St. Croix: Sea Turtle Snorkeling & Shallow Water Reef Tour

Wade Into Shallow Water Where Sea Turtles Glide Past Your Mask

You wade into shallow Caribbean water from a rocky cove, snorkel alongside Hawksbill and Green sea turtles, and explore a reef thick with colorful fish and coral without ever leaving sight of shore. The tour includes all snorkel gear, fins, a life vest, and a guide who meets you at the water's edge. No boat, no long swim out. Just clear water and turtles within minutes of entering.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling with sea turtles at St. Croix

• Meet at Turtle Cove near Frederiksted Pier
• Receive brief introduction from guide
• Gear up with snorkel equipment
• Wade into ocean from water’s edge
• Snorkel alongside Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles
• Explore colorful coral and marine life
• Look for sting rays over sea grass bed
• Enjoy sun and Caribbean Sea views

The experience

The rocky cove at Turtle Cove sits right next to the Frederiksted Pier, and the moment you step into the water, you're already in it. The Caribbean is so clear you can see the sand ripples ten feet down, and within minutes of wading out from the shore, you'll spot them: Hawksbill and Green sea turtles moving through the shallows like they own the place, which they do. Your guide meets you at the water's edge, so there's no boat ride, no long swim out to the reef. You gear up on the beach, wade in, and the snorkeling starts immediately.

The reef itself is packed with color. Sergeant major fish dart between the corals in tight schools, yellowtail snappers hang in the current, blue tangs graze, and if you're patient, you'll see squid hovering near the rocks and stingrays gliding over the sea grass beds. It's not a vast underwater landscape (the depth stays shallow enough that you're never far from the surface), but that's exactly what makes it work. You're not fighting currents or managing air. You're just floating, watching, and occasionally a turtle will drift past close enough that you could almost touch it, though you won't.

Bring a waterproof camera. The light down there is sharp, and the turtles move slowly enough that you'll get shots. The whole experience is built around the fact that you don't need to be a strong swimmer or comfortable in deep water. Snorkel gear, fins, and a life vest are all included, and the guide stays with you the whole time. Public transportation runs near the pier if you're staying elsewhere on St. Croix, so getting there isn't complicated.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear, fins, and life vest.
• guide who meets you at the water's edge and stays with you throughout the snorkeling.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:45, 11:45 and 13:45

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Virgin Islands Ecotours

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see sea turtles without a boat ride or long swim: the shallow entry and included gear mean you're in the water within minutes of arriving, and the guide handles the rest.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. The snorkeling happens in shallow water, and a life vest is included. You wade in from the shore rather than diving or swimming out to a boat.

Will I definitely see sea turtles?

Hawksbill and Green sea turtles are regularly in the area, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The reef itself has plenty of colorful fish and coral even if turtle activity varies.

What fish and marine life will I see?

Blue tang, yellowtail snappers, sergeant major fish, squid, drum fish, chubs, and squirrel fish are common. Stingrays occasionally glide over the sea grass beds nearby.

Is snorkel gear provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear, fins, and a life vest are all included in the tour.

Where exactly do we meet?

You meet at Turtle Cove, right next to the Frederiksted Pier. After a brief introduction, you gear up and wade into the ocean from there.

Can I bring my own camera?

Yes. A waterproof camera is recommended so you can capture photos of the turtles and reef.