National Park Snorkeling Excursion

Travelers looking for an authentic underwater adventure in the US Virgin Islands will find this National Park Snorkeling Excursion a compelling choice. Touted by hundreds of satisfied guests, this three-and-a-half-hour boat trip offers a chance to see vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish, all while enjoying a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. With multiple highlights and rave reviews, it’s easy to see why this tour garners a perfect rating and recommendation from 98% of travelers.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the expert guides and crew are consistently praised for their friendliness, in-depth knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable—whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time. Second, the stunning locations within Virgin Islands National Park, combined with the clear waters, give you some of the best underwater sights in the Caribbean.

Of course, no experience is perfect. Some travelers note that the equipment provided is basic, or that weather conditions can impact what you see. But overall, this tour offers a fantastic value for those eager to discover the local marine life in a well-organized setting. It’s especially suited for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a taste of the underwater world without too much fuss.

Key Points

• All-inclusive snorkeling gear means you don’t need to bring your own, though preferences vary.
• Multiple meeting points in Red Hook, Cruz Bay, Crown Bay, and Havensight make it accessible for most travelers.
• Expert guides help ensure safety and maximize the chances of seeing turtles and colorful fish.
• Open bar with cocktails, beers, and soft drinks offers a relaxing way to unwind after swimming.
• Flexible itinerary with two snorkel stops, depending on weather and sea conditions.
• Great for families and first-time snorkelers with friendly staff making everyone comfortable.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Booking and Meeting Points

The tour is operated by Ocean Surfari Charters, with meeting points conveniently located around St. Thomas, including Red Hook—where many travelers stay or arrive—and other locations like Cruz Bay and Crown Bay. If you’re on a cruise, you might prefer to pick Havensight or Crown Bay if available, but if you’re staying on-island, the Red Hook departure ensures easy access.

The check-in process is smooth: you’ll receive confirmation immediately, and the staff are well-organized and helpful. The trip starts at 9:30 am, so aim to arrive a little earlier to get fitted with equipment and settle in.

The Boat and Crew

Reef Surfari operates a modern 47-foot power catamaran called Reef Surfari, acclaimed for its stability and comfort. Reviews repeatedly praise the crew—Captain CJ, Darian, John, Andy, and others—for their friendliness and knowledge. They’re not just there to steer; they actively help guests with gear, safety, and spotting marine life.

The boat itself is well-maintained, with shade, a restroom, and plenty of space for a group of up to 49 travelers. That small group size keeps things intimate and manageable, which is especially nice for families or those new to snorkeling.

The Itinerary and Snorkel Spots

The main highlight is exploring two different snorkel sites within or near Virgin Islands National Park. The exact spots vary daily based on weather and sea conditions, a flexibility that staff use to optimize viewing opportunities. Typical locations include Hawks Nest Bay and Christmas Cove, both known for their vibrant coral and abundant marine life.

The stops are designed to give you a balanced taste of the underwater environment. Reviewers loved the chance to see sea turtles, squid, octopus, stingrays, and colorful tropical fish, with some even witnessing a ship wreck at Christmas Cove.

Snorkeling Equipment and Comfort

All necessary equipment—masks, snorkels, fins—are provided, so you can just show up ready to enjoy. Guest reviews suggest the gear is high quality, although there are occasional comments about basic equipment or preferences for bringing your own. Remember, all gear is sanitized, and staff are attentive with instructions and safety.

For those who are nervous or first-timers, guides are especially helpful, sometimes even swimming with guests or pointing out animals underwater. As one reviewer put it, “John was in the water in case anyone struggled,” which speaks to the attention to safety and support.

Post-Snorkeling Relaxation and Refreshments

Once you’re back on the boat after each dive, you can unwind with an open bar. Drinks include rum punch, painkillers, cold beers, sodas, and water—all served in a friendly, relaxed manner. Guests consistently mention how refreshing it is to sip a cold drink while cruising back to the harbor, especially after a morning in the water.

Light snacks are also available, making this a well-rounded experience that combines adventure with relaxation.

Value for Money

At $90 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. For the price, you get two snorkel stops, high-quality equipment, guided expertise, and an open bar—a package that many feel is a significant value compared to other Caribbean excursions. Several reviews emphasize that the tour’s price point is excellent, especially considering how many sightings and memorable moments guests enjoy.

What Travelers Love

The most common praise from reviews is for the knowledgeable, personable guides—CJ, Darian, John—whose enthusiasm and patience elevate the experience. Many mention that they saw sea turtles, octopus, squid, and a variety of fish, sometimes even witnessing a shipwreck.

Another favorite aspect is the stunning clarity of the water and vibrant coral reefs. Several reviewers describe the water as “gorgeous” and the marine life as “amazing”. The boat’s stability, the ease of snorkeling, and the friendly crew make it accessible even for those who’ve never snorkeled before.

Potential Downsides

Some guests noted that the equipment could be better—more modern or comfortable gear might improve the experience. However, it’s worth mentioning that many felt the provided gear was sufficient, and some chose to bring their own.

Weather plays a critical role. Since the tour relies on sea conditions, poor weather could impact the snorkeling experience or lead to cancellations—though the company offers full refunds or rescheduling. There was also a comment about the shorter duration at the second stop—an hour at the first and only about 40 minutes at the second—so if you’re eager for more time underwater, this might be a consideration.

This snorkeling adventure is ideal for families, first-timers, and anyone who loves marine life. The guides are attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable, and the boat’s size keeps the tour intimate. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed pace combined with great scenery and easy access from popular resorts or cruise ships.

Those looking for an adventure with a social vibe—drinks, music, and friendly guides—will also find this trip a good match. But if your priority is longer snorkel time or more exclusive locations, you might want to explore other options.

This National Park Snorkeling Excursion offers a balanced and highly rated way to experience the underwater treasures of St. Thomas and St. John. With expert guides, beautiful locations, and the chance to see sea turtles and tropical fish, it’s a memorable outing—even for those with only a few hours to spare.

The value is clear—an affordable price for a well-organized trip that combines adventure, education, and relaxation. The friendly crew and stunning scenery are consistently praised, making this a dependable choice for travelers of all ages and experience levels.

In short, if you’re eager to explore the Caribbean’s vibrant marine life without a fuss, this tour will deliver genuine fun and plenty of photo-worthy moments. It’s a simple way to turn a day of your vacation into an unforgettable underwater adventure.

What is included in the tour?
All snorkeling equipment, light snacks, and an open bar with rum punch, beers, sodas, and water are included. You also get the benefit of guides and crew assistance.

Where do I meet the tour?
You can meet at Ocean Surfari in Red Hook, or at other designated locations like Cruz Bay, Crown Bay, or Havensight, depending on your preference or cruise schedule.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am. It includes two snorkel stops and transportation back to the meeting point.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how?
Yes. The guides are very helpful and supportive, often swimming with guests or giving clear instructions to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable.

Are the snorkel sites suitable for beginners?
Yes. The stops are chosen for their calm waters and vibrant marine life, making them friendly for beginners and kids as well.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions prevent snorkeling, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. In that case, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Is the tour good for families?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how family-friendly the experience is, with staff providing extra support for younger or less experienced snorkelers.

How much does it cost?
The tour is priced at $90 per person, providing excellent value considering the included gear, guides, and open bar.

Whether you’re after a fun, relaxing day on the water, or eager to spot turtles and colorful fish, this snorkeling tour in Virgin Islands National Park offers a dependable, enjoyable experience that many travelers recommend highly.