St. Thomas offers several lunch tours that combine great food with island adventures. My favorite excursions pair active morning activities with satisfying midday meals.
The St. John sailing tour stands out for its perfect blend of snorkeling and fresh tacos served on a floating boat. For nature enthusiasts, the Mangrove Lagoon tour delivers an excellent mix of kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling, topped off with a scenic picnic lunch. The Ritz-Carlton snorkel experience earns high marks for combining upscale amenities — including an open bar and taco bar — with excellent marine life viewing. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the casual vibe of the pizza lunch snorkel trip.
Let’s explore these top-rated lunch tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Lime Out snorkel experience at the Ritz-Carlton offers a unique combination of snorkeling and culinary delights, with an open bar and gear provided.
- The St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch tour provides a popular activity with a 97% recommendation rate, including snorkeling gear and a pizza lunch.
- Local tours emphasize encounters with marine life and educational components, ensuring a memorable dining experience in vibrant ecosystems.
- Tour operators prioritize health and safety measures, including COVID-19 protocols, to provide personalized and engaging lunch experiences.
- Positive customer feedback highlights the professionalism of the crew and the overall enjoyment of the lunch experiences offered in St. Thomas.
Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch Stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat)
A popular tour option for visitors to St. Thomas is the “Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch Stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat)” experience. This small-group tour takes participants on a sailing adventure around the nearby island of St. John, with two snorkeling stops and a lunch break at the unique Lime Out, a floating taco bar.
The tour includes alcoholic beverages, snacks, and a restroom on board. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the group size is limited to 12-14 people for an intimate experience. Departures are available from both St. Thomas and St. John. The tour starts at 9:00 am and returns to the meeting point later in the day.
With an impressive 4.9 average rating from 644 reviews, 98% of travelers recommend this tour. Positive feedback highlights the vibrant crew, excellent snorkeling, and delicious tacos. Some reviews mention minor concerns about cleanliness and punctuality, but the overall experience is highly praised by customers.
Read our full review: Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch Stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat) Review
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Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure With Picnic Lunch
Situated within the Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Reserve, the “Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure With Picnic Lunch” immerses participants in the vibrant ecosystem of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
With a 98% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this 212-review tour offers an engaging experience, including kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling. Guided by professionals, the adventure allows beginners to learn while exploring coral reefs and volcanic cliffs.
The tour includes a picnic lunch, all necessary equipment, and bottled water. Participants can also purchase souvenir photos. Round-trip transportation is available upon request.
Health and safety guidelines are in place, with COVID-19 measures and a maximum of 16 travelers per tour. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, highlighting unique wildlife encounters.
Recommended gear includes sun protection, water shoes, and long-sleeve UV-repellent shirts. The tour strikes a balance between adventure and learning about the local ecosystem, with options for personalized experiences.
Read our full review: Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure With Picnic Lunch Review
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St. Thomas Lime Out Snorkel With Taco Bar Lunch & Swim-Up Bar – Ritz-Carlton
For those seeking a unique snorkeling and culinary experience in St. Thomas, the St. Thomas Lime Out Snorkel with Taco Bar Lunch & Swim-Up Bar at Ritz-Carlton is a must-try. Priced at $179 per person, this tour includes snorkeling equipment, an open bar after snorkeling, all fees and taxes, and a lunch of two tacos at Lime Out.
The meeting and ending point is the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, with a start time of 8:00 am and ticket redemption at the resort. The tour accommodates a maximum of 32 travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Based on 16 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.5/5, with highlights including an excellent crew, memorable experiences, amazing tacos, and beautiful views. Travelers have reported seeing sea turtles, stingrays, and even a rare whale sighting.
Confirmation is provided at booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a reserve now, pay later option available. The tour is operated by Cruz Bay Watersports and is conveniently located near public transportation.
Read our full review: St. Thomas Lime Out Snorkel With Taco Bar Lunch & Swim-Up Bar – Ritz-Carlton Review
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St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch
The St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch is a popular activity in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
With 60 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate, this experience earns a Badge of Excellence. Priced at $90 per person, it includes snorkeling equipment, a pizza lunch from Pizza Pi, and alcoholic beverages like beer, rum punch, and painkillers.
The tour departs from Ocean Surfari – Reef Surfari Snorkel Excursions, with pickup options from St. Thomas and St. John.
Travelers are advised to have a moderate fitness level, as the activity isn’t suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant women. The group size is limited to a maximum of 49 participants.
Reviewers praise the crew’s hospitality and the fun atmosphere, with memorable encounters with sea turtles, stingrays, and vibrant marine life during the snorkeling portion.
The experience can be further enhanced by adaptations made due to weather, such as additional activities like sunset viewing.
Read our full review: St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Cost of a Lunch Experience in St. Thomas?
The average cost of a lunch experience in St. Thomas can range from $15 to $30 per person, depending on the type of restaurant, menu options, and location. Prices may be slightly higher in more upscale establishments.
Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available for Lunch?
Yes, there are vegetarian and gluten-free options available for lunch in St. Thomas. Many restaurants offer plant-based dishes and cater to dietary restrictions, providing a range of tasty and healthy lunch choices for visitors.
How Long Do the Lunch Experiences Typically Last?
Lunch experiences in St. Thomas typically last 1-2 hours, though some may run longer depending on the specific restaurant or activity. Many offer vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate various dietary needs.
Can I Book a Private or Group Lunch Experience?
Yes, many lunch experiences in the area offer private or group options. Travelers can book exclusive tours and meals, allowing them to customize the experience to their preferences and group size.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Lunch Experiences?
There are typically no age restrictions for the lunch experiences. However, some activities or venues may have minimum age requirements, so it’s best to check with the provider for specific details before booking.
The Sum Up
St. Thomas offers a variety of outstanding lunch experiences. Visitors can enjoy tacos on a floating taco boat, indulge in a picnic lunch during a kayaking and snorkeling adventure, or savor pizza after a snorkeling trip. These diverse dining options provide memorable ways to refuel and soak in the island’s natural beauty.