St Thomas~St John Snorkel, Swim & Beach Trip on MV Island Flyer

A relaxed yet adventurous way to explore St. Thomas and St. John’s coral reefs and beautiful beaches. For just $135 per person, you get around four hours of semi-private boat time, with a maximum of 12 guests. Led by friendly captains and crew, this tour takes you from the busy harbor at Red Hook to some of the prettiest spots in the Virgin Islands, including Maho Bay, Christmas Cove, and unspoiled cays like Lovango and Stevens. The adventure features snorkeling at coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, swimming with turtles, and finishing with some well-earned beach time on pristine sands.

We love how intimate this trip feels — no overcrowding, just a small group sharing the water. The boat itself is a sleek Blue Planet Power Cat or similar, offering comfort and good visibility for all. Plus, the included snorkel gear, drinks, and the flexibility to visit different locations based on weather make it a flexible, enjoyable experience. However, keep in mind that the beach portion involves swimming to shore, as the boat can’t come right up to the sands, which might not suit everyone.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value personal attention, love marine wildlife, and want more than the typical crowded cruise. It works well for those with moderate physical fitness and a spirit of adventure, especially families, couples, or small groups who want authentic, quality time on the water.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 12 guests, expect a more personalized and less crowded experience.
• Variety of Snorkel Spots: Includes coral reefs, cays, and uninhabited islands, offering diverse underwater scenery.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Captain Hillary and Captain Glen are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Inclusive Drinks & Equipment: Compliments of the trip include snorkeling gear, bottled water, sodas, and beer.
• Flexible Locations: Depending on weather, the tour visits different spots, including Maho Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Lovango Cay, or Christmas Cove.
• Authentic Beach Experience: Beach time is accessed by swimming to shore, offering a genuine sense of adventure.

Exploring the MV Island Flyer Snorkel, Swim & Beach Tour

The Basics: What You Need to Know

This 4-hour tour begins in the vibrant harbor of Red Hook, on the island of St. Thomas. For $135, you’ll enjoy a semi-private adventure, meaning your small group of up to 12 travelers gets more space to breathe and more time with the guide. The trip is led by seasoned skippers who know their waters, and the vessels range from a sleek Blue Planet Power Cat to a well-maintained Wellcraft powerboat, all designed for stability and good sightseeing angles.

The process is straightforward: meet your crew at the American Yacht Harbor, board your boat, and head out to explore some of the Virgin Islands’ most alluring spots. The tour’s flexibility is a plus — weather and sea conditions influence the specific locations visited, which might include Maho Bay, Christmas Cove, or secluded cays like Lovango and Stevens. After snorkeling, you’ll get to relax at one of St. John’s breathtaking beaches, either Hawksnest Bay or Honeymoon Beach, weather permitting.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

Authentic intimacy is what travelers seem to love most. Unlike large cruise excursions, this tour keeps the group small, making it easier to socialize, ask questions, and truly enjoy the surroundings. The guides, such as Captain Hillary and Captain Wallens, are frequently praised for their local knowledge and personable attitude, adding educational value and a friendly atmosphere.

Underwater encounters are another highlight. Guests report seeing a variety of marine life — including turtles, nurse sharks, rays, and colorful fish like snapper and parrotfish. One guest even commented on the “squad of squid,” making it clear that the natural world here is lively and accessible. The snorkeling gear is high-quality and well-maintained, which makes a difference when you’re trying to spot elusive sea creatures.

The beach visits are a highlight — white sands, clear waters, and fantastic views. While you do swim to shore since the boat can’t pull right up, many guests find this adds a dash of adventure and authenticity. The optional swim adds a physical element, but it’s also a chance to really connect with the environment.

What Could Be Better?

A potential downside is that the beach time involves swimming to shore, which isn’t suitable for everyone. For travelers with limited mobility or who prefer to stay dry, this could be a concern. On top of that, while the tour tries to maximize wildlife sightings, marine animals are wild, so there are no guarantees of seeing turtles or sharks every time.

The price point is fair, considering the small-group experience, the quality of the guides, and the inclusive drinks and gear. Still, some travelers might expect a little more variety or amenities, like onboard snacks or a longer beach stay. The optional rum punch, which some guests request, could be a good addition in the future.

Itinerary Deep Dive: What You Can Expect

Meeting at American Yacht Harbor

Expect to find the meeting point easily, right by the “B” dock in Red Hook. The departure lounge is casual, and you’ll meet your friendly crew, who are eager to share their local knowledge. Parking can be tight in Red Hook, so arriving early or parking in ferry lots nearby is a smart move.

The Voyage Begins

Once aboard, you’ll cruise out into the open water. The boat’s size and design mean good visibility for everyone, and the crew will give a safety briefing and gear distribution, including snorkeling masks, fins, and optional flotation devices.

The Snorkel Stops

Depending on weather, the crew chooses the best spots for marine life viewing. Guests frequently mention Maho Bay and Christmas Cove as favorites. These locations are known for coral reefs and abundant fish. The reefs here are vibrant, home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and even occasional sharks.

Some reviews highlight specific sightings like nurse sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, and sea turtles, with one guest sharing, “Captain Hillary has a knack for finding them for you to spy on while snorkeling!” You’ll love the chance to float above these underwater scenes and feel immersed in the marine environment.

Beach Time

After snorkeling, you’ll head to a famous Virgin Islands beach like Hawksnest Bay or Honeymoon Beach. The boat cannot dock directly at the shore, so you’ll swim to shore, which many find fun and refreshing. Here, you can relax on the white sand, take photos, or grab a cold drink from the snack bar near Honeymoon Beach.

Return and Reflection

The trip wraps up with a smooth cruise back to Red Hook. Many guests comment on the punctuality of the departure and return, appreciating the well-organized schedule. Drinks such as sodas, beers, and bottled water keep everyone refreshed, and the small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Details and Tips

What to bring: Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), towels, a waterproof camera (if you want photos underwater), and any personal items you might need ashore. Keep in mind, the tour doesn’t include tips, but a gratuity of 15-20% for excellent service is customary.

Weather considerations: Since the trip is outdoors, it’s weather-dependent. The crew will contact you if the weather’s unsafe, and a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Physical requirements: Moderate fitness level recommended. Swimming to shore is part of the experience, so be comfortable in the water.

Booking and cancellation: You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, which is flexible for planning. The tour is popular, so early booking is advised.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a personalized, small-group experience with knowledgeable guides, this snorkel and beach combo is ideal. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see marine wildlife, snorkel coral reefs, and relax on gorgeous beaches without the chaos of larger boats. Families with moderate swimmers, couples, or friends who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation will find it especially rewarding.

The Sum Up

For those wanting an authentic taste of the Virgin Islands’ underwater world combined with stunning beaches and a relaxed vibe, the MV Island Flyer trip offers excellent value. Its small group size and friendly guides elevate the experience beyond the standard cruise, making each snorkel stop feel special. The included drinks, quality gear, and flexible locations add convenience and comfort.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate personal service, wildlife encounters, and a more genuine, less commercialized adventure. It works well for those with moderate physical fitness, as swimming ashore adds a fun but active element. And for anyone who wants to escape the crowds and enjoy the Virgin Islands’ natural beauty from a boat, this trip hits the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children with moderate swimming ability will enjoy it. For kids under 2, it’s best to call ahead for advice.

How long is the snorkeling?
The total tour lasts about 4 hours, with multiple snorkel stops at different sites, typically in warm, tropical waters.

Does the boat have shade?
Yes, the boats are equipped with cover to protect guests from the sun during travel and snorkeling.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, bottled water, sodas, and beer are included. Tips are not included.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
Yes, but the provided gear is high-quality and well-maintained.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is swimming to shore safe?
For most, yes, but it requires comfort in the water. The boat cannot dock directly at the beaches, so swimming ashore is necessary.

How do I book?
You can book online and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the trip.

In all, this tour stands out as an excellent way to experience the Virgin Islands’ natural beauty in a relaxed, authentic setting. Whether you’re snorkeling with turtles, relaxing on a stunning beach, or enjoying the company of friendly guides, you’ll leave with plenty of memories—and hopefully, some new underwater friends.