Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

Little Buck Island is the star here. You sail from St. Thomas to a protected cove where green sea turtles graze on seagrass, then return on a 54-foot catamaran with the breeze in your face and a drink in hand. That is a fine way to spend three hours.

I like the included gear and open bar, which keep the cost simple, and I like that the crew gives you time to snorkel, swim, or stay aboard. The main catch is getting to Frenchman’s Cove: it is not a walkable cruise-port transfer, and the uphill hotel access can take more effort than expected.

Quick takeaways from the catamaran trip

• Turtle Cove delivers the main payoff: Green turtles often feed below the boat and surface for air.
• The 54-foot catamaran has sun and shade: You can choose an active swim or an easy ride across St. Thomas waters.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: Mask, snorkel, fins, and a snorkel vest are supplied.
• The afternoon departure can feel calmer: The 1 p.m. trip may avoid some of the larger morning cruise-ship crowds.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are available after the in-water portion.
• You must arrive early: Check in at the dock by 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. departure. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Sailing from Frenchman’s Cove at 1 p.m.

Your outing begins at the wooden dock at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, not at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef. Those names sound close enough to cause trouble, so enter The VI Cat or Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove into Google Maps before leaving.

The meeting time is 12:30 p.m., and the catamaran leaves promptly at 1 p.m. The operator says it cannot wait for late arrivals. Allow extra time if you are coming from a cruise ship, since you must pass through the Marriott property, check with the security booth, park in the gravel lot, and walk downhill toward the pool and public beach access.

The walk to the dock is not especially difficult for most people, but it is not a simple curbside meeting point. One important detail: the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove is roughly a 7 to 10 minute taxi ride from the WICO cruise dock and 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay. It is not a sensible walk from either port, even if a map makes the distance look short.

Once you reach the dock, check in with the crew and board The VI Cat. The 54-foot sailing catamaran offers room to sit in the sun or shade. Shoes are not worn on deck, so you may want to bring a towel and footwear that is easy to remove. The boat is reported to be clean and comfortable, but this is still a working snorkeling boat, not a private yacht.

The trip is limited to a maximum of 65 people. That can feel lively rather than intimate, especially on a full departure. If you prefer a quieter outing, the afternoon schedule may work in your favor. Several people found the 1 p.m. sailing less crowded because many cruise-ship passengers had chosen earlier departures.

The ride to Little Buck Island

The crossing is part of the attraction, not just transport to the snorkeling site. As St. Thomas recedes, you get open views of the island, the Caribbean sun, and the shoreline from the water. The catamaran’s broad deck makes it easy to settle in, chat with your group, or simply watch the color of the sea change around you.

The crew handles the safety briefing and helps you choose the right equipment. You receive a mask, snorkel, fins, and snorkel vest. If you are new to snorkeling, tell the crew before entering the water. They explain the basics and help make the first few minutes less awkward.

The captain and crew vary by departure. Names praised on recent trips include Captain Serena, Captain Dave, Tim, Anders, Isaac, Nick, Adrienne, Porscha, and Portia. Do not book this expecting one particular person, but you can expect a crew role that includes safety instructions, gear help, marine-life information, and drink service after swimming.

You can also remain on the boat or take a swim without snorkeling. That makes the trip workable for a mixed group, though anyone who stays aboard will miss the closest look at the turtles and reef life.

Turtle Cove and the Little Buck Island swim

Little Buck Island is uninhabited and part of the National Wildlife Refuge. The boat stops at Turtle Cove, an area known for green sea turtles feeding on seagrass. This is the clearest reason to choose this excursion over a general sightseeing cruise.

The usual in-water time is about an hour, though conditions and the day’s operation can affect the exact schedule. You may see turtles close to the seafloor, then watch them rise for air. Sightings have included two or three turtles, several turtles, and on an especially lucky outing, about 15. A baby turtle has also been spotted.

The turtles are wild animals, not performers. That means numbers and distance can vary, and you should not expect every trip to produce the same show. The crew emphasizes respect for the animals, so keep a sensible distance, avoid touching them, and let them move freely.

The reef life can include colorful fish and small coral formations. Specific sightings have included parrotfish, blue tangs, trumpetfish, sergeant majors, blowfish, barracuda, eels, sea urchins, and schools of ballyhoo. Conditions are not identical every day, however. One outing produced many turtles but fewer fish and less coral than expected.

That variation matters. If your main goal is to see sea turtles, Turtle Cove is a strong choice. If your top priority is a dense coral garden with a huge range of reef life, you may find the site less impressive than some dedicated reef excursions elsewhere in the Caribbean.

The water is generally warm and clear enough for good viewing, but visibility depends on weather and sea conditions. You might notice sudden changes in water temperature while swimming. Those shifts can come from currents or layers of water mixing, rather than anything unusual beneath the island.

What happens after you climb back aboard

Alcohol is served only after the in-water activities. Once snorkeling and swimming are finished, the crew brings out light snacks and opens the bar. Drinks include nonalcoholic choices, beer, wine, and cocktails. Painkillers are a popular choice, and the range of drinks is one reason the price feels more reasonable than a bare-bones boat transfer.

The snacks are simple. Some people find them perfectly adequate after swimming, while others may wish for something more substantial. I would eat a proper meal before boarding, especially if you are prone to seasickness or plan to spend much of the stop in the water.

The return ride is often the most relaxed part of the afternoon. The catamaran may sail with the engines off for part of the journey, giving you the quiet of the wind and water instead of constant motor noise. If sailing conditions allow, this can be the most memorable ten or twenty minutes of the trip.

A complimentary pirate temporary tattoo gives children a small souvenir. T-shirts and performance shirts are available for purchase, but they are not part of the $119 fare.

Is the $119 price fair?

At $119 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the water around St. Thomas. You are paying for a roughly three-hour boat outing, a protected snorkeling stop, equipment, crew support, snacks, and unlimited drinks after swimming.

The value improves if you plan to enjoy the full package. A couple who wants a pleasant sail, a reliable turtle stop, and cocktails afterward is getting more than a basic snorkeling transfer. The included mask, fins, vest, food, and drinks also reduce the small extra costs that can pile up on water excursions.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike group boats, or only want a short swim. In that case, you are paying for the sailing atmosphere and onboard service as much as for the snorkeling itself.

I would also keep expectations realistic about the phrase unlimited drinks. It does not mean alcohol is available before the swim, and it does not turn the trip into a party boat from start to finish. The order is safety briefing, sail, in-water activities, then snacks and the open bar on the return.

Who will enjoy this St. Thomas outing?

This trip suits couples, families with older children, and mixed groups where some people want to snorkel and others prefer to lounge on deck. Children must stay with an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 21.

You should have a moderate level of fitness. Getting on and off the catamaran, using fins, swimming in open water, and climbing a ladder back aboard all require basic mobility. If you are pregnant or have a medical concern, speak with your own medical professional before booking and tell the captain about relevant conditions or allergies.

Service animals are allowed. Facial coverings are optional onboard.

This is less suitable for anyone who needs a private or quiet boat, has trouble with ladders, or wants a guaranteed large reef with no variation in fish life. The trip can carry up to 65 people, so the boat may feel busy at full capacity.

Practical details that can save your afternoon

Use Atlantic Standard Time, not your cruise ship’s clock. The departure is listed as 1 p.m. local time, and cruise passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and required re-boarding time when booking.

Arrange your own transport to and from the Marriott. Do not plan to walk from the cruise dock. At the property, pass the security booth, park in the large flat gravel lot on the right, and walk down the road toward the pool and public beach access. The wooden dock is off the beach.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a swimsuit under your clothes. You may also want a dry change of clothes for the ride home. Since shoes are not worn on deck, avoid complicated footwear.

Tell the crew about allergies or medical conditions before the boat leaves. Alcohol comes only after swimming, so do not count on a pre-snorkel cocktail.

The operator’s cancellation details need careful attention. The supplied booking terms state a full refund with cancellation at least 24 hours before departure, with no refund inside 24 hours. Another provider note refers to a 72-hour standard policy, so confirm the exact rule shown at checkout before paying. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a refund or a chance to rebook.

Should you book The VI Cat?

I would book this trip if you want a balanced half-day on the water, not a pure snorkeling expedition. The turtle encounters are the draw, the catamaran ride gives the outing a holiday feel, and the included drinks make the $119 cost easier to justify.

Book it especially if you can take the 1 p.m. departure and do not mind arranging a taxi to Frenchman’s Cove. Skip it if you need a guaranteed reef packed with fish, prefer a small private boat, or want to walk directly from the cruise pier.

For most people who want turtles, a pleasant sail, helpful crew, and a simple all-in price, Turtle Cove is a sensible St. Thomas choice. Just arrive early, keep your expectations flexible about the reef, and save room for the sail back.

FAQ

How long is the Turtle Cove catamaran trip?

The outing lasts about three hours, including the trip from Frenchman’s Cove to Little Buck Island, the snorkeling stop, and the return sail.

Where does the boat leave from?

The VI Cat departs from the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove dock at 7338 Estate Bakkeroe in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. This is different from The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef.

What time should I arrive?

Check in at 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. departure. The operator says late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Is transportation from the cruise port included?

No. You arrange your own transportation to and from Marriott Frenchman’s Cove. The property is about 7 to 10 minutes by taxi from the WICO cruise dock and 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The fare includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and snorkel vest.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Nonalcoholic drinks are included, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. Alcoholic drinks are served after the in-water activities.

Can I join if I do not want to snorkel?

Yes. You can remain on the catamaran or take a swim instead of snorkeling.

Are children allowed?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 21.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you may be offered another date or a full refund. A refund or rebooking may also be offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.