Lagoon 39ft Catamaran Review: 2025 Sail & Snorkel Trip

You know, there are vacations, and then there are those moments on vacation that you just talk about for years. We were really looking for one of those moments, something just for us, away from all the busy group tours. So, the idea of a private four-hour trip on a catamaran, especially a Lagoon 39ft model for the 2025 season, was almost too good to pass up. Basically, we were dreaming of that perfect blue water you see in magazines, and actually, this whole trip promised to take us right into the heart of a National Park. It’s almost like the day was calling to us. The anticipation was, like, a big part of the fun, frankly. We were just hoping the real thing lived up to what we pictured in our heads. Honestly, we just wanted to feel the sea spray and disconnect for a little while. This experience seemed to offer that very thing, a slice of watery paradise that was all our own, for a short time anyway. I mean, we really wanted to find out if it was as special as it sounded. It’s often the smaller, more personal outings that stick with you, right?

First Impressions: Arriving at the Marina

So, the morning of our trip started with a sky that was a really pale, clear blue, which felt like a good sign. We arrived at the marina, and to be honest, it was a little less chaotic than we expected, which was a nice surprise. The air already had that very specific salty, warm smell, you know? Anyway, we were just trying to find our designated meeting spot when we saw her. The Lagoon 39 was just sitting there, looking very clean and spacious, pretty much exactly like the photos. Her two hulls made her look incredibly stable in the gently rocking water. The crew, a captain and a first mate, greeted us with some seriously genuine smiles, which really put us at ease right away. There was no big, formal check-in process; it was more like, “Hello, welcome aboard,” which was really cool. They helped us with our small bag and invited us to step onto the boat, just like that. That first step from the sturdy dock onto the slightly yielding surface of the catamaran felt, in a way, like stepping into a different world for the afternoon. We could just tell this was going to be a pretty good day. They offered us a spot to stow our shoes, and honestly, feeling the clean deck under our bare feet was the real start of it all.

It’s the little things that often tell you what kind of day you’re in for, right? Well, the boat was obviously very well looked after. Like, you could just see the care that went into it; every cushion was plumped and every stainless steel fitting was just gleaming in the morning sun. There wasn’t a spot of dirt anywhere, which, to be honest, is a pretty big deal on a boat. The crew gave us a quick, very informal tour of the main areas. They showed us where the restrooms were, where we could sit in the shade, and of course, the big open nets at the front which were basically calling our names. They had a kind of calm confidence about them that was very reassuring. It’s almost as if they knew we were there to relax and they were just there to make it happen, no fuss. We weren’t rushed at all; in fact, they told us to just make ourselves at home while they prepped for departure. So, we did. We just sat in the comfortable shaded cockpit area, looked out over the marina, and felt the excitement start to bubble up. You know, it was just a really, really peaceful way to begin an adventure.

Setting Sail: Leaving the Shore Behind

Okay, so there’s a really special sound that comes with leaving the land behind. It’s that quiet hum of the engines as the captain expertly maneuvered the big catamaran away from the dock. The crew worked together in a way that was so smooth it was almost like a silent dance, untying ropes and coiling them neatly. As we started to move out of the marina and into the open channel, the feeling changed a little. You could just feel the gentle swell of the sea under us, a sort of rhythmic and natural movement that was incredibly calming. We watched the shoreline, with all its buildings and hustle, get smaller and smaller behind us. It’s a pretty powerful feeling, you know, watching your regular world shrink away. Frankly, it’s one of my favorite parts of being on the water. Once we were clear of the harbor, the captain cut the engines, and for a moment, everything was quiet except for the sound of the water lapping against the hulls.

Then, the real magic happened, you know? The crew started to hoist the mainsail. There was the sound of the rigging and the snap of the big white sail as it caught the wind for the first time. It filled out with a satisfying ‘whoosh’, and the boat just seemed to come alive. That transition from motor to wind power is just awesome. The catamaran picked up speed, but it was a completely different kind of movement—so smooth and quiet. We were literally being pushed along by nature, and that’s a very cool feeling. The only sounds were the wind, the water rushing past, and our own quiet conversation. It’s almost like the boat was sighing with happiness. We decided to move up to the front, to those big webbed trampolines we had our eyes on. Laying there, suspended just a few feet over the water rushing between the two hulls, was incredible. You could actually feel the light spray on your face and watch the clear blue-green water just glide by underneath you. It was pure, simple, and absolutely perfect, to be honest.

The Journey to the National Park Snorkel Spot

So, the sail over to the National Park took a little bit of time, but that was basically the whole point. This wasn’t a speedboat trying to just get you from A to B. It was, like, part of the whole experience. The crew was super chill. They came around once we were settled and offered us some cold drinks—water, sodas, and even some local beer. It was all very casual, just, “What can I get for you?”. We just chatted with them for a bit, and they were really happy to talk about the area, pointing out different landmarks along the coast. It’s stuff like that, you know, the local knowledge, that really makes a private trip feel special. They weren’t just boat operators; they were, in a way, our personal guides to this little piece of the ocean. They seemed to genuinely love what they do, and that kind of positive energy is honestly infectious. We spent a lot of that time just stretched out on the front nets, feeling the sun and the breeze. It’s amazing how time seems to just slow down out there.

The boat itself, the Lagoon 39, is just a fantastic design for this kind of day. There’s so much space, you never feel cramped. There’s the big shaded area at the back, which is great if you want a break from the sun, but also plenty of open deck space if you want to soak it all in. As a catamaran, it’s really stable, so there’s very little of that rocking motion that can sometimes be a bit much. It just glides. As we got closer to the boundaries of the National Park, you could actually see a change in the water. It became even clearer and took on a shade of turquoise that, frankly, you just don’t see anywhere else. The coastline also changed, becoming more rugged and undeveloped, with sheer cliffs and hidden little coves. You could really tell you were entering a protected, special place. The captain pointed out the spot we were heading for, a calm, sheltered bay that looked incredibly inviting. Seeing that destination from afar, a little patch of paradise waiting just for you, is a very exciting part of the journey.

Plunging In: Our Snorkeling Adventure

Once the captain dropped anchor in the bay, the silence was pretty amazing. The water was so still and clear, you could almost see the sandy bottom many feet below, right from the deck. The crew got to work right away, but again, in a very relaxed manner. They pulled out a big container of snorkeling gear, and it was all really high-quality stuff, not the old, worn-out gear you sometimes get. They had masks in different sizes, snorkels, and a big basket of fins. They took the time to show us how to adjust the masks for a good seal and even had some anti-fog spray for the lenses, which is actually a really thoughtful touch. There was a wide, sturdy ladder at the back of the boat that made getting into the water super easy. There was no awkward jumping or climbing; you could just walk down the steps and slip right into the ocean. The water temperature was just perfect—cool enough to be refreshing after the warm sun, but not at all cold.

And then, wow. The moment I put my face in the water, it was just a whole different universe. The visibility was incredible. It was like looking through glass. We were floating over a coral garden that was teeming with life. There were schools of tiny, electric-blue fish that would dart around in perfect unison. We saw some brilliant yellow and black striped Sergeant Major fish, and even a couple of Parrotfish, who you could literally hear munching on the coral if you listened closely. It was so peaceful down there, just the sound of your own breathing. We spent a long time, probably nearly an hour, just exploring around the boat. The crew kept a watchful eye from the deck but gave us plenty of space to just enjoy ourselves. They had even tossed in a couple of flotation noodles for anyone who wanted to just bob around effortlessly. It wasn’t about swimming a long way; it was about just being present and seeing all the incredible little details of that underwater world. To be honest, it was just a really mesmerizing experience, and the time just seemed to fly by.

Onboard Delights: Snacks and Refreshments

So, you know how good everything tastes after you’ve been swimming in the sea? Well, climbing back on board, feeling all salty and happy, we were greeted with an amazing sight. While we were in the water, the first mate had set up a beautiful snack spread on the table in the shaded cockpit. It wasn’t anything overly complicated, which was actually perfect. It was fresh, simple, and exactly what you crave in that moment. There was a big platter of freshly cut tropical fruit—like, super sweet pineapple, juicy watermelon, and ripe mango. They had also laid out some homemade guacamole that was seriously good, along with some crispy tortilla chips. There was a little bowl of fresh pico de gallo, too. It was just the right amount of food to replenish our energy without feeling heavy. It honestly felt less like a tour package snack and more like something a friend would prepare for you if you were visiting their home.

The drinks were flowing freely, too. The cooler was restocked and they were happy to get you whatever you wanted. Enjoying a cold local beer while munching on fresh guacamole, with your hair still wet from the ocean and the sun warming your back—that’s a pretty top-tier vacation moment, you know? The crew joined us for a chat, telling us stories about the fish we saw and other spots in the park. This part of the day felt very communal and relaxed. It was a really nice way to just sit and absorb the experience we just had. We weren’t rushed to eat or finish up. We just lounged, ate, drank, and talked, all while anchored in our own private, stunningly beautiful bay. At the end of the day, it’s these little details, like the quality of the snacks and the relaxed service, that really make a private charter feel like a genuine luxury. It just felt very thoughtful, and we really appreciated that.

The Gentle Sail Home as the Sun Lowered

Eventually, it was time to head back, but the experience was far from over. The crew pulled up the anchor with the same quiet efficiency as before, and soon we were under sail again, leaving our little private cove behind. The afternoon sun was starting to get a bit lower in the sky, and it cast this incredible golden light over everything. Honestly, the light at that time of day on the water is just magical. It makes the water sparkle in a different way, and it made the coastline look all soft and hazy in the distance. The wind was still steady, so the sail back was just as smooth and peaceful as the journey out. If anything, it was even more relaxing, because we were filled with that happy, tired feeling that comes from sun and sea. There was a kind of contentment that had settled over all of us. There wasn’t much need for talking; we just found our favorite spots on the boat again and soaked it all in.

I went back to the trampoline net at the front, this time just lying on my back and watching the big white sail against the deepening blue sky. You could hear the crew moving around, tidying things up for arrival, but their movements were never intrusive. It’s almost like they had a sixth sense for just letting their guests have their space. The captain skillfully guided the boat along the coast, and as we got closer to the marina, the world we’d left behind started to come back into focus. It felt a bit strange, you know, to be re-entering it after being in our own little bubble of blue. That return journey is always a bit bittersweet. You’re sad it’s ending, but you’re also just so full of the good feelings from the day. It’s the perfect time for reflection, really. We were just trying to mentally bottle up that feeling of total peace to take back with us. Frankly, the sail home was just as much a part of the adventure as the snorkeling itself.

Is a Private Lagoon 39 Charter Worth It?

Okay, so at the end of the day, you’re probably wondering about the value of something like this. A private charter is definitely an investment compared to a group tour, there’s no question. But what you are getting is, like, a whole different category of experience. You aren’t on someone else’s schedule. You want to stay in the water for ten more minutes? You basically can. You want to just sit in silence and watch the waves? Nobody is going to be talking on a loudspeaker right next to you. It’s the freedom and the privacy that you’re paying for. For a special occasion, like an anniversary or a big birthday, or just for a family that wants to have some quality time together, it’s pretty hard to beat. We felt like the crew were our hosts, not our tour guides, and the boat was our own private island for four hours. So, yes, for us, it was absolutely worth it. It transformed a nice day into a core memory from our trip, and you can’t really put a price on that, you know?

“The real luxury wasn’t just the boat, it was the silence. It was the feeling that for a few hours, this little piece of the ocean belonged just to us. That’s a feeling that’s hard to find and even harder to forget.”

A Few Key Takeaways

So, if you’re thinking about this trip, here are a few final thoughts, basically just broken down into the simple stuff:

• The Crew Makes the Trip: Our crew was amazing—professional, friendly, and just the right amount of attentive. This is a huge factor in the day’s success, so it’s a really good thing they were great.
• The Boat is Ideal: Honestly, the Lagoon 39 is a perfect platform for a day trip. It’s stable, spacious, and has lots of different areas for lounging in sun or shade.
• Privacy is the Real Prize: You just can’t compare the feeling of being in a quiet cove with just your own people to being there with a big group. It’s a completely different and far more relaxed vibe.
• The Snorkeling Was Top-Notch: The location was beautiful, and the provided gear was clean and high-quality, which makes a huge difference, you know?
• Simple and Fresh is Best: The snacks and drinks were simple, fresh, and perfect for the setting. It really hit the spot after being in the water.

Read our full review: Lagoon 39ft Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Full Review and Details

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