Snorkeling St. John & St. Thomas: Private boat with sea turtles

Snorkel with sea turtles, then float past mangrove roots in pool-like water

A full-day private boat charter from St. John explores snorkeling sites across the US Virgin Islands, with an experienced captain, snorkel gear and stops at Maho Bay, Waterlemon Cay and Coral Bay. The boat holds up to eight passengers depending on the vessel you choose, and travel time is built into the six-hour day. Bring your own food and drinks (no glass), or buy tacos and pizza at the floating vendors you'll visit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Virgin Islands National Parkpassing by
2. Maho Bay1h
3. Waterlemon Cay1h

Private island-hopping boat tour

• Depart from St. John or St. Thomas
• Snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay
• Swim ashore at Scott Beach or Cinnamon Bay
• Snorkel at Waterlemon Cay coral reefs
• Float in mangrove ecosystem pool
• Lunch at floating taco bar in Coral Bay
• Swim to shore at sugar plantation ruins
• Visit Christmas Cove for floating pizzeria

The experience

The charter departs on a power catamaran and runs the waters of Virgin Islands National Park, hitting snorkel sites on both the north and south shores. Maho Bay is where sea turtles gather in calm, shallow water. Waterlemon Cay holds elkhorn coral that is critically endangered elsewhere. Between the reefs you'll swim to quiet beaches (Scott Beach, Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay), and float through a mangrove ecosystem described as the healthiest in the islands, where the water sits still as a pool. An English-speaking captain runs the boat and knows the conditions and the wildlife.

Lunch happens at two floating stops unique to the islands: Lime Out in Coral Bay serves tacos and frozen drinks from a barge on the water, and if there is time, Pizza Pi, the USVI's only floating pizzeria, anchors nearby for slices. You cover the cost of anything you order there. The charter includes snorkel gear, water, ice and a cooler. Bring your own beverages if you want them (no glass bottles allowed on board). The six-hour day includes all travel time between stops, so the itinerary is built around what fits in one departure.

Three vessel options are available: a 32-foot catamaran, a 29-foot catamaran, or a luxury version. The captain's gratuity is recommended at 20 percent if service is excellent. Fuel is billed separately at eight dollars per gallon based on actual usage, so the final cost depends on where the captain takes you and how far the water conditions allow him to go that day.

What’s included

• Private power catamaran with an experienced English-speaking captain.
• snorkel gear for all passengers.
• water, ice and a cooler.
• stops at Maho Bay for sea turtles, Waterlemon Cay for coral reefs, quiet beaches for swimming, and a mangrove ecosystem.
• lunch-stop access to Lime Out floating taco bar in Coral Bay and Pizza Pi floating pizzeria.

Options for this experience

3 options

Full-day USVI tour on a 29-foot vesselUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00Our 29-foot World Cat power catamaran combines comfort, shade, a smooth ride and stability as you explore the USVI. Maximum of 8 guests.

Full-day USVI tour on a 32-foot vesselUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00Our 32-foot World Cat power catamaran provides a smooth, stable ride and plenty of space to relax while you explore the USVI. Maximum of 10 guests.

Luxury Full-Day USVIUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00Beer, sparkling wine, cocktails, bottled water, soft drinks, ice and light snacks are included. Our 36-foot Aquila luxury power catamaran has a shaded interior, an onboard restroom and premium amenities. Maximum of 10 guests.

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 09:00

Book up to16h 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 yesterday

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 vessel size that fits your group (the 32-foot or 29-foot catamaran, or the luxury option), since capacity and amenities vary. The six-hour day is long enough to reach multiple snorkel sites and beach stops without rushing, so it suits travelers who want to spend real time in the water rather than hop between quick visits.

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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 with sea turtles on this charter?

Yes. Maho Bay on the north shore of St. John is where the turtles gather in calm water, and it is the first major snorkel stop on the itinerary. Waterlemon Cay and other reef sites along the route also have sea turtle sightings, though the animals are wild and their presence is never guaranteed.

What is included in the charter price?

The charter includes the captain and crew, snorkel equipment, water, ice and a cooler. Fuel is billed separately at eight dollars per gallon based on usage. Food and drinks at Lime Out and Pizza Pi are your responsibility, and you can bring your own beverages as long as there is no glass on board.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The vessel size depends on which option you choose: the 32-foot catamaran, the 29-foot catamaran, or the luxury full-day charter. Each holds a different number of passengers, so check the option details when you book to confirm capacity for your group.

What happens if I get seasick or the water is rough?

The captain navigates Virgin Islands National Park and chooses snorkel sites based on daily conditions. Maho Bay is known for calm water, and the mangrove area offers pool-like conditions. If you have concerns about motion or health, the operator asks that you call before booking. They work to accommodate all groups and can discuss the day's likely conditions with you.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Snorkel equipment is included with the charter. The captain provides masks, fins and snorkels for all passengers.