Private Charter vs. Group Catamaran in Barbados: Which Is Right for You?

Getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in Barbados, and you have two main choices: join a group catamaran cruise or book a private charter. Both can make a great day. They're simply different experiences. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose.

The group catamaran cruise

Catamaran cruises are a Barbados classic. Large sailing or motor catamarans take dozens of guests along the west coast, usually on a fixed itinerary.

What's good about it:

• Lower cost per person if you're travelling alone or as a couple.
• A lively, social atmosphere, with music, an open bar and fellow travellers.
• Usually includes lunch, often served on board or on the beach.
• Plenty of space to move around on a large deck.

What to bear in mind:

• A fixed schedule. Departure time, route and stops are set in advance.
• Shared stops. Popular snorkeling spots can get busy when several boats arrive at once.
• Less personal attention. The crew is looking after a big group.
• Pickups and timings are organised around everyone on board.

The private charter

On a private charter, the boat and crew are yours alone. With Captain Dwayne Cruises, that means our power boat Livity, for up to 8 guests.

What's good about it:

• Your route, your pace. Stay with the turtles as long as you like, skip what doesn't interest you, or just cruise the coast with a drink in hand.
• Only your group on board. No strangers, no crowds, and the freedom to celebrate however you want.
• Personal attention. Your captain and crew focus entirely on your party.
• More activities. Add water skiing, towable donuts and tubes, or paddleboarding.
• Quicker between stops. A power boat covers ground quickly, so less of your time is spent getting from place to place.

What to bear in mind:

• Higher total cost than a single catamaran ticket. Charters run from $250/hr USD, though the price is for the whole boat, so it's split across your group.
• A smaller boat. Livity is intimate rather than a party platform for 50.
• Booking ahead. With one group at a time, weekend dates go quickly.

The cost question

The headline catamaran price is per person; a charter price is for the boat. For a couple, the catamaran usually works out cheaper. For a family or a group of friends, the cost per head of a private charter gets much closer, and you get the boat to yourselves.

If you're comparing, work out your group's total for both options and consider what's included: drinks, food, gear and how much time you actually spend in the water versus travelling.

Which should you choose?

Choose a group catamaran if:

• you're travelling solo or as a couple on a budget;
• you'd enjoy a party atmosphere and meeting other travellers;
• you'd prefer a set plan with lunch included.

Choose a private charter if:

• you're a family, a group of friends or celebrating something special (a birthday, anniversary, proposal or reunion);
• you want to decide what you do and for how long;
• you'd rather avoid crowds at the snorkeling spots;
• you have young children, older relatives or nervous swimmers who'd appreciate going at their own pace;
• you want water sports as part of the day.

What's included with Captain Dwayne Cruises

• An experienced, fully licensed Barbadian captain and crew
• A soft bar and our Livity Punch
• Life vests and snorkel equipment for everyone
• Your choice of route and stops: turtles, tropical fish, the west coast's villas and resorts, water sports
• Optional food and transport arranged through our partners

Would you like to bring your own food or drinks? Just let us know when you book.

Want the boat to yourselves? See our services, read our FAQ, or request your booking.