St Thomas & St John: Snorkel, Swim & Beach Semi-Private Trip

Summary

Snorkeling coral reefs and quiet beaches from St Thomas to St John

You’ll board a small boat in St Thomas with a handful of others, then snorkel bright reefs near St John and maybe spot turtles gliding by. After swimming, cold drinks appear while your guide shares local stories before you head for soft sand at Honeymoon or Hawksnest Beach. Expect laughter, sunburnt noses, and that floaty feeling that sticks around long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull as we left American Yacht Harbor — that low, steady sound you feel in your chest more than hear. Our captain, Mike (who grew up on St Thomas), grinned at us over his sunglasses and pointed out the color change in the water. “That’s where it drops off — keep an eye out for turtles.” I was honestly a little nervous about snorkeling, but he handed me a mask and just said, “You’ll be fine. The fish are friendlier than most people.”

We anchored near Maho Bay — or maybe it was Lovango Cay? Honestly I lost track because the water was so clear it almost looked fake. There was this moment underwater when a parrotfish flashed by my face and I accidentally got a mouthful of salty water (not my most graceful move). My partner kept waving at me to look down — there was a turtle just drifting along like we weren’t even there. The sun felt sharp on my back when I surfaced, but the breeze cooled everything off fast.

After everyone climbed back onto the boat (someone’s kid kept giggling about their “sea hair”), Mike passed around cold sodas and beer. He told us how he used to skip school to fish near these same reefs — I guess some things don’t change. We cruised over to Honeymoon Beach for a bit; sand stuck everywhere, but nobody cared. There were only a few other people on the beach, mostly locals chatting under palm trees. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after just four hours out here. It’s weird what saltwater does to your brain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and beach trip from St Thomas

• Meet captain and crew at departure lounge
• Board powerboat at American Yacht Harbor
• Snorkel at St John or nearby cays
• Enjoy complimentary soda and beer
• Visit Hawksnest Bay or Honeymoon Beach
• Relax on white sand beach

Top questions

How long is the snorkel and beach trip from St Thomas?

The trip lasts about 4 hours from departure to return.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for guests.

How many people are on each boat?

The semi-private tour allows up to 12 guests per boat.

Are drinks included during the trip?

Yes, complimentary soda, bottled water, and beer are provided after snorkeling.

Which snorkeling spots might we visit?

You could stop at places like Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Lovango Cay or Christmas Cove depending on weather.

Do we visit more than one location?

Usually two locations: one for snorkeling and another for relaxing at the beach.

Is pickup included from hotels?

No hotel pickup; you meet at American Yacht Harbor in St Thomas.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; call ahead if under 2 years old.

What’s included

Your outing includes use of all snorkeling equipment plus plenty of bottled water, sodas and beer after swimming. You’ll ride aboard a comfortable powerboat with a local captain guiding you between reef spots and peaceful beaches before returning back to American Yacht Harbor in St Thomas.