7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe

REVIEW · MONTEGO BAY

7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe

  • 4.010 reviews
  • From $115.00
Book on Viator →

Operated by CarvilleToursJamaica · Bookable on Viator

One long party day can beat most checklists. This cruise-and-beach combo takes you from Montego Bay to 7 Mile Beach, then out on a party catamaran with a DJ, a snorkeling stop, and a sunset finish at Rick’s Café.

I like how much of the fun is baked in. You get a 3-hour shared party catamaran cruise with onboard DJ and unlimited rum and vodka mixes, plus snorkeling gear and a stop for swimming/snorkeling at a coral reef.

One consideration: it’s a full, long day (about 6 to 8 hours) with meals not included, so pack patience—and plan to buy food and drinks where you can.

Quick hits you’ll care about

7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe - Quick hits you’ll care about

  • Unlimited rum and vodka mixes on the boat means you’re not hunting for cash every hour
  • Onboard DJ and entertainment keep the vibe moving during the cruise portion
  • Snorkeling stop with safety gear included makes it easier to feel set for the water time
  • 7 Mile Beach time gives you real beach breaks for swimming and lounging
  • Rick’s Café at sunset is the big payoff for views and cliff-jump energy
  • Long transfer from Montego Bay (about 1 hour 45 minutes each way) shapes the whole day

Montego Bay to Negril: the long ride that sets the tone

7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe - Montego Bay to Negril: the long ride that sets the tone
This tour is built for a long day out. You’ll be transferring from Montego Bay to Negril for about 1 hour 45 minutes each way, so your schedule starts with road time and ends with a sunset stop.

For me, the payoff is that you get two of Jamaica’s big-name experiences in one run: 7 Mile Beach and the evening scene at Rick’s Café. The down side is obvious: if you hate long travel windows, this will feel like a lot.

A note on value: in the one standout piece of feedback I saw, a driver named Mike Lee was credited with making the Montego Bay to Negril drive the highlight. If you get that kind of smooth, upbeat transfer, it can change how the day feels.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Montego Bay

7 Mile Beach time: sand, bars, and where the day really starts

Your first major stop is 7 Mile Beach, the famous Negril stretch known for soft sand and calm blue water. The idea here is simple: you get time to actually be on the beach—swim, relax, and then reset before boarding the catamaran.

This isn’t just a quick photo stop. You’re given a couple hours on the sand, which means you can:

  • swim when you want (not just when the group moves)
  • lounge and cool off between the road and the boat
  • grab food and drinks on your own later, since meals aren’t included

Keep expectations realistic. You may also run into some waiting when it’s time to board, because this is a shared experience and the beach is where everyone gathers.

Also, this is a beach area with options if you want to spend extra. The tour info mentions water sports like parasailing and glass-bottom boat style experiences, but those are at your own expense, so budget for add-ons.

The party catamaran cruise: DJ energy, open-bar style, and a coral reef snorkeling stop

7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe - The party catamaran cruise: DJ energy, open-bar style, and a coral reef snorkeling stop
The main event is the 3-hour shared party catamaran cruise. This is where the mood shifts from beach calm to music-and-social energy, with an onboard DJ and entertainment running during the ride.

Here’s what’s practical about the included drinks: you get unlimited rum and vodka mixes while you’re on the boat. That’s a big value win if you know you’ll order cocktails. It also means you don’t have to constantly decide whether it’s worth buying another drink—you can focus on the experience.

Snorkeling is part of the package too. The cruise includes a stop at a coral reef, and you get safety equipment and gear. That matters because snorkeling is more comfortable when someone has already sorted out the basics for you.

One more reality check: because it’s a party catamaran, the vibe won’t be quiet. If you’re imagining a peaceful, nature-only snorkel, this is more of a social boat day with music and group activity. You’ll still get water time, but the setting is designed to party.

Rick’s Café at sunset: cliff-jump energy and a late-day music scene

The tour ends at Rick’s Café, one of Jamaica’s best-known late-day hangouts. It’s a bar and restaurant, but most people connect with it for the cliff-jumping spectacle and the dramatic sunset views.

You’ll have about an hour here, which is enough time to:

  • watch the sun drop and the lighting change over the water
  • enjoy the DJ and live music vibe when it’s running
  • grab food or a drink since meals aren’t included

If you’re hoping for photos, come in with a plan: sunsets move fast, and there’s usually a crowd. Aim to get settled before the best light hits, so you’re not scrambling for the right spot at the last minute.

Also, remember that Rick’s Café is not just a lookout. It’s an active entertainment spot. That means noise, motion, and people watching are part of the package.

Price and what you really get for $115

At $115 per person, this isn’t a cheap day trip—but it’s also not only a beach pass. Your money is covering the full flow: transport over to Negril, a beach stop, the party catamaran with DJ, drinks on board, and the Rick’s Café sunset finish.

What’s included that usually costs extra on similar tours:

  • 3 hours on a shared party catamaran with onboard DJ
  • unlimited rum and vodka mixes during the cruise portion
  • snorkeling stop plus safety gear/equipment
  • stop at Rick’s Café for sunset
  • admission tickets noted as included for the stops

What costs extra:

  • food and drink beyond what’s included on the boat
  • tips/gratuities

That “meals not included” detail is the one that can sneak up on you. If you want to eat a proper sit-down meal at Rick’s Café, or you want snacks at the beach, you’ll want cash or card ready.

For budgeting, I’d plan this way: assume you’ll spend extra on at least one meal during the day and a few drink purchases depending on what you’re doing at Rick’s Café. If you’re okay with that, the $115 price starts to look more fair because the boat drinks and DJ portion carry real value.

You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Montego Bay

Where this fits best (and where it doesn’t)

This tour fits best if you want a Jamaica day that mixes beach time with a party atmosphere and a famous sunset stop.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

  • like music and social energy on the water
  • want snorkeling without handling logistics
  • care about seeing Rick’s Café at sunset, not later or from a distance
  • don’t mind the road time from Montego Bay

You might want to skip or choose something quieter if you:

  • hate long days (6 to 8 hours with 1h45 each way driving)
  • are mainly after calm snorkeling or a laid-back beach day
  • expect meals to be included as part of the price

It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with a group. The tour info notes group discounts, and shared experiences can be a better deal when you split the cost.

Practical tips to get the best day

A few small things can make this smoother, especially because it’s a full schedule:

  • Bring swimwear and a change of clothes. You’ll go beach → boat → sunset.
  • Pack sunscreen and sunglasses. The itinerary gives you multiple hours outside.
  • Have a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch. Boats and snorkeling stops are not the time to worry about electronics.
  • Plan for extra spending. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but not included.
  • If you’re sensitive to noise, pick your expectations carefully. The catamaran portion is built for partying.

Also, book with timing in mind. This experience is often booked about 35 days in advance, so early planning helps you lock in your dates.

Should you book the 7 Mile Beach party catamaran and Rick’s Café sunset?

I’d book this if you want one day that hits three boxes: 7 Mile Beach, a DJ party cruise with drinks, and the sunset scene at Rick’s Café. The value is strongest when you’ll actually use what’s included—especially the boat drinks and the snorkeling stop—so you’re not paying for extras later just to justify the ticket.

I wouldn’t book it if your top priority is quiet travel, included meals, or a super short day. The long transfer and party-forward boat vibe are part of the deal, not surprises.

If you want a fun, social Jamaica day with iconic stops and an easy “everything-in-one-run” format, this is a solid match.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 6 to 8 hours total.

Does the tour include pickup in Montego Bay?

Pickup is offered. If you select the transportation option, you’ll have a tour guide/driver.

What’s included in the catamaran cruise?

You’ll get a 3-hour shared party catamaran cruise with snorkeling, an onboard DJ, unlimited rum and vodka mixes, safety gear/equipment, and a stop at Rick’s Café for sunset.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. There’s a stop for snorkeling at a coral reef, and safety gears/equipment are included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited rum and vodka mixes are included on the boat ride. Food and drink beyond that are available for purchase.

What is the price and ticket type?

The price is $115.00 per person, and the tour uses a mobile ticket. Admission tickets for the stops are listed as included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Montego Bay we have reviewed

Scroll to Top