St John Snorkeling Tour: Powerboat, Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Snorkeling St John’s bays by powerboat with breakfast and open bar

You’ll board a roomy powerboat from Sapphire or Margaritaville for a laid-back day trip to St John’s best snorkeling spots. Enjoy breakfast in the breeze, explore coral bays with your guide’s tips (gear included), then refuel with an open-bar buffet lunch before drifting back across turquoise waters. Expect laughter, sun-warmed skin, and those little moments you’ll want to replay later.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been itching to get off the main island for a while, so when we signed up for this St John snorkeling tour from Sapphire Beach, I was honestly just hoping for some quiet water time. Instead, it started with coffee and pineapple in hand, salty wind tangling my hair as the captain — Marcus, I think — pointed out little coves where sea turtles like to nap. He had this easy way of talking about the islands, like he’d grown up swimming these waters (maybe he did). The boat was bigger than I expected; everyone sort of shuffled around at first, but by the time we reached the first bay, people were swapping sunscreen and laughing about who forgot their towels.

The first snorkel stop set the mood — warm water slipping over my arms, sun dappling through clouds above Maho Bay (or maybe Cinnamon? I lost track). Our guide tossed bread in and suddenly there were parrotfish everywhere, all neon blues and pinks flashing past my mask. I swallowed a bit of seawater from grinning too much. Back onboard, someone handed me a drink (open bar is no joke), and I found myself chatting with a couple from Boston who’d never snorkeled before. We all ended up comparing mask lines on our faces over buffet lunch — chicken legs, salad that tasted faintly of lime, something sweet for dessert that I still can’t name.

After lunch it was another bay — honestly the names blur together but not the feeling: floating above coral gardens while someone pointed out a stingray gliding below us. The sky kept shifting between bright blue and those quick Caribbean showers that last five minutes then leave everything sparkling again. On the way back to land, Marcus cranked up some soca music; everyone sprawled out with rum punch or water bottles just watching St John slide by. There’s this moment when you’re salty and tired but don’t want it to end yet — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and island cruise tour

• Board powerboat at 9am
• Enjoy continental breakfast onboard
• Snorkel at first designated site
• Listen to captain's island stories
• Buffet lunch and open bar
• Snorkel at third snorkeling site
• Relax with drinks and ocean views
• Return to land by 3pm

Top questions

Does the St John snorkeling tour include food and drinks?

Yes, continental breakfast, buffet lunch with dessert, bottled water, and unlimited drinks from an open bar are included.

Are snorkeling gear and instruction provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment plus basic instruction are provided as part of the tour.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Sapphire Beach or Margaritaville.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, cruise ship guests are welcome; provide your ship details when booking.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

The itinerary includes three snorkeling sites around St John; locations may vary based on conditions.

What time does the tour start and end?

The adventure runs from 9am to 3pm.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What’s included

Your day includes continental breakfast served as you sail toward St John’s bays; all snorkeling equipment plus instruction; unlimited drinks from an open bar; a buffet-style lunch with dessert after your first swim; and return boat transport back to shore in the afternoon.