Snorkeling in St Thomas: Sunset Private Charter with Sea Turtles

Sea turtles at Maho Bay, then pizza and sunset at Christmas Cove

A private snorkeling charter in St Thomas departs at 3:45 PM and runs two to three hours, timed to end at sunset. You snorkel at Maho Bay on the north shore of St. John, where sea turtles swim in calm water, then cruise to Christmas Cove to snorkel again or relax on deck while the sky turns orange and pink. The floating pizzeria Pizza Pi anchors the cove, and an experienced captain navigates the route based on the season and conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Virgin Islands National Park30m
2. Maho Bay1h

Afternoon and sunset private charter

• Begin charter at 3:45 PM
• Snorkel at Maho Bay or Scott Bay Beach
• Cruise to Christmas Cove
• Enjoy pizza at floating pizzeria
• Relax and watch sunset on water

The experience

You have a free afternoon in St Thomas and want to be on the water as the light shifts. The charter picks up at 3:45 PM and heads straight into Virgin Islands National Park waters on the north shore of St. John. The first stop is Maho Bay, where the water stays shallow and calm: the reason sea turtles feed there. You'll have snorkel gear and time to swim alongside them. The captain brings the boat close enough that you can watch them graze on seagrass without chasing them. They move on their own timeline.

From Maho Bay, the route depends on the season and sunset timing. Most often it leads to Christmas Cove, a protected anchorage on the east end where Pizza Pi (a working pizzeria that floats on a barge) serves craft pizzas and cocktails made to order. You can snorkel the cove's reefs or stay on deck with a drink and watch the water. The captain times the whole run so you're anchored and settled when the sun hits the horizon. Travel time is built into the three-hour window, so there's no rush between stops.

The boat comes in two sizes: a 29-footer or a 32-footer, both private to your group. You bring your own drinks if you want them (no glass bottles), and the captain provides water, ice and a cooler. Fuel is billed separately at cost. If the sunset view is better north of St Thomas during summer months, the captain will take you there instead of Christmas Cove: the route flexes to chase the light.

What’s included

• Private transportation to the snorkeling sites.
• snorkel equipment for all passengers.
• water, ice and a cooler.
• an experienced captain who knows the seasonal routes and conditions.

Options for this experience

2 options

Golden Hours (29-foot vessel)Up to 8 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 24 Nov · 15:45The 29' World Cat is a power catamaran that combines comfort, shade, a smooth ride and stability for exploring the USVI.

Golden Hours (32-foot vessel)Up to 10 per booking · Guide in English · 15:45The 32' World Cat is a power catamaran offering a smooth, steady ride and ample space to unwind while touring the USVI.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:45

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 refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 8

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bonus Time Charters

Is this one for you?Choose the 29-foot vessel if your group is smaller and you want a more intimate boat. The 32-footer suits larger groups or those who prefer more deck space. Either way, the 3:45 PM departure is locked in to catch the sunset, so if you have plans earlier in the day, this fits the late-afternoon slot perfectly.

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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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included and the captain will show you how to use it. Maho Bay is shallow and calm, designed for swimmers of all levels to see sea turtles and reef fish without going deep.

What are the sea turtles like at Maho Bay?

Maho Bay is a feeding ground where sea turtles graze on seagrass in shallow water. They're used to snorkelers and move at their own pace. You'll see them from a few feet away if conditions are right, but the captain won't guarantee sightings or chase them.

Is there food on the boat, or do I need to bring my own?

The charter stops at Christmas Cove, where Pizza Pi makes pizzas and cocktails to order. Any food or drink you buy there is your own cost. You're welcome to bring your own beverages, but glass bottles aren't allowed on board.

What time does the sunset happen, and how long do we stay to watch it?

Sunset timing shifts with the season, which is why the charter departs at 3:45 PM and runs two to three hours. The captain times the route so you're anchored and settled when the sun reaches the horizon. You'll have time to watch the light change from the water.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The charter includes private transportation, snorkel gear, a cooler with water and ice, and an experienced captain. Fuel is billed separately based on usage at eight dollars per gallon. Food and drinks at Pizza Pi, or any other stops, are your own cost.