Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

The best part of Snorkel Cat is that it combines a proper day on the water with the easy rhythm of an all-inclusive outing. You sail from Margaritaville, stop at two different snorkeling sites, eat aboard, and return with St. Thomas and St. John spread out around you.

I like the thoughtful food-and-drink setup, especially the light breakfast before snorkeling and the lunch afterward. I also like the crew’s flexible approach. Captain Shawn gave one group extra time at the second stop after murky water at the first, and Captain Danny helped a nervous young snorkeler feel at ease.

The main drawback is getting to the marina yourself. Margaritaville is on the other side of St. Thomas for some visitors, and one traveler paid about $15 per person each way for transportation. Also, water conditions can change the quality of a stop, and the boat may carry as many as 70 people.

Key points to know before you sail

• Two snorkeling areas: Expect one stop near St. John National Park and another near an uninhabited island or nearby reef.
• Food is part of the fare: You get a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
• Marine life can be varied: Sightings have included sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, barracuda, nurse sharks, and tropical fish.
• The crew shapes the day: Captains and crew members such as Shawn, Tuna, Danny Boy, Dawn, Matt, Kennedy, Noel, Stein, and Amanda have received strong praise for safety and good humor.
• Plan your own transport: There is no private transportation included, so allow time and money to reach Margaritaville.
• Bring tip money: Cash is useful at the end if you want to thank the crew directly.

A full morning and afternoon on the Caribbean

Snorkel Cat is built for people who want more than a quick swim from shore. The roughly five-hour outing gives you a boat ride, two water stops, meals, drinks, and a long look at the islands from sea level.

You make your way to Margaritaville in the morning. The supplied details show both a 9:30 arrival instruction and a 10:30 start time, so I would confirm the exact check-in time when booking. That small timing difference matters, especially if you are arranging a taxi from another part of St. Thomas.

Once aboard, the day settles into a simple pattern: sail, eat, snorkel, eat again, snorkel again, then sail back. You do not need to pack fins, a mask, or a snorkel, since equipment is provided. You may still want to bring a swimsuit, sun protection, a towel, and a dry change of clothes.

The boat is a social setting rather than a quiet private charter. The maximum group size is 70, so this is best for people who enjoy music, conversation, and a crew that keeps the mood light. The reviews point to pirate music, dancing, jokes, and plenty of island spirit, though one person wanted more island-style music.

Leaving Margaritaville for St. John views

The ride away from Margaritaville is part of the experience, not just transport to the snorkeling. As the boat moves across the water, you get broad views of the St. Thomas shoreline, nearby islands, and the green hills around St. John.

The crew handles the safety side while the captain provides information about the area. Several guests praised the captains for explaining the surroundings and keeping the group comfortable. That matters on a boat day because the captain’s choices affect everything from the route to the time spent at each stop.

The ride can be windy or choppy. That is normal for an open-water outing, but it is worth considering if you are prone to seasickness. The boat may be calm and smooth for part of the route, then more active once it reaches open water.

A light breakfast is served around the beginning of the trip. Expect a practical start rather than a full restaurant meal. It gives you something to eat before the first swim without making the morning feel rushed.

First snorkeling stop near St. John National Park

The first water stop is connected with St. John National Park and nearby coral reef areas. The appeal is clear water, reef life, and the chance to see a side of the islands that you cannot get from a beach chair.

Your snorkeling gear is provided, and the crew can help you get set up. This is useful for first-time snorkelers, who often need a few minutes to get comfortable with breathing through the tube, clearing water from the mask, and moving without tiring themselves out.

Marine life reported on the trip has included tropical fish, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, sea turtles, barracuda, and nurse sharks. That is a broad range, but no captain can promise a specific animal on a particular day. Sea conditions, visibility, and wildlife movement all change.

The first stop may not always be the strongest. One outing had murky water at the opening site, and the captain adjusted by giving the group more time at the second location. That is a useful sign of good judgment, but it also shows why you should not book this trip expecting perfect visibility at every stop.

You should listen closely to the crew’s instructions. The atmosphere is fun, but the water is still open sea. The crew’s attention to safety was one of the most repeated positives, and that is especially helpful if someone in your party is new to snorkeling.

Lunch, drinks, and the easy part of the day

After the first swim, lunch is served aboard. The food is casual and filling rather than formal dining. Depending on the day, you might find sandwich ingredients, lunch meats, cheese, shrimp, salad, brownies, and other simple items.

One particularly praised dish was Shawn’s Caesar salad. Other comments describe the lunch as good, with snacks available along the way. The food will not suit someone expecting a polished restaurant menu, but it is exactly the sort of meal that works after time in the water.

Soft drinks are included, along with beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks. Painkillers are a recurring favorite, and several people treated the ride home as a chance to relax with one. Pace yourself, though. Sun, wind, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you faster than expected.

The all-inclusive setup adds real value to the $175 price. A comparable day can quickly become more expensive once you add equipment rental, breakfast, lunch, bottled drinks, and a few cocktails. The fare is not cheap, but it covers the parts of the day that are easy to overlook when comparing boat trips.

Transportation is the main extra cost. Since private transportation is not included, you need to budget for getting to and from Margaritaville. If your lodging is far away, that can add a noticeable amount to the final price.

The second stop and the chance for better water

The second snorkeling session takes place near an uninhabited island or another reef area. This stop is often the high point because it offers another chance at clear water and gives the captain room to adjust the day after seeing the conditions at the first location.

The wildlife can be excellent. Sightings have included sharks, rays, turtles, eels, starfish, jellyfish, barracuda, and schools of colorful fish. A nurse shark has been seen, but you should treat that as a lucky encounter rather than a guarantee.

You may prefer this stop even if you are not an expert snorkeler. The boat format lets you return aboard when you need a break, have a drink, or simply sit in the sun. You are not tied to one small beach or expected to swim for hours without rest.

The uninhabited setting also gives the outing a more remote feel than a standard beach excursion. You are surrounded by water and open views rather than shops, hotels, or a crowded waterfront. Still, the boat itself can be busy, particularly on a full departure.

The crew makes the difference

The strongest part of Snorkel Cat is the human side of the operation. Captains named Shawn, Tuna, Danny Boy, and Jake have been singled out for safe boat handling, local information, and an ability to keep the group involved.

Crew members such as Dawn, Matt, Kennedy, Noel, Stein, and Amanda have also been praised for helping with snorkeling, checking on people, serving food, and keeping the mood upbeat. Kennedy was especially helpful to one family, while Noel became known for performing the Macarena.

That mix of practical help and entertainment matters. You may remember a reef, but you also remember the person who showed you how to adjust your mask or helped a worried child feel confident in the water.

The crew style is lively rather than reserved. Music is part of the outing, and the exact playlist can vary. Most feedback favors the fun atmosphere, though some people would like more island music. If you want a silent sailing trip with little group interaction, this is probably not your best fit.

Sailing back with St. Thomas on the horizon

The return ride is the natural wind-down. After the second swim and another round of drinks, you can sit back and watch the islands from the boat. The views are one of the easiest parts of the day to enjoy because you do not need to do anything except look around.

Some people use the ride to talk with the crew or other passengers. Others simply take in the hills, coves, and open sea. The trip’s relaxed ending helps balance the active snorkeling sessions.

The return time can be affected by water, wind, and the captain’s decision to give a site more time. That flexibility is good for the quality of the outing, but it means you should avoid scheduling a tight appointment immediately afterward.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. You arrange your own return transport, so it is wise to have that plan in mind before boarding.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would choose Snorkel Cat if you want a full half-day on the water without having to organize separate meals, equipment, and drinks. It is a strong match for couples, families, and groups who want snorkeling mixed with scenery and a social boat atmosphere.

It also works well for first-time snorkelers. The crew has helped beginners, nervous swimmers, and children get more comfortable, and you can apply the basic skills to other snorkeling during your stay.

Families should note the open-water setting, changing conditions, alcohol service, and possible group size. Most people can participate, but the excursion is not described as a private or small-group trip. If someone in your party dislikes waves, crowds, or loud music, that person may enjoy a quieter beach-based option more.

This is not the right pick if you only want a short snorkeling session at one carefully selected reef. You are paying for the entire package: boat time, food, drinks, crew service, and two water stops. That broader experience is the value.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

The price is $175 per person, and the tour is recommended by 97 percent of its published audience with a 4.9 rating from 801 reviews. Those figures suggest a reliable operation, but they do not remove the usual limits of weather, sea conditions, and group size.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The tour is near public transportation, but private transportation is not included. Most people can participate, and the maximum group size is 70.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

I would bring cash for crew tips, since the service includes plenty of hands-on help. I would also confirm the meeting time, since the supplied information gives both 9:30 and 10:30.

Should you book Snorkel Cat?

Book it if you want an easy, sociable day that combines two snorkeling stops with food, drinks, island views, and a crew that takes safety seriously. The fare makes better sense when you count the included gear, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and bar service.

Skip it if you need a private boat, a quiet atmosphere, guaranteed calm water, or hotel pickup. For everyone else, especially families and first-time snorkelers, Snorkel Cat offers a well-rounded way to spend five hours around St. Thomas and St. John. Just arrange your transportation, allow for changing sea conditions, and arrive ready for a busy day in the sun.

FAQ

Where does Snorkel Cat depart from?

The meeting point is Margaritaville at 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas, USVI.

What time does the tour start?

The supplied details list a 10:30 am start time, while the boarding instructions say to make your way to Margaritaville at 9:30 am. Confirm the exact arrival and check-in time when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately five hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you must make your own way to Margaritaville and arrange your return.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The experience includes two snorkeling areas, including a stop connected with St. John National Park and another near an uninhabited island or nearby reef.

Are meals included?

Yes. A light breakfast at boarding, lunch, and snacks are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.