SNORKELING · VIP
The good vip snorkeling experiences fill up weeks ahead and the small boats go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Sail from San Jose del Cabo toward Santa Maria or Chileno Bay on a small luxury boat capped at 16 people. Snorkel, paddleboard, watch for whales, enjoy shrimp and ceviche, and ask for pickup details before departure.
“Service and experience was good. It would have been better if we actually put up the sails and tools advantage of the wind on the way back in the afternoon”
Join a small group of up to 12 for a four-hour speedboat trip from Zadar to Ošljak, Preko, and a quiet third stop. Your guide, such as Joseph, Luka, Luca, or David, handles the boat, local stories, music, and snorkeling gear while you swim, walk, and explore.
“Luca was super kind, friendly and helpful. He managed the tour with professionalism while also supporting other guides along the way. I absolutely recommend the tour.”
Spend about nine hours aboard the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran, visiting Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get six hours on the reef, guided snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour, optional scuba, seafood lunch, and close crew support. The day suits first-time snorkelers as well as confident swimmers.
“Really great day. Staff were helpful and friendly and really accommodating. Food was amazing experience was amazing. Can't fault a single thing we had a fantastic time.”
Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping for guided snorkeling. Gear, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki pickup are included.
“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”
Spend about eight hours on the Red Sea with guides including Mustafa and Abdallah, stopping at Dolphin House and coral reefs for guided snorkeling. Hotel transfers, equipment, lunch, drinks, speedboat activities, and life jackets are included, but dolphin sightings and calm water are not guaranteed.
“Very good! Punctual pick up. Good tour! Nice food. The water is very clear and i could see a lot of fishes! Highly recommended!”
Cruise Krabi’s limestone coast on a roomy luxury longtail boat with an English-speaking guide such as Sophia, Sofia, Liz, or Mickey. See Railay, Tup, Chicken, Koh Mor, Puya Bay, and Koh Tang Ming, snorkel once, then relax on Poda Island. Morning and sunset options are available.
“Sophia is the cutest and so professional! In general the whole crew! The boat was very nice, food was good and we had a good time :)”
Join River Ventures in Crystal River for a small-group manatee snorkel tour led by a Coast Guard certified captain and in-water guide. You’ll watch a safety video, wear a provided wetsuit, cruise Kings Bay, and float quietly near wild manatees when conditions allow. Heated cabins, drinks, snacks, and optional photos are included.
“I would like to see my pictures from the trip I still haven’t received them Enjoyed our trip very much But would love our pictures”
Join Cabo Sailing Ocean Adventures at 9 a.m. for a three-hour yacht trip with snorkeling, lunch, towels, gear, and an open bar. Cruise past El Arco and Lover’s Beach, with crew members such as Angel, David, Javier, or Mario often leading the outing. Whale sightings are possible in season.
“Fantastic sailboating experience. First hour we snorkeled, it was great! We saw thousands of fish. Then we sailed to the arch for pictures. After that we sailed around the bay drinking and eating lunch, chips and salsa. And as a bonus we saw 2 humpback whales. In total 3 hours, 9-12pm. Would do this again!”
Spend about 4.5 hours aboard Body Glove’s accessible catamaran from Kailua Pier. Watch for dolphins and whales, snorkel for about two hours near Red Hill, enjoy breakfast and a BBQ lunch, then use the slide, high jump, paddleboards, and floating mat.
“If you are looking to snorkel and see dolphins along the way and depending on the time of year, see whales, this is the trip for you! The crew was amazing and the 4 hours was well worth the money!!”
Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas on a Leopard catamaran limited to 40 people, then snorkel, paddleboard, and swim near Majahuitas Cove. Expect an attentive crew, lunch, and an open bar, with possible stops near Los Arcos and the Malecón. Guides may include Juan Luis, Diego, Alex, or Victor.
“This was a fantastic excursion. Highly recommend the yacht and snorkel tour. The crew was extremely attentive and catered to everyone cheerfully and helpfully. I went on September 13, 2025 and the captain was John Luis. His whole crew was top notch. The photographer captured great pictures too.”
Join Captain Joe and Catie on a four-hour catamaran trip for up to 12 people. Snorkel with green sea turtles and tropical fish at Turtle Cove, then relax at Honeymoon Beach. Gear, snacks, fresh water, and an open bar after the water activities are included.
“Katie and Joe were the BEST! we truly had the most magical and fun experience because of them. This was hangs down the best time since we’ve been here 20/10 recommended them/this excursion!”
Sail from Puerto Aventuras to Inah Reef on a family-friendly or adults-only catamaran. You get guided snorkeling, paddleboards, water mats, a light sandwich lunch, and an open bar. Guides such as Ivan, Paola, and Paloma have earned praise for keeping the trip lively and safe.
“If you want to do more than 25 minutes of snorkeling, pick something else, but it was very hospitable and they had lots of fun.”
Sail the waters around St. Thomas and St. John aboard SY Sirena, a 50-foot private catamaran for up to 12 people. Your captain, such as Maddy, JW, Alex, or Dave, helps shape the day around snorkeling, beaches, sea turtles, lunch stops, and quiet coves. Beer, rum punch, floats, gear, and water are included.
“What a great time! The service was outstanding! Captain's recommendations were great! The rum punch was outstanding! Just sit back, relax and let the crew serve you. We will definitely book again!!”
Spend about eight hours on Royal Cruise Hurghada with guide options such as Hisham, Andrew, or Barracuda. Visit Orange Bay, snorkel at two Red Sea stops, try beginner scuba, water sports, fishing, a back massage, and a large buffet lunch. Hotel pickup, equipment, drinks, and snacks are included.
“Wonderful Red Sea day trip. Visited Orange Bay and did snorkelling and scuba diving. So many varieties of fish with vivid colours!!! Staff were skilled and friendly. Recommended.”
Charter a private boat for up to eight people with Cobalt Custom Charters. Captain Kyle, Marcel, Lars, Noah, and other local crew tailor the route to your group, from stingrays and reef snorkeling to Starfish Point, Rum Point, mangroves, or a nighttime Bio Bay cruise.
“Kyle and Andrew took us on a 3 hour tour including Stingray City, Starfish Point and Rum Point (green sea turtles). They were incredibly patient with our older generation who had some troubles getting off and on the boat. They both had so much local knowledge about the animals, habitats and culture of Cayman that made this was a truly wonderful learning excursion for all of us! Highly recommend these captains for your tour of Grand Cayman!”
By the animal, the hull, or the kind of coast.
