Two snorkels and a sunset party, why not. This Reef Surfari trip is built for Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling plus a real sunset dance party on the water. I also like that your food and drinks are part of the plan, not an afterthought.

Here’s the one big consideration: this isn’t made for cruise ship passengers. The dock setup means you cannot count on getting back to your ship on time if you’re working against a cruise schedule.

If you want an organized half-day with gear provided, a couple snack breaks, and a guided search for sea life, this is a strong value at $120 per person. Just keep a moderate fitness pace and know the group is capped at 47.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Two National Park snorkeling stops around St John for more chances at sea turtles and colorful fish
• Snacks after the first swim (chips and cookies) so you’re not waiting around hungry
• Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove after the second snorkel, usually around 5:00–5:30 PM
• Open bar begins after your second snorkel (rum punch, painkillers, sodas, water)
• A sunset dance party on the cruise back with music and a fun crew vibe

Reef Surfari Does It All: Cruise, Two Snorkels, Pizza, and a Real Party Sunset

This tour is basically your afternoon in a nutshell: you get the boat time, then you get the snorkeling, then you get fed, then you get to dance when the sun starts dropping. It’s a good match if you want more than just a quick swim break and you’d rather bundle everything into one ticket.

I like the pacing. After the first snorkeling stop you get chips and cookies, then you head back in the water for a second chance at turtles and coral. Once you’re done with that second swim, the vibe flips to social mode with the open bar and pizza.

And the staff energy matters on this one. Captains and crew names that show up again and again include CJ, BK, John, Sydney, Darian, and Andy. In plain terms: expect people who will guide you through the day without making it stiff.

Where You Meet the Catamaran: Red Hook for St Thomas, Cruz Bay for St John

The tour runs as a pickup-and-swing route, not a single-port-only outing. You’ll start in Red Hook (St Thomas) and you’ll also pick up people in Cruz Bay (St John).

The timing shifts by season:

• October to March: Reef Surfari leaves St Thomas at 1:30, then swings over to pick up St John guests at 2:00
• April to September: Reef Surfari leaves St Thomas at 2:00, then picks up St John guests at 2:30

Plan to arrive early enough to get settled. The start time listed can look simple, but the seasonal pickup matters if you’re coming from St John.

You also get drop-off back at the same area you boarded:

• back to St John between 6:30–7:00 PM
• then back to St Thomas between 7:00–7:30 PM, depending on sunset timing

One more practical note: parking at the ferry terminal is not included. It’s listed as $20 a day.

Two National Park Snorkel Stops: What You’re Likely to See

The headline here is two snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park. That’s not just a number. Two stops usually means two different sections of reef habitat, which gives you extra chances to spot the wildlife you care about.

They’re focused on seeing sea life like:

• turtles
• coral
• tropical fish

And the sightings credited to this trip include a lot more variety, such as stingrays, octopus, eagle rays, sharks, barracuda, and jellyfish. You’re not guaranteed any specific animal, but the pattern is clear: the crew times the swim spots to maximize what you might actually get to see.

How the Snorkeling Works (And Why the Crew Matters)

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you’re not stuck hunting for masks and fins the day-of. There’s also a restroom on board, which sounds basic until you’re halfway through an afternoon on the water.

Fitness level-wise, the tour expects moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should be comfortable getting on and off the boat and being in open water for a bit—nothing extreme is listed, but it’s not designed for a couch-and-float day.

One thing I’d take seriously from the on-board tips: you may be asked to take your shoes off before getting on the boat. If you don’t like walking barefoot, bring water shoes with grip so you’re not miserable when you’re boarding and moving around.

And if you get a crew pairing that includes marine biologist Darian (a name that comes up), that’s a plus. You should expect real guidance, not just a handwave-and-go approach.

Snorkel-to-Pizza Switch: Chips, Pizza Pi, and When Alcohol Starts

This is one of the smoother “food and party” setups I’ve seen on island boat trips. After the first snorkel stop, you get snacks—chips and cookies—so you’re fueled before the second swim.

After your second snorkeling stop, dinner shows up as pizza from Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove on Great St James. It’s typically served between 5:00–5:30 PM. If Pizza Pi is closed, the included plan says they’ll switch to another pizza restaurant.

The open bar is also timed, and that timing is smart:

• Alcohol is served beginning at the second snorkeling location after you are finished swimming.
• Drinks listed include rum punch, painkillers, plus sodas and water.

So if you don’t drink alcohol, you still get sodas and water as part of the included drinks. And if you do drink, it’s not right in the middle of your swim time.

For food issues, they can arrange alternatives for allergies or restrictions with 72 hours advance notice. It may cost extra, but at least there’s a path to make it work.

The Sunset Dance Party: Why the Timing Feels Worth It

After snorkeling and eating, the boat keeps cruising around St Thomas and St John. Then it turns into a sunset dance party with music playing while you watch the sky change.

The return schedule is built around sunset, which helps explain why you might be back at different times depending on the season. You’ll be heading back to St John between 6:30–7:00 PM and then to St Thomas between 7:00–7:30 PM.

This is the part that tends to make the day feel like a whole experience rather than a routine tour. It’s not just sightseeing; you’re on the water during the best light of the day, with a crowd that’s usually already in party mode from the snacks, drinks, and pizza.

Price and Value: Is $120 a Good Deal?

At $120 per person, the value is strongest if you factor in what’s bundled. You’re paying for:

• boat cruise time
• two National Park snorkeling stops
• snorkeling equipment
• chips and cookies after the first stop
• pizza dinner after the second stop
• an open bar after snorkeling (rum punch, painkillers, plus sodas and water)
• restroom access on board
• pickup/drop-off at Red Hook and Cruz Bay

If you were to price those pieces separately on your own, the bundled deal tends to win. The trip is also capped at 47 travelers, which usually keeps the experience from feeling like a cattle-car situation.

On top of that, the overall rating is very high in the data provided: 4.9 out of 5 with 1,498 ratings, and 98% recommended. That doesn’t mean every minute is perfect for every person, but it’s a strong signal that this format works.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This one is a great fit for:

• first-time snorkelers who want guidance and equipment included
• couples and friend groups who want a social vibe plus sea life time
• people who don’t want to plan food and logistics between snorkeling and sunset

It also works well for families on the water, including mixed ages, as long as everyone is comfortable with the activity level and boarding.

The big “skip” group is cruise passengers. The tour explicitly says it’s not recommended for cruise ship passengers because cruise ports are about 30 minutes from the dock and they can’t guarantee you’ll be back to your ship on time.

If you prefer a quiet, no-music kind of boat day, the sunset dance party may be more energy than you want. But if you’re the type who loves music on a sunset cruise, this is right in your wheelhouse.

Quick Practical Tips Before You Go

A few things will make the day smoother:

• Expect shoes-off boarding. If you need traction, bring water shoes with grip.
• Bring a plan for hydration. Drinks include water and sodas, and alcohol starts after the second swim.
• If you have allergies, make the request early—72 hours notice is mentioned.
• Have a flexible mindset about timing. You’ll return based on sunset and that changes with the year.

Also, this experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled for poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund in the terms provided.

Should You Book Reef Surfari’s Do It All Tour?

I’d book it if you want a single ticket that covers everything: two snorkeling stops in the National Park, snacks, pizza in Christmas Cove, and an open-bar sunset dance party that actually feels like a payoff.

I would not book it if you’re tied to a cruise ship schedule and need a guarantee you’ll be back on time. This is about a boat day, not a clockwork shore excursion built for the last call.

If you’re excited by the chance to see turtles, stingrays, coral, and tropical fish—and you want to end the day dancing with music on the water—this is a very smart way to use your afternoon in the US Virgin Islands.

FAQ

How long is the Reef Surfari afternoon tour?

It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where do pickups and drop-offs happen?

Pickups and drop-offs are at Red Hook in St Thomas and Cruz Bay in St John.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The tour includes two snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included, and when do you get them?

You get chips and cookies after the first snorkeling stop. Pizza is provided after the second snorkeling stop, typically between 5:00–5:30 PM. The open bar starts after your second snorkeling location once you are finished swimming, with rum punch, painkillers, sodas, and water included.

Does the departure time change by season?

Yes. From October to March, it departs St Thomas at 1:30 and picks up St John guests at 2:00. From April to September, it departs St Thomas at 2:00 and picks up St John guests at 2:30.

When do you return to St John and St Thomas?

You return to St John between 6:30 and 7:00 PM, then head back to St Thomas between 7:00 and 7:30 PM depending on sunset.

Do I have to take my shoes off before boarding?

One note from the experience details is that you have to take off your shoes before getting on the boat. If that’s not comfortable for you, water shoes with grip are recommended.

Can the tour accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Alternative food items can be arranged with 72 hours advanced notice, and may be subject to additional costs.

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