St. John Full-Day Lime Out Snorkel Taco Lunch & Open Bar – Westin

The main draw is the pairing of St. John snorkeling and Lime Out tacos, all in one long day on the water. You sail from the Westin, stop at a coral reef, then head to the floating taco bar before another swim stop and a downwind ride home. It feels like a full island day, not a quick boat trip.

I like the fresh breakfast, loaner gear, towels, and spacious catamaran. I also like the crew’s hands-on service, with names such as Captain Erin, Chris, Nick, Izzy, and Sam receiving repeated praise for helping with drinks, snorkeling, and safety. The catch is that rough water can make snorkeling less rewarding, and the Lime Out meal may be served on the boat rather than at the floating bar itself.

What makes this St. John boat day worth considering

• Two reef stops: You get a morning snorkel and another chance to swim after lunch, though the exact sites depend on sea and weather conditions.
• Breakfast before the first swim: Egg bites, croissants, donut holes, and fruit have been served, giving you a useful start before the sun and saltwater take over.
• Two Lime Out tacos included: The tacos are part of the tour price, but drinks ordered directly from Lime Out cost extra.
• Open bar after snorkeling: The boat serves alcoholic drinks during the later part of the outing, along with nonalcoholic choices as available.
• A spacious catamaran: The boat holds up to 49 people, and the layout gives you room to sit, move around, and dry off between stops.
• A real seven-hour outing: This is not a rushed snorkel excursion. You spend much of the day sailing, floating, eating, and taking in St. John from the water.

The day begins at the Westin at 8:15 a.m.

You meet at the Westin St. John Resort Villas, at 300B Chocolate Hole Road in Cruz Bay. The activity returns to the same point, which keeps the morning simple if you are staying at the resort or arranging your own ride to Cruz Bay.

The boat leaves at about 8:15 a.m. and runs for roughly seven hours. That early start matters. You have enough time for breakfast, a morning reef stop, lunch, another swim, and the ride back without turning every part of the day into a race.

I would arrive ready to board rather than treating the first hour as free time. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a dry change of clothes. One especially useful tip is to pack a small snack, even though breakfast and lunch are included. The day is long, and drinking, swimming, and sitting in the sun can leave you hungry between meals.

The group can reach a maximum of 49 people. That is large enough to create a social boat atmosphere, but the catamaran is described as spacious enough for people to spread out. If you want a private sail or a quiet, small-group outing, this is not that kind of trip.

A breakfast that gives you a better start

The included continental breakfast is more useful than a token pastry. Food served on board has included vegetarian egg bites, croissants, donut holes, and fruit. The exact menu can change, but the general idea is clear: you get something substantial enough to handle the morning ride and first swim.

I like this part because it saves you from trying to find breakfast before an early meeting time. It also gives you a chance to settle in while the boat heads along St. John’s south shore.

Do not mistake breakfast for a full buffet. If you have a large appetite, dietary needs, or plan to drink later, bring a small backup snack. Food allergies and restrictions can be handled with at least 72 hours of advance notice, though an alternate item may cost extra.

The first reef stop is the snorkeling heart of the morning

After cruising for about an hour, the boat stops at one of the coral reefs around St. John. Snorkel equipment is provided, and towels have also been available. You can get in, explore at your own pace, and return to the catamaran when you are ready.

The snorkeling quality depends heavily on the day. Calm water has produced excellent stops, with turtles and plenty of fish reported at some sites. Other days bring less marine life or water that is too choppy for clear viewing. That is an important distinction: the boat chooses good locations, but no crew can guarantee turtles, clear visibility, or a calm sea.

The crew helps with equipment and keeps an eye on people in the water. Names mentioned for especially attentive service include Captain Erin, Chris, Matt, Sam, Nick, and Izzy, though your crew will depend on the date.

If you are unsteady in the water, ask for help before entering. Choppy conditions can make climbing back aboard tiring, particularly for older people or anyone with limited mobility. The boat crew focuses on safety, but you should still be honest about your comfort level and avoid pushing yourself.

Lime Out brings the tour’s most unusual lunch

After the first swim, the boat heads toward Lime Out, a floating taco bar and one of the most distinctive food stops around St. John. Your tour includes two tacos per person. The tacos have been one of the most consistently praised parts of the outing, and the meal gives the day a welcome change from standard packed-boat food.

The practical detail is important: you may eat the tacos on the boat or while floating nearby. You should not assume you will sit at Lime Out’s floating platforms. The bar has limited space and can be busy, so the crew may bring the tacos aboard. That arrangement is less picturesque than sitting directly at the bar, but it is also more comfortable and keeps the group together.

Drinks bought from Lime Out are not included. You can swim up to the bar for a cocktail if conditions allow, but you will need to pay separately. The tour’s onboard open bar is a different benefit and begins after the snorkeling portion.

The water around Lime Out can be choppy. Swimming to the bar may feel easy on a calm day and intimidating when there are larger swells. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay close to the boat or skip the swim-up bar. You can still enjoy the tacos and the setting without making the cocktail stop the goal of the day.

Afternoon floating, music, and a second swim

After lunch, the boat moves to another spot for more snorkeling, swimming, and floating. Some outings have included tubes, which are useful if you prefer to relax on the surface rather than spend the whole time looking below it.

The second stop gives you a chance to reset. One person who felt seasick after lunch reported feeling better once the boat reached the next snorkeling area. That makes sense: sitting still after food and drinks can feel rougher than getting back into the water or moving into a calmer rhythm.

You should not book this as a nonstop snorkeling lesson. The tour gives you two opportunities to snorkel, but its real mix is sailing, swimming, lunch, drinks, and social time. One stop may offer plenty of fish, while another may be average. If seeing marine life is your only priority, a snorkeling-focused trip would be a better fit.

The open bar is included on the boat after snorkeling. That can mean beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks, though the specific selection is not listed. The service has been praised, but remember that alcohol, strong sun, and saltwater are a poor combination if you do not pace yourself. Drink water, use sunscreen often, and keep enough balance for getting in and out of the sea.

The ride home is part of the experience

The return often includes a leisurely downwind sail. That gives you a quieter final stretch after the active parts of the day. You can dry off, listen to music, take in views of St. John, and enjoy a drink rather than rushing straight back to Cruz Bay.

Music has been part of the appeal for many people, especially during the transit portions. The boat atmosphere is friendly and social, with enough room to meet other people without feeling packed into a small vessel.

The crew’s service is a major reason this outing works. Captains and deck crew have been praised for offering drinks, answering questions, helping with gear, and paying attention to safety. Captain Erin has been singled out more than once, along with crew members such as Izzy, Sam, Chris, Nick, Ryan, Danny, Brenden, Riley, and Matt. Staff rotate, so treat those names as examples rather than a promise.

What the $179 price includes

At $179 per person, this is not a cheap way to reach the water. It can still be a good value if you plan to use the full package.

The price includes:

• Fresh continental breakfast
• Two tacos at Lime Out
• Onboard alcoholic drinks after snorkeling
• Snorkeling equipment
• Towels
• Fees and taxes

You are paying for about seven hours of boat time, two swim or snorkel stops, breakfast, lunch, equipment, and an open bar. Compared with booking separate breakfast, a boat trip, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks, the package is convenient and easy to budget.

The value drops if you do not drink, dislike group boat outings, or mainly want extended time underwater. You also need to budget for gratuity. Drinks at Lime Out are separate, and you may want to bring a credit card for purchases there, such as a cocktail or shirt.

The tour has been booked repeatedly and carries a 4.8 rating from 289 reviews, with 96 percent recommending it. Those numbers point to a strong overall experience, but they do not remove the weather issue. A great crew and good tacos cannot create calm water on a rough day.

Weather, seasickness, and comfort

Weather determines if sailing can go ahead. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

Even when the boat runs, conditions can change the day. Choppy water can make boarding harder, reduce underwater visibility, and make the Lime Out swim uncomfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual medication before departure, as one afternoon on the open water is a long time to wait for symptoms to pass.

Pack light but practical:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Reef-safe sunscreen if available
• Hat and sunglasses with a secure strap
• Small snack
• Credit card for Lime Out purchases
• Cash for gratuity
• Any seasickness remedy you normally use

Most people can participate, but accessibility questions should be directed to the operator before booking. The boat, water entry, and ladder can be challenging when the sea is rough.

Who will enjoy this St. John excursion most

I would choose this outing for a couple, family, or group that wants one easy day combining several island pleasures. The mix works particularly well for people who want snorkeling but do not want to spend seven hours focused only on reefs.

Families can fit in well. A group of 12, including children, had enough room for everyone, and the crew was helpful. Still, parents should be ready to supervise children around the water, boat ladders, drinks, and strong sun.

This tour also suits people who enjoy a social setting. You share the catamaran, music, meal, and floating time with other people. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a private charter, a quiet luxury cruise, or guaranteed wildlife sightings.

The biggest question is your priority. If you want the classic St. John combination of snorkeling, sailing, tacos, and drinks, the design is hard to beat. If you want the best possible reef time, choose a trip built around snorkeling instead.

Should you book the Lime Out snorkel day?

I would book it if you want a full, relaxed day on the water and like the idea of combining two reef stops with a memorable lunch. The included breakfast, gear, towels, tacos, and onboard drinks make the $179 price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for each piece.

Go in with sensible expectations. Lime Out may have limited seating, the meal may come to your boat, and rough water can affect both snorkeling and swimming to the bar. Bring sun protection, prepare for a long day, and treat the snorkeling as one part of a broader boat outing.

For most people seeking a well-rounded St. John day, I think it is a strong choice. I would skip it only if you are highly prone to seasickness, need guaranteed calm-water snorkeling, or prefer a small and private boat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at The Westin St. John Resort Villas, 300B Chocolate Hole Road, Cruz Bay, St. John. The scheduled start time is 8:15 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately seven hours.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared continental breakfast is served on board, and each person receives two tacos from Lime Out. Food alternatives may be arranged for allergies or dietary restrictions with at least 72 hours of notice, and extra costs may apply.

Are drinks included?

The onboard open bar is included after snorkeling. Drinks purchased directly from Lime Out are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Loaner snorkel equipment is included. Towels have also been available on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires suitable weather for sailing. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.