Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Island Hopping, and Noahs Ark

The most unusual part of this private boat trip is the mix of shipwreck photos, sandbars, snorkeling, and Noah’s Ark, a floating bar known for music, parties, and island drinks. You can spend more time where your group is having fun instead of following a fixed schedule.

I like the private format for up to eight people, and I like that the captain can shape the day around swimming, a celebration, sightseeing, or music. The main drawback is the $1,450 group price, which makes the trip costly for a small party, though it works out to $181.25 per person when eight people share it.

Key points to know

• Noah’s Ark is the social centerpiece: Plan on a lively floating-bar stop, especially if your group enjoys music and drinks.
• The Long Bay shipwreck makes a strong first stop: You can take photos and, if conditions and your comfort allow, climb the ship’s ladder.
• Your captain can adjust the day: The tour is private, so your group has more say in timing and stops.
• Snorkeling gear, lifejackets, snacks, and sandwiches are included: Bring your own towel and sunscreen.
• The boat leaves from Blue Haven’s Cafe and Convenient Store: The tour returns to the same meeting point.
• Crew assignments can vary: Captain James, Captain Joombi, Prime Time, Sean, Andrew, and Mona are among the crew members associated with this operation.

A private four-hour route through Providenciales waters

Sand Dolla Tours runs this half-day outing from Providenciales for one private group of up to eight. The route covers the calm canals around Leeward, the waters off Long Bay, Noah’s Ark, and Grace Bay.

You begin at the market beside Blue Haven’s Cafe and Convenient Store on Marina Road in Leeward Settlement. The day starts with an island-style greeting from the crew, with coolers and beer available for adults over 18 who show valid identification to the captain.

I see the private setup as the main reason to book. You are not placed with a large mixed group, so you can spend longer at a favorite beach or keep moving if your party gets restless. The captain can also shape the mood, from a relaxed swim to a birthday outing with Caribbean music.

The advertised duration is about four hours. That is enough time for several stops, but not enough for an unhurried visit to every island and activity offered by the company. Go in expecting a lively half-day on the water, not a full-day island expedition.

Cruising the Leeward canals

The first part of the trip takes you through the calm, bright-blue canals of Leeward. Your captain provides a guided cruise and points out the surrounding islands and coastal sights.

This opening stretch matters because it gives you time to settle into the boat before the more active stops. You can take photos, enjoy the breeze, and tell the crew what your group wants from the afternoon.

The captain’s experience is a real asset here. Sand Dolla Tours describes the lead captain as having more than 20 years of boating experience, and the crew members named in the feedback, including Captain Joombi, Prime Time, Sean, Andrew, and Mona, appear in different roles depending on the booking.

You should confirm who will be captaining your boat if a particular person matters to you. The names associated with the company vary, but the repeated theme is an outgoing crew that helps set the tone and keeps the schedule flexible.

Long Bay and the shipwreck stop

The first listed stop is Long Bay Beach, where you head out to see the shipwreck off the coast. It is a strong photo stop, especially if you want something more distinctive than another beach picture.

The wreck has a ladder that you may be able to climb to look around the vessel. That part is optional, and you should follow the captain’s directions closely. Boat conditions, sea conditions, and your own comfort all matter more than getting a dramatic photograph.

I like this stop because it gives the tour a clear point of interest early on. You are not simply cruising from beach to beach. At the same time, the shipwreck is not described as a formal museum or guided wreck tour, so expect a short, practical visit rather than a detailed historical presentation.

The listed time is about one hour. That leaves room for photos and a look around without using the entire trip before you reach the floating bar and snorkeling areas.

Noah’s Ark at Leeward Beach

The Leeward Beach stop is where the tour can shift from sightseeing to social time. Noah’s Ark is a floating bar and a popular refreshment stop, with music, drinks, snacks, and a party atmosphere.

The planned stay is about two hours, making it the longest stop. That tells you a lot about the character of this tour. Noah’s Ark is not a quick photo stop between beaches. It can be the main event for groups celebrating a birthday, reunion, or simple day out on the water.

You can order a snack or beverage there, though the tour also includes light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. One especially memorable possibility comes from the crew: Mona has prepared freshly caught mackerel for a group and grilled or fried it at Noah’s Ark. That is not presented as a standard menu item, so do not book expecting a guaranteed fish lunch, but it shows how personal the service can become.

The atmosphere may not suit everyone. A few hours at a floating bar with music will appeal to a group that wants energy and conversation. If you prefer quiet beaches and long stretches of swimming, tell the captain early so the private itinerary reflects that.

Noah’s Ark can also be a useful compromise for a mixed group. Some people can enjoy the bar and music, while others stay focused on the water, beach, and views. The boat’s private setup gives you more room to make that choice together.

Grace Bay for swimming and snorkeling

The final listed stop is Grace Bay Beach, with about one hour set aside for beach time and snorkeling. The company supplies snorkeling equipment and lifejackets, so you do not need to rent those items separately.

The snorkeling area is described as being only a short distance from the beach. The crew also knows several snorkeling locations and can guide you toward spots suited to the day’s conditions. The available information does not promise particular marine life, so keep expectations sensible. You are booking access to good water and local guidance, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

A dolphin sighting has occurred during one outing, but wildlife is never assured. Treat it as a lucky bonus rather than part of the package.

Grace Bay is also a chance to slow down. The beach is famous, but the appeal here is simple: swim, sit on the sand, and enjoy the water without needing to fill every minute with activity. The crew can also help with sand dollar hunting at Sand Dollar Cove when conditions and timing allow.

You may find the one-hour Grace Bay stop short if beach time is your top priority. The route has several competing highlights, and the four-hour limit means the group must make choices. If snorkeling matters more than Noah’s Ark, say so at the start.

What comes with the $1,450 price

The total price is $1,450 for the private boat, with a maximum group size of eight. A full group pays $181.25 per person before any extra purchases at Noah’s Ark or elsewhere.

That is a serious price for a four-hour outing, but the calculation changes when you fill the boat. You are paying for privacy, a captain and crew, boating time, route flexibility, snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, light snacks, sandwiches, and selected drinks.

For two people, the cost is hard to justify unless privacy and customization are your top priorities. For six to eight people, the per-person rate becomes more reasonable, particularly for a birthday group or family party that would otherwise book several separate activities.

Alcoholic beverages are available only to adults over 18 with valid identification shown to the captain. Nonalcoholic drinks are also provided, and the supplied information specifically lists snacks and sandwiches. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so pack both.

I would also bring a dry bag for phones and cameras, though the tour information does not list one as provided. That is practical advice for any boat outing, especially when the plan includes swimming and climbing near a wreck.

Crew style and the private-tour advantage

The crew’s role is more than steering the boat. They help with the route, prepare food, offer local guidance, and keep the group involved.

Captain James is named in the opening welcome, while Captain Joombi and Prime Time are praised for their energy and hosting. Sean and Andrew are noted for clear communication, safe navigation, and attentive service. Mona is described as both captain and cook during one outing.

Because the crew can vary, I would not assume that one named captain will operate every departure. Still, the range of roles gives you a useful picture of what the company aims to provide: a captain who handles the boat and a crew member who may help with food, drinks, music, and activities.

The private format also helps families. An 11-year-old reportedly enjoyed the sandbar enough to want to repeat the trip, while young adults preferred the lively Noah’s Ark stop. That mix is hard to manage on a rigid shared excursion, but it is possible here because the group can discuss its priorities with the crew.

Parents remain responsible for children’s safety on and off the boat. Lifejackets are supplied, but supervision is still your job.

Who should book this boat tour

I would recommend this trip for a group that wants several kinds of water time in one outing. It suits birthday celebrations, family groups, friends sharing the cost, and anyone who prefers a private boat to a fixed group schedule.

It is especially appealing if you want:

• A captain-led route with room to adjust the day
• A social stop with music and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Time at beaches, sandbars, and the shipwreck
• Food and basic refreshments on board
• A boat reserved only for your group

I would be more cautious if you are a couple on a tight budget, dislike party stops, or want a quiet snorkeling trip with most of the time spent in the water. Noah’s Ark receives a large share of the schedule, and the price makes the most sense when several people share it.

The tour also depends on the weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Meeting point and practical details

Meet at the market beside Blue Haven’s Cafe and Convenient Store at RV83+F52, Marina Road, Leeward Settlement. The boat returns to this same point at the end.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and booking confirmation is issued at the time of booking. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people, but the route includes swimming and the possible use of a ship’s ladder.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, valid identification if you plan to drink alcohol, and clothes you do not mind getting wet. Keep in mind that sunscreen is not supplied, so apply it before boarding and bring more for the afternoon.

Should you book Sand Dolla Tours?

Book it if you have a group of several people and want a lively, flexible half-day on the water. The best value comes with six to eight participants, when the private boat cost is shared and the schedule can serve different interests.

For a quiet beach day, another outing may fit better. For a celebration that mixes snorkeling, a wreck, sandbars, food, music, and a floating bar, this tour gives you a lot to work with in four hours. Ask about the expected captain, request your preferred balance of Noah’s Ark and snorkeling, and agree on your group’s priorities before leaving the marina.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at the market beside Blue Haven’s Cafe and Convenient Store on Marina Road in Leeward Settlement. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat can accommodate one private group of up to eight people.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, light snacks, sandwiches, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Alcohol is available only to adults over 18 with valid identification shown to the captain.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

No. You need to bring your own towels and sunscreen.

What places does the route visit?

The route includes the Leeward canals, Long Bay Beach and its shipwreck, Leeward Beach and Noah’s Ark, and Grace Bay Beach.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the crew can take you to snorkeling areas around Grace Bay and other suitable spots.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, and children may join, but a legal guardian is responsible for children’s safety on and off the boat.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.