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

Swimming beside a sea turtle is the star of this four-hour St. Thomas boat trip. The route usually pairs Turtle Cove off Buck Island with Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, giving you two different kinds of island time: reef snorkeling first, then soft sand, clear water, and a Pain Killer at Dinghy’s Beach Bar.

I like the small-group feel and the captains’ willingness to adjust the route for conditions. Rusty, Mike, Dave, JW, and JP are among the captains praised for keeping people safe, sharing island facts, and making first-time snorkelers comfortable. I also like that beer, soda, and water are included. The catch is that the sea can turn choppy, and turtle sightings and reef visibility are never guaranteed.

Key points to know before you book

• Turtles are the main attraction: Turtle Cove often brings sightings of sea turtles, along with rays, parrotfish, barracuda, and other reef life.
• Two water stops, two different moods: Buck Island or Brewers Bay is the main snorkeling stop, while Honeymoon Beach offers swimming, beach time, and access to Dinghy’s.
• The captain can change the plan: Rough water may send the boat to Brewers Bay or Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay instead.
• Drinks are included: Beer, soda, and bottled water are provided after snorkeling, but lunch and bar drinks cost extra.
• Cruise passengers can fit it in: The trip begins and ends at Havensight Cruise Pier, with departures at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Bring the basics: Pack sunscreen, towels, and cash for food and drinks at Honeymoon Beach.

A four-hour route built around sea turtles

The outing starts at Havensight Cruise Pier, a useful meeting point if you are visiting St. Thomas on a cruise. You board there and return to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate taxi between the excursion and the ship.

The boat heads first toward Turtle Cove near Buck Island. The ride is part of the experience, with open-water views and the chance to hear about St. Thomas from the captain. One account describes roughly 25 minutes to Buck Island, followed by about an hour of snorkeling, though exact timing depends on the group and sea conditions.

The company uses several boats depending on availability. You might ride the 36-foot Island Flyer, a 2019 36-foot Twin Vee power catamaran, a 31-foot Wellcraft powerboat, or another comparable vessel. The specific boat matters less than the practical point: this is a powerboat outing, not a slow sail. You spend enough time moving between stops, but the route is designed to give you substantial time in the water.

The charter is described as semi-private, with a maximum of 31 people. In practice, several of the strongest accounts describe groups of seven, eight, or 11 people. Group size can vary, so do not book it expecting a private charter unless you have confirmed that arrangement. A smaller group makes it easier to hear the captain, get help with equipment, and ask questions without shouting across a crowded boat.

Turtle Cove and Buck Island snorkeling

At Turtle Cove, the crew provides masks, snorkels, and other needed snorkeling equipment. The reef area is home to snapper, hamlets, parrotfish, surgeonfish, squirrelfish, rays, barracuda, and other marine life. Sea turtles are the big draw, and several outings have produced close sightings, including turtles swimming within a few feet of snorkelers.

The setting is not a controlled aquarium. That is important. The captain can take you to a productive area, but wild animals choose where to go. You may see several turtles, or you may spend your time watching smaller fish and coral. One outing produced turtles, stingrays, and a small shark. Another saw a shipwreck along with reef life. That variety is a good reason to treat the turtle sighting as a bonus rather than a promise.

Snorkeling ability matters here. You do not need to be an expert, but the activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You must be comfortable in open water and able to use the equipment. Several first-time snorkelers had a good time with captain support, yet rough water can make even an easy reef stop tiring.

The captain may give safety instructions before you enter the water and help you get oriented. Rusty is frequently singled out for making people feel safe, while Mike, Dave, JW, and JP are noted for explaining the area and keeping the mood relaxed. Those personal touches matter more than fancy equipment when you are nervous about your first open-water snorkel.

What happens when the sea is rough

The planned route is not fixed in stone. If Turtle Cove is too rough, the captain may use Brewers Bay for snorkeling. If Honeymoon Beach is not suitable, the beach portion may shift to Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay, where you can have beach time, food, and drinks.

That flexibility is one of the better features of the trip. A captain who changes the route can give you calmer water and a safer, more enjoyable swim. It does mean that you should not book this expecting a precise set of photographs or a guaranteed stop at every named location.

Choppy water can reduce visibility and make it harder to stay relaxed while snorkeling. One outing had rough conditions that limited the sea life people could see. Another captain took the group directly to calmer water at Honeymoon Beach, where the group still found turtles and fish. If you are sensitive to motion, consider the sea conditions and bring any medication you normally use for boat trips.

Nature also sets the schedule. You might see turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, or barracuda, but you might not see all of them. The best attitude is to value the water time itself, not just a checklist of animals.

Honeymoon Beach and Water Island

After the first snorkel, the boat heads to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. This stop changes the pace. Instead of focusing only on reef life, you can swim, sit on white sand, and enjoy the clear water near shore.

Honeymoon Beach is also home to Dinghy’s Beach Bar. The bar is known for Pain Killers, and food such as fresh mahi tacos and bang bang shrimp is available for purchase. A banana-flavored drink called the Banana Hammock is another local favorite mentioned by the operator. These items are not included in the tour price, so bring cash or another accepted payment method.

Lunch is not included. More importantly, access to food may require you to get from the boat to the beach, so non-swimmers should plan ahead. If you are not comfortable swimming in open water, bring your own food and ask the crew about the beach arrangements before you go.

Honeymoon Beach can also serve as another snorkeling area. A captain may anchor nearby rather than take everyone directly onto the sand, especially if wind or waves make the beach approach less comfortable. This can be a good tradeoff if your main goal is seeing turtles and fish, but it may disappoint you if beach time is the part you care about most.

The stop is best viewed as flexible free time. You can swim, snorkel, eat, order a drink, or simply enjoy the view. You do not need to force yourself into every activity.

Captains make the difference

The company uses a rotating roster, so you cannot necessarily request one particular captain unless the operator confirms it. Captains mentioned by name include Rusty, Mike Conforti, Dave, JW, and JP, with Andrea and Coleman also leading one outing.

Rusty is associated with strong safety guidance, good island information, and a friendly style. Mike is noted for adjusting the outing to suit a request for more fish and coral rather than focusing mainly on turtles. Dave is praised for making conversation with the whole group and changing the plan when the water became rough. JW is described as calm and informative, while JP is recognized for working hard to keep the group happy.

This matters because the boat ride is shared. A captain who explains what you are seeing and pays attention to different comfort levels can make the trip feel personal, even when other people are on board. The best experience will depend partly on the captain assigned that day and partly on the mix of people sharing the boat.

The crew may also take videos of you in the water. That has happened on at least one outing, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed service. Bring your own waterproof camera if photos are a priority, and do not put a phone at risk without proper protection.

What the $160 price includes

At $160 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach or snorkel from St. Thomas. You are paying for a four-hour powerboat outing, equipment, a captain and crew, transportation between multiple locations, and the chance to see two distinct areas without arranging them separately.

The included drinks improve the value. You receive soda and water, along with beer after snorkeling. The company says it uses Virgin H2O for its bottled water and follows eco-friendly practices aboard. Lunch, beach-bar drinks, sunscreen, towels, and crew gratuity are not included.

The price makes the most sense if you want a compact half-day on the water. It is a solid fit for a cruise passenger with limited time, a family that wants equipment provided, or a couple who prefers a guided route rather than figuring out boat transportation on its own.

It is less appealing if you want a full private charter, a long beach stay, or a guaranteed turtle encounter. It is also not the right value for someone who plans to spend the whole day on the sand and only wants a short swim.

A 15 to 20 percent tip is customary for exceptional service. Factor that into the real cost, especially if the captain handles a nervous snorkeler well or makes a smart weather-related change.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this tour if you want a mix of wildlife and beach time in one outing. It works particularly well for:

• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and basic guidance
• Families with older children who can manage open-water swimming
• Cruise passengers who need a clearly timed return to Havensight
• Couples who want turtles, drinks, and a beach stop without booking several separate activities
• Stronger swimmers who are comfortable with changing conditions

I would think twice if you do not swim, dislike motorboat rides, or need a fully predictable schedule. Children under two require a call before booking, and the activity requires a moderate physical fitness level.

This is also not a tour where you should expect a quiet private outing every time. The group may be small, but the maximum is 31 people. If personal space and control over the route matter most, ask about a private charter instead.

Timing, packing, and small practical details

You can choose a 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. departure. The morning trip gives you the rest of the afternoon, while the later trip may work better if you want a relaxed start. Either way, allow time to reach the Havensight Cruise Pier before departure.

Pack:

• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Swimwear
• Cash or payment for lunch and drinks at Dinghy’s
• Waterproof protection for your phone or camera

Do not count on the operator supplying sunscreen or towels. Beer, soda, and water are available, but lunch is not. If someone in your group does not swim, plan food carefully because reaching the beach bar may require getting into the water.

The charter ends back at the meeting point. Confirmation is provided when you book, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled outing or a full refund.

Should you book it?

I would book this trip if your priority is a well-rounded half-day on St. Thomas: reef snorkeling, a real chance to see turtles, a beach stop, and drinks on the way back. The strongest feature is the flexible captain-led approach. When conditions change, a good captain can protect the fun by finding calmer water.

The main caution is simple: sea life and weather are unpredictable. You may see turtles close up, or you may see mostly fish and coral. Honeymoon Beach may become a snorkeling stop rather than a long beach visit. If you can accept that flexibility, the $160 price is reasonable for four hours of boat transport, equipment, multiple locations, and included drinks.

Book it for the water, the wildlife, and the captain’s local judgment. Skip it if you need guaranteed animals, a private boat, or an easy land-based lunch.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from Havensight Cruise Pier in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, Havensight Cruise Pier.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

What departure times are available?

Departure is available at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Will I snorkel with sea turtles?

Turtle sightings are possible at Turtle Cove and other snorkeling locations, but wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, soda, and water are included. Bottled water is supplied by Virgin H2O.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is available for purchase at Honeymoon Beach, but it is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring your own sunscreen and towel. You should also bring payment for lunch or drinks at Honeymoon Beach.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain may substitute Brewers Bay for Turtle Cove or Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay for Honeymoon Beach. If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.