Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

The best part of Snorkel Cat is the full day it gives you on the water. You sail from St. Thomas toward St. John, stop at two snorkel sites, and have breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks handled along the way. I like the easy all-inclusive setup, and I like the chance to see sea turtles, rays, eels, starfish, nurse sharks, barracuda, and clouds of tropical fish.

The main drawback is getting to the marina on your own. Transportation is not included, and Margaritaville is on the other side of the island for some visitors. Also, water conditions can change the clarity and comfort at a snorkel stop, though the captain may adjust the timing or route when possible.

Key points to know before you sail

• Two snorkel sessions take you toward St. John National Park, nearby coral reefs, and an uninhabited island.
• Breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor are included in the $175 price.
• Crew members such as Captain Shawn, Captain Tuna, Captain Danny Boy, Kennedy, Dawn, Matt, Noel, and Amanda have earned strong praise for safety, humor, and personal help.
• The ride itself is part of the outing, with broad views of St. Thomas, St. John, and the surrounding Caribbean water.
• A maximum of 70 people keeps this from being a tiny private charter, so expect a social boat day rather than a quiet escape.
• Bring cash for tips if you want to thank the crew, and confirm the meeting time because the supplied details show both 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Leaving Margaritaville for a day at sea

You make your own way to 6080 Smith Bay Road in Frydendal, St. Thomas, near Margaritaville Resort. Check-in is reported to be straightforward, and the boat gets moving after boarding. The listed start time is 10:30 a.m., while the day’s description says to arrive at 9:30 a.m., so I would rely on your confirmation and check directly before setting out.

That small timing conflict is worth taking seriously. St. Thomas roads can take longer than expected, and you do not want to begin an all-day boat trip in a rush. Transportation is not provided, so plan and pay for your own taxi or other ride. One person reported spending an additional $15 per person each way, though your actual fare will depend on where you start and the local rate.

Once aboard, the mood is casual and social. Snorkel Cat is not simply a ride to a reef. It is a five-hour combination of sailing, swimming, food, music, conversation, and island views. Captains and crew members change by departure, but names connected with this experience include Shawn, Tuna, Danny Boy, Jake, and Christian, with crew members such as Kennedy, Dawn, Matt, Noel, Stein, and Amanda.

Breakfast first, then the Caribbean water

A light breakfast is served after boarding. The exact menu can vary, but the food mentioned across the outing includes muffins and other simple morning fare. It is useful rather than fancy, giving you something to eat before the first swim without asking you to pack a meal.

The yacht then heads across the water toward the snorkeling area. This scenic ride has real value for anyone who wants more than a quick reef stop. You see green island hills, open Caribbean water, and the changing views around St. Thomas and St. John while the crew keeps the atmosphere lively with music and conversation.

Several people especially liked the captain commentary and the sense of safety on board. Captain Shawn and the other captains are praised for explaining the area, handling the boat with confidence, and helping less experienced snorkelers. If you are trying snorkeling for the first time, listen closely during the equipment briefing and ask for help early. One parent described how Captain Danny helped a nervous child enjoy the outing, even giving her time to sit in the captain’s seat and learn about the boat.

The first snorkel stop near St. John

The route includes St. John National Park and nearby coral reefs. The first stop is intended to put you in clear Caribbean water among fish and other marine life. Reports from different outings include sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, barracuda, nurse sharks, and many kinds of tropical fish.

Marine sightings are never guaranteed, and water clarity can vary. One outing had a murky first stop, but the captain gave the group extra time at the second site, where people saw sharks and attractive reef life. That is a useful point about this kind of trip: the boat may visit a beautiful place, but wind, current, recent weather, and visibility still shape what you see.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or fins. The crew’s presence also matters in the water. Several people praised the staff for offering practical help, keeping an eye on the group, and making new snorkelers feel secure. You should still be comfortable in open water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Lunch, drinks, and the social side of Snorkel Cat

After snorkeling, lunch is served aboard the yacht. The meal is described as simple but satisfying, with sandwich fixings, lunch meats, cheese, shrimp, brownies, and salad mentioned among the food served on different days. Do not book this expecting a restaurant-style feast. Think of it as a good boat lunch that keeps the day moving.

The all-inclusive price also covers snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor. Painkillers are a popular choice, and the drinks receive nearly as much attention as the scenery. You can enjoy one after snorkeling while taking in the views, but remember that the trip continues with another swim stop. Pace yourself, drink water, and listen to the crew’s guidance.

Music helps shape the mood. Pirate music and lively performances have been part of some outings, while one person wished for more island-style music. That tells you what sort of boat day this is: energetic, friendly, and occasionally theatrical rather than silent and meditative. Noel’s Macarena performance has become a memorable part of at least one departure.

The second stop and the uninhabited island

The itinerary continues to an uninhabited island for a second snorkel and swim session. This stop gives you another chance at clearer water and different sea life. If the first site is not ideal, the second can make a big difference, as captains may give it more time when conditions call for it.

The idea of an uninhabited island adds a sense of space to the afternoon. You are away from the resort and road traffic, with water, reef, rock, and open sky around you. The scenery matters even if you spend only part of the stop swimming. Some outings have included three remote snorkeling locations instead of two, so the exact route can change with conditions and the captain’s judgment.

You may see turtles or rays near one stop and smaller reef fish at another. You may also find the water choppy or windy. One first-time snorkeler specifically noted that the wind and waves were part of the island setting, not a flaw in the trip. Still, if you are sensitive to motion, prepare for a boat that moves and for conditions that may not be perfectly calm.

Sailing back with St. Thomas in view

The ride home is deliberately unhurried. After the second swim, you can settle into the boat, finish a drink, listen to music, and watch the islands slide past. Several people described the return sail as one of the most relaxing parts of the day.

The route offers an appealing view of the islands from the water. You see St. Thomas and nearby islands from a perspective you cannot get from a taxi or beach. Captain Christian has also led an evening harbor outing connected with the company, offering commentary about Charlotte Amalie and local boat traditions, which gives you a sense of the crew’s interest in the area beyond simply driving from reef to reef.

The excursion ends back at the same meeting point near Margaritaville. You should not expect transportation to your hotel or cruise terminal, so arrange your return ride before the boat docks. That is especially important if you have an evening reservation or a fixed ship departure.

What the $175 price really covers

At $175 per person, Snorkel Cat is not the cheapest way to get into the water. You are paying for more than snorkeling equipment and access to a reef. The price includes roughly five hours on a yacht, transportation by water to multiple locations, breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and crew assistance.

That package can be good value if you would otherwise pay separately for meals, drinks, equipment rental, and a boat ride. It also saves you the trouble of packing food and arranging several short activities. The return sail and the time around St. John give the day a fuller shape than a quick two-hour snorkel trip.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not care about lunch on board, or want only a short swim. You are also paying for a shared boat, not a private charter. The maximum group size is 70, so the deck may feel busy, particularly when everyone is eating or preparing to enter the water.

Still, the high overall rating, 4.9 from 801 ratings and a 97 percent recommendation figure, matches the strongest parts of the experience: friendly staff, competent captains, good food for a boat excursion, and a full day of activities. Those figures do not remove the weather risk or transportation issue, but they suggest that the basic package is consistently well received.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose Snorkel Cat for families, couples, groups of friends, and first-time snorkelers who want a managed day on the water. The crew’s hands-on approach is particularly helpful if someone in your party is nervous, unfamiliar with the equipment, or unsure about swimming near a reef.

It also suits people who want variety. You are not stuck at one beach for five hours. You get a boat ride, two water stops, a meal, drinks, island views, music, and time to relax between activities.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, private experience or if you dislike group outings. A boat with as many as 70 people has a different feel from a small sailboat with only a few passengers. I would also be cautious if rough water tends to make you uncomfortable, since wind and chop can affect the day.

The alcohol service makes this a better fit for adults and mixed groups who can enjoy a social setting responsibly. Families can still take part, and the crew has shown patience with children, but the atmosphere includes drinking and lively entertainment.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit and bring whatever dry clothing you want for the ride back. You will spend much of the day near water, and the return sail can feel breezy even after a warm swim.

Bring sunscreen, though the supplied information does not list it as an included item. A towel and waterproof protection for your phone are also sensible personal additions, since the boat, swim stops, and open water create plenty of splash.

Keep your expectations flexible. The captain may need to adjust the time at a snorkel site, especially if visibility is poor. That is not a reason to skip the trip. It is simply part of snorkeling in a real marine environment rather than visiting a controlled pool.

Bring cash for a tip if you want to thank the crew. The staff members are often singled out for being helpful, funny, and attentive, and tipping gives you a direct way to recognize that service.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside 24 hours, you generally receive no refund, and changes are not accepted. The trip also depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book Snorkel Cat?

Book it if you want an easy, sociable day that combines snorkeling with meals, drinks, island views, and a capable crew. The strongest reasons are the full five-hour schedule, the chance to visit more than one reef area, and the personal help available from captains such as Shawn, Tuna, and Danny Boy.

Before paying, confirm the start time, work out your own transportation to Margaritaville, and decide if a boat for up to 70 people suits you. If those details fit, Snorkel Cat offers strong value for a full day on the St. Thomas water. If you want privacy, a short activity, or complete control over the route, choose a smaller charter instead.

FAQ

How much does Snorkel Cat cost?

The listed price is $175 per person.

How long is the Snorkel Cat adventure?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas, near Margaritaville Resort.

What time does the tour start?

The supplied details list a 10:30 a.m. start, while the activity description asks participants to make their way to Margaritaville at 9:30 a.m. Check your confirmation for the correct arrival time.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. You make your own way to the meeting point, and private transportation is not included.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What happens if the trip is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather causes the cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, you can also receive a full refund.