St Thomas & St John: Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Party Cruise

Summary

Snorkeling vibrant reefs pizza from a boat and sunset tunes

You’ll snorkel two lively spots near St John with all gear included, then cruise to Christmas Cove for fresh-baked pizza served right on deck. After swimming, enjoy an open bar as music kicks off a casual sunset dance party while you circle between St Thomas & St John—ending your day salty-haired and grinning.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the afternoon by nearly losing my mask—rookie move, I know. But our captain just laughed and handed it back before we even left Red Hook in St Thomas. The boat had that salty, sun-warmed smell you only get in the islands. We picked up a few more folks at Cruz Bay on St John—one guy had a pizza-patterned shirt, which felt like foreshadowing. Our guide, Jamie, was quick with jokes and local tips (she said if you spot three turtles in one trip, you’re “officially blessed,” so of course we all started counting).

The first snorkel stop was somewhere off St John—I never did catch the exact cove name, but there were these soft purple corals waving under us and a turtle gliding by like it owned the place. I got salt in my mouth and laughed underwater. Chips and cookies appeared after we climbed back aboard, still dripping. The second stop had more fish than I could keep track of—tiny electric blue ones darting everywhere. By then the sun was lower and everything looked gold, even my hands.

After snorkeling, Jamie announced it was “pizza o’clock” and we cruised over to Christmas Cove near Great St James to pick up boxes straight from Pizza Pi’s boat (yes, floating pizza shop is real). The smell of hot cheese mixed with sea air is weirdly perfect—maybe that’s just vacation hunger talking. Rum punch flowed after swimming was done; someone put on old-school reggae and people started dancing without much encouragement. I’m not really a dancer but somehow ended up doing the limbo with strangers while the sky went pink behind us. It was loud and messy in the best way.

We dropped folks back at St John around 6:45 or so—the timing shifts with sunset—and headed for St Thomas as it got dark. I kept thinking about that turtle and how everyone cheered when it popped up again by the boat at the end. You can’t plan those moments; they just happen, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel, pizza, and sunset party

• Depart St Thomas dock
• Pick up guests at Cruz Bay
• Snorkel at first location
• Snorkel at second location
• Enjoy open bar and pizza
• Cruise and dance at sunset
• Return to St John
• Return to St Thomas

Top questions

What time does the snorkel tour depart from St Thomas?

The tour departs from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook at 1:30 PM (October–March) or 2:00 PM (April–September).

Is pickup included from both St Thomas and St John?

Yes, guests can board at Red Hook (St Thomas) or Cruz Bay (St John).

How many snorkel stops are included?

The trip includes two snorkel stops around St John in the Virgin Islands.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, fresh-baked pizza from Pizza Pi or another local spot is included after snorkeling.

Are drinks included on this cruise?

Yes, an open bar with rum punch, painkillers, sodas, and water is available after snorkeling finishes.

What time does the tour return to port?

The boat returns to St John between 6:30–7:00 PM and to St Thomas between 7:00–7:30 PM depending on sunset.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No, it’s not recommended as cruise ship ports are 30 minutes away and return times aren’t guaranteed.

Can food allergies be accommodated?

Yes, alternative food can be arranged with 72 hours’ notice; extra costs may apply.

What’s included

Your afternoon covers all snorkel equipment plus chips and cookies after your first swim stop. You’ll get fresh pizza delivered onboard from Pizza Pi or another pizzeria after your second snorkel session—plus unlimited drinks like rum punch once swimming is finished. Restrooms are available on board throughout your trip before returning at sunset.