Tropical Adventures - Excellence Catamaran
Tropical Adventures - Excellence Catamaran
Tropical Adventures - Excellence Catamaran
4.5
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Full view
About
Excellence is an 86ft double decker, power catamaran. We have been providing memorable sight seeing excursions for over 20 years. One of the best ways to see Antigua is by sea. Join us as we go around the entire island of Antigua in 6.5 hours with open bar, beach break, guided snorkeling and a bbq lunch all included. We stop at the uninhabited Green Island for beach break, guided snorkeling and a bbq lunch. No alcohol is served until after snorkeling. We give you commentary and information on all the sites we pass. We play reggae, soca and some oldie goldie classic music. Let our awesome crew assist you and answer any questions you may have about our island, boat and business. Lunch is a BBQ chicken and fish meal with 4 sides and served in a buffet style. We do have a vegetarian option if needed but should be requested when making a booking and reconfirm when checking in for the tour. Guests should bring a towel, camera, sun protection and tip for crew (once they deserved it). Join us
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Tropical Adventures - Excellence Catamaran
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
596 reviews
Excellent
386
Very good
110
Average
50
Poor
21
Terrible
29
Lets_Cruise_13
Ottawa, Canada1,559 contributions
Jan 2020
On Wednesday January 29th, 2020, from the town of St. John’s Antigua, my wife and I took an NCL shore excursion ANUL2511, namely Antigua by Sea for a duration of more than five hours.
We left our ship the NCL Bliss mid morning to meet at the pier around 9:20 am but nobody was there to greet us. We finally got directions from an NCL tour advisor that informed us to walk to the other end of St John’s Harbour where the catamaran Excellence was docked. The 80-foot Excellence is operated by Tropical Adventures. On board we did not feel overcrowded, but it was very busy. The vessel did have plenty of shade, but we decided to sit at the front to enjoy the main attractions of Antigua. It got busier shortly after as we stopped to pick up some people at the Sandals Grande Antigua.
Just off the north east coast, we saw lovely sites such as Long Island also known as Jumbo Bay. Further away was Great Bird Island and the natural spectacle of Devil’s Bridge National Park. Then, we were whisked away to Green Island to relax on the beautiful white sand beach, to snorkel, swim or just explore the nearby reef. It was open bar for everyone wanting a tropical drink. The beach area was tranquil, and the waters were super clear and warm, and the sun was hot and great. Back on board, the crew cooked and served a delicious BBQ lunch with open bar. After lunch we cruised to the extreme south of the island where we saw the pillars of Hercules, one of the many sights around the islands edge, worn away from erosion, they looked like pillars carved out of marble. We cruised past English Harbour, then saw many sail boats and yachts at Nelson’s Dockyard, one of the most prestigious and renowned dockyards also known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our journey brought us to the exotic western coast of Antigua where virgin white sand beaches and pristine bays could be seen. We were at peace with the world as we gazed at slender coconut palms waving in the breeze and listening to rhythmic calypso and reggae music. Cruising back to the ship, staff from Tropical Adventures made sure we had fun on deck while dancing to the conga. Again, we stopped at Sandals Grande Antigua to drop off people. Cruisers enjoyed themselves with this breathtaking scenery, beautiful weather, BBQ Lunch and tropical drinks. We had a good time and relaxed and would rate this excursion as five-stars and would recommend it to our friends and family wishing to visit.
We left our ship the NCL Bliss mid morning to meet at the pier around 9:20 am but nobody was there to greet us. We finally got directions from an NCL tour advisor that informed us to walk to the other end of St John’s Harbour where the catamaran Excellence was docked. The 80-foot Excellence is operated by Tropical Adventures. On board we did not feel overcrowded, but it was very busy. The vessel did have plenty of shade, but we decided to sit at the front to enjoy the main attractions of Antigua. It got busier shortly after as we stopped to pick up some people at the Sandals Grande Antigua.
Just off the north east coast, we saw lovely sites such as Long Island also known as Jumbo Bay. Further away was Great Bird Island and the natural spectacle of Devil’s Bridge National Park. Then, we were whisked away to Green Island to relax on the beautiful white sand beach, to snorkel, swim or just explore the nearby reef. It was open bar for everyone wanting a tropical drink. The beach area was tranquil, and the waters were super clear and warm, and the sun was hot and great. Back on board, the crew cooked and served a delicious BBQ lunch with open bar. After lunch we cruised to the extreme south of the island where we saw the pillars of Hercules, one of the many sights around the islands edge, worn away from erosion, they looked like pillars carved out of marble. We cruised past English Harbour, then saw many sail boats and yachts at Nelson’s Dockyard, one of the most prestigious and renowned dockyards also known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our journey brought us to the exotic western coast of Antigua where virgin white sand beaches and pristine bays could be seen. We were at peace with the world as we gazed at slender coconut palms waving in the breeze and listening to rhythmic calypso and reggae music. Cruising back to the ship, staff from Tropical Adventures made sure we had fun on deck while dancing to the conga. Again, we stopped at Sandals Grande Antigua to drop off people. Cruisers enjoyed themselves with this breathtaking scenery, beautiful weather, BBQ Lunch and tropical drinks. We had a good time and relaxed and would rate this excursion as five-stars and would recommend it to our friends and family wishing to visit.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
Colchester, UK80 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
What a fantastic tour around the beautiful island of Antigua, the crew were very very professional and very friendly and funny. The captain was very knowledgeable and funny. We had 2 beach stopes and after the first beach we had a lovley lobster lunch cooked onboard. There was plenty of rum punch and beer to go around as well. On the way back to our cruise ship there was plenty of singing and dancing with all the crew joining in but the best song has to be the Bamboo tree sung by the captain and Philip the cook.
10/10
10/10
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally L
Farnborough, UK78 contributions
Nov 2019
We were welcomed on board by the crew, Eddy Damien Theo Etc, all very friends and attention everyone on board throughout he trip. Great bbq lunch enjoyed and cooked on board after 1/2 hrs of snorkelling off Green Island. Great history of the Island shared with us as we circumnavigated the island. Rum punch on return, take care too easy to drink. Loved it so much hooked a trip with them for 3 days later to Barbuda. All snorkelling equipment on board but can take own if you wish, we also wore rash vests.
Met Les of Tropical Adventures in Stingray city whilst on another excellent tour (must write their review too, awesome holding the rays in the open sea) to,d him of the fantastic time we had on Tge Excellence & how brilliant the crew were, we will return! Thank you all and hope the football is going well Eddy!
Met Les of Tropical Adventures in Stingray city whilst on another excellent tour (must write their review too, awesome holding the rays in the open sea) to,d him of the fantastic time we had on Tge Excellence & how brilliant the crew were, we will return! Thank you all and hope the football is going well Eddy!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M D - NY
16 contributions
Feb 2023
The boat appeared to have way too many passengers, the private beach we went to was non-existent...barely a spot to sit on a skinny strip of sand. The snorkeling was awful because the weather wasn't great. The lunch was good but nothing special. The main reason for the low rating was the rude staff. They barely smiled and the bartenders behaved as though there wasn't an open bar. They were stingy with drinks and avoided eye contact. Save your money & skip this.
Written February 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gatordoc85
St. Augustine, FL69 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
VERY disappointing experience. The excursion was billed as a sightseeing trip around the island, which mainly seemed to be an opportunity for the guide to try to sell us on returning to the many resorts he pointed out. And the seas were so rough that everyone on the overcrowded boat got soaked, and a number were vomiting. We were also promised at booking to have several hours for snorkeling a reef, but the crew insisted on a forced group swim out and back AROUND but not OVER the reef, so we essentially saw nothing but sand and sea grass. We were not allowed to do any exploring on our own, nor to snorkel back out to the reef after the forced swim. And the crew themselves were condescending at best, and seemed only interested in checking boxes and getting us out and back as quickly as possible. Avoid this one!
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie W
Tampa, FL13 contributions
Jun 2023
We had an amazing time exploring the beaches of Barbuda with Tropical Adventures. The boat ride from Antigua to Barbuda was only 1 hour and 20 minutes on The Excellence, and the staff made sure everyone had a great time. After relaxing on the first beach, the crew served lunch onboard, and then we had more time at the second beach. I can't say enough about how attentive, professional, and courteous the whole staff was on board. When we were waiting for our taxi in the parking lot, every crew member who saw us made sure we were okay and had a ride coming. I would definitely book an excursion with them again.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kazmc30
London, UK216 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Amazing way to see the Island on a comfortable clean and very safe boat. The staff were great, the stop off to green island was chilled and relaxing with a fantastic lunch of fish, chicken and salads. We even managed to see dolphins. Would highly recommend but advise the waters can get very choppy on the Atlantic side of the island.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caitlinlondon
London, UK16 contributions
Oct 2021
If you are looking for a blissful gentle boat ride on clear waters this is not the trip for you. From the off it is extremely windy and then you reach the Atlantic where you experience your boat rollercoaster part of the trip, once I got used to tve fact it wasn’t going to be what I expected it was pretty fun - although I grew up on boats so I’m quite used to rough seas and flying over waves , if I wasn’t this would have been mildly traumatic! I think a great idea would be cups with lids for everyone on board to keep for the duration and hand in for cleaning at the end as sipping a nice cocktail whilst on deck is near impossible! The beach stop was beautiful and remote, the food was just ok, reheated on the grill not actually cooked on it so white tough. But the rice and peas were top of the game!
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Extraordinary538450
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I loved it. I loved it . I loved it. You must go. It was about $120 USA and the beautiful admin black beauty girl gave me a discount without even me asking for a discount, hence, I paid $100.00. From start to finish it was magical. The booking team is nice and friendly. Sailed with strangers as I was solo and made a lot of conversation with these strangers. The cabin crew checked if you needed anything throughout. The waves were kind just like the Antiguans. The food was just delicious (chicken) etc. The alcohol was there in plenty. Sailed the whole of the island which made a lot of sense of where I was visiting from the land shores. The trip was organised from start to finish and that was a day well spent.
I am a Kenyan beauty who fell in love with Antigua so much. I love Antiguan beaches, the food, and the people. I miss you all and love you more, excluding the mosquitos. Wanji Komo
I am a Kenyan beauty who fell in love with Antigua so much. I love Antiguan beaches, the food, and the people. I miss you all and love you more, excluding the mosquitos. Wanji Komo
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This was a fun tour, but not quite what we were expecting. We appreciated the beach pickup, although checking in for the tour was a little confusing since there are several similar tours leaving. The boat is fast, so it’s nice that you can get all around the island quickly. Parts were choppy, but not too bad. I didn’t notice anyone getting sick. I think we were originally told there would be two snorkel spots, but we only stopped at Green Island. The snorkeling was fine. We had to follow a tour guide which is okay, but he didn’t really point out any of the animals. I have no idea what kind of fish we saw. Being in a large group of about 40 people, some didn’t really know how to snorkel and others were just unaware and we had flippers kicking in our faces the whole time. Another boat landed with a similarly large group, so I’m sure a lot of animals were scared away. We didn’t see too much sadly.
The hosts would quickly point out landmarks from the boat when we zipped by. I was disappointed that they didn’t really tell us more about the spots or history of Antigua. They didn’t even slow the boat down for taking photos, like near the Pillars of Hercules. On the way back, they took us into a bay to see some yachts to make up for the one snorkel stop, which was cool. The lunch was tasty, as were the drinks, and some of the crew were great guys.
There are several different companies that sell circumnavigation tours. We thought they were the same, but some include sting ray city. In retrospect, I wish we had done more research and booked one that included sting rays and/or more information about Antigua. If you just want kind of a party boat vibe, this is a decent trip.
The hosts would quickly point out landmarks from the boat when we zipped by. I was disappointed that they didn’t really tell us more about the spots or history of Antigua. They didn’t even slow the boat down for taking photos, like near the Pillars of Hercules. On the way back, they took us into a bay to see some yachts to make up for the one snorkel stop, which was cool. The lunch was tasty, as were the drinks, and some of the crew were great guys.
There are several different companies that sell circumnavigation tours. We thought they were the same, but some include sting ray city. In retrospect, I wish we had done more research and booked one that included sting rays and/or more information about Antigua. If you just want kind of a party boat vibe, this is a decent trip.
Written March 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Water shoes are not necessary as you will be swimming off the boat and not going near stones or rocks but if you feel you want to wear them then feel free to take them. I hope this helps.
Written July 31, 2023
Hi, my wife and I did the Excellence Circumnavigation tour last year and really enjoyed it. is it still available for April next year and how much is it.
Written October 29, 2019
I am a bit confused if this "Sail and Snorkel in Cades Reef" TripAdvisor page is the same as your EXCELLENCE CIRCUMNAVIGATION TOUR?
Is this your tour and where i book it?
Written May 15, 2019
Good Day and thanks for asking. No the tours are different. We Do own and operate Excellence Cruises, Mystic Cruises and the ISland Safari Jeep Tour. The Sail and Snorkel tour is on Mystic Cruises (One of 3 beautifully designed Sailing Catamarans) and stops at Cades Reef (Antigua's Largest Reef Formations (over 2 miles Long)) for guided snorkeling and includes beach break, sailing, bbq chicken and fish lunch, taxi transfers and open bar while the Excellence Circumnavigation tour is on a 86 foot double decker Power Catamaran with (2) 1100 HP Diesel Engines that goes around the entire island of Antigua in 5.5 hours with BBQ chicken and fish lunch, open bar, beach break and guided snorkeling at the uninhabited Green Island. Pick one that best suits your needs and try it out. You can't go wrong with either. Excellence is a great way to see the whole island while the Sail and snorkel tour is a bit more relaxing and stays on the west coast with the calmest and bluest waters are. We hope you can join us.
Written May 19, 2019
What does the tour include and how long?
Written February 21, 2019
Good Day and thanks for asking. Excellence Cruises offers 2 tours - Our Circumnavigation Tour and our Barbuda for the day tour. Both tours include open bar, taxi transfers, beach break and buffet lunch. The Circumnavigation Tour goes around the entire island of Antigua in 5.5 hours and is offered about 3 to 5 days a week. The Circumnavigation tour offers guided snorkeling and a beach break at the uninhabited Green Island and includes a chicken and fish lunch. Our Barbuda for the tour includes a Half Grilled Lobster Lunch (Switched to Seafood lunch during May and June), 2 amazing beach breaks at 2 beaches nicer than any in Antigua (Personal Opinion), open bar and a 80 minute sea crossing each way. Overall length of the Barbuda Tour is closed to 7 hours. We do hope you can join us.
Written May 19, 2019
Good Day. Yes, Barbuda is open for business. I am not sure how many hotels or stay over properties are available (Most high end). I believe the Barbuda ferry is operational. But Excellence Cruises offers a Barbuda for the day tour (Once a week) where they visit for the day with open bar, Half Grilled Lobster Lunch (Seafood Lunch replacement during closed season May and June), 2 amazing beach breaks and taxi transfers all included. This tour is only offered to Hotel and overnight guests not to cruise ship passengers. We do hope you can join us. The cost is $150 usd per adult.
Written May 19, 2019
Does it have a tour to Barbuda by catamaran?
Written September 18, 2018
Good Day and thanks for asking. Yes, we have a Barbuda for the Day tour which we offer once a week which includes Taxi Transfers or Beach Pick up/drop off, open bar, 2 AMAZING Long Beach Breaks, a Tasty half grilled Lobster lunch (switched to seafood lunch during the closed season of May and June). There is an 80 minute sea crossing each way. Excellence is a 86 foot double decker power Catamaran with (2) 1100 Hp Diesel Engines.
Written May 19, 2019
Good Day and thanks for thinking of us. We do have special rates for infants and Children. There is a minimum age restriction of 6 years old on our Barbuda tour.
Written May 19, 2019
Can the boat and crew be rented for day trips for by a private group. 3 couples / 6 people who like to sight see, look at pretty beaches, clear water, barhop, drink and have lots of fun. Can you offer some kind of daily trip plan?
Written February 15, 2018
Good Day and thanks for thinking of us. Yes, it is possible to charter out the excellence once date is open. But because of the size of Excellence (86 foot) it is a bit pricey. We do also own and operate the 3 sailing Catamarans under the brand Mystic Cruises and we believe one of these boats are more ideal for your private charter. Full itinerary can be customized including multiple beach breaks, snorkeling, sailing, open bar, upgraded premium bar, finger foods and or Lunch options. No alcohol will be served before snorkeling if you choose to go snorkeling. Boat can be chartered out from 3 to 6 hours. We normally have quotes ready for 5 hours charters.
Written May 19, 2019
Would it be possible for someone to please post a link to book the Excellence to Barbuda day trip or a toll free # that I can call ? The Tropical Adventures website doesn't seem to exist any more :( Thank you.
Written March 28, 2017
Good Day,
You are not allowed to post any links on Trip Advisor. But if you just type in Tropical Adventures Antigua in Google. You will find our website in the top 3 search. But please look for the email contact and send us any questions you may have. Our website is not set up to take direct bookings but you can call us or email us about bookings and more info. Hope this helps. Our website is not down.
Written May 2, 2017
Good day, Here is the official response from a company representative. We have 2 tours with 2 different prices. Our Circumnavigation tour around Antigua for the day is $120 USd per Adult and includes transfers (for 98% of hotels and guest houses in Antigua), lunch, open bar, beach break and guided snorkeling at the uninhabited Green Island.
Then we have ou "Barbuda for the day tour" which is $150 usd per adult. This tour includes an 80 minute sea voyage each way, transfers, lunch, open bar, long beach break at Low Bay (The 17 mile beach with NOONE on it) and a guided tour of the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in smaller local fishing boats. We do have specials for children and teens. Thanks for thinking of us. We are Antigua's Number 1 Tour Operator.
Written July 5, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.