Snorkeling in St Thomas: Turtle Cove & Honeymoon Beach

Coral reefs, sea turtles, and white sand in one morning or afternoon

Snorkel Turtle Cove on Buck Island in St Thomas, exploring coral reefs and tropical fish including turtles, then spend time at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. The 4-hour semi-private charter includes snorkel gear, beer, sodas and water; departures run at 9 AM or 2 PM from the WICO/Havensight Day Dock. Weather or ocean conditions may shift the snorkel site to Brewers Bay or the beach to Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay.

The Experience

The boat leaves the dock at 9 AM or 2 PM and heads to Turtle Cove on Buck Island, where snorkel gear is already set up for you. The coral reefs here hold Sargent Majors, hamlets, parrotfish, surgeonfish, squirrelfish and other sea life, plus turtles if conditions allow. You're in the water as soon as the group is ready, not waiting for anyone to sort equipment or figure out how to breathe through a regulator. Once everyone has finished snorkeling, cold beer, sodas and water come out on deck.

After Turtle Cove, the boat takes you to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for the area. The sand is white and the water is clear enough to see down. Dinghy's Beach Bar sits right there if you want a Pain Killer or fresh Mahi tacos—those are on you, not the charter. You have time to swim, walk the beach or sit, then the boat brings you back to the dock in St Thomas.

The charter is semi-private, meaning you're sharing the boat with other small groups rather than booking the whole vessel alone. Depending on availability, you'll be on the MV Hydra, MV Poseidon, MV Aquarius or a comparable boat. If weather or ocean conditions shift the plan, the Captain may move snorkeling to Brewers Bay or the beach portion to Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay instead—the day still runs the same way, just at a different spot.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear for the reef.
• beer, sodas and water throughout the charter.
• boat transport from the WICO/Havensight Day Dock in St Thomas to Turtle Cove and Honeymoon Beach and back.
• an English-speaking guide aboard.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Seas the Day Charters and Tours

Is this one for you?Pick the 9 AM departure for morning reef light and an open afternoon, or the 2 PM slot to spend your morning elsewhere—both keep groups small with personalized attention at a fraction of private charter cost.

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Top questions

What fish and sea life will I see snorkeling at Turtle Cove?

Turtle Cove's coral reefs are home to Sargent Majors, hamlets, parrotfish, surgeonfish, squirrelfish and other tropical fish, plus turtles depending on conditions that day.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel gear is included and set up for you before the boat arrives at Turtle Cove, so you don't need to bring equipment.

What's included to eat and drink on the charter?

Beer, sodas and water are included on the boat after snorkeling. Food is not included, though Dinghy's Beach Bar at Honeymoon Beach serves tacos and drinks if you want to order there.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear instead of using the provided equipment?

The charter provides snorkel gear for all guests. If you prefer your own, contact the operator before booking to confirm whether that's possible.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?

If weather or ocean conditions are rough, the Captain may substitute Brewers Bay for the snorkel site or Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay for the beach portion, but the 4-hour charter and all inclusions remain the same.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel on this charter?

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. If you have concerns about swimming ability or water comfort, contact the operator before booking.