Private Snorkeling in the Virgin Islands: Boat Charter with Gear

Choose your own snorkel spots and anchor where you want to explore

A private boat charter in the Virgin Islands lets you snorkel at reefs, shipwrecks and beaches of your choice, with an English-speaking guide, snorkel gear and refreshments included. The boat is designed for comfort with reclining bow seats, and the day runs eight hours with pickup included. You pick the stops, whether that's Turtle Cove to dive with sea turtles, the 190-foot wreck of the Cartanza, or any of the beaches on St. John or St. Thomas, and end with an afternoon drink at a Cruz Bay beach bar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore beaches and snorkel spots

• Drive to Turtle Cove for snorkeling
• Explore Shipwreck Cove and fish life
• Stop at beaches on St. John
• Snorkel at Maho Bay and Trunk Bay
• Visit Caneel Bay and Waterlemon Cay
• Relax with cocktail in Cruz Bay
• Visit beaches on St. Thomas
• Explore Magen's Bay and Brewers Bay
• Visit Frenchman's Bay and Mermaids Chair
• Explore Water Island and St. James islands
• Lounge at beach club and restaurant
• Snorkel at secluded reef spot
• Relax on secluded beach

The experience

What makes this different from a set-route tour is that you're not following a schedule someone else wrote. You tell the guide where you want to snorkel: Turtle Cove if sea turtles are the draw, Shipwreck Cove to explore the Cartanza wreck and its fish life, or any of the reefs and beaches scattered across St. John and St. Thomas. The boat itself is built for this: reclining bow seats let you lounge between stops, and the shade keeps you out of the sun when you're not in the water.

Snorkel gear comes with you (fins, masks and noodles included), so you're ready to go the moment you reach a spot. Bottled water, soda and ice are on board for the eight-hour day. The guide speaks English and knows the reefs and wrecks well enough to point out what's worth seeing, but the stops and the pace are yours. If Maho Bay or Trunk Bay on St. John calls, you go there. If you'd rather spend the afternoon at one of the smaller islands, Water Island, Little St. James, Hans Lollik. The boat goes where you want.

The day ends the way a lot of people plan for it to: anchored near Cruz Bay with time to take the boat to one of the beach bars for a cocktail before heading back. Pickup is included, and the guide will work with where you're staying to make the logistics simple.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear including fins, masks and noodles.
• bottled water, soda and ice.
• English-speaking guide.
• pickup included.
• eight hours on a private boat with reclining bow seats and shade.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Carpe Diem Charters

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Cruz Bay or elsewhere without a car, pickup is included and the guide handles the logistics. You just show up and choose where to snorkel. The private boat means you're not locked into a group schedule or a set route, so the day moves at your pace and stops where you want to explore.

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Top questions

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.

Can I snorkel at the Cartanza shipwreck on this charter?

Yes. Shipwreck Cove is one of the stops you can choose, where the 190-foot wreck of the Cartanza sits in water with a wide variety of fish life around it. The guide can take you there if that's where you want to spend your time in the water.

What snorkel gear do I need to bring, or is it provided?

Snorkel gear is included: fins, masks and noodles come with the charter. You don't need to bring your own or rent separately.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in Cruz Bay or elsewhere on the island?

Pickup is included with the charter. The guide coordinates with you based on where you're staying to arrange the meeting point and time, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the boat.

Can I choose which beaches and snorkel spots we visit, or is the itinerary set?

You choose. The guide will take you to the stops you want to explore, whether that's Maho Bay, Trunk Bay or Caneel Bay on St. John, or any of the other beaches and snorkel locations across the islands. The day is built around what you want to see.

What's included to drink and eat during the eight-hour charter?

Bottled water, soda and ice are provided throughout the day. The charter ends with time to stop at a beach bar in Cruz Bay for a cocktail, but food and additional drinks beyond what's on the boat are on your own.

Is this charter suitable if I'm not an experienced snorkeler?

Yes. The charter is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Snorkel gear is provided and the guide is there to help you get comfortable in the water at whatever stops you choose.