Charter Boats and Boat Tours in Bermuda

Bermuda is gorgeous by land, but you should take to the water to fully appreciate its beauty. You can either rent your own boat or charter one with a skipper. There are literally scores of options to suit all tastes from champagne cruises at sunset to cruise and kayak ecotours.

Charter Boats

More than 20 large power cruisers and sailing vessels, piloted by local skippers, are available for charter. Primarily 30 to 60 feet long, most charter sailboats can carry up to 30 passengers, sometimes overnight. Meals and drinks can be included on request, and a few skippers offer dinner cruises for the romantically inclined. Rates generally range from $400 to $550 for a three-hour cruise, or $650 to $1,500 for a full-day cruise, with additional per-person charges for large groups. Where you go and what you do—exploring, swimming, snorkeling, cruising—is usually up to you and your skipper. Generally, however, cruises travel to and around the islands of the Great Sound. Several charter skippers advertise year-round operations, but the off-season schedule can be haphazard. Skippers devote periods of the off-season to maintenance and repairs or close altogether if bookings lag. Be sure to book well in advance; in the high season do so before you arrive on the island.

Ana Luna Adventures. The Ana Luna is a 45-foot catamaran, which offers snorkeling cruises, scuba diving trips, and sunset tours as well as a host of other marine adventures from $60. Captain Nathan will tailor his tours to your requirements. Grotto Bay Beach Resort, 11 Blue Hole Hill, Bailey's Bay, Hamilton Parish, CR04. 441/504-3780. www.analunaadventures.com.

Charter Bermuda. The Rising Son II is a beautiful, 60-foot, 80-passenger catamaran with a full bar, and The Aristocrat is a 55-foot sailing-catamaran for up to 50 people. Besides offering sailing, swimming, and snorkeling trips, Captain William "Beez" Evans and the accommodating crews can arrange for you to spend part of the day on Jet Skis, in kayaks, or with a parasailing outfitter. Rates start at $550 for the first hour. You can also book one of the popular cruises, such as the Ultimate Catamaran Sail and Snorkel, which anchors off a quiet sandy bay for snorkeling and kayaking. Turtles are often spotted. The price is $69 a head. Shipwreck snorkeling is offered for $50. King's Wharf, Dockyard, MA01. 441/232-5789. www.charterbermuda.com.

Restless Native Tours. Fresh batches of cookies baked on board at every sailing and washed down with lemonade or rum swizzles are the delicious trademark of this family-owned and -operated charter company. Restless Native is also unique in its educational approach to chartering—they offer a crash course on Bermuda's fish and a guided snorkeling trip. The 50- by 30-foot boat is excellent for dinner charters, evening cocktail cruises, birthday parties, and weddings. The owners can pick you up at any wharf on the island. 441/531-8149. www.restlessnative.bm.

Tam-Marina. Founded in 1967, Tam-Marina has a reputation for lively dinner and cocktail cruises on a fleet of elegant white motor yachts. Lady Charlotte and Lady Tamara often accommodate large private parties on the Great Sound, whereas Boss Lady is smaller and more intimate. But luxury comes with a hefty pricetag; the two larger yachts will set you back $1,390 for the minimum 1.5 hour cruise and Boss Lady is $400 for 1.5 hours. You can book online. 61 Harbour Rd., Paget Parish, PG02. 441/236-0127. www.ladyboats.com.

Wind Sail Charters. You can rent a 41-, 51-, or 60-foot Morgan yacht, including snorkeling equipment, from Wind Sail. Captain Mike or his daughter, Captain Melissa, will sail to your location and take you for a spin. The rates for six people are $475 to $575, depending on the boat, for three hours, making this the most affordable rides on the island. You can also "join a group" for the bargain price of $50, or just $30 each if there's six or more of you. Lunch catering is available for an extra charge. 441/734-8547. www.bermudawindsailcharters.com.