to book. The value comes from combining the sail, equipment, water time, crew, and drink in one half-day outing.

What the $111.12 price gets you

At $111.12 per person, this sits in the middle to upper range for a short water excursion, but the package includes more than a simple boat ride. You receive transportation by catamaran, about three hours on the water, snorkel equipment, kayak and paddleboard use, soft drinks, and a rum swizzle after swimming.

The price makes the most sense if you use several parts of the trip. A person who sails, snorkels, tries a board, and enjoys the drink receives good value. Someone who stays seated for most of the outing may find the cost harder to justify, though the scenery and boat ride still provide a pleasant experience.

I also like the way the format lets you avoid paying separately for several short activities. You do not need to choose between a snorkel trip and a scenic cruise. The same boat carries you to the water, provides the basic gear, and brings you back to the dock.

There are limits. Food is not included, towels are not included, and equipment is shared. If the reef is quiet or weather forces a shorter water stop, the value depends more heavily on the sailing and crew.

Timing, comfort, and practical details

Plan on roughly three hours from departure to return. The published route includes about an hour sailing out, around 1.5 hours at the swimming site, and the ride back, though actual sailing time can vary. Give yourself enough time before any separate afternoon plans.

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. The supplied equipment covers snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, but you should not expect personal beach supplies or food. Soft drinks are included, and more drinks are available for purchase.

You need moderate physical fitness. The boat is reached by steps, and you must be able to get on and off via steps and use a swim ladder for water access. This is not the right choice if you need a level boarding surface or cannot manage a ladder.

The boat operates close to public transportation, and the end point is the same as the start. Weather and minimum group size can affect departures. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Who will enjoy Rising Son II most

I would choose this trip for you if you want one flexible Bermuda outing rather than a tightly scheduled list of stops. It works well for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and cruise passengers who want a straightforward excursion from the Dockyard.

It is especially good for a mixed group. You can snorkel while someone else lounges in the shade, and active passengers can try the kayak or paddleboard. The catamaran has enough room to spread out, though busy departures may make the shared equipment feel scarce.

Strong swimmers and casual snorkelers should have the best time. You will get the most from the outing if you enjoy being in open water and do not need a guaranteed large reef or a specific fish encounter.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, cannot use steps and a swim ladder, or want a quiet, private charter. I would also reconsider if your main goal is long paddleboarding time. With only one board and one kayak on some departures, those activities may involve waiting.

Should you book this Bermuda catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a relaxed sail, a well-run swim stop, and several ways to enjoy the water. The crew, music, open catamaran layout, and included rum swizzle give it a pleasant social feel, while the snorkeling and paddle options keep it from becoming a passive cruise.

Go in with realistic expectations. Bermuda’s water should look beautiful, but fish numbers can vary. The kayak and paddleboard are shared, and cliff jumping is not a guaranteed part of the published trip.

At $111.12, I consider it a good choice for an active half-day, especially if you use the snorkeling gear and spend time in the water. Bring a towel, respect the ladder and weather limits, and treat the reef viewing as an opportunity rather than a promise of a major marine spectacle.

FAQ

Where does the Rising Son Catamaran Adventure depart?

It departs from the Island Tour Centre at Dockyard Watersports Centre, 4 North Arm Drive, Sandys, Bermuda, near King’s Wharf.

How long is the catamaran trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. The sailing portion and exact time at the swimming stop can vary with the route and conditions.

What activities are included?

You can use the supplied snorkel gear, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. You can also swim or remain aboard the catamaran during the water stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, fins, snorkels, and life vests are provided, with instructions from the crew before entering the water.

Are drinks included?

Complimentary soft drinks and a rum swizzle after the swim are included. Additional drinks may be purchased from the bar. Alcohol is available only to participants age 18 and older.

Should I bring a towel or food?

Yes. Food and towels are not included, so bring your own towel and make separate plans for food.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Everyone must be physically fit enough to use the boat steps and swim ladder.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather cancels the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A full refund is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.