Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville

A Perfect Day Snorkeling Around St. John: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a memorable way to explore the Caribbean waters around St. John, this six-hour snorkeling tour from St. Thomas should be high on your list. For $180 per person, you’ll spend your day aboard a comfortable powerboat, visiting some of the most beautiful snorkeling spots within USVI St. John National Park and nearby coral reefs. Guided by knowledgeable crew members, you’ll get a chance to see sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, and a rainbow of tropical fish—plus enjoy a continental breakfast, lunch, and an open bar.

What sets this tour apart? First, the expert guides who not only show you the best underwater sights but also provide helpful instruction for first-time snorkelers. Second, the quality of the food and drinks—a buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited cocktails—turns a water adventure into a true Caribbean feast.

A small drawback? While the experience is fantastic, the crowded snorkeling spots can be a bit challenging if you’re seeking complete solitude. Still, the vibrant marine life and clear waters make up for it.

This tour is perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone wanting a fun, well-organized day on the water with friendly guides and great amenities. Whether you’re a snorkel pro or just curious, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Beautiful reefs: Snorkel in pristine waters around St. John with chances to see turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish.
• Guided instruction: Friendly guides help first-timers get comfortable in the water.
• All-inclusive: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks make this a relaxing experience.
• Multiple stops: Visit 3 different snorkeling sites, including the USVI St. John National Park, with opportunities for varied marine encounters.
• Expert crew: Knowledgeable and attentive guides ensure safety and fun.
• Crowded spots: Popular areas can get busy, especially on peak days.

A Deep Dive into the Snorkel St. John Tour Experience

If you’re heading to the US Virgin Islands and crave a day of water-based adventure, this tour offers a well-rounded mix of stunning scenery, marine life, and comfort. Starting at Margaritaville on St. Thomas, the trip begins bright and early at 9 am, with a continental breakfast served as you cruise toward St. John. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with a maximum of 32 guests, ensuring a friendly environment without feeling overcrowded.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Dawn to Dusk

The tour’s core appeal is the three snorkeling stops, with the first at USVI St. John National Park—a protected marine area offering some of the clearest, most vibrant waters in the region. While the exact sites may vary depending on weather and conditions, popular spots include Maho Bay, Honeymoon Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Leinster Bay, and Waterlemon Cay. These places are praised for their calm, crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers.

During each stop, guides skillfully lead the group, sharing insights about the surroundings and helping those new to snorkeling. Reviewers highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are—something that makes even anxious first-timers feel at ease. Several reviews mention seeing turtles, stingrays, starfish, and schools of vivid fish, which truly add to the magic of the experience.

The Food and Drinks: A Caribbean Feast

One of the standout features of this tour is the all-inclusive nature. You start your day with a continental breakfast that you can enjoy while taking in the island breezes. After the first snorkel, a buffet lunch with juicy desserts awaits you—think fresh fruit, sandwiches, and local flavors that satisfy even the most active appetites.

And the open bar? It’s enough to keep spirits high as you cruise between sites, with unlimited drinks including bottled water and alcoholic beverages. As one reviewer put it, the “cocktails were served non-stop,” turning the trip into a festive, relaxing event. Many mention how the food and drinks elevate the day, transforming it from a simple excursion into a true Caribbean celebration.

The Second and Third Stops

After lunch, you’ll head to a third snorkeling site—another opportunity to see marine life, explore coral formations, and enjoy the calm, warm waters. The scenery along the way offers breathtaking vistas of the Virgin Islands, with plenty of time to sit back, sip a drink, and take in the ocean views.

The trip wraps up around 3 pm, with a smooth return cruise back to the starting point at Margaritaville. Many guests appreciate the relaxed pace and the fact that they get to see multiple sites without feeling hurried.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is especially great for families, beginners, or travelers who want an all-in-one day of fun, food, and marine discovery. The small group size—max 32—ensures personalized attention, and the safety standards meet coast guard requirements, giving peace of mind.

A few guests have noted that popular snorkeling spots can get crowded, so if you’re a person who prefers more secluded beaches, this might not be your ideal choice. However, the organized stops and knowledgeable guides compensate by making sure everyone has a memorable time.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Approximately 6 hours, from 9 am to 3 pm.
• Meeting point: Margaritaville on Smith Bay Road, St. Thomas.
• Inclusions: Beverages, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all snorkeling equipment.
• Price: $180 per person, which many reviewers say offers good value considering the food, drinks, guides, and multiple snorkeling sites.
• Booking: Confirmed immediately upon booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—perfect for flexible travel plans.

A Few Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Reapply reef-safe sunscreen frequently, especially on the backs of your legs, as some guests have reported burns.
• Bring dry clothes or a towel for after snorkeling.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions as the boat ride can be bumpy at times.
• Don’t forget your camera or waterproof phone case—the scenery and marine life are photo-worthy.
• For those traveling on a cruise, make sure to share your ship’s disembarkation and re-boarding times when booking.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a vibrant picture of this tour’s appeal. Many describe it as “the best snorkeling trip ever” and highlight how friendly, knowledgeable guides make all the difference. One guest raved, “We saw turtles, stingrays, starfish, and tons of fish,” emphasizing the rich marine life. Others appreciated the delicious food and unlimited drinks, turning a water excursion into a festive event.

Some guests, however, mention the crowds at popular spots, with one reviewer noting, “we would have enjoyed snorkeling spots less crowded”. Despite that, the overall tone remains highly positive, with many mentioning repeat trips and strong recommendations.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy snorkeling in vibrant reefs, want guides who know the waters well, and love the idea of a relaxed, all-inclusive day with good food and drinks, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with family, are new to snorkeling, or simply want a seamless way to explore some of the most beautiful marine areas around St. John.

However, if your ideal day involves secluded beaches or a less crowded experience, you might find this tour a bit busy. Still, the quality of the guides, the variety of sites, and the delicious Caribbean fare make this a solid choice for most water lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, from 9 am to 3 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling, eating, and relaxing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Margaritaville on Smith Bay Road, St. Thomas, and ends back there—no complicated transfers needed.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers breakfast, lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks, bottled water, and all snorkeling equipment.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Guides are experienced in helping first-timers feel comfortable, and the water in the parks tends to be calm and clear.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible for travel plans.

What if I want to see specific sites like Waterlemon Cay?
Site selection depends on weather and conditions, but the tour typically includes three stops, often focusing on the best and most accessible sites.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, the open bar includes a variety of alcoholic beverages and bottled water, served throughout the trip for a festive atmosphere.

In short, this snorkeling tour offers a fantastic combination of stunning underwater scenery, friendly guides, and delicious Caribbean food and drinks. It’s an easy choice for anyone seeking a lively, well-organized day on the water that captures the best of what St. John and the US Virgin Islands have to offer.