St Thomas: Snorkel with Turtles & Honeymoon Beach Semi-Private Tour

Summary

Swim with turtles then unwind at Honeymoon Beach bar in St Thomas

You’ll swim alongside turtles in crystal waters off St Thomas, explore vibrant reefs with all your snorkel gear ready for you, then relax at Honeymoon Beach with a drink in hand as music drifts through the air. Friendly local guides keep things easygoing—and you’ll end up with sandy feet, sun-warmed skin, and stories that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way our captain—Tina, I think—handed me the mask and snorkel. She grinned and said, “Don’t worry, the turtles are friendly.” There was this salty breeze, sunscreen smell everywhere, and someone’s laugh carried over the water. We anchored near Buck Island (or maybe it was Brewers Bay? They said it depends on the weather), and honestly, my heart was pounding a bit before slipping into that blue-green water. The reef felt alive—parrotfish darting around like they owned the place, flashes of yellow from some fish I couldn’t name. And then there it was—a turtle just sort of drifting by. I tried to keep my flippers quiet so I wouldn’t scare it off. Didn’t work perfectly but it didn’t seem to mind.

Back on board everyone was dripping saltwater and grinning like fools. Tina cracked open a beer for us (sodas too if you wanted) and passed them around—she said something about eco-friendly habits and I remember thinking how good that cold can felt in my hand after swimming. The sun was already making everyone’s shoulders pink but nobody cared much. We cruised over to Water Island next, spray hitting our faces every now and then, not enough to bother anyone but just enough to make you feel awake.

Honeymoon Beach looked exactly like those photos people post online except somehow less fake—real sand sticking to your feet, kids chasing each other near the shore, locals waving from under palm trees by Dinghy’s Bar. Someone ordered a Pain Killer (I stuck with water because wow those things are strong). There was music coming from somewhere—maybe a speaker or maybe just people singing along to nothing in particular. Time got weird here; we must’ve stayed longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave yet. Eventually we headed back toward Yacht Haven Grande, hair tangled up from wind and salt.

I still think about that turtle sometimes—the way it moved so slowly while everything else rushed around it. If you’re looking for a day trip from St Thomas that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded (and yeah, includes pickup and all your gear), this semi private tour is probably it. Not everything went perfectly smooth—my mask fogged up once and I probably butchered “thank you” trying to say it in Spanish—but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and relax at beaches

• Depart from Saint Thomas at 9 AM or 2 PM
• Snorkel at Turtle Cove or Brewers Bay
• Explore coral reefs and swim with turtles
• Enjoy cold beer, sodas, and water
• Travel to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island
• Relax on white sand and swim in blue waters
• Visit Dinghy's Beach Bar for drinks
• Return by boat to Yacht Haven Grande

Top questions

How long is the snorkeling tour at Buck Island?

The semi-private tour lasts about 4 hours total including snorkeling and beach time.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this St Thomas tour?

Yes, all snorkel equipment is included for guests during the tour.

Where does the tour depart from?

The charter departs from Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes, beer, soda, and unlimited water are included during your trip.

What beaches are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit either Turtle Cove or Brewers Bay for snorkeling and Honeymoon Beach on Water Island.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but you can buy food at Dinghy's Beach Bar on Honeymoon Beach.

Can infants join this snorkeling trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What happens if weather changes?

The captain may substitute alternate locations like Brewers Bay or Emerald Beach depending on conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes semi-private boat transport from St Thomas with all snorkel gear provided for exploring coral reefs teeming with fish and turtles; unlimited water plus beer or sodas after your swim; time to relax at Honeymoon Beach where you can grab food or cocktails if you want before cruising back to Yacht Haven Grande—all guided by friendly local crew who handle logistics so you don’t have to think about much except what’s next in front of you.