Virgin Islands · SNORKELING

The 15 Best Snorkeling Trips in the Virgin Islands

46 tours  ·  from $40 a head

The water here stays clear and warm enough that the boat matters more than the season. These 15 compare the turtle stops, the reef drops and the half-day sails on price, group size and how long you actually get in the water.

Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT - Boarding at Frenchman’s Cove
Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Thomas, Turtle Snorkeling

Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

1.Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,100 reviews · from $119Our pick

Spend three hours aboard The VI Cat, sailing from Marriott Frenchman’s Cove to Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island. Crew members such as Captain Serena, Nick, Isaac, and Porscha help with safety, snorkeling, and drinks. Equipment, snacks, and post-swim alcoholic drinks are included, with time to swim or relax onboard.

“Fun, easy going trip to see amazing turtles feeding on grass and rising to the surface for air. Also a coral reef with plenty of fish and colors.”

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Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville - What the Morning Feels Like on the Powerboat
Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in St Thomas

Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville

2.Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,874 reviews · from $180

Cruise from Margaritaville St. Thomas to St. John for about six hours of snorkeling, island views, breakfast, buffet lunch, snacks, and an open bar. Guides such as D’Hayden, Jake, Shyne, Lauren, and Nick help first-time snorkelers get comfortable, while the captain adjusts the route for sea and weather conditions.

“Took us to 3 great snorkeling spots. Knowledgeable about where to look for fish, turtles, etc. The cocktails were unlimited, but had little actual rum.”

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Night Kayak Tour St. Thomas - Westin Frenchman's Reef - The first paddle into the cove
Canoes & Kayaks, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in St Thomas

Night Kayak Tour St. Thomas – Westin Frenchman’s Reef

3.Night Kayak Tour St. Thomas – Westin Frenchman’s Reef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,813 reviews · from $69Best value

At the Westin Frenchman’s Reef, you’ll paint your face, put on glow gear, and paddle a clear kayak lit from below. Guides such as Curtis, Derek, Megan, Eugene, and Emily point out tarpon, stingrays, turtles, and other night creatures. The one-hour tour stays in a calm cove and takes no more than six people.

“Wanted to try something a little different in St. Thomas. Starting with face glow paint and colorful blinking head gear, we had a quick lesson, and paddled into the cove. We saw Tarpons, a Stingray feeding, and other local fish. Derek and Aaron were fun and very informative.”

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Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John - Red Hook to Cruz Bay, then out among the islands
Food and Drink Tours, Snorkeling, Sunset Sails, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in St Thomas

Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John

4.Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,498 reviews · from $120

Spend about 5.5 hours aboard Reef Surfari with two snorkel stops in Virgin Islands National Park, pizza from Pizza Pi, drinks, and a sunset dance party. The crew may include CJ, John, Darian, BK, Sydney, or Andy. Pickup is available in Red Hook and Cruz Bay.

“Awesome snorkeling great company. Had so much fun with CJ and BK. They are a ton of fun and made for an amazing time. Highly recommend”

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Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure - How the Three Hours Usually Feel
Canoes & Kayaks, Hiking & Trekking, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Thomas

Cas Cay – Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure

5.Cas Cay – Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 870 reviews · from $99

Paddle through St. Thomas’s red-mangrove lagoon, hike eight minutes across uneven coral rubble to Cas Cay’s cliffs and blowhole, then snorkel in a sheltered mangrove nursery. Guides such as Marcus, Swish, Dana, and Chase add island stories, wildlife facts, and plenty of humor. Equipment, snacks, water, lockers, and changing rooms are included.

“Nice variety of activities. Brooke was a wonderful guide. She was informative and helpful. Great experience.”

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Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure - Second Stop and the Value of a Flexible Plan
All-Inclusive Day Sails, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Thomas

Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

6.Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 801 reviews · from $175

Sail from Margaritaville Resort aboard Snorkel Cat for a five-hour outing to St. John National Park and nearby reefs. Captain Shawn, Captain Tuna, Captain Danny, and their crews are known for helpful instruction, good music, Painkiller cocktails, and flexible snorkeling plans. Gear, breakfast, lunch, soft drinks, and alcohol are included.

“Just book it! Amazing views awesome team! I’ll be back for the snorkel cat. From the captain to his team we felt at home on this boat.”

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Snorkel & Swim with Turtles. Semi Private Tour to Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach - What happens when the sea is rough
Beach Excursions, Private, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in St Thomas, Turtle Snorkeling

Snorkel & Swim with Turtles. Semi Private Tour to Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach

7.Snorkel & Swim with Turtles. Semi Private Tour to Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 661 reviews · from $160

Join Seas the Day Charters for a four-hour boat trip from Havensight Cruise Pier to Turtle Cove or Brewers Bay and Honeymoon Beach. Snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, then enjoy beer, soda, and water. Captains such as Rusty, Mike, Dave, JW, and JP may lead the trip. Lunch and beach-bar drinks cost extra.

“Rusty was our Captain and we couldn’t have handled picked a better guy. Our trip was fantastic! Will recommend to friends.”

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St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands - What you may see above and below the water
Canoes & Kayaks, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in St Thomas

St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands

8.St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · from $89

Spend about 2.5 hours kayaking through St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon, snorkeling near coral-fringed roots, and learning about local wildlife from guides such as Brooke, Kaz, Pat, and Slim. You may see stingrays, spotted rays, lobster, octopus, jellyfish, fish, and hermit crabs. A Cas Cay hike may extend the outing.

“The kayak through the mangroves was great. Snorkeling was awesome… saw a stingray but few fish. Don’t bother with the hike. But walk back by the covered tables to see thousands of hermit cr@bs”

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St John & Surrounding Cays - Full-Day Sail/Snorkel, 6 Guests Max - Sailing toward St. John National Park
Full-Day, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Thomas

St John & Surrounding Cays – Full-Day Sail/Snorkel, 6 Guests Max

9.St John & Surrounding Cays – Full-Day Sail/Snorkel, 6 Guests Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 635 reviews · from $245

Leave Sapphire Beach Marina at 9:00 a.m. for a small-group sail toward St. John National Park and nearby cays. Captain Kendall, Addison, Tommy, Mark, Rusty, Sam, or Gabi may guide the day, with two or three snorkel stops, lunch, an open bar, and gear included. Routes change with wind, weather, and boat traffic.

“Great excursion. Nice way to see the islands. Mark and Rusty did a fantastic job of telling us about the islands, stopped at two locations to snorkel. Small group of 6 which made it really nice. Highly recommend”

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Half Day Luxury Catamaran Turtle Snorkel And Beach - Snorkeling near Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
Beach Excursions, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Thomas, Turtle Snorkeling, VIP

Half Day Luxury Catamaran Turtle Snorkel And Beach

10.Half Day Luxury Catamaran Turtle Snorkel And Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 635 reviews · from $159

Join Captain Joe and Catie on the Someday, a modern catamaran limited to 12 people. Snorkel near Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, look for green sea turtles and colorful fish, then relax at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. Gear, snacks, fresh water, and drinks are included.

“The captain and his first-mate were very friendly and informative about the surroundings! We had a great time and would highly recommend Catie and Joe as captains!”

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50' Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience - Secret Harbour and the east end of St. Thomas
Beach Excursions, Private, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Thomas, VIP

50′ Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience

11.50′ Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 606 reviews

Take a private 50-foot catamaran from Red Hook for four to seven hours around St. Thomas, St. John, and nearby cays. Your captain, often including crew such as Maddy, Alex, JW, or Dave, helps shape the route around snorkeling, beaches, and lunch. The boat carries up to 12 people and includes floats, snorkel gear, water, soda, beer, and rum punch. BVI trips are not available.

“Dave was very knowledgeable and a great host. Highly recommended! Will use again next time we return for sure!”

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National Park Snorkeling Excursion - First stop: clear water, coral, and turtles
National Parks, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in St Thomas

National Park Snorkeling Excursion

12.National Park Snorkeling Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 593 reviews · from $90

Board Reef Surfari, a 47-foot power catamaran, for two snorkel stops around St. John. You’ll receive gear, fruit, snacks, and soft drinks before swimming, then beer and rum cocktails afterward. Captains such as CJ and Andy, with crew including Darian, John, and Ren, help with safety and marine life.

“Captain Brian and Ren were absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable! They both did an awesome job at keeping our whole group informed. Thanks for making our honeymoon in St. Thomas much more memorable!”

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Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. - Building your route around snorkeling and beach time
Beach Excursions, Boat Charters, Private, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St Thomas, VIP

Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

13.Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 386 reviews

Set sail from Havensight aboard S/Y Pisces, a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with room for up to 12 people. Your captain and first mate can shape the day around snorkeling, turtle watching, beach time, island views, and music from your phone. Beer, rum punch, soda, water, floats, snorkel gear, and a restroom are included.

“Our captain Ann Marie and her crew were amazing and made our experience on the boat perfect! Thanks again!”

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Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Turtles, National Park, St. John - Paddling across Caneel Bay
Canoes & Kayaks, National Parks, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St John, Turtle Snorkeling

Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Turtles, National Park, St. John

14.Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Turtles, National Park, St. John

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · from $119

Spend about three hours hiking Turtle Point, kayaking across Caneel Bay, and snorkeling over seagrass beds where sea turtles, stingrays, squid, and tropical fish gather. Guides such as Kenny, Matt, Ernie, and Teegan add local insight, while all gear, water, and a snack are included. The longer option includes lunch.

“This was an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Matt was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting the U.S.V.I.!”

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St. John Full-Day Lime Out Snorkel Taco Lunch & Open Bar - Westin - The first reef stop: good swimming with no guarantees
All-Inclusive Day Sails, Drinking Tours, Full-Day, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in St John

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 289 reviews · from $179

Set out from The Westin St. John at 8:15 a.m. for a full day aboard a spacious catamaran. You’ll get breakfast, loaner snorkel gear, two reef stops, two Lime Out tacos, and an onboard open bar after snorkeling. Crew lineups can include Captain Erin, Captain Chris, Nick, Izzy, and Sam. Lime Out drinks cost extra.

“Amazing time and advertising spot on for the adventure. We even had a chance to Sail! Snokling and Limeout a highlight too.”

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