Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

The best Caribbean days leave room for lunch. Snorkel Cat combines a yacht ride, two planned snorkel stops, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and an open bar into one easy day from St. Thomas. I especially like the chance to visit waters near St. John National Park and the way the crew adjusts the plan when conditions at one site are poor. I also like that you do not need to bring your own mask, fins, or food.

The main catch is transportation. You must reach Margaritaville Resort yourself, and the meeting information lists both 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. as start times, so confirm the exact time before you go. The $175 price can be good value for a five-hour outing, but only if you plan to use the included meal and drinks rather than treating this as a simple snorkel trip.

Key points to know before boarding

• Two snorkel stops near St. John: The day includes a site in or near the USVI St. John National Park area and a second stop near an uninhabited island.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: Expect a light breakfast at boarding, snacks, and a casual lunch with items such as sandwiches, shrimp, cheese, and brownies.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Soft drinks, beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks such as Painkillers are available at no extra charge.
• The crew gets strong praise: Captains and crew members named in feedback include Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, Tuna, Dawn, Matt, Kennedy, Noel, Stein, and Amanda.
• The plan can change with water conditions: One stop may be murky or choppy, but the captain can give more time to a better location.
• Plan your own ride to Margaritaville: Private transportation is not included, and the meeting point is at 6080 Smith Bay Road in Frydendal.

What your five hours on Snorkel Cat look like

This is a half-day on the water, not a quick ride out to one reef. You board at Margaritaville Resort and spend the day moving between open-water scenery, snorkel sites, meals, and time on deck.

The published plan describes departure after check-in, a light breakfast before the first stop, snorkeling with supplied equipment, lunch afterward, and a second swim at an uninhabited island. You then sail back to Margaritaville. The trip is limited to a maximum of 70 people, so this is a social boat outing rather than a private charter.

That size matters. You get the energy of a larger crew excursion, along with a team large enough to help with equipment and water safety. You should not expect a quiet, custom sailing day where the captain builds every minute around your group.

The exact departure time needs attention. One part of the information says to arrive at 9:30 a.m., while the meeting details list 10:30 a.m. as the start time. I would not guess. Check your confirmation and contact the operator if the time is unclear.

Boarding at Margaritaville Resort

The starting point is 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas. You make your own way there, and private transportation is not part of the fare.

That is the least convenient part of the arrangement. One person calculated an extra $15 per person each way for transportation, which can add $30 to the cost before the boat even leaves. If you are staying far from Margaritaville, include that expense when comparing this outing with a charter that offers pickup.

Once you arrive, check-in is described as simple. The boat departs from the resort, so you avoid the confusion of meeting a vessel at an unfamiliar dock. The first moments are practical: board, get settled, and prepare for breakfast and the ride out.

You may want to bring a small amount of cash for crew tips. Tipping is not listed as included, but one direct recommendation from the trip is to carry cash because the crew works hard throughout the day.

The ride out, with island views before the first swim

The boat ride is part of the attraction, not just transportation between reefs. You will cross the bright Caribbean water with views of St. Thomas and nearby islands, and the return sail is often described as a relaxed way to take in the scenery with a drink in hand.

Music is part of the mood. Several crew members are praised for keeping the boat lively, with pirate music mentioned specifically. One piece of feedback asked for more island-style music, so the soundtrack may not suit everyone. If you prefer calm and quiet, a larger party boat with music and a full bar may feel busy.

Wind and chop are also part of island boating. Conditions can change the feel of the trip, especially for anyone prone to seasickness. The boat may be comfortable on a smooth day and more active when the water is rough. The crew is repeatedly praised for keeping people safe, but no captain can make the sea perfectly still.

Breakfast first, then time in the water

A light breakfast is served at boarding or before the first snorkel stop. The supplied details do not promise a large hot meal, so think of it as a useful start rather than a full brunch.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. That makes the day easier, especially if you are flying in or moving between hotels and do not want to pack fins, masks, and flotation gear. The equipment arrangement also helps first-time snorkelers get into the water without buying or renting gear separately.

The first stop may be excellent, but conditions are not guaranteed. One outing had murky water at its first site. The captain responded by giving extra time at the second location, where the group saw sharks and many fish.

That is a useful sign of good boat management. The value is not simply reaching a fixed location. It is having a captain who watches the water and can adjust the schedule instead of forcing everyone to stay at a poor site.

The marine life described across the trip includes tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, barracuda, and nurse sharks. These are sightings, not promises. Snorkeling is affected by visibility, weather, season, and animal behavior.

For a first-time snorkeler, the crew support may be as important as the fish. One family described a child becoming anxious in the water, and Captain Danny helped make the situation more comfortable. That kind of personal attention can turn a stressful attempt into a positive first lesson.

The St. John National Park area and nearby reefs

The route includes snorkel water around the USVI St. John National Park area and nearby coral reefs. The appeal is the combination of clear Caribbean water, island views, and protected coastal scenery.

The exact reef or cove is not specified, and that is sensible. Captains need room to respond to wind, waves, visibility, and boat traffic. You should think of the location as a St. John area outing rather than a guaranteed visit to one named reef.

A captain’s local knowledge is useful here. Captains Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, and Tuna are praised for explaining the area, pointing out marine life, and making people feel safe. Their role is not only to steer the boat. They help you understand where to look and how to use the water comfortably.

If you want a long, technical lesson about coral ecology, this probably is not the right format. The day is built around fun, food, swimming, music, and scenery. But if you want an approachable introduction to the reefs with a professional crew nearby, it fits well.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Lunch is included, which changes the value calculation. You do not need to leave the water to find food, and you avoid buying an additional meal during a five-hour activity.

The food is casual rather than fancy. Descriptions include lunch meats and sandwich fixings, cheese, shrimp, brownies, snacks, and a Caesar salad praised by name. Another direct assessment called the food good but not elaborate. That is the right expectation: filling boat food, not a restaurant meal.

Soft drinks are included, along with beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks. Painkillers are a popular choice, and one person noted having several. The open bar adds real value for adults who would otherwise buy drinks separately, though you should pace yourself in the sun and on moving water.

The timing of alcohol also matters. You will be snorkeling, swimming, and walking around a boat deck, so drinking heavily before getting into the water is a poor idea. Enjoy the bar after your water time or keep it light until the active part of the day is finished.

For families, the included soft drinks, food, and equipment simplify the budget. For people who do not drink, the fare still includes meals and snacks, but part of the price is tied to the open bar.

The second stop and the return sail

The second water stop takes place near an uninhabited island. This gives the day a more open, away-from-town feel, although the information does not name the island or promise a landing.

You should expect another snorkel and swim period rather than a detailed island tour. The real benefit is variety. If the first reef has poor visibility, the second site gives you another chance to see fish and other sea life.

Some accounts describe three remote locations, while the standard description promises two snorkel stops. I would plan for two and treat any additional location as a bonus, not something to count on when comparing tours.

After the final swim, the boat heads back to Margaritaville. The return is often described as calm and scenic, with time to sit back, listen to music, and look across the islands. This slower ending is welcome after a morning of swimming.

Is $175 a fair price?

At $175 per person, Snorkel Cat is not the cheapest way to put on a mask and look at fish. It is priced as an all-inclusive yacht day.

Your fare covers about five hours, a boat ride to multiple sites, snorkel gear, a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. If you would buy breakfast, lunch, several drinks, and equipment separately, the package can make financial sense.

The value is strongest for people who want one organized day with few extra decisions. You do not need to arrange a reef transfer, find lunch, or rent basic snorkel gear. You also get a crew, a captain, and the chance to shift sites if water conditions are poor.

The value is weaker if you want a private feel, dislike group outings, do not drink, or already have your own boat and equipment. Add the cost of reaching Margaritaville, plus a possible tip, before deciding.

A 97 percent recommendation rate and a 4.9 rating from 801 reviews point to consistent satisfaction, especially with the crew, food, drinks, snorkeling, and views. Still, high ratings do not erase the practical limits: weather can change the route, water may be murky, and the boat can carry up to 70 people.

Who should book this St. Thomas outing?

I would recommend it to families, couples, groups of friends, and first-time snorkelers who want a full day without planning every detail. The crew’s friendly approach and attention to nervous swimmers are useful for mixed-ability groups.

It also suits people who want snorkeling and a relaxed party atmosphere in the same trip. Music, island views, lunch, and Painkillers make this more than a bare-bones reef transfer.

I would think twice if you need a quiet boat, a private itinerary, or a precise guarantee about marine life. Strong swimmers may want more time in the water, while non-swimmers may find that much of the day centers on snorkeling and swimming.

People with mobility or health concerns should check directly before booking. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of people can lead to a different date or a full refund.

My verdict on Snorkel Cat

Book Snorkel Cat if you want a social, food-and-drinks boat day with two chances to snorkel around St. John and nearby reefs. The best parts are the adaptable crew, the broad range of reported sea life, the included meals, and the easy all-in-one format.

Before paying, confirm the departure time and work out your ride to Margaritaville. If those details fit your plans, $175 is a reasonable price for five hours of boating, food, drinks, equipment, and guided water time. I would choose it for a relaxed family outing or a first St. Thomas snorkel day, especially when you want the boat ride and island views to be as important as the reef itself.

FAQ

Where does Snorkel Cat depart from?

The meeting point is 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas, at Margaritaville Resort. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The information provides two times: arrival at 9:30 a.m. and a listed start time of 10:30 a.m. Confirm the exact departure time with your booking confirmation or the operator.

How long does the tour last?

The outing lasts approximately five hours.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The standard plan includes two snorkeling locations. Some trip descriptions refer to three locations, but you should plan your day around the stated two stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. A light breakfast is served at boarding, and lunch is included later in the day. Snacks are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor.

Is transportation to Margaritaville included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.