Snorkel and Sunset Cruise from Margaritaville Resort

The best part of this St. Thomas outing is the combination of reef snorkeling and sunset sailing in one short trip. You get time in the water, food, drinks, and a golden-hour cruise without giving up your entire day. The boat leaves from Margaritaville Resort at 3:00 PM and returns there about three and a half hours later.

I like two things in particular: snorkel gear and instruction are included, and the food is more thoughtful than the usual boat-trip snack tray, with hors d’oeuvres prepared from a menu by Chef Krygsveld. The open bar adds value if you plan to enjoy a few drinks while the light changes over the Virgin Islands.

The main caution is reliability. One scheduled trip was canceled less than 24 hours before departure because of an unexpected mechanical problem. That was the right safety call, but it left little time to find another snorkeling plan. Keep your booking flexible if this is your only water activity in St. Thomas.

Key points to know before booking

• Two moods in one trip: Swim and snorkel first, then shift into a calm sunset cruise with food and drinks.
• A handpicked snorkel stop: The crew chooses a nearby cay known for clear water and marine life.
• Chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres: Snacks are part of the fare and come from Chef Krygsveld’s rotating menu.
• Small-to-midsize powerboat setting: The boat holds no more than 30 people, with an additional reservation needed for groups over 15.
• Friendly crew names to look for: Captains Jake and Stewart led one early trip, while Captain Shawn and crew members Kennedy, Stine, and Josh were praised on another.
• Simple resort departure: Boarding starts at Margaritaville Vacation Club, with the boat returning to the same place.

A 3:00 PM start that makes sense

This trip begins at Margaritaville Vacation Club, 6080 Estate Smith Bay in Frydendal. The 3:00 PM departure is well timed for anyone who wants a relaxed morning, a beach visit, or lunch before heading to the dock.

You should arrive ready for a change of pace. The opening part is active, but the afternoon gradually becomes more social and restful. That makes this a good choice if you want some water time without signing up for a full-day charter.

The exact route depends on conditions, and the snorkel stop is described as a nearby cay rather than a fixed named site. That gives the crew some freedom to choose a spot with suitable water and good visibility. It also means you should not book this expecting one specific island or reef.

The boat returns to the same meeting point. That cuts out the need to arrange a separate pickup at the end, though you still need to get yourself to Margaritaville Resort for boarding. The location is near public transportation, which may help if you are not using a rental car.

The first stop: clear water and time to choose

After boarding, the powerboat heads to a nearby cay for snorkeling. The site is selected for clear water and marine life, and the crew provides masks, snorkels, and other standard snorkeling equipment along with instruction.

I appreciate the flexibility built into this stop. You can snorkel, swim, or remain on deck and enjoy the sun. That matters when a group has mixed interests or when one person is not comfortable in the water. You do not have to treat the trip as a test of athletic ability.

The crew is also available to assist in the water. The supplied information does not promise a guided identification tour or a particular list of fish, so set your expectations at a well-supported snorkel stop rather than a formal marine biology lesson.

For confident swimmers, the appeal is the chance to spend time looking below the surface at a selected reef site. For beginners, the included instruction removes one common hurdle. You can receive basic help before entering the water instead of trying to work out unfamiliar equipment alone.

The main limit is time. This is a 3.5-hour outing that also includes food and a sunset cruise, so the snorkeling portion cannot fill the whole afternoon. If you want several reef sites, a longer swim, or a full-day trip, this is not that kind of charter.

From wet gear to Chef Krygsveld’s menu

After the water stop, you return aboard for food and drinks. The meal is described as a rotating selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres from a menu created by Chef Krygsveld. That wording suggests small savory portions designed for a social boat setting, not a full sit-down dinner.

This is one of the strongest reasons to compare the trip with a basic snorkeling cruise. Snacks are included, and the food gives the second half of the outing a more polished feel. You can dry off, settle into your seat, and shift from swimming to watching the coast pass by.

The menu changes, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish. If you have strict dietary needs, the available information does not confirm special menus or substitutions. Ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the rotating selection will fit your needs.

Drinks are served from an open bar, with alcoholic beverages and soda included. That can make the $150 price easier to justify, especially if you were already planning to buy drinks and snacks separately on another cruise. It also means the value depends partly on what you actually consume. Someone who does not drink alcohol may find the fare less compelling than someone who plans to enjoy the bar.

There is a restroom on board, another practical advantage during a longer afternoon on the water. Still, the trip is not presented as a formal dining cruise. Think of the food as generous boat refreshments with chef input, not a multi-course meal.

Golden hour on the Virgin Islands

The final phase is a scenic cruise timed around sunset. After snorkeling and snacks, the boat moves into a slower rhythm as the afternoon light fades.

The sunset is the emotional centerpiece of the trip. One excursion had such a strong sunset that it became the main memory of the outing, while another paired the evening views with what was described as a warm, welcoming crew. You should have good opportunities for open-water views, though exact sightlines depend on the route and weather.

I like this format because the sunset does not arrive at the start, when you are still sorting out gear and finding your seat. You have already had the active part of the day. By golden hour, you can focus on the view, drink in hand, with the snorkeling behind you.

The powerboat setting also gives the outing a different feel from a large sightseeing vessel. The maximum capacity is 30 people, which keeps the scale manageable, though the actual number on your departure may vary. If more than 15 people are in your party, the booking instructions require an additional reservation.

You should also understand that sunset timing brings a degree of uncertainty. Cloud cover, rain, and boat conditions can affect the view. The cruise is designed around the sunset, but nature does not guarantee a clear horizon every evening.

The crew makes the difference

Crew service is a major part of the appeal. Captains Jake and Stewart were associated with an early version of this combined snorkeling and sunset trip, and Captain Shawn, Kennedy, Stine, and Josh were thanked for making another outing special.

The consistent thread is personal hospitality. That matters on a boat, where a helpful crew can make equipment instructions easier, keep the mood relaxed, and help less confident swimmers feel supported.

You should not assume that every named person will be on your departure. Crew assignments change, and the supplied information identifies several people connected with different outings. Use the names as an indication of the service style to expect, not a promise about who will steer your boat.

The crew’s role is also important because the experience shifts quickly between activities. You begin with boarding and safety instructions, move into snorkeling, then return to the boat for food, drinks, and sightseeing. Good communication helps the whole afternoon feel organized rather than rushed.

Is $150 a fair price?

At $150 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the water around St. Thomas. The fare includes snorkeling equipment, instruction, snacks, alcoholic drinks, soda, the boat ride, and the sunset cruise. It also covers the convenience of combining several separate activities into one reservation.

I see the strongest value for someone who wants a polished half-day outing. You are paying not only for reef time, but also for the open bar, chef-planned hors d’oeuvres, crew support, and the sunset setting. If you would otherwise book a snorkel trip and then buy dinner or drinks afterward, the total comparison becomes more favorable.

The value is weaker if your priority is maximum time in the water. A dedicated snorkeling charter may provide more stops or longer swim periods, though no such alternative is specified here. This outing gives equal weight to food, drinks, scenery, and atmosphere.

The price also makes group size worth considering. A maximum of 30 people is far smaller than a large cruise ship excursion, but this is not a private charter. If you want a boat reserved only for your family or friends, this product is not described that way.

Who will enjoy this afternoon most?

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, and families who want a mixture of activity and relaxation. It works particularly well for people who enjoy snorkeling but do not want to spend all day in the water.

It is also a practical pick for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another swims or stays on deck. Later, everyone can share the food and sunset portion without needing to split up.

The trip may suit first-time snorkelers because gear and instruction are provided. Most people can participate, according to the stated requirements, but the information does not give detailed guidance on mobility limitations, flotation devices, or assistance boarding. If you have specific physical needs, contact the operator before paying.

I would hesitate to recommend it as your only planned snorkeling option in St. Thomas if your schedule is tight. The late cancellation caused a serious problem for one party, which is a useful warning even though the operator cited a mechanical issue affecting vessel safety. Boats can have mechanical trouble, and a sunset departure leaves little room to replace the plan at the last minute.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity uses a mobile ticket. Keep the ticket accessible on your phone when you arrive at Margaritaville Vacation Club.

The tour is commonly booked about 23 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible if your dates are fixed. The maximum capacity is 30, and parties of more than 15 need an additional reservation.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund under the stated policy.

That policy gives you a reasonable escape if the weather forecast or your schedule changes, but it does not protect you from every disruption. The operator’s own cancellation of one trip shows that mechanical problems can still affect plans. If the cruise is important to you, keep another afternoon option in mind.

Should you book the Margaritaville sunset cruise?

Book it if you want one easy afternoon that mixes snorkeling, drinks, chef-made snacks, and a sunset. The format is appealing because it does not force you to choose between an active water trip and a scenic evening cruise.

I would book it for the atmosphere and variety rather than for the longest possible reef session. The included bar and food help support the $150 price, while the small maximum group size and attentive crew names add confidence.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed departure, a private boat, or a full day of snorkeling. The cancellation incident is worth taking seriously, especially if you have no backup plan. For most people with a little schedule flexibility, though, this is a well-balanced way to spend an afternoon on the water around St. Thomas.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling and sunset cruise begin?

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

What time does the boat leave?

Boarding begins at 3:00 PM.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and instruction are included. Scuba equipment is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks, alcoholic beverages, and soda are included. The snacks are a rotating selection of hors d’oeuvres from a menu by Chef Krygsveld.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the Margaritaville Vacation Club meeting point.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.