Snorkel and Sunset Cruise from Margaritaville Resort

The best feature here is the pairing of reef snorkeling and sunset cruising in one compact afternoon. You get time in the water, food prepared by Chef Krygsveld, an open bar, and a sunset ride without giving up a full day to a boat trip. I like the flexible rhythm: snorkel, swim, or stay on deck, then settle in for snacks and the golden hour. I also like that gear, instruction, drinks, and a restroom are included.

The main caution is reliability. One trip was canceled less than 24 hours before departure because of a mechanical problem, which left little time to find another snorkeling plan. The operator handled the matter as a safety issue, but you should avoid booking this as your only possible St. Thomas activity if your schedule is tight.

Key points at a glance

• A 3:00 PM departure from Margaritaville Resort: The timing gives you a relaxed afternoon on the water and brings you into sunset without requiring an early start.
• Snorkeling at a selected nearby cay: The crew provides equipment and instruction, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.
• Three ways to enjoy the water: You can snorkel, swim, or stay on the deck if you prefer not to enter the sea.
• Chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres and an open bar: Snacks and drinks turn the ride back into a social sunset cruise.
• A small-capacity powerboat: The maximum is 30 people, with an additional reservation required for groups larger than 15.
• A mixed practical picture: The crew has earned praise for hospitality, but an unexpected mechanical cancellation has also caused a serious planning problem for at least one booking.

A 3:00 PM start that makes sense

This is built as an afternoon outing rather than an all-day commitment. You meet at Margaritaville Vacation Club, 6080 Estate Smith Bay, Frydendal, at 3:00 PM, board the powerboat, and return to the same place after about three and a half hours.

I like this timing for a few reasons. You do not need to rush through breakfast or give up the morning. You can spend the earlier part of the day at the resort, explore another part of St. Thomas, or simply keep your schedule open before heading to the dock.

The late start also gives the trip a clear arc. The first part is active, with the boat ride and snorkeling. The middle shifts to food and drinks. The final stretch is slower, with the sunset as the main event. You are not just adding a short sunset ride to a snorkeling tour. The changing pace is the point.

The exact cruising route and snorkeling cay can vary, since the site is selected by the crew. That is useful in an island setting, where conditions can affect visibility and comfort. It also means you should not book this expecting one named reef or a guaranteed set of marine animals.

Snorkeling at a nearby cay

After leaving the resort, the boat heads to a nearby cay chosen for clear water and sea life. The snorkeling stop is the most active part of the outing, but it is not the only way to spend that time.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment and instruction. That matters if you are new to the activity or did not pack your own gear. You can get in the water, look around the reef, and return to the boat when you have had enough. Crew members are ready to assist, according to the tour details.

You can also swim without snorkeling or remain on deck. That makes the trip easier for a mixed group. One person can enjoy the reef while another takes photos, rests in the sun, or simply watches the water. This flexibility is more useful than a rigid itinerary that expects everyone to do the same thing.

The listing does not promise scuba equipment, and scuba use is not included. If you are looking for a certified scuba excursion, this is the wrong product. It is a casual snorkeling and boating experience, not a full underwater training or scuba trip.

The word pristine should be treated as a hopeful description, not a guarantee. Water clarity, sea conditions, and marine life can change. The selected site is intended to offer good snorkeling, but no short boat trip can promise a particular animal or perfect visibility on a particular afternoon.

What the powerboat adds to the experience

A powerboat gives this outing a more direct feel than a slow sailing trip. You spend less of the limited three-and-a-half-hour schedule simply getting from one place to another, then have time for both water activity and sunset views.

The boat has a restroom, which is a small but important comfort during an afternoon on the sea. Snacks, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. You do not need to plan a separate stop for refreshments, though the available hors d’oeuvres are described as a rotating selection rather than a fixed menu.

Capacity is limited to 30 people. That is not the same as a private charter, but it keeps the maximum more controlled than a large excursion boat. If your party has more than 15 people, you must make an additional reservation. This is worth sorting out before booking, particularly for a family reunion or wedding group.

The details do not specify the boat’s seating arrangement, shade, or exact onboard bar setup. You might find a favorite spot on deck, but do not assume every seat has the same view or shelter. If you are sensitive to sun or motion, ask the provider about those points before paying.

Chef Krygsveld’s snacks and the open bar

After the water stop, the outing changes character. You return to the boat for hors d’oeuvres prepared from a menu by Chef Krygsveld, then cruise toward the sunset with drinks available from the open bar.

This food service is a real part of the value. At $150 per person, you are paying for more than transportation to a snorkeling site. The price covers the boat, crew, equipment, instruction, snacks, nonalcoholic drinks, and alcoholic beverages. It also buys a single outing that joins two popular St. Thomas activities.

Still, keep your expectations in the right range. The food is described as hors d’oeuvres, not a full dinner. The selection rotates, so you cannot count on a particular dish. If you need a substantial meal, have a plan for before or after the trip.

The open bar suits the second half of the cruise, when the mood becomes less active. Use good judgment around the snorkeling stop. The tour includes alcohol, but the safest order is water activity first and drinks after you are back on board.

The sunset cruise back to St. Thomas

The sunset is the closing feature, and the timing is designed around it. After snorkeling and snacks, the boat heads out for a scenic ride as the light softens over the Virgin Islands.

Sunset conditions are never fully predictable. Clouds can either mute the colors or make them more dramatic. The trip promises the setting and the view, not a particular sky. The boat’s position on the water should give you a broad view, but the exact angle depends on the route and weather.

I would treat this as a good choice for an afternoon that should feel special without requiring a formal dinner reservation. You get a change of pace from the resort, time on the water, and a natural finish to the outing. It works especially well for couples, small groups, and families with different ideas about how active an afternoon should be.

Past crew members named in the feedback include Captain Jake, Captain Stewart, Captain Shawn, Kennedy, Stine, and Josh. Their hospitality and positive attitude received strong praise, which matters on a small boat. A friendly crew can make equipment instructions less awkward and help first-time snorkelers feel more at ease.

How dependable is the operation?

This is the point I would take seriously. One booking was canceled less than 24 hours before departure because of an unexpected mechanical issue affecting vessel safety. The operator apologized and explained that safety would not be compromised.

That is the correct safety decision, but it does not erase the planning problem. A late cancellation can leave you without enough time to replace a snorkeling trip, especially during a busy vacation period. If this cruise is the main reason you booked a particular afternoon, keep a backup plan in mind.

The stated policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local time.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The departure point is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The operator allows a maximum of 30 people, with another reservation needed for a group larger than 15.

Is $150 a fair price?

At first glance, $150 is not a bargain-basement boat ride. The value depends on how many included pieces you would otherwise pay for separately.

The price includes:

• A three-and-a-half-hour powerboat outing
• Snorkeling equipment
• Snorkeling instruction and crew assistance
• Use of the boat’s restroom
• Snacks and chef-planned hors d’oeuvres
• Alcoholic drinks and soda
• A sunset cruise
• Return to the original meeting point

If you already have gear, do not drink alcohol, and only want a short sunset boat ride, the cost may feel high. If you want snorkeling, food, drinks, and sunset views in one booking, the package is easier to justify.

The biggest value is convenience. You do not need to arrange separate transportation to a reef, find a place for drinks afterward, or build a second activity around sunset. The tradeoff is that the snorkeling location, menu, boat seating, and route are not presented as fixed details.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it for someone who wants a polished half-day on the water rather than a serious snorkeling expedition. It fits couples looking for a sunset outing, families with mixed swimming interests, and small groups that want food and drinks built into the plan.

It is also a good match if you are staying at Margaritaville Resort or can reach the meeting point easily. The same start and end point keep the logistics simple.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed departure, want an intensive reef session, or are planning around a single narrow afternoon. The late mechanical cancellation is a reminder that boat trips can change. I would also skip it if you want scuba equipment, a full meal, or a named reef with guaranteed wildlife.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you value variety: snorkeling first, then chef-made snacks, drinks, and a sunset ride. The crew service has been a strong part of the experience, and the flexible water stop makes it friendly to groups with different comfort levels.

Before booking, decide if $150 fits your plans and keep a backup activity available. I would not build an entire St. Thomas vacation around this one departure, but for a free afternoon with room for flexibility, it offers a pleasant mix of water, food, and views.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling and sunset cruise begin?

It begins at Margaritaville Vacation Club, 6080 Estate Smith Bay, Frydendal, St. Thomas, USVI.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 3:00 PM.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity returns to the same meeting point at Margaritaville Vacation Club.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and instruction are included.

Is scuba equipment included?

No. Scuba equipment is not included.

Can I join if I do not want to snorkel?

Yes. You can swim or stay on deck instead of snorkeling.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks, rotating hors d’oeuvres, alcoholic beverages, and soda are included.

How many people can join?

The maximum is 30 people. Groups larger than 15 must make an additional reservation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.