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

For travelers seeking a balanced blend of underwater adventure, relaxed dining, and lively sunset entertainment in the Virgin Islands, the Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour by Ocean Surfari Charters offers an enticing package. This tour — rated 5.0 out of 5 based on nearly 1,500 reviews — is designed to give you a taste of the Virgin Islands’ vibrant marine life, scenic waters, and festive atmosphere in just over five hours.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the two snorkeling stops in Virgin Islands National Park, providing chances to see turtles, coral, and tropical fish. Plus, the combination of fresh pizza, drinks from the open bar, and a sunset dance party makes it a well-rounded experience. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour is not recommended for cruise ship passengers due to timing constraints, and the parking fee at the ferry terminal adds to the overall cost.

This trip is best suited for travelers who enjoy water activities, social vibes, and scenic sunsets. It’s particularly popular among those looking for a full afternoon of entertainment that combines snorkeling with a casual, fun atmosphere. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling in a group or with family — especially since reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the inclusive, family-friendly environment.

Key Points

• Two snorkeling stops provide chances to see marine life like turtles, fish, and coral reefs.
• All snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear.
• The all-inclusive bar with rum punch, painkillers, sodas, and water keeps drinks flowing after snorkeling.
• Pizza from Pizza Pi (or an alternative if closed) offers a relaxed dining experience right on the water.
• The sunset dance party caps off the trip with lively music, great views, and a fun atmosphere.
• Pickup and drop-off are conveniently located at Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John), depending on the season.

An In-Depth Look at What the Tour Offers

A Well-Organized Itinerary with Value

The tour kicks off in the late afternoon, with departures from Red Hook in St. Thomas during October through March at 1:30 PM. From April to September, the departure shifts to 2:00 PM. For St. John guests, pickup is at Cruz Bay at 2:00 PM (April-September) or 2:30 PM (October-March). This flexible timing allows travelers to plan accordingly, but it’s important to note that the tour ends back at the meeting point around 7:00 PM, with a window for the return trip depending on sunset times.

Once aboard the Reef Surfari, the journey begins with cruising around the Virgin Islands, setting the stage for the snorkeling adventures ahead. The highlight here is two stops in Virgin Islands National Park, where the crew, including marine biologists and guides, take care of all equipment and offer insights into the marine environment. This is not just about splashing around; it’s an educational and visually stunning experience. Reviewers frequently praise the guides, with one noting, “Captain and crew were amazing, the snorkeling was fantastic, and the equipment was excellent.”

Snorkeling in Virgin Islands National Park

Expect to see a diverse array of marine life — from turtles and stingrays to colorful fish and coral formations. One guest mentions, “We saw sharks, turtles, all types of fishes, octopus,” highlighting how many are lucky enough to spot notable creatures. The two snorkeling stops are well spaced to maximize marine viewing opportunities, which many reviewers feel offers excellent value. Several mention that the crew’s expertise enhances the experience, making safety and education priorities.

Post-Snorkeling Relaxation with Pizza and Drinks

After the second snorkel, you’ll enjoy pizza from Pizza Pi, delivered right to the boat at Christmas Cove on Great St. James. The pizza is described as “delicious” by happy diners, and some reviews point out the fun of removing shoes to board — a small but memorable detail. During your cruise between stops, the open bar kicks in with rum punch, painkillers, sodas, and water, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere. The crew’s friendly service keeps spirits high, and many reviews highlight the “hilarious” and “personable” guides.

Sunset Dance Party: The Perfect Finish

As the sun begins to set over the islands, the boat plays lively music, and everyone gets involved in an energetic dance party. Guests rave about this part of the trip, describing it as “the icing on the cake”. The stunning views, combined with good music and drinks, make for a memorable highlight. The timing is flexible to match the sunset, so expect to be back on land by 7:00-7:30 PM.

The Value of this Tour

At $120 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive way to enjoy multiple aspects of island life — underwater exploration, delicious food, scenic cruising, and lively entertainment — all in one afternoon. Many reviewers note that the experience is worth every penny, especially considering the included equipment, pizza, and drinks. Compared to booking separate excursions for snorkeling, dining, and sunset viewing, this package consolidates everything into a single, well-organized trip.

The group size, capped at 47 travelers, ensures a lively but not overcrowded environment. The crew’s professionalism and friendliness are consistently praised, turning what could be a simple boat ride into a fun, engaging adventure.

Practical Details for Travelers

• Transportation: Pickup and drop-off at Red Hook (St. Thomas) or Cruz Bay (St. John) makes logistics easier, but note that parking at the ferry terminal costs $20 daily.
• Duration: Total about 5.5 hours, with the trip wrapping up around sunset.
• Inclusives: Snorkeling gear, food, and drinks are all included, making it hassle-free.
• Restrictions: Not recommended for cruise ship passengers due to timing; travelers should have moderate physical fitness.
• Weather: The tour requires good weather; cancellations for poor weather are fully refunded or rebooked.

Authentic Experiences & Ratings

The overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge, helpfulness, and sense of fun. Guests repeatedly mention how guides like Sydney, BK, CJ, and John make the trip special, whether through storytelling, ensuring everyone’s comfort, or creating a lively atmosphere. The common theme: this isn’t just a boat ride — it’s a well-rounded, memorable experience that balances adventure and relaxation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor water activities and wants to see vibrant marine life, this trip is a winner. The two snorkeling stops provide a great opportunity for both novice and experienced snorkelers to observe the islands’ underwater beauty. The inclusion of pizza and an open bar appeals to those who like a casual, festive vibe, and the sunset dance party adds a lively finish to the day.

This tour is particularly suited for families, groups, or couples looking for a full afternoon of fun without the fuss of organizing multiple activities. It’s also ideal for travelers who value friendly guides, good value, and authentic local experiences. However, if your priority is a quiet, solitary sunset or snorkeling trip, you might prefer a different, more subdued option.

FAQs about the Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most reviews suggest it’s suitable for families and guests with different swimming abilities, especially since all snorkeling equipment is provided. The crew is known for making water shy guests feel comfortable, but the moderate physical fitness level is recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring your own water shoes if you dislike walking barefoot, especially since you remove shoes before boarding. Sunscreen, a hat, and a towel are also recommended for comfort.

Are drinks and food really all-inclusive?
Yes, the tour includes pizza, soda, water, and alcoholic drinks during the second snorkeling stop and afterwards, making it a hassle-free experience.

Can I snorkel if I’m not an experienced swimmer?
Guides are very helpful and make sure everyone feels safe, but basic comfort in the water is advised. The crew’s helpful attitude makes it a good experience even for first-timers.

How many snorkeling stops are there?
There are two stops, both in the Virgin Islands National Park, giving plenty of time to explore and enjoy the marine environment.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility features, so it’s best to contact Ocean Surfari directly if you have specific needs.

What is the best time of year to go?
The schedule adjusts seasonally, with departures from October to March at 1:30 PM, and from April to September at 2:00 PM. Sunset times will vary but are generally around early evening.

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is parking a hassle?
Parking at the ferry terminal costs $20 a day, so plan accordingly or consider arriving early to secure a spot.

Final Thoughts

This Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour on the Virgin Islands offers a lively mix of marine exploration, casual dining, and sunset celebration in a single package. The enthusiastic guides, beautiful underwater sights, and authentic island vibe make it an experience many travelers find rewarding. It’s especially suitable for those craving a full, fun-filled day on the water with easy logistics and good value.

If you’re after a highlight of your Virgin Islands trip that combines adventure, relaxation, and entertainment, this tour is hard to beat. Just remember to book ahead, arrive with a sense of adventure, and prepare for a memorable sunset on the Caribbean waters.