Private Morning Half-Day Snorkeling Trip

5.0 (27 reviews)2 h–4 hSt. ThomasAdventureSightseeingFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 1:00 pm, 3 h 30 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 2 h 30 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in St. Thomas20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 20 min to the start point
  3. 8:40 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 2 h–4 h; we plan for 4 h. Latest sensible start: 11:10 am.
  4. 12:40 pm
    Tour ends20 min back to the pier
  5. 1:00 pm
    Back at the gangway3 h 30 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical St. Thomas call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs up to 4 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:40 am and be back at the gangway around 1:00 pm — 2 h 30 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 2:00 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.

We don't have a verified start point for this tour yet, so we assume 20 min each way from the pier — the typical ride in St. Thomas. Check the meeting point on the booking page.

Among the 346 St. Thomas shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 3 h); 82% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical St. Thomas call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Avoid the crowds and get ready for fun, sun, and snorkeling on this unforgettable private trip! Perfect for friends and families who want to enjoy VIP treatment and exclusive use of our custom, eco-friendly 42-foot boat. Your personal snorkeling guide will take you to explore reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and more. The suggested itinerary includes some of our favorite spots but it is fully customizable to suit your interests. Sit back and relax in paradise with water, soft drinks, snacks, and Captain’s rum punch provided onboard.

Please note, all participants must be able to swim comfortably and capably in an open water environment without assistance. Pool noodles or snorkel vest are provided for your comfort but are not life saving devices.

Private tour English

What's included

  • bottled water & soft drinks
  • Pirate Punch (rum punch) for adults 18+
  • variety of chips, crackers, cookies
  • US Coast Guard inspected boats
  • High end Snorkel Gear
  • Certified snorkel guide
  • USCG licensed and certified captains

Not included

  • Island standard is 20%
  • Transportation/taxi to and from meeting point

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Stop 1
    Guests check-in, meet the crew, complete required paperwork, get fitted for equipment, and board their private boat for a day of fun on the water!
    10 min
  2. 2
    Stop 2
    Snorkel in Christmas Cove at Greater St. James island where guests frequently see Spotted trunkfish, Spanish hogfish, French angelfish, Southern stingrays and many other varieties of tropical fish and colorful corals in the company of their friendly and knowledgeable guide. Pool noodles and snorkel vests available for your comfort. Back on the boat, enjoy water, soft drinks, and snacks while we motor to our next stop.
    1 h 30 min
  3. 3
    Stop 3
    It's a short ride to Little St. James, an infamous private island and home to protected marine park with beautiful hard and soft corals. Guests frequently see large schools of fish like Bluestriped grunts and Blue tang as well as colorful parrotfish, butterfly fish, Caribbean lobster, and sea turtles. When you're done snorkeling, it's time for Captain's rum punch!
    1 h 30 min

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
30 MIN before activity, meet at our boat at Saga Haven Marina. (Google maps, search Aqua Marine Dive CENTER). Park under the bright red steal beams at "tenant parking' go down stairs to the dock to the right. Lost,? call for help. On a cruise or at an island resort? We can book your taxi too.
30 MIN before activity, meet at our boat at Saga Haven Marina. (Google maps, search Aqua Marine Dive CENTER). Park under the bright red steal beams at "tenant parking' go down stairs to the dock to the right. Lost,? call for help. On a cruise or at an island resort? We can book your taxi too.
From the cruise pier
About 20 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Non-refundable. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Age 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum drinking age is 18 years
  • All water activity participants must be able to swim
  • If on a cruise or staying at one of the island resorts, call us and we'd be happy to help with the taxi arrangements
  • Please call or text us to let us know if you are coming from a cruise ship and which one.
  • Max 25 people - contact us to let us know how many to plan for.

Traveler reviews

5.0
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Operated by Aqua Marine Dive Center. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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