Catamaran/Boat Trips

Kayla Aspinall · Post by **Kayla Aspinall** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 2:12 pm

Are there any particularly nice days out (where to book and catch?)anyone can recommend on a boat for snorkelling and chilling? We've always done a boat trip from other islands we've visited and enjoyed it immensley. The free lunch on board and rum punch always being a nice touch.

Thanks,
Kayla

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 4:49 pm

Kayla,in my opinion contact "Ali Babas Tours","King David's Tours" or "Yes Tourism".
David,in sunny Black Rock

SJKeeler · Post by **SJKeeler** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 6:03 pm

My favorite is Natural Mystic, which leaves from Mt. Irvine and goes to Cotton Bay. Small trimarin with great captain Scott and mate Danny. Full day of snorkling, sailing, open bar, and outstanding lunch. They also have a new cat, "Island Girl," which we hope to experience on our visit in February. Have also gone on Kalina Cat, which was a great experience, as well with similar amenities, though the boat is bigger with more passengers. We did get to stop at the Nylon Pool, though, which was a bonus. Also traveled out for the day on Splash Sports, a motorized cat, had a great day, were very entertained by captain Ellis, but decided I like to sail better. Quiet and less diesel. You can get contact information on this Web site under "Out & About," "Sailing."

Miriam King · Post by **Miriam King** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 6:37 pm

we also went with kalina cats and had a great day out would recommend them definately!

Cornelia Montgomery · Post by **Cornelia Montgomery** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:12 pm

On the Kalina cat website, they list a day-long sail up to Englishman's Bay, but that trip seems to be available only for charter groups. Has anyone taken that trip, and if so, how did you book it?

Paul Tallet · Post by **Paul Tallet** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:46 pm

I took the trip about 5 years ago when I stayed at the Residential Nursing Home (REX).

Kalina, like other operators, target the resorts because they know that they can get large groups together quite easily that way. They then send a bus round picking them all up.

My suggestion would be to contact Kalina and ask them which days they do their trips and suggest that you book the places you need on their tour day and meet up at one of their collection points ... either a hotel or some other point.

It would be worthwhile because it is quite a relaxing trip for those that like to really slob around and be looked after and better for those that get a little sea sick on the King David/Ali-Baba's (i.e.; they use smaller boats).

I personally prefer the more personal services of the Alibaba's/King Davids because they can tailor a tour to suit your requirements (plus they give a good white knuckle ride when you want it!!!) whereas Kalina will not deviate from the itinary.

Nice to see that Kalina are back ... they were out if it for a while.

Regards

Cornelia Montgomery · Thu Jan 20, 2005 11:38 pm

Paul,
Could you describe a bit more about "tailoring" a trip with AliBaba? There are only two of us, so I'm sure there would be other people on board. I really want to go to Englishman's Bay via boat.

Paul Tallet · Post by **Paul Tallet** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:17 am

Cornelia ... it is easy.

Go to Castara ... the best place to start from for Englishmans.

There are a number of local Castara operators that can help you ...

Duck

King David

Alibaba ... AKA Brian Taylor.

These are the main 3 (and I apologise to any I have left out). But you can also ask Yes Toursim to sort you out if you want it booked in advance. Yes Tours deal with these chaps as well.

Kind David and Alibaba have their own websites ... I am not sure about Duck having a website but these chaps all seem to operate together in many ways and they are all very good.

These chaps will take you anywhere and they know lots of other places just as good or better than Englishmans ... just ask them ... you can also request other things, like a barbecue on a lonely inaccessible beach ... a spot of fishing on the way (eat your catch) ... just ask and they will want to tailor to your needs ... erm ... I always ask for Rum Punch

They are all good guys and if you want a chatterbox to keep you entertained ... ask for 'Jackson' to accompany you on your trip ... he is very popular.

They will take the 2 of you but obviously it would be cheaper for a party of 4 or 5. Maybe you could get together with another couple ... it can be arranged.

Have fun.

Cornelia Montgomery · Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:29 am

Paul,
Thank you. Wow! E-mails on on their way tomorrow morning. Feb. 11 is getting close. I like to fish, so that's a wonderful option.

Mathew Scott · Post by **Mathew Scott** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:32 am

Cornelia,

We have always used Frankie Tours, and had an exceptional time. He picks you up at about 10.00ish, takes you to the boat and then you are free to do as you please - Snorkel, Fish, or crusie around the different beachs and secluded bays.

Lunch is great - barbie on a deserted beach, usually cooking the fresh fish just caught, or some of Jemma's fantastic chicken..........

He will take you anywhere you want to go, we always end up in the nylon pool with a beer........

The price you pay includes all the food, transfers, and beer.

It is an experience not to be missed.

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 11:46 am

hello all..
just a lttle note at the side:
with who ever you will go, CHECK FOR INSURANCE!
I know it is not what you want to think about on a holiday, but it is just a moment of thinking....and you will never be sorry...
every operator should have a valid public liabilty insurance....
hope you have a great trip, by the way the way up to english man's bay can be a bit rough at this time of the year, but if you are an experienced boat traveler...go ahead, it is great....

SJKeeler · Post by **SJKeeler** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:30 pm

We set out for Englishman's Bay last March on Splash Sport, which is a large, stable, motorized cat. Very rough seas and we had to settle for Cotton Bay because several people were sea sick. Ended up spending a good part of the day after lunch at the Nylon Pool, which was calm as can be. We've also been out to Cotton Bay on Natural Mystic twice in March, and one time it was also quite rough. Seas about "6" on a scale of 1-10 according to our captain. Fun sailing....but not for the faint of heart!

Paul Tallet · Post by **Paul Tallet** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:59 pm

It can be rough around Englishmans but it's great ... you get swells of 2 metres plus sometimes.

I always bounce around on the bows whilst all the others get soaking wet ... and a bit sick too sometimes.

Having said that, people even get sick on the catamarrans.

Regards

Fiona Scott · Post by **Fiona Scott** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 1:24 pm

We had an excellent day trip on Island Girl, the trip took us to Cotton Bay, where we stopped and snorkelled. Lunch was a BBQ of fresh fish and chicken with salads, with an endless supply of refreshments. The crew were very friendly and helpful. A great day out on a beautiful boat!

SJKeeler · Post by **SJKeeler** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 7:43 pm

We also took a trip out on Island Girl during our recent holiday. We had sailed on Scott's other boat, Natural Mystic, and love him and his crew. Island Girl is a wonderful catmaran! As the sea was rough, we headed to the Bucco Reef for snorkling and No Mans Land. A nice atlernative to Cotton Bay.