If you don’t want to read:
Highly recommend. Book. It. Now.
This was my first time visiting Antigua and this experience made me truly fall in love with it. I was originally signed up for a different tour through Viator and they cancelled on me the night before the tour. I immediately went online to search for another tour and thankfully found Under the Sea - Reef exploration with Sun Paradise Tours. I talked to Lloyd from Sun paradise tours shortly after that to explain to him what kind of snorkle tour I wanted to do and he was able to customize it to my needs/wants. They have different kinds of tours and areas to go snorkle you just let them know. They even have the power snorkle with the motorized thing that propels you through the water and zip-lining. If you want to grab lunch after your tour they can do that too. CUSTOM tour!!!!
That very next morning Lloyd picked me up from my resort. He is so friendly, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable about Antigua and its history. On the ride he would point out differences things and explain the history along with different kinds or trees and plants. So neat to learn all these facts about Antigua. We even stopped at a stand next to the road to try their amazing black pineapple.
The tour started with our snorkle guide Sativa. He gave us an informative rundown of what not to do when out on the reef to ensure we keep it protected. Got our gear and headed down to the docks to start first with the kayak. He pointed out the different mangroves and how to know the differences between them all. Once in the kayak we were going through these really cool mangrove canals that covered over top of you as you paddle through. It’s peaceful in there and so neat to be inside of all the mangroves and see crabs too. It’s not a hard kayak trip fitness wise. Easy and relaxing. Might be bumper boats with the other visitors but it made it fun.
Finally made it into the opening out into the ocean and we stopped right along the beach. Parked our kayaks and got into the boat to take us to the reef. We had a guide leading us and one at the back following us. I always felt safe. They would point out different marine life. The water was absolutely beautiful and clear. Marine life was so abundant. The guides are absolutely great and informative. They’ll offer some yummy rum punch when you get back on board or water as well. A light lunch/snack was given once back to the beach as well to enjoy.
Overall, this tour made my trip. Huge plus is that this tour isn’t overcrowded. You’re with a small group and learn so much about the Antigua. Because my bad experience with getting cancelled on last minute I would directly book with Sun Paradise Tours and let them know what you’re looking to do.
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Highly recommend!!