Private Snorkeling in St. Thomas: Reefs & Sea Turtles

You'll see spotted trunkfish, parrotfish, sea turtles and Caribbean lobster in two protected reef zones without sharing the boat.

Private snorkeling in St. Thomas on a custom 42-foot eco-friendly boat with a certified guide, USCG-licensed captain, and stops at Christmas Cove and Little St. James marine park. The itinerary is fully customizable to your interests. Snorkel gear, water, soft drinks, snacks and Captain's rum punch (for adults 18+) are included. All participants must be comfortable swimmers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private snorkeling charter in St. Thomas

• Check-in and meet the crew
• Get fitted for snorkeling equipment
• Board private boat
• Snorkel at Christmas Cove
• Enjoy drinks and snacks onboard
• Snorkel at Little St. James
• Drink Captain's rum punch

The experience

You arrive at the dock, meet the crew, complete paperwork and get fitted for snorkel gear before boarding your private boat. The captain and guide work with you to shape the day around what you want to see, so the two reef stops: Christmas Cove at Greater St. James and Little St. James marine park: are starting points, not fixed stops. Pool noodles and snorkel vests are available if you want them in the water.

Christmas Cove is where you'll find spotted trunkfish, Spanish hogfish, French angelfish, southern stingrays and turtles moving through hard and soft corals. After you're done snorkeling, the boat motors to Little St. James, an infamous private island with its own protected marine park. The second site brings larger schools (bluestriped grunts, blue tang, parrotfish, butterfly fish) plus Caribbean lobster and more sea turtles. Between sites and after snorkeling, you have water, soft drinks and snacks on deck, with rum punch for adults 18 and up.

The half-day format means you're back on land in four hours, leaving room for other plans or a beach afternoon. All participants need to be comfortable swimmers in open water without assistance, and children must stay with an adult throughout.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear, certified snorkel guide and USCG-licensed captain.
• water, soft drinks and snacks throughout the half-day.
• Captain's rum punch for adults 18 and up.
• pool noodles and snorkel vests available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Aqua Marine Dive Center

Is this one for you?Book this private boat if you're traveling with friends or family and want to avoid the crowds on shared snorkeling trips. The custom itinerary means you set the pace and choose which reefs to explore.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What fish and marine life will I actually see when I snorkel in St. Thomas?

Christmas Cove and Little St. James both hold spotted trunkfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, rays and schools of blue tang and grunts. You'll also see French angelfish, Spanish hogfish, butterfly fish and Caribbean lobster depending on the day and the reef.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel gear is included with the booking. Pool noodles and snorkel vests are available on the boat if you want extra flotation.

Can I choose which reefs we visit, or is the itinerary fixed?

The captain and guide are flexible and will work with you to customize the stops. Christmas Cove and Little St. James are suggested spots, but you can shape the day around what interests you most.

What's included in the drinks and snacks onboard?

Water, soft drinks and snacks are provided throughout the trip. Adults 18 and up also get Captain's rum punch after the second snorkel site.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer to join?

All participants must be comfortable swimmers capable of swimming in open water without assistance. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.