Sailing and Snorkeling in Antigua and Barbuda

Not a sailor yourself? Consider signing up for one of the following boat tours. Each tour provides a great opportunity to enjoy the seafaring life while someone else captains the ship.

Miguel's Holiday Adventures (268/460-9978 or 268/723-7418. www.pricklypearisland.com) leaves every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning at 10 AM from the Hodges Bay jetty for snorkeling, rum punches, and lunch at Prickly Pear Island, which offers both shallow- and deepwater snorkeling. In this comfortable family operation, Miguel's wife, Josephine, prepares an authentic, lavish West Indian buffet including lobster, while Miguel and his son Terrence are caring instructors.

Tropical Adventures (268/462-2064 or 268/480-1225. www.tropicalad.com) operates Barbuda day trips on the catamaran Excellence that overflow with rum and high spirits, as do circumnavigations of Antigua. The company also operates slightly more sedate, intimate catamaran cruises on the Mystic.

Wadadli Cats (268/462-4792. www.wadadlicats.com) offers several cruises, including a circumnavigation of the island and snorkeling at Bird Island or Cades Reef, on its five sleek catamarans, including the handsome, fully outfitted Spirit of Antigua. Prices are fair ($95-$110) and advance direct bookers get a free T-shirt.