Green Island & Sea Turtles: Small Group Snorkel, Early Access

Seven People, One Island, Turtles All to Yourself

You arrive at Green Island nearly two hours before the larger tour groups, giving you quiet time on white-sand beaches and one-on-one snorkeling with sea turtles in clear water. The boat holds just seven guests, includes all snorkeling gear, fresh fruit, drinks and hotel pickup, then returns you by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Green Island half-day boat trip

• Transfer from port or resort
• Relax on Green Island beach
• Snorkel with sea turtles
• Visit natural sea pools
• Explore Emerald Cove beach
• Transfer back to port or resort

The experience

"The big boats come later," our captain said as we pulled away from the dock, and that one sentence explained everything about why this Green Island trip works differently. Most visitors arrive in groups of forty or fifty, but this half-day boat tour caps out at seven guests, which means you're anchored off the white-sand beaches of this protected Caribbean ecosystem roughly an hour and forty-five minutes before the crowded excursions show up. That time window is the whole point. You get to walk the beach, wade into the shallows, and actually see the sea turtles without a dozen other snorkelers kicking up sand around you.

The boat leaves from your hotel or the port in St. John's with snorkeling gear already loaded, and the route hits three main stops. First is the beach itself: genuinely quiet at that hour, the kind of place where you can sit and listen to the water without competing for a spot. Then comes the guided turtle snorkel, where the water is clear enough that you're not guessing what's below. You see them. After that, the natural pools (shallow, warm, the color of something you'd only believe in a photograph), and if conditions allow, the trip reaches Emerald Cove, a beach you can only reach by sea. Fresh fruit and snacks come along, plus Prosecco in proper glasses if you want it, and bottled water throughout. The whole thing, including transfers back, runs about half a day.

What makes this work is the constraint itself. Seven people means the boat is small enough to get there early, which is why the turtles aren't spooked and the beach doesn't feel like a resort. It also means no one's waiting around for stragglers: punctuality matters here, and the operator makes that clear upfront. If you're the type who'd rather have space to breathe and actually see what you came for, this is the trade. If you're hoping for a party boat or a chance to sleep in before heading out, this isn't it.

What’s included

Your half-day includes hotel or port pickup, boat transfer to and from Green Island, snorkeling equipment, guided turtle snorkeling, time in natural pools, fresh seasonal fruit and snacks, bottled water, and Prosecco wine in glass flutes (wine not available to guests under 18). All fees and taxes are covered.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:15

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 45 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Antigua chiama IT Tour by C.M.W.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Green Island and snorkel with turtles without fighting crowds: the small group size and early arrival are what make that possible, and they also mean you need to be on time and ready to leave when the boat does.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How early do you get to Green Island compared to other tours?

About 1 hour and 45 minutes before the larger excursion boats, which is the main reason the beach and snorkeling spots stay uncrowded.

What's included in the price?

Hotel or port pickup, snorkeling equipment, guided turtle snorkeling, access to natural pools, fresh fruit, snacks, bottled water, and Prosecco (wine not available for guests under 18).

How many people go on this trip?

Maximum 7 guests per boat, which keeps the group small and allows early arrival before crowds.

Can you see sea turtles on this trip?

Yes, guided snorkeling includes turtle viewing. Seeing them is typical, though not guaranteed.

What time does the tour start and end?

The total duration includes travel time and runs about half a day. Exact start times depend on your hotel or port location. Confirm at booking.

What happens if I'm late?

Punctuality is essential. If you're more than 10 minutes late, the tour is considered a no-show without refund.

Can you visit Emerald Cove?

Emerald Cove is reachable only by sea and is included in the route when conditions allow. It's not guaranteed on every trip.