Snorkel twice, party once, eat pizza. This afternoon Reef Surfari tour strings together two snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park with a cruise, included gear, and a sunset dance party on the water.

I also love that the food is built into the schedule, not crammed around it, with snacks after the first stop and pizza later at Christmas Cove. One catch: this trip is not recommended for cruise ship passengers, since you return to St. John first and then St. Thomas, and they cannot guarantee you will make your ship on time.

Key things to know before you go

• Two Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling stops: more chances to see turtles, rays, coral, and colorful fish.
• Snorkeling gear included: so you don’t have to source equipment on the island.
• Snacks first, alcohol later: chips and cookies after stop one, and the open bar starts at the second stop after swimming.
• Pizza timing is part of the fun: dinner pizza typically lands between 5:00 and 5:30 at Christmas Cove on Great St. James.
• St. Thomas plus St. John pickup: Red Hook in St. Thomas and Cruz Bay in St. John, depending on season.
• Small-boat feel: the trip caps at 47 travelers, which helps keep the vibe friendly.

Reef Surfari logistics: St. Thomas and St. John pickup, simplified

This tour is built for an afternoon start and a full evening finish, which is great if your mornings are already spoken for. You meet at Ocean Surfari – Reef Surfari Snorkel Excursions on Smith Bay Rd in Red Hook, St. Thomas.

Pickup timing shifts by season:

• October to March: Reef Surfari departs Red Hook at 1:30, then swings over to Cruz Bay to pick up St. John guests at 2:00.
• April to September: it departs St. Thomas at 2:00, and St. John pickup is at 2:30.

Your scheduled start time may show as 2:00 pm, but the key is this: you’re joining a boat day that’s coordinated around those seasonal pickup windows. You’ll also want to plan on getting to the dock with buffer time, because the whole trip runs on a tight water schedule.

A couple practical notes:

• This uses a mobile ticket.
• It has a restroom on board, which is genuinely helpful when your day runs long.
• Parking isn’t included. If you drive, parking at the ferry terminal runs $20 per day.
• They only run it when weather cooperates, and they also require a minimum number of travelers.

And if you’re thinking about cruise ship timing: skip this one. It’s explicitly not recommended for cruise ship passengers, since the ports are about 30 minutes from the dock, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be back before ship time.

Two National Park snorkeling stops: what your afternoon is actually about

The heart of this trip is not the party. It’s the water time. Reef Surfari takes you to two snorkeling locations in the Virgin Islands National Park around St. John.

Two stops matter because conditions change. One spot can be clear and lively, while the next might give you a different mix of coral and fish. It also increases your odds of seeing standout wildlife like sea turtles, stingrays, and other sea life that shows up where the water and habitat are right. The crew is also on the hunt for the usual favorites: tropical fish, coral, and the type of animals people come back for year after year.

Here’s how the snorkeling day is paced:

• You snorkel at the first stop, then return to the boat.
• After the first stop, you get snacks (chips and cookies), and you can reset before the second swim.
• You snorkel again at stop two, and this is when the trip shifts into food and fun.

Alcohol is served only after swimming is finished at the second snorkeling location, per their permit rules. So the day stays structured: swim hard, then reward yourself.

What if you’re a cautious swimmer?

The trip asks for moderate physical fitness, and the snorkeling involves time in the water. The good news: you’re not doing this solo. The crew and marine-focused guide help get everyone comfortable, and there’s enough time between stops to catch your breath and regroup.

If you’re very nervous in open water, you might still enjoy the boat portion, but the trip’s best moments are clearly the two snorkeling sessions.

The snack-to-pizza transition: where the day stops being work

One of the smartest parts of this tour is that food isn’t an afterthought. It’s timed to keep energy up without dragging the schedule.

After the first snorkeling stop, you’ll find snacks like chips and cookies waiting for you back on board. Then comes the main meal after your second stop.

Pizza is included, and it’s provided after the second snorkeling stop, typically around 5:00–5:30 pm. The plan is Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove of Great St. James. If Pizza Pi is closed, they switch to another pizza restaurant option, so you still get pizza as part of the package.

What makes this feel like value (not just a freebie) is the location. Great St. James and Christmas Cove are part of the classic St. John waterscape, so the meal lands during the trip when you’ve already earned it.

Allergy and special meal needs

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can request alternatives, but you need to do it at least 72 hours in advance. They say alternatives may be subject to additional costs, so give yourself time to handle details before you arrive.

Open bar starts after swimming: drinks with actual timing

The open bar isn’t constant the whole time, and that’s a good thing. It starts only after you’re finished with swimming at the second snorkeling location.

On the bar menu, you can expect:

• Rum punch
• Painkillers
• Sodas
• Water

This setup keeps the earlier part of the trip focused and safer. Then, when you’re done in the water, you get the payoff: drinks while cruising and winding down into the sunset section.

Also, there’s a clear rhythm to the day: swim, snack, second swim, pizza, then the party. That pacing tends to make the trip feel smoother than tours where you eat too early or treat the sunset like a rushed stop on the way back.

Sunset cruise plus dance party: the fun gets louder at the right time

After snorkeling and pizza, you head into sunset time with a dance party on the water. The “party” isn’t just background music. You’ll be on a moving boat with a soundtrack and a group vibe that shifts from sightseeing to celebration.

Timing is seasonal:

• You return to St. John between 6:30 and 7:00.
• Then you go back to St. Thomas between 7:00 and 7:30, depending on the sunset time.

That’s part of why cruise passengers are discouraged. If your ship departs right at sunset, this itinerary may not line up.

But for non-cruise travelers, this timing is the sweet spot. You’re not stuck staring at a dock at the end of the day. You’re finishing with views, music, and that late-day light over the water.

Crew energy and the names that keep showing up

This is one of those tours where the crew matters just as much as the route. Multiple guides and captains get called out by name, and you’ll likely see a crew mix that includes people like Captain CJ, BK, John, Sydney, and Darian (the marine biologist).

What stands out from their on-board style:

• They keep the energy up without making it chaotic.
• They’re comfortable guiding first-timers, including people who are nervous about snorkeling.
• They explain what you’re seeing, not just where to go.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a little humor and a few facts while you’re on vacation, this crew culture is a big reason people rate the trip so highly.

What to pack and how to prepare for the boat day

You’re on the water for hours, snorkeling twice, then eating and cruising back at sunset. That means your packing list should support comfort and quick changes.

Do this:

• Bring water shoes with grip if you’re not comfortable on boat steps or in slippery areas.
• Expect that you may need to take off your shoes before getting on the boat. If that matters to you, water shoes help you feel ready.
• Bring a swimsuit you can wear for snorkeling, then keep a dry layer handy for the boat ride after.
• If you’re prone to sunburn, pack sunscreen and something to protect your head and shoulders.

You’ll also want a day bag for the essentials so you’re not rummaging while the boat is moving. Since there’s a restroom on board, you can also plan your timing around real comfort.

Price and value: is $120 worth it?

At $120 per person, this isn’t a bargain-snorkel deal. But it is priced like a do-it-all afternoon that includes real components:

• Two snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park area
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Snacks, plus pizza dinner
• Open bar after swimming at the second stop
• St. Thomas and St. John pickup and drop-off

If you were to arrange these pieces separately, you’d likely spend time and money coordinating boats, equipment, and food. Here, the scheduling is the value: you’re paying for a single afternoon plan with minimal decision-making.

The best value usually comes when you actually use the full itinerary. If you’re only interested in the boat ride and not the snorkeling, you might question the cost. But if you want wildlife time plus food plus a party at sunset, the $120 feels more like a package than an upcharge.

Who this tour fits well, and who should skip it

This works best for:

• People who want two snorkeling sessions instead of one
• Travelers who like a social boat vibe, music, and a real sunset finish
• Families and groups who want one coordinated plan with food included

It’s less ideal for:

• Cruise ship passengers, for the simple reason that return timing can’t be guaranteed.
• Anyone who isn’t comfortable with moderate physical activity tied to snorkeling.
• People with dietary restrictions who didn’t plan early, since they need 72 hours notice for alternatives.

If you’re nervous about snorkeling, go anyway if you can follow crew instructions. The format gives you a break between stop one and stop two, so you’re not locked into a single long water session without a chance to reset.

Should you book Reef Surfari’s Do It All Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour?

I’d book it if you want one afternoon that covers the big-ticket island experiences: National Park snorkeling, included equipment, food that’s timed to the day, and a sunset dance party you actually get to enjoy.

I’d think twice if you’re on a tight schedule like a cruise ship departure, or if you know you won’t feel comfortable in the water for a snorkeling stop or two.

For everyone else: this is a strong pick when you want St. Thomas and St. John scenery, wildlife chances, and a fun ending without juggling reservations.

FAQ

How long is the Reef Surfari afternoon tour?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

How much does it cost?

The price is $120.00 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Ocean Surfari – Reef Surfari Snorkel Excursions on Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas (00802).

Do you pick up guests from St. John too?

Yes. The tour includes pickup at Cruz Bay in St. John, with timing that depends on the season.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

There are two snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is pizza included, and when do you eat it?

Yes. Dinner pizza from Pizza Pi (or another pizza restaurant if Pizza Pi is closed) is provided after the second snorkeling stop, typically between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.

When does the open bar start?

Alcoholic drinks are served beginning at the second snorkeling location after you are finished swimming.

What’s the cancellation and weather approach?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.