Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

St Thomas is at its best from the water, and this five-hour catamaran outing gives you a full day of it without making you pack a cooler or rent snorkeling gear. You sail from Margaritaville toward St John National Park and nearby reefs, stopping to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the views before returning by boat.

I especially like the two-part route, since you get more than one chance at clear water and sea life. I also like the easy all-inclusive setup: a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are provided. The main catch is transportation. You must reach Margaritaville on your own, and that can add time and taxi expense from other parts of St Thomas.

Key points at a glance

• Snorkel in St John National Park: The route reaches protected waters and nearby coral reefs, with fish, rays, turtles, eels, starfish, and nurse sharks possible.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: Expect a light breakfast at boarding, snacks, and a casual lunch with items such as sandwiches, shrimp, cheese, and brownies.
• Captains adjust to conditions: Captain Shawn has given extra time at a second location when the first stop was murky, an important benefit when visibility changes.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, and popular Painkiller cocktails are available on board.
• A full boat, but not a huge one: The maximum group size is 70 people, so this is a social yacht outing rather than a private cruise.
• Plan your own ride to Margaritaville: Private transportation is not included, and the meeting details show a start point at 6080 Smith Bay Road in Frydendal.

A full morning and afternoon on the water

The outing begins at Margaritaville Resort on the east side of St Thomas. The supplied details show both a 9:30 am arrival instruction and a 10:30 am start time, so I would confirm the exact check-in time before you go. Either way, allow extra time to reach the resort and find the boarding point.

Once aboard, the mood is casual and social. You are not signing up for a quiet sailing lesson or a small private charter. This is a yacht trip with music, drinks, crew interaction, and plenty of time to sit back between water stops.

The boat first heads out across the channel toward the St John area. The ride itself is part of the appeal. You get broad views of green hills rising from blue Caribbean water, along with the cooling wind that makes a warm island day more pleasant. Some outings use a sailboat, while others have operated on a powerboat, so the exact feel of the ride can vary.

A light breakfast is served around boarding. This is best thought of as a useful morning bite, not a large hotel-style meal. Snacks are also included, which helps bridge the time between breakfast, snorkeling, and lunch.

What you may see at the first snorkel stop

The first water stop is set in the St John National Park area or near one of the surrounding coral reefs. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring a mask, snorkel, or fins unless you prefer using your own.

Conditions can change from one cove to the next. One outing encountered murky water at the first stop, while the second location produced sharks and plenty of fish. That is a good example of why visiting more than one site matters. A single reef can be cloudy, choppy, or less active on a given day, but another nearby area may be much better.

You might see sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, barracuda, nurse sharks, and schools of tropical fish. The exact animals are never guaranteed, and visibility depends on weather and water movement. Still, the range of sightings reported on these outings suggests that the route can offer much more than a quick look at a few small fish.

The crew also plays an important role here. Captain Shawn, Captain Jake, Captain Danny Boy, Captain Tuna, and other crew members have been singled out for keeping the mood fun while helping people feel secure in the water. That matters if you are a first-time snorkeler or if a child feels nervous after entering the sea.

One especially useful detail is the crew’s willingness to help people at their own pace. A child who became anxious in the water received extra encouragement and later enjoyed sitting in the captain’s seat and learning about the boat. You should not expect private instruction, but the crew appears ready to offer practical help rather than simply point you toward the water.

Lunch, Painkillers, and time to relax

After the first snorkeling session, lunch is served aboard the yacht. The menu is casual rather than fancy, with reports of sandwich fixings, lunch meats, cheese, shrimp, salad, and brownies. One particularly praised Caesar salad was prepared by Shawn.

That sort of meal fits the setting. You can eat without leaving the boat, changing clothes, or giving up the view. It also gives you a break from swimming before the next stop. If you have strict dietary needs, ask before booking because the supplied information does not list special meal options.

Soft drinks are included, along with beer, wine, and liquor. The crew is known for serving Painkiller cocktails, a rum-based island favorite that appears often in accounts of the trip. The drinks are part of the value, but pace yourself. You still have another water stop, and the boat may be moving in wind and waves.

The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Music plays during the ride, and the crew may add jokes, dancing, or a little pirate-themed flair. Most music feedback has been positive, though one person wanted more island-style songs. If you want a peaceful sail with no soundtrack, this may feel lively. If you like a social boat with a bit of personality, it should fit well.

The second stop and the uninhabited island

The itinerary continues to another snorkeling and swimming area, sometimes near an uninhabited island. This stop gives you another chance at clearer water and different marine life. Some outings have included three remote locations, although the standard description centers on two main snorkel stops, so the exact number can depend on the day and conditions.

The uninhabited island setting is appealing because it breaks up the day. You are not simply anchored at one resort beach. The stop adds a sense of being away from town, with open water, rocky shore, and the quiet of an undeveloped place.

The second stop may be the better one if the first has poor visibility. Captains can adjust the schedule and give more time where conditions are best. That flexibility is worth noting, since snorkeling is never fully predictable. Wind, current, rain, and recent sea movement can all affect what you see.

The water can also be choppy. That is normal in the Virgin Islands, but it matters if you are prone to seasickness or dislike getting in and out of a moving boat. The provided information confirms that most people can participate, but it does not promise calm water or a gentle ride. If you need special assistance, contact the operator before booking.

How the $175 price works out

At $175 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the water around St Thomas. The fare includes the boat ride, multiple snorkeling locations, equipment, light breakfast, snacks, lunch, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Those inclusions make the price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, gear rental, food, and drinks.

The value improves if you plan to use the full package. Someone who only wants a short swim may find the price high. Someone who expects to spend most of the day on the water and would buy drinks and lunch anyway may find it fair.

Transportation is the key extra cost. You make your own way to Margaritaville, and private transportation is not included. One reported outing involved an added $15 per person each way for transport, but that should not be treated as a fixed fare. Your cost will depend on where you are staying and the vehicle you use.

The group limit is 70 people. That keeps the experience from being a tiny charter, but it also means you should expect company around the rail, at meal service, and in the water. The boat format works best for people who enjoy a shared outing with a friendly crew, rather than those seeking silence or personal space.

Who will enjoy this St Thomas snorkeling trip

I would recommend this for families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a simple day on the water. The crew’s safety focus and willingness to help make it less intimidating for beginners. The multiple stops also give you a better chance of finding clear water and interesting sea life.

It is a good choice for people staying near the east side of St Thomas or anyone willing to budget for a taxi. It also suits cruise or resort visitors who want one organized excursion with food and drinks already handled.

I would think twice if you dislike group activities, get seasick easily, or want a guaranteed quiet sail. The boat can be windy and choppy, the music can be lively, and the maximum capacity is 70 people. You should also be comfortable entering the water from a yacht, although the crew can help with basic snorkeling concerns.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel if the operator recommends one. Cash for crew tips is also a practical idea. One account specifically advised bringing cash because the captain and crew worked hard throughout the day. The tour includes the main equipment, meals, and drinks, but it does not remove the need for personal items or transportation planning.

Booking and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is near public transportation. The experience has free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Within 24 hours, changes are not accepted and the fare is not refunded.

The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum is not met, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. Check the local start time carefully, since the supplied meeting information lists both a 9:30 am arrival instruction and a 10:30 am start.

Should you book Snorkel Cat?

Book it if you want a social, food-and-drink-inclusive day with several chances to snorkel around St Thomas and St John. The best reasons are the flexible route, the wide mix of possible marine life, and the crew’s friendly approach. Captain Shawn, Captain Jake, Captain Danny Boy, Captain Tuna, and their teams have all been praised for making the day feel safe and fun.

Skip it if you want a small private boat, guaranteed calm water, or a quiet nature trip. Also price in your ride to Margaritaville before deciding. For most people who want a full five hours on the Caribbean with meals, gear, music, and drinks included, the $175 fare is a reasonable all-in package.

FAQ

Where does the Snorkel Cat tour begin?

It begins at 6080 Smith Bay Road in Frydendal, St Thomas, at the Margaritaville Resort area.

What time does the experience start?

The supplied details list a 10:30 am start time and also instruct you to make your way to Margaritaville at 9:30 am. Confirm the exact arrival and boarding time when you book.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are meals included?

Yes. A light breakfast is served at boarding, and lunch and snacks are included during the outing.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor are included.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

The standard plan includes two snorkeling locations, including waters near St John National Park and nearby coral reefs. Some outings have included a third remote location, depending on the day.

Is transportation to Margaritaville included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point. Private transportation is not included.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

You will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. The activity requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants.