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

The best part of this St. John day is the odd and wonderful combination: reef snorkeling, floating tacos, and a sail home with a drink in hand. You leave The Westin at 8:15 a.m., stop at two snorkel sites, and spend much of the day moving between swimming, lunch, music, and island views.

I like the practical setup. Breakfast takes the edge off an early start, and loaner snorkel gear means you do not need to pack fins and masks. I also like the crew’s hands-on service, with names such as Captain Erin, Captain Chris, Nick, Izzy, and Sam appearing among the lineups. The main caution is simple: this is a social sailing day with snorkeling, not a nonstop snorkel expedition. Choppy water can also affect both the swim stops and how comfortable you feel aboard.

Key points at a glance

• Two snorkel stops: Morning and afternoon swimming give you two chances to see turtles and reef fish, though marine life and water conditions vary.
• Lime Out tacos included: Your price covers two tacos per person, but drinks purchased from Lime Out are extra.
• Open bar after snorkeling: Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are available aboard once the snorkeling portion is finished.
• Breakfast before the first stop: Expect a continental spread that can include fruit, croissants, donut holes, and vegetarian egg bites.
• Large catamaran setting: The boat holds up to 49 people and offers room to sit, move around, and dry off between activities.
• Seven hours on the water: This suits you best if you want a full St. John day rather than a quick morning outing.

The 8:15 a.m. start at The Westin St. John

The meeting point is The Westin St. John Resort Villas at 300B Chocolate Hole Road in Cruz Bay. The tour starts at 8:15 a.m. and returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back after a day of sun and rum drinks.

That early start works well for the schedule. You have time for breakfast aboard, a morning snorkel, the run to Lime Out, lunch, another water stop, and the sail back. At seven hours, this is a major part of your day, not a short add-on between other plans.

The boat can carry up to 49 people. That is not a private charter, but the catamaran is described as spacious, with enough room for a large family group to spread out. If you want quiet, empty-deck sailing, this is not the right format. If you enjoy meeting people, music, and a shared day on the water, the group setting works in its favor.

Breakfast while St. John slips by

The day begins with a freshly prepared continental breakfast as the boat heads along St. John’s south shore. The food is more useful than fancy, which is exactly what you want before swimming. Possible items include fruit, croissants, donut holes, and vegetarian egg bites.

I like having food right away rather than waiting for lunch. Salt water, sun, and an open bar can catch up with you fast, so eat early and keep an eye on your water intake. One practical tip is to bring extra snacks if you expect to drink, skip breakfast, or simply need more than a continental spread during a seven-hour outing.

The early cruise also gives you a gentle way to get settled. You can meet the crew, find a comfortable spot, and watch the coast before the more active part begins. Crew members are often praised for helping with gear, answering questions, and keeping drinks moving later in the day. Names associated with the operation include Captain Erin, Captain Chris, Captain Trent, Ryan, Danny, Nick, Izzy, Sam, Brenden, Riley, and Matt, although your exact crew depends on the departure.

The first reef stop: good swimming with no guarantees

After roughly an hour, the catamaran reaches a morning snorkel site near one of St. John’s coral reefs. The exact location depends on conditions, and the boat may use one of several sites around the island.

Loaner snorkel equipment is included. You can also expect flotation options such as noodles or tubes, and towels have been supplied on some departures. The crew helps with equipment and water access, but you should still be comfortable getting into and out of the sea from a boat.

This stop can be rewarding. Turtles, schools of fish, and coral scenery have all been part of the experience. But keep your expectations sensible. One outing can produce plenty of fish, while another may offer little marine life. Water clarity, wind, waves, and the movement of animals all matter.

Snorkeling is also affected by the day’s weather. Several accounts describe choppy conditions that made swimming harder, especially for older people or anyone uneasy in open water. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual medication before departure. Do not wait until the boat is already rolling.

Lime Out: the unusual lunch stop

The boat then heads toward Lime Out, the floating taco bar in the Virgin Islands. This is the tour’s signature stop, and it changes the mood from active swimming to a relaxed island lunch.

Two tacos per person are included. The tacos are freshly prepared and have earned plenty of praise, but you should understand how the meal may work in practice. Lime Out has limited floating seating, so tacos may be brought back to your boat rather than served from a lily pad or floating table. You can still enjoy the location and swim toward the bar, but you are not guaranteed a private floating seat at the restaurant.

That detail matters if the picture in your head is lunch seated directly at Lime Out. In reality, you may eat aboard or while floating near the boat. I see this as a sensible compromise. It avoids wasting time waiting for a small floating restaurant to have room, and you still get the memorable setting.

Drinks at Lime Out are not included. The onboard open bar is included after snorkeling, but any cocktail or other purchase from the taco bar is on your own tab. Bring a credit card if you want a drink or a Lime Out shirt. The swim-up cocktail is a fun extra, but it is not part of the $179 package.

What the $179 price covers

At $179 per person, the value depends on how much of the day you would otherwise pay for separately. The price includes the boat ride, breakfast, two tacos, snorkel equipment, fees and taxes, and a full onboard open bar after snorkeling.

That is a strong package for someone who wants a full day on the water. A shorter snorkel trip might cost less, but it would not include breakfast, lunch, an afternoon stop, and several hours of sailing. The open bar also adds value if you plan to have a few drinks aboard.

The price is less appealing if you mainly want serious reef time. You are paying for the complete mix of sailing, food, drinks, social time, and swimming. The snorkeling is important, but it is not the only purpose of the outing.

Remember to budget for gratuity. It is not included, and the crew’s work covers safety, food service, equipment help, and drinks. You may also spend extra at Lime Out.

The second snorkel stop and the ride home

After lunch, the boat makes a second stop for more snorkeling, floating, and lounging. This gives you another chance to swim if the morning stop was affected by waves or if you simply want more time in the water.

Some of the best water time may come here, when you are no longer trying to hurry toward lunch. You can use the stop for carefree floating if you are finished with your mask and fins. If you had a rough start with seasickness, a swim can sometimes feel better than sitting on a moving boat, though you should follow the crew’s advice and be honest about how you feel.

The return is a leisurely downwind sail back to The Westin. This is where the open bar, music, and views become the main attraction. You may have a drink, change into dry clothes, and let the boat carry you back without another scheduled activity.

Bring a dry change of clothes. It is a small item, but sitting in a wet swimsuit for the ride home is not much fun. Pack sunscreen, too. The sun can feel strong even when a breeze makes the air seem mild.

Crew service, comfort, and safety

The strongest pattern in this experience is attentive crew service. Crew members help with snorkeling equipment, offer drinks, answer questions, and keep an eye on people entering and leaving the water. Captain Erin is frequently singled out alongside other crew members, but the exact team changes.

The boat is described as clean, well maintained, and roomy enough for family groups. One group of 12, including children, found enough space for everyone. That makes this a reasonable pick for mixed-age groups, provided each person can manage boat steps and open-water swimming.

Conditions can make the water entry more challenging. When swells are high, getting back aboard may be difficult for anyone with limited strength, poor balance, or a fear of deep water. Call Cruz Bay Watersports before booking if you have accessibility concerns. Most people can participate, but the operator asks you to contact the office for specific questions.

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You also receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:15 a.m. start. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refundable.

Who should book this St. John sailing day

I would choose this tour if you want one easy package that covers much of a beach vacation day. It works especially well for couples, families, and friends who like a mix of swimming, drinks, food, music, and scenery.

You will probably enjoy it if:

• You want two chances to snorkel but do not need every minute devoted to reefs.
• You like the idea of eating tacos on or beside a floating bar.
• You want breakfast and lunch handled for you.
• You appreciate a crew that helps with gear and keeps the day moving.
• You are comfortable with a shared boat carrying up to 49 people.

I would think twice if you dislike open bars, group excursions, boat motion, or eating lunch aboard rather than at a restaurant table. I would also choose a more focused snorkel trip if underwater time is your top priority.

Should you book the Lime Out snorkel sail?

Yes, if you want the classic boat day formula in one outing: reef stops, St. John views, tacos, floating, music, and drinks. The $179 price is fair for a seven-hour package with breakfast, lunch, equipment, taxes, and an onboard open bar.

Book with realistic expectations. Lime Out may be busy, the tacos may come to the boat, and rough water can reduce both comfort and marine life sightings. Take seasickness precautions, bring sunscreen and dry clothes, and keep money available for Lime Out drinks and gratuity.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is one of the more complete ways to spend time on the water around St. John.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour 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 excursion lasts approximately seven hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Loaner snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour includes two snorkeling stops.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. A freshly prepared continental breakfast is served aboard the boat. Items can include fruit, croissants, donut holes, and vegetarian egg bites.

Are the Lime Out tacos and drinks included?

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

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather makes the trip unsuitable, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.