Virgin Islands Snorkeling Tour: Sea Turtles & Honeymoon Beach

Six hours on the water: snorkel the park, lunch aboard, a beach bar at the end

A full-day sailing and snorkeling trip in Virgin Islands National Park departing from Red Hook, St. Thomas. You sail to St. John, snorkel among sea turtles and stingrays in protected waters, enjoy lunch and drinks on board, then anchor at Honeymoon Beach for a final swim and a drink at the beach bar. A live English-speaking guide leads the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Virgin Islands National Park4h
2. Honeymoon Beach1h

Sail and snorkel in Virgin Islands

• Meet at American Yacht Harbor
• Sail to St. John
• Snorkel in Virgin Islands National Park
• Relax on a beach accessible by water
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Visit Honeymoon Beach
• Grab a painkiller at Bikini's Beach Bar

The experience

The boat leaves American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook at C dock and heads to St. John, where you enter the water with snorkeling gear to see sea turtles, stingrays and tropical fish in the Virgin Islands National Park. The crew handles the boat while you work the reef. The park's protected status means the marine life stays abundant and the water stays clear enough to spot what lives below. You'll spend the morning and early afternoon in the water at different stops, with time to rest between them.

Lunch is a Mediterranean orzo salad with grilled chicken, served on board with alcoholic beverages included. After eating, the boat moves to Honeymoon Beach, a sand-only beach accessible only by water. You can swim there or snorkel along the shoreline where turtles and stingrays show up again, then walk ashore to Bikini's on the Beach Bar for a final drink before heading back to Red Hook.

Bring sunscreen (non-spray), a towel and a valid ID. The crew will provide snorkeling equipment, so you don't need to pack your own. Public transportation runs near the harbor if you're not driving. Gratuities for the crew follow the industry standard of 15–20% of the charter cost.

What’s included

• Lunch (Mediterranean orzo salad with grilled chicken).
• alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• snorkeling equipment.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full six hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:15

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 6

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Max Charters

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the boat holds everyone together for sailing and snorkeling, and the crew manages the stops and timing. Pick this trip if you want to snorkel without renting a separate boat or arranging your own transport to St. John.

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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.

What kind of sea life will I see when snorkeling in the Virgin Islands National Park?

Sea turtles, stingrays and tropical fish live in the park's protected waters. The snorkeling stops are chosen for reliable sightings, and the park's status keeps the reefs healthy and the water clear.

Is Honeymoon Beach really only reachable by boat?

Yes, Honeymoon Beach has no road access and sits on St. John's coast within the national park boundary. The boat anchors offshore and you wade or swim to the sand.

How much of the day do I spend actually snorkeling versus sailing?

You snorkel at multiple stops during the morning and early afternoon, with sailing time between them. The exact breakdown depends on conditions and marine life activity, but snorkeling fills most of the water time.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the price. Bring sunscreen, a towel and a rash guard or light shirt if you prefer extra sun protection.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour suits all fitness levels. You control how deep you go and how long you stay in the water at each stop. The crew can advise on the easiest snorkeling spots and will keep an eye on the group.