Snorkel and Sail St Thomas: Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island
Sail out, snorkel with sea turtles, sail back: all in one afternoon on a 54-foot catamaran
This 3-hour snorkel and sail trip departs from St Thomas aboard The VI Cat, a 54-foot catamaran, and takes you to Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge to swim and snorkel in the Caribbean. The crew provides all snorkeling gear, instruction, unlimited drinks and snacks. You choose whether to stay in the water, tan on deck or rest in the shaded cabin. Green sea turtles are often sighted in their natural habitat, though sightings are not guaranteed. Arrive 30 minutes early at the wooden dock of Marriott's Frenchman's Cove. Free parking is available on-site, and you arrange your own transport to the departure point.
Step-by-step itinerary
Snorkel and sail at Little Buck Island
- Arrive at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove dock
- Check in with The VI Cat crew
- Board 54-foot sailing catamaran
- Sail to Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Receive snorkeling equipment and safety briefing
- Snorkel at Turtle Cove and observe marine life
- Relax on catamaran deck or cabin
- Enjoy snacks and beverages after snorkeling
- Sail back to Marriott's Frenchman's Cove
- Tour concludes at dock
What’s included
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and snorkel vest).
- instruction and beginner's lesson if needed.
- local guide.
- unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (served after snorkeling).
- light snacks and water during the activity, with additional snacks after.
Times
- Every day 13:00
Before you book
Operated by The VI Cat
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
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The experience
What makes this different from a beach snorkel is the sail itself. You're not swimming off a shore, you're traveling to an uninhabited island. The boat leaves Marriott's Frenchman's Cove at 1pm sharp, so arriving 30 minutes early matters. The crew checks you in on the wooden dock, and from there you board The VI Cat for the ride out to Little Buck Island. The catamaran is spacious enough that you're not crowded, and the sail to Turtle Cove at the National Wildlife Refuge is part of the experience, not just transport.
Once you reach Turtle Cove, the crew hands out masks, snorkels, fins and a snorkel vest, walks you through the basics and offers a beginner's lesson if you need one. Then you're in the water: the green sea turtles live here, and sightings happen often, though they're not guaranteed since these are wild animals in their natural habitat. You can stay in the water as long as you want, or climb back on deck to tan, rest in the shaded cabin or just watch. The crew keeps water and light snacks available during the snorkeling portion.
After you've had your time at Turtle Cove, the sail back to Frenchman's Cove is when the drinks and more substantial snacks come out: alcoholic beverages are served only after everyone is back on the boat and out of the water. The whole trip runs 3 hours from departure to return. You'll need to get yourself to the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove (a taxi from the cruise dock takes 7–30 minutes depending which one you're at), and parking in the gravel lot is free once you're through the security gate.
Is this one for you?You get to spend time with sea turtles in their natural habitat without arranging the boat, the gear or the navigation: the catamaran, the crew and the route to Turtle Cove are all set, so you just show up and snorkel.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Do I actually get to see sea turtles on this snorkel trip?
Green sea turtles are often sighted at Turtle Cove, and the crew will point them out when they appear. Because they live wild in the refuge, sightings happen frequently but are not guaranteed. You're visiting their habitat, not a tank.
What's included in the price, and when do I get drinks?
The trip includes snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and vest), a local guide, unlimited drinks and snacks. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are served after the in-water snorkeling portion, once everyone is back aboard.
How do I get to the departure point, and where do I park?
You arrange your own transportation to Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, where The VI Cat departs. Free parking is available in a large gravel lot on the right side after you pass the security booth. From there, walk down toward the beach and follow signs for public beach access to find the wooden dock.
What if I'm not a strong swimmer or have never snorkeled before?
The crew provides a snorkel vest for buoyancy and offers a beginner's lesson when you reach Turtle Cove. You can also stay on deck to tan or relax in the shaded cabin if you prefer not to snorkel: the boat accommodates all comfort levels.
What time does the tour depart, and how early do I need to arrive?
The boat departs at 1pm Atlantic Standard Time from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove. You must arrive 30 minutes early to check in with the crew on the dock. The operator cannot accommodate late arrivals.
Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes. The departure point is a 7–10 minute taxi ride from the WICO cruise dock or 20–30 minutes from Crown Bay. At booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the crew can plan accordingly.
Snorkel and Sail St Thomas: Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island
3h · EN
from US$ 119 per person
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