St. Thomas Lime Out Snorkel with Taco Bar Lunch & Swim-Up Bar – Ritz-Carlton

The most unusual part of this St. Thomas boat day is lunch at Lime Out, a floating taco bar off St. John. You snorkel first, then settle into warm water, tacos, and craft drinks while your catamaran serves as a comfortable base.

I like the two substantial snorkeling stops and the roomy catamaran, especially for families or mixed groups. I also like that lunch, snorkeling gear, and the onboard open bar after snorkeling are included, so the $179 price covers much of the day. The main drawback is the length: at about seven hours and 15 minutes, this is a full-day commitment, and Lime Out service can move slowly when the floating bar is crowded.

Key points to know

• Two reef stops near St. John: Past outings have visited Salt Pond and Tectonic reefs, with roughly an hour at each site.
• Lime Out lunch is included: Your package covers two tacos, including popular choices such as the BBQ chicken taco.
• Drinks flow after snorkeling: The onboard open bar opens after the snorkeling portion, with fresh-fruit drinks and craft cocktails available.
• A family-friendly boat setup: The catamaran has two bathrooms, cushioned deck seating, a large float, and a small slide at the back.
• Small group by excursion standards: The maximum is 32 people, which helps the crew keep an eye on the boat and water activities.
• Plan for the extra cost: Ritz-Carlton parking is available for $25, and gratuity is not included.

Why this boat day feels different

Many St. Thomas excursions keep you close to the main resort and cruise-port zones. This one takes you across open water toward St. John, where the best part of the day is not a landmark on land but the reefs, beaches, and quiet coves you can reach only by boat.

The schedule has a pleasant rhythm. You board in the morning, get settled on the catamaran, spend the central part of the day in the water, then shift into a slower afternoon of food, drinks, and swimming. That mix gives active people something to do and lets less energetic members of your group enjoy the scenery without needing to snorkel every minute.

The maximum of 32 people is worth noting. This is not a private charter, but it is smaller than many large cruise excursions. That size leaves room for a more personal crew, easier access to gear, and less of the feeling that you are being moved through a fixed line.

The boat itself is part of the experience. Details reported from past trips include two bathrooms, cushioned sun chairs, a large float or lily pad, and a small waterslide off the back. Those extras matter on a long day. You can get out of the water, stretch out, and still feel part of the action.

Boarding at the Ritz-Carlton at 8 a.m.

The meeting point is the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay in Nazareth. The listed start time is 8 a.m., and the tour returns to the same place. On-site parking is available, but it costs $25, so include that in your budget if you are driving.

A light breakfast has been provided on some departures. It is a useful touch, since you do not want to begin a snorkeling day hungry. Still, I would not treat it as a full hotel breakfast unless the operator gives you more detail before departure.

Once aboard, you receive snorkeling equipment and settle in for the ride toward the north shore of St. John. You can sit on deck, enjoy the views, or use the early part of the trip to get comfortable with the boat. If you are prone to seasickness, the length of the ride and the possibility of choppy water are worth considering. One past outing had rougher water, but the captain adjusted the route and handling so the ride remained manageable for a young child.

The crew has included captains and team members such as Heather, Jolene, and crew members Danny, Phillip, Q, Niko, and Ben on different sailings. Staffing can change, but the pattern is clear: the crew plays a large role in keeping the day organized, helping with equipment, and checking on people in the water.

Two reef stops near St. John

The snorkeling is the heart of this trip. The itinerary is built around two stops, and the reported timing has been generous, often about an hour at each reef, sometimes a little more. That gives you time to look around instead of rushing back aboard after a short swim.

Past trips have visited Salt Pond and Tectonic reefs. Conditions can change by day, so the exact sites are not something to regard as fixed. The attraction is the chance to see coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and, with luck, larger marine life. Some outings have seen several turtles and multiple rays, including an eagle ray. Another group had a surprise whale sighting near St. John when the crew turned the boat around for a better look.

Those sightings are never guaranteed. You should book this for access to attractive reef areas and a well-planned day on the water, not for a promised animal checklist. The quality of snorkeling can also depend on wind, visibility, and sea conditions.

The crew supplies the masks, snorkels, and other basic equipment. If you already own a mask that fits you well, bringing it can still be worthwhile, but the tour does include gear. The crew also helps people get settled, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer.

You do not have to snorkel the whole time. You can stay aboard, lounge on the deck, or use the float when it is put out. Families have found this helpful when adults want to take turns in the water with children. The slide gives younger swimmers another way to enjoy the stop, though the tour’s details do not promise that it will be deployed at every stop.

This flexibility makes the trip work for mixed groups. A keen snorkeler can spend close to two hours exploring reefs, while someone else can sunbathe, swim briefly, or enjoy the view.

Lime Out: tacos served on the water

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Lime Out, described as the only floating bar in the US Virgin Islands. The setting is the point. You are not stepping into a typical restaurant parking lot. You are eating in the water, with the catamaran, bright sea, and St. John scenery around you.

The package includes a two-taco lunch. The BBQ chicken taco has received particular praise, and the menu may offer other choices, but the supplied details do not provide a complete menu. The food has generally been a highlight, though expectations should be realistic: delivery from a floating restaurant can take time.

Here is the practical tip I would follow: do not arrive at Lime Out expecting instant bar service. When the floating bar is busy, drink orders there can move slowly. Since your onboard drinks are included after snorkeling, you can stay on the catamaran and enjoy those while waiting for the tacos to arrive. That is often the smoother plan, especially if your group is hungry.

The tacos may be delivered to the boat as a group. That is convenient, but it can mean they are not quite as fresh as food eaten directly from the kitchen. Some people have found them excellent, while others felt they would have been better straight from the source. The setting and the food still make this a memorable lunch stop, but do not confuse it with a quiet, made-to-order restaurant meal.

The swim-up bar and afternoon drinks

The alcohol package is included on the catamaran after snorkeling. The selection has been described as close to a full bar, with fresh-fruit drinks and craft cocktails. Frozen drinks are not included in every description, so do not assume that is part of the menu.

The timing matters. The open bar is not designed to turn the snorkeling portion into a drinking session. It opens after the active water stops, which is the sensible order for safety and comfort. Once you have finished snorkeling, you can relax with a drink while the crew handles the afternoon portion.

At Lime Out, you can enjoy the floating-bar setting and the swim-up atmosphere. Some past outings have singled out a drink called the Dangerous, but cocktail names and availability can change. If you are drinking, pace yourself. This is a long day in sun and salt water, and the ride back still lies ahead.

The boat offers several ways to spend the slower stretch. You can sit on the cushioned deck, float in the water, use the slide, or simply watch St. John pass by. This is where the tour feels less like a series of scheduled stops and more like a day at sea.

Is $179 a fair price?

At $179 per person, this is not a bargain excursion in the narrow sense. But price it against what you would pay separately for a catamaran sail, snorkeling equipment, two reef stops, lunch, a floating-bar visit, and an onboard open bar. The package also includes taxes and fees.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole day. A person who snorkels at both sites, eats the included lunch, enjoys the boat amenities, and has several drinks is getting a broad package. The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike swimming, or want only a short reef visit.

Remember the extras. Gratuity is not included, and the Ritz-Carlton parking fee is $25. You may also spend money on additional items at Lime Out, though the two-taco lunch is covered.

I would compare this with a simple half-day snorkeling trip before booking. The shorter option may cost less and suit you better if you have a tight schedule. This excursion earns its price through duration and variety rather than one single spectacular attraction.

Who will enjoy this most

I think this is a particularly good choice for families with different activity levels. Strong swimmers can spend plenty of time at the reefs, while children or less active adults can use the float, slide, deck, and shaded or cushioned seating. The two bathrooms are also valuable on a seven-hour outing.

It suits couples and friends who want a social boat day with food and drinks built in. The group size is large enough to meet other people but limited enough that the boat does not feel like a giant party vessel.

It is less suitable for you if:

• You want a quiet private charter.
• You dislike being on the water for most of a day.
• You need a guaranteed animal sighting.
• You prefer a full restaurant lunch rather than tacos served around a floating bar.
• You plan to spend most of the day drinking before snorkeling.
• You have accessibility concerns that require specific arrangements not covered in the general tour details.

Most people can participate, but the operator asks anyone with accessibility questions to call ahead. Good weather is also required. If conditions are poor, the operator may offer another date or a full refund.

A few ways to make the day better

Arrive ready for the water, but keep your belongings simple. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack a full kit unless you prefer your own mask.

Use the first reef stop for your best snorkeling effort. By the second stop, you may want a slower swim or time on the float. The schedule gives you room to choose instead of forcing you to stay in the water.

If Lime Out is busy, order the included tacos but keep your drink service on the boat. This avoids standing around waiting for another order when the catamaran already has an open bar.

Pay attention to the crew’s directions. Captains and crew members have been praised for helping swimmers, handling choppy water, and making sure people are accounted for. That care is especially useful when children or mixed swimming abilities are involved.

Bring money for gratuity and the $25 parking charge if needed. A tip is not included, and attentive service is a major part of the experience.

Should you book the Lime Out snorkel sail?

I would book this if you want a full day that combines two serious snorkeling stops with an easy lunch and social time on a catamaran. It is a strong choice for families, couples, and friends who want a boat experience with structure but still have room to relax.

I would skip it if you want a quick snorkel, a private boat, or a guaranteed chance to see turtles and rays. The best reason to book is the complete mix: reefs near St. John, a floating taco stop, onboard drinks, and enough time to enjoy the boat itself. At $179, it is a fair splurge when you use all of those parts.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay, Nazareth, St. Thomas, USVI.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and 15 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The itinerary includes snorkeling around two sites near St. John. Past outings have visited Salt Pond and Tectonic reefs, but sites can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The price includes a two-taco lunch at Lime Out.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. A full open bar on the catamaran is included after snorkeling. Additional drinks or items at Lime Out may not be covered.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 32 people.

Is parking included?

No. On-site parking is available at the Ritz-Carlton for $25.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or an unmet minimum cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.