Turtles, rum punch, and a national-park snorkel. I like this trip because it combines two snorkel stops in clear St. John water with an open bar after you swim, so you’re not just paying for a quick splash. The one thing to keep in mind is that the exact sites can change day to day based on weather and sea conditions, and sea turtles are amazing but not guaranteed.

You’ll sail aboard the Reef Surfari, a 47’ power catamaran, with a morning route that fits both St. Thomas and St. John plans. The schedule runs like clockwork: depart Ocean Surfari in Red Hook at 9:00, then pick up St. John guests at 9:30 from Cruz Bay beach in front of the Ocean Surfari store. After two snorkeling sessions, you head back for drop-off in St. John at 12:00 and return to St. Thomas around 12:30, with light snacks and soda/water before you get in.

This is a solid choice if you’ve got moderate physical fitness and you’re comfortable doing some time on and in the water. If you’re hoping for a totally “no effort” experience, you might still enjoy it, but you should know this involves entering the ocean, floating and snorkeling at your own pace, and following crew instructions for safety.

Key points that matter

• Two snorkeling stops help you maximize your time and your chances of spotting turtles and reef life
• Open bar after swimming means the fun part starts when you’re done getting saltwater on your face
• Full snorkeling equipment included (you don’t have to wrestle with rentals or packing your own gear)
• National park snorkeling around St. John keeps the experience tied to the island’s protected reef habitat
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 49 travelers on board
• Crew support for first-timers and kids shows up in the way the tour is run, not just in what’s written on the page

Reef Surfari and the morning plan that keeps things simple

This tour is built around a straightforward idea: get you into the water at two good locations, keep the day paced, and make sure you’re fed and hydrated afterward. The Reef Surfari is a 47’ power catamaran, which usually means more stability than smaller boats—useful when you’re trying to snorkel while others are trying to find the right strap tightness on their mask.

I also like the timing approach. You’re not stuck on a long, slow ride for hours before you ever get wet. Instead, the morning is structured for action: you depart Red Hook at 9:00, connect with Cruz Bay guests by 9:30, and then do the two snorkel stops before heading back by early afternoon.

Where you meet: Red Hook, Cruz Bay, and cruise-ship ports

Meeting point matters a lot for morning tours, especially if you’re coming from a cruise ship and you’re dealing with taxis, shuttles, and everyone trying to arrive at once.

Here’s the clean breakdown:

• If you’re starting on St. Thomas, you’ll meet at Ocean Surfari – Reef Surfari Snorkel Excursions on Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook (USVI).
• If you’re on St. John, you’ll be picked up at Cruz Bay beach in front of the Ocean Surfari store.
• If you’re on a cruise ship excursion, the tour advertises convenient cruise port options including Crown Bay and Havensight—but only pick those if you’re booked for the cruise-ship version.

If you’re staying on St. Thomas or St. John, choose the matching departure location. It’s the easiest way to avoid that last-minute scramble that can happen when folks assume their taxi driver will somehow read their mind and show up at exactly the right minute.

The two snorkeling stops in Virgin Islands National Park

The heart of this excursion is two separate snorkeling sessions. You’ll head to two snorkel spots around St. John through the Virgin Islands National Park, and the exact locations vary daily based on weather and sea conditions. That flexibility is actually a benefit: it means the crew is able to shift to where the water is calmer and visibility is better instead of forcing everyone into rougher conditions.

Commonly described snorkeling spots include:

• Hawks Nest Bay (inside the national park)
• Christmas Cove off Great St. James Island
• Maho Bay
• Honeymoon Beach

What you’re looking for is classic USVI reef life—turtles top the list, with tropical fish and colorful coral close behind. In addition, many people report seeing other critters like squid, octopus, sting rays, and starfish. The most important mindset to bring is this: you’re snorkeling for the full mix of reef scenery and animals, not for one single guaranteed sighting.

Also, pay attention to what the crew emphasizes on the boat. Where you swim relative to the reef can change what you see. The guides also help with snorkeling technique, which matters more than people expect—good breathing and buoyancy make it easier to look around instead of just trying to survive your first 3 minutes.

What you’ll do once you’re back on the catamaran

When you return aboard after each swim, the tour shifts from sea mode to relax mode. You’ll have light snacks during the ride, plus water and soda. Then, once everyone is finished snorkeling, the open bar kicks in.

This timing is practical. You don’t want to start the drinking before you’re done in the water, and you also don’t want to wait until you’re freezing and tired to get something cold and refreshing. The tour’s approach keeps it balanced: hydrate and fuel first, then celebrate after you’re out of the ocean.

The open bar includes rum punch and painkillers, plus cold beers, soft drinks, and water. If you’re the type who likes a little reward at the end of activity day, this is part of why the trip feels like more than just a snorkeling booking.

Drinks, snacks, and the real value of an open bar

At $90 per person, you’re not just buying access to two snorkeling stops—you’re also getting gear and a full “after-swim” refresh spread. That can be a big deal in the USVI, where buying drinks and simple snacks separately adds up fast.

A smart way to think about value:

• You’re paying for two separate chances to see reef life.
• You’re not paying extra for snorkeling equipment.
• You get a meaningful food/drink payoff afterward, including the kind of Caribbean cocktails people actually come here for.

The open bar is best treated like a bonus, not a plan for pacing your day. If you’re snorkeling, your attention span and breathing control matter for safety. But once you’re done, it’s a fun way to turn a morning in the water into a complete outing.

Gear and comfort: what the included equipment really means

This tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, which usually covers masks, snorkels, and fins. That’s one less thing you have to figure out while you’re on vacation, and it helps a lot if you’re traveling light or if your own gear is buried somewhere inside a suitcase that’s already delayed by airline math.

The better benefit, though, is how equipment support shows up in practice. People describe the crew as helpful about fitting and technique, including support for kids and first-timers. If you’re nervous before your first swim, that kind of guidance can turn a stressful moment into a normal part of your trip.

One more practical note: bring a towel and consider water shoes if you tend to prefer footing on boats and rocky edges. The tour doesn’t list footwear requirements, but comfort is personal, and reef areas can be unpredictable underfoot.

Who should book this snorkeling excursion—and who should skip it

This is a good match for:

• Families who want a structured morning with clear expectations
• First-time snorkelers who want gear provided and help in the moment
• People who want national-park snorkeling rather than just offshore sightseeing
• Travelers who like the idea of relaxing on a catamaran afterward with drinks and snacks

Consider skipping or choosing a different option if:

• You expect the same exact snorkeling sites every day. Spots shift with conditions.
• You’re very sensitive to being in open water for stretches of time. This tour calls for moderate physical fitness.
• You’re traveling in a way that makes meeting points risky. Cruise timing can be tricky, and missing pickup can end the day before it starts.

If your main goal is seeing turtles and lots of marine life, you’ll like the format. Two stops improves your odds, and snorkeling in protected park areas tends to produce better reef conditions than random patchwork swimming.

How the $90 price compares to what you get

Let’s be practical. You’re paying $90 for:

• Two snorkeling stops in the St. John area through Virgin Islands National Park
• Snorkeling equipment provided
• Light snacks plus soda/water before snorkeling
• An open bar after snorkeling (beer, rum punch, painkillers, sodas, water)

When you separate those components, it adds up. Even if you’re not drinking much, the included drinks after you swim still represent real value. If you’re with kids or you’re traveling as a couple, it’s also easier to budget knowing you won’t get hit with extra costs for gear or the main post-water refresh.

The one cost that’s not included is gratuity for the captain and crew. If you like tipping based on service quality, keep that in mind so you’re not scrambling after a great day on the water.

Should you book Reef Surfari’s St. Thomas snorkeling?

If you want a morning that’s active, scenic, and well-paced—with gear handled for you—this is a strong yes. The two-stop format gives you better chances to see turtles and reef life, and the open bar after swimming turns it into a full outing instead of a quick snorkeling errand.

I’d book it if you’re okay with the fact that snorkeling spots vary with conditions and you’re traveling to enjoy the experience, not to demand one specific animal on cue. If that’s your style, Reef Surfari is exactly the kind of trip that makes St. Thomas and St. John feel like more than a beach stop.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling excursion?

It runs about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What does the tour cost?

The price is $90.00 per person.

What time does the tour start?

You depart from Red Hook at 9:00, and you’ll pick up St. John guests at 9:30.

Where does the tour meet?

Start at Ocean Surfari – Reef Surfari Snorkel Excursions, Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas. If you’re on St. John, pickup is from Cruz Bay beach in front of the Ocean Surfari store. Cruise-ship passengers should use the appropriate cruise port option listed for Crown Bay or Havensight only if booked as a cruise excursion.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with soda and water (and light snacks) before snorkeling. After snorkeling, beer, rum punch, painkillers, soft drinks, and water are included.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

There are two snorkeling stops.

Are alcoholic drinks served before or after snorkeling?

Alcohol is served once you are finished swimming.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour lists a maximum of 49 travelers.

What if weather ruins the day?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is cancellation free?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund (no refund if you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts).

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