A closer look at 'coral reefer'...

I know it looks tiny but read on... Bigger isn't always better!

More Photos at bottom of page...

Coral Reefer was built by a company called Blount Marine that normally manufactures expedition type cruise ships that travel to exotic locations like the Galapagos, Antarctica and up the Amazon River where there are few established tour operators. Small boats like this are carried along to be put into service once at the destination in question. There are only 2 boats like this in the world. The other is in the Cayman Islands. It has a foam cored fiberglass hull and meets coast guard approval for up to 21 passengers....though WE have it licensed for only 15 and rarely carry more than 12 at once. Who wants to be crammed elbow to elbow with someone they don't know?? The glass bottom area is 4ft X 8ft which ensures ample viewing space for EVERYONE!

 The one thing that makes this boat such an outstanding glass bottom platform in Bermuda (where the reefs can be extremely shallow) is its 6 inch draft (Only 6 inches of boat under the water when the engine is trimmed up!). The boat is magic when in its element: over reefs that glance by less than 12 inches below the surface. It's like walking on water! Of course, the superior reef viewing does come at a price. Flat bottomed boats have a harder ride than those with a deep V hull which means, when the water is rough, getting there can be a little more uncomfortable and you are likely to get sprayed with sea water on certain legs of the journey. i.e. this trip is not for chickens, those with serious back problems, fancy hairdos or weak bladders. On a calm day, there's nothing to worry about but we don't like to pretend it's always like that because that only leads to unhappy customers when they return with their new hair makeovers. This excursion is only for the young and the reasonably-fit young-at-heart that really want a GREAT glass bottom experience (not just a quick glimpse under the armpits of fellow passengers through a deep well at a murky, spartan reef.)

Ultimately our tours run at the mercy of the weather.  One of the things that sets Tony apart from other tour guides is that he will only run the tour if he knows he can make it worth your while. You might not be lucky enough to get perfect weather for your trip but you will still not be disappointed. Tony has enough personality, experience and information to keep you enthralled and awestruck no matter what.  In fact some of his most successful trips have been on very marginal days (see our Trip Advisor reviews).

Having said all that, we ARE equipped to keep most passengers reasonably comfortable on rough days with 4" thick seat cushions and drop-down weather curtains that block the majority of the spray. Also, Tony alters his route to hug lee shores and avoid the rough bits whenever he can. The reward is worth the ride!

F.A.Q's:

Does Coral Reefer have a toilet onboard?

No, sorry! Those with weak bladders should shop around some more.....or bring an empty bottle. Emergency stops are possible but not a normal feature of the trip.

Is there Shade?

Lots.

Can I sunbathe?

Not really...except on the bow....(Skin cancer, people!?)

Who is this trip most appropriate for?

Those with good backs, strong bladders, working legs, a good attention span and a healthy sense of humor who desire more than your average glass bottom boat tour.

Should I bring the kids?

Coral Reefer is a great boat for kids but only if you're chartering - i.e. have it privately to your family. We don't really recommend the tours for kids under 5 simply because they tend to have shorter attention spans and if they get restless, it can be awkward and embarrassing trying to keep them entertained and quiet for the sake of other passengers during the sightseeing leg of the tour. However no one knows your kids better than you - some kids are absolutely fine - so make an educated decision about whether to bring them with us or take another boat with more space to move around, a shorter ride and less commentary.

How many people can I expect to have to share my space with on a tour?

Not usually less than 5 and rarely more than 12 (15 max on a very calm day)

Back to Top of Page

Many of the pictures below were taken on family outings with our kids and friends. Charter the boat and you can visit these spots and do the same sort of thing!