Snorkeling with sea turtles: Private sailing from Sapphire

Sail to a cove and swim alongside sea turtles

A private sailing and snorkeling trip from Sapphire Beach in St Thomas puts you on a classic monohaul sailboat for three hours, with snorkel gear and floating noodles provided. You sail to a protected cove where green sea turtles swim, then enter the water at your own pace to snorkel or float on the boat while the crew handles the sail.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and snorkel with sea turtles

• Sail out of Sapphire
• Visit protected cove
• Swim with sea turtles
• Relax on the boat
• Use provided snorkel gear and float noodles
• Enjoy drinks and light snacks

What’s included

• Snorkel gear, floating noodles, bottled water and soda.
• fuel and boat operation.
• light snacks.

Times

• Every day 09:00 13:00

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Before you book

Group Private 7 group tours ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 12h before

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Sailing The Cosmos Charters

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

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Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 3 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The boat leaves Sapphire and heads to a sheltered cove where sea turtles are known to gather. You bring your own snorkel gear or use what's provided, along with floating noodles if you want them. The crew stays with the sailboat while you're in the water, so you can snorkel as long as you want or stay aboard and watch from the deck. The choice is yours.

Drinks, bottled water and light snacks come with the booking. The whole outing runs three hours, which gives you time to sail out, spend time in the cove and return without eating up your whole day. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for getting in and out of the water, and the boat moves with the sea, so it's not the right fit if you have spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns.

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.

What are the sea turtles like when you snorkel with them here?

Green sea turtles are common in the cove near Sapphire. They're large, slow-moving animals that graze on seagrass and don't approach boats or swimmers aggressively. You'll see them going about their day if conditions are right.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it supplied?

Snorkel gear is included with the booking. You can bring your own if you prefer, but the boat provides masks, snorkels and fins so you don't have to pack them.

Can I stay on the boat if I don't want to snorkel?

Yes. You can float on noodles in the water, relax on deck while others snorkel, or move between the two. The crew doesn't require you to enter the water.

How far is the cove from Sapphire Beach?

The boat sails from Sapphire to a protected cove nearby. The exact distance depends on conditions and where the turtles are that day, but it's close enough to reach within the three-hour window and still spend real time in the water.