When planning your visit to St Thomas, one of the island’s greatest charms is how many unique lunch experiences it offers. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood on a boat, exploring mangroves by kayak, or enjoying a personalized cultural tour, there’s something to satisfy every taste and interest. One thing we particularly love is the Circle the Island of St. John cruise, which combines snorkeling, island views, and a floating taco bar that’s hard to beat for fun and flavor. The combination of authentic local cuisine and scenic sailing makes it a favorite among visitors looking for a memorable midday break.
St Thomas isn’t just about beaches; it’s also about authentic island flavors and immersive adventures. If you prefer something more hands-on and eco-focused, the Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure offers a chance to get up close with nature while enjoying a picnic lunch amid stunning scenery. For those who want a personalized touch, the St. Thomas Cultural Experience gives you a chance to explore the island’s culture and indulge in a traditional local lunch, all with a small-group feel. Whatever your style, these tours serve up a taste of what makes St Thomas special.
Quick Overview
Our list includes sailing trips with floating taco bars, kayak and snorkel eco-tours, private cultural experiences, and snorkeling cruises with pizza. Each offers a distinct way to enjoy lunch on your day in St Thomas, with options for boat lovers, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers. To see the full range, check out the tours at Circle the Island of St. John, Best of Mangrove Lagoon, and more.
1. Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat)
At number 1, this sailing adventure around St. John combines snorkeling, scenic cruising, and the highlight: a stop at the floating taco bar, Lime Out. The tour, rated 5.0/5 by nearly 800 reviews, offers an intimate experience with group sizes limited to 12, ensuring personalized service. You’ll start by cruising along the North Shore, with the captain choosing calm, clear spots for snorkeling—you’ll get all snorkel gear included.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to enjoy delicious tacos while floating on the water—a truly unique dining experience. The lunch stop at Lime Out lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, and your crew provides all drinks, including alcohol. Afterward, you’ll snorkel at Johnny Lime, then visit Pizza Pi for a shipwreck snorkel and a chance to swim with sea turtles and stingrays.
This tour offers excellent value—for $250 per person, you get multiple snorkel stops, an all-inclusive bar, and a memorable cruise. It’s perfect if you love boating, snorkeling, and fun food experiences in small groups. Some reviews note the crew is lively and informative, with a few wishing for better narration. Overall, it’s about relaxing, soaking up views, and savoring tacos on the water.
Bottom Line: A lively, well-rated cruise ideal for those wanting a combination of snorkeling, scenic sailing, and a floating taco lunch.
2. Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch
This eco-friendly adventure ranks high due to its hands-on approach to exploring St. Thomas’s unique environment. For around $159, you’ll spend about five hours paddling through mangrove tunnels, hiking volcanic cliffs to a blowhole, and snorkeling coral reefs teeming with marine life. This tour is rated 5.0/5 with many reviewers calling it the highlight of their trip.
Your guides are key players here, sharing their knowledge as you kayak in the tranquil lagoons, search for stingrays and other wildlife, and hike to scenic overlooks. The lunch included is a picnic, often enjoyed at a quiet spot amidst the lush surroundings. The guided instruction is suitable for first-timers, making it accessible to all fitness levels.
Guests often mention Freddie’s expert guidance and the chance to see starfish, conchs, and hermit crabs. The tour’s value lies in its combination of eco-adventure and education, providing a more meaningful experience than typical sightseeing. Some note that the snorkeling can be murky at times, but that doesn’t detract from the overall fun.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for nature lovers who want to kayak, hike, snorkel, and learn about the island’s environment—all with a delicious picnic included.
3. St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch
For a shorter, fun-filled day, this 3.5-hour trip is an excellent choice. It combines reef snorkeling at Little and Great St. James, with plenty of colorful fish, turtles, and rays. After, instead of searching for a restaurant, you’ll enjoy Pizza Pi’s famous pizza delivered directly to your boat.
The tour’s price of $90 per person makes it a budget-friendly option, especially considering the included lunch. The cruise offers multiple stops for marine viewing and swimming, giving plenty of time to relax and soak up the scenery. Passengers rave about how the crew is helpful and friendly, making the experience easy and enjoyable.
A key feature is the pizza delivered on the boat, which means no hurried lunch plans or long waits at crowded restaurants. It’s ideal for travelers who want a combination of snorkeling, fun food, and a laid-back vibe.
Bottom Line: A great pick if you want an affordable, quick snorkeling trip with the bonus of pizza on the water.
4. St. Thomas Cultural Experience: Semi-Private, Lunch Included
This personalized cultural tour balances sightseeing, local history, and a home-cooked style lunch. For $80, you get approximately 4 to 5 hours of exploring with a small group, often only three to ten travelers, which makes for a relaxed, more intimate experience. Your guide, Max, customizes the itinerary based on your interests, whether it’s exploring local shops, scenic overlooks, or hidden beaches.
Highlights include visiting the main street of island crafts, enjoying a local lunch, and relaxing at scenic spots like Charlotte Amalie Overlook. The tour is rated 5.0, with reviews praising the personalized service and delicious local food. Some travelers appreciate that the tour avoids overly commercial stops, focusing instead on authentic island life.
This experience is perfect if you’re interested in culture and private attention. It’s also flexible enough to include shopping or just relaxing at a beach. The only potential downside is that it’s more expensive than some other options, but the personalized approach offers good value for those wanting a deeper connection to the island.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a curated, private experience with local food and cultural insights.
5. Lime Out Snorkel with Taco Bar Lunch & Swim-Up Bar – Ritz-Carlton
If you’re after a full-day boat trip with casual luxury, this catamaran cruise delivers on fun and flavor. Priced at $179, it lasts around 7 hours and features snorkeling around reefs, taco lunches at Lime Out, and the only swim-up bar in the US Virgin Islands. The trip sails from St Thomas to the north shore of St. John, offering spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for relaxing and sightseeing.
The lunch on the water is highlighted by tacos and drinks, with many reviewers praising the friendly crew and smooth sailing. The inclusion of a swim-up bar makes this trip stand out, perfect for those wanting a luxurious, laid-back day on the water. The all-inclusive drinks add a celebratory flair, and parking at the meeting point makes logistics straightforward.
Guests mention the snorkeling was impressive, and the crew is attentive and engaging. It’s best suited for those who want a longer, more indulgent day with a mix of snorkeling, sailing, and tropical drinks.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want a comfortable, all-inclusive boat day with excellent snorkeling, tacos, and a swim-up bar.
6. Maho Bay Turtle Snorkel with Lunch and Bar at Frenchman’s Reef
Completing the list, this smaller-scale snorkeling trip costs around $139 and lasts about five hours. It takes you on a power catamaran to Maho Bay, known for its crystalline waters and vibrant marine life, including sea turtles, fish, and colorful coral.
The tour is less crowded, appealing to travelers who prefer a more intimate experience. After snorkeling, you can enjoy lunch and drinks at Frenchman’s Reef, making it a relaxing end to your day. The reviews note the beautiful scenery and lively marine environment, although with only 8 reviews, it’s less established than some other options.
This tour works well for those who want a straightforward snorkeling adventure combined with lunch in a scenic setting. Be aware that the boat journey is the highlight, and the experience is more relaxed than fast-paced.
Bottom Line: Suitable for snorkelers wanting a quieter, more personal trip with good marine viewing and casual dining.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Tour in St Thomas
When selecting your ideal lunch experience in St Thomas, consider your interests: Is boat life your thing? Do you prefer eco-activities like kayaking? Or are you after a personalized cultural tour? For a lively day on the water, the Circle the Island of St. John cruise offers a fun mix of snorkeling and tacos. If eco-activities appeal, the Mangrove Lagoon kayak tour provides a more educational, nature-focused experience. For those with limited time, the Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch is quick, affordable, and fun.
Personalized tours like the Cultural Experience suit travelers who want a more intimate, culturally rich day, while the Ritz-Carlton snorkel cruise offers a luxurious, all-inclusive day with snorkeling, tacos, and drinks.
Always factor in your budget, preferred pace, and interests. Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
St Thomas provides diverse lunch experiences—from lively boat trips with floating taco bars to tranquil eco-adventures and culturally immersive tours. For a festive, social outing, the Circle the Island cruise with tacos and snorkeling is hard to beat. If eco-conscious exploration piques your interest, the Mangrove Lagoon tour offers a memorable, educational day in nature. For a more personal experience, the Cultural Tour delivers local flavor and intimate insights. And for those seeking comfort and convenience, the Lime Out snorkel cruise and Maho Bay snorkeling tours offer excellent options.
No matter what you choose, early booking will help ensure your spot—these experiences fill fast. Prepare for a midday escape filled with great food, stunning views, and authentic island fun.