The water calls fast—especially in St Thomas. This 3.5-hour snorkel and sunset cruise pairs a real reef stop with gourmet bites and a relaxed cruise into golden hour. You start from Margaritaville, hop aboard a sleek powerboat, and spend the afternoon doing the fun stuff without having to coordinate multiple vendors.

I like two parts most: the snorkel gear and instruction are included, so you’re not stuck guessing what to do once you’re in the water. I also really enjoy the way the food and drinks keep the mood easy, with hors d’oeuvres from Chef Krygsveld plus an open bar while the boat heads toward sunset.

One thing to consider: while most trips run smoothly, there’s a chance of last-minute cancellation due to an unexpected mechanical issue. If your schedule is tight, it’s smart to have a backup plan.

Key points before you go

• Provided snorkel setup plus crew help, so you can focus on the reef instead of equipment hassles
• Chef Krygsveld hors d’oeuvres and a rotating selection to keep snacks from feeling like an afterthought
• Open bar on the water during the cruise, so the sunset feels like a proper event
• Sunset deck time built into the ride, not tacked on as a quick stop
• Small-to-medium group size (max 30), which usually keeps things from feeling chaotic

From Margaritaville to the powerboat: timing and getting set

The adventure starts at 3:00 PM with boarding at Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas, at 6080 Estate Smith Bay, Frydendal, St Thomas (USVI). That meeting spot is on the same island day you’d likely already be hanging around, which makes it simpler than tours that require long taxi marathons.

This is an afternoon cruise that runs about 3 hours 30 minutes, and it ends back at the meeting point. That matters. You don’t need to plan a full evening logistics shuffle after sunset. You can keep dinner plans close by, or just coast back to your lodging without stress.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and you should get confirmation at booking. The provider is New Horizons & Breakaway Charters, so you’ll want to look for their crew when you arrive.

Group size caps out at 30 travelers, and there’s a note that if the group is more than 15, you may need an additional reservation. In practice, that often means the boat experience stays manageable. It’s also a good sign if you want time with the crew while they explain snorkeling options and point you toward the reef.

What I’d bring (practical stuff):

• A towel if you want one (the tour includes restroom access onboard, but it doesn’t say towels are provided)
• Sunscreen and sun protection for deck time
• Water shoes if you like extra grip (the reef stop is meant for snorkeling, so you’ll likely be stepping in and out)
• A small bag to keep your phone safe while you’re in the water (whether you use a case or keep it secured, plan for getting splashed)
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider motion-sickness help before you board (it’s a powerboat, and it’s time on open water)

Snorkeling at the handpicked reef: what you’ll do, not just what you’ll see

The snorkeling portion is the heart of this trip. You cruise from the meeting area to a nearby cay for a stop at a site known for clear water and marine life. That’s the sweet spot for most snorkelers: you want enough visibility to enjoy it, and you want enough life that the time feels worth it.

Once you arrive, the crew provides snorkeling equipment and instruction. That’s a big deal for beginners. You don’t have to arrive with your own gear or figure out fin straps and mask fit while everyone is waiting. The instruction part also means you’ll get quick guidance on how to enter the water and how to get the best view with minimal fuss.

Here’s what you can expect during the reef stop:

• You can snorkel or swim if you’re comfortable in the water
• You can also soak up the sun on deck if you’d rather not get in
• Crew members are there to assist you, which helps if you’re adjusting a mask or want advice on where to look

One useful way to think about the snorkeling stop is this: it’s not trying to be a long, strenuous swim. The time is packaged into a full afternoon with food, drinks, and a sunset ride afterward. That makes it a good fit if you want to see marine life without turning the day into a fitness test.

Also note what’s not included: scuba equipment is not part of this tour. If you want scuba, you’ll need to book a different experience.

Hors d’oeuvres from Chef Krygsveld: the food part that actually matters

After the water fun, you head back on board and the vibe shifts from active to relaxed. Snacks are served, and the menu includes a rotating selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. It’s not listed as a full meal, but it’s designed to feel substantial for the length of the cruise.

Chef Krygsveld is credited for the menu, which tells you they’re aiming for more than basic chips-and-salsa energy. In my view, that’s exactly what you want on a snorkel boat trip: something that feels good after you’ve been in the sun, not something heavy that ruins your comfort.

Drinks are also part of the package. You’ll have alcoholic beverages plus soda/pop included, and the tour description specifically notes an open bar during the cruise toward sunset. That means you can keep it casual with non-alcoholic options, or toast the sky if that’s your style.

A small but important detail: there’s a restroom on board. On any 3.5-hour outing, that changes how relaxed you feel, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.

How to get more enjoyment from the food and drinks

• Try a few bites once you’re back onboard, before the deck gets too busy with photos and sunset watching
• Stay hydrated. Even with drinks onboard, the island sun can sneak up fast
• If you plan to be in the water, eat lightly before snorkeling and let the “real snack moment” happen after

The sunset cruise: why the timing works

The cruise portion is built for the Caribbean sunset, and the departure timing makes a lot of sense. You start at 3:00 PM, snorkel mid-afternoon, then settle into a slow ride as the light changes. That pacing is what turns it from a quick reef stop into a true St Thomas afternoon.

On board, you can just hang out:

• You can watch the coastline and water as the sky shifts
• You can stay on deck for photos
• You can also relax indoors if you prefer less sun exposure

In the feedback about this trip, the sunset is repeatedly described as spectacular, and the crew’s energy is tied to that experience. When people feel looked after, they tend to enjoy the final hour more, even if the sea is a little bouncy or the sun is slipping faster than they expected.

Photo tip that’s not fluff: plan on shooting in short bursts as clouds (if any) move. If the sky clears for a few minutes, you’ll want your phone ready, not rummaging for it.

Price and value: does $150 buy a good afternoon?

At $150 per person, this isn’t a cheap activity. The value comes from what’s wrapped in, not from the ticket alone.

You’re paying for:

• A guided snorkel stop at a reef site with gear and instruction included
• Snacks (hors d’oeuvres) on board
• An open bar with alcoholic beverages plus soda/pop
• A restroom on board
• A staged afternoon that ends with a true sunset cruise, not just a departure and “good luck out there”

When I look at value, I focus on how much you’d otherwise pay if you tried to piece it together. If you’d need to rent snorkel gear, pay for a reef charter, and then pay separately for a sunset boat ride or drinks onboard, $150 starts to make sense. It’s basically a packaged day: reef + food + sunset.

Also worth noting: you’ll usually get the best outcome when you book with enough lead time. The tour is listed as being commonly booked about 23 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling during peak seasons or weekends, I’d aim for at least a few weeks ahead so your schedule stays flexible.

The crew matters: hospitality and the day’s energy

In tours like this, the boat crew makes or breaks the afternoon. This one is tied to Captain Jake and Captain Stewart in the feedback, and another experience highlights Captain Shawn along with crew members Kennedy, Stine, Josh. That’s not just a name drop. It’s proof the people running the trip are interacting with guests and keeping the mood friendly.

What you should look for in a good snorkel-and-sunset setup is simple:

• Clear help when it comes to snorkeling gear and instructions
• A relaxed rhythm once the boat is moving toward sunset
• Crew members who feel present, not rushed

Based on the experience descriptions tied to this trip, that hospitality seems to be one of the most praised parts.

Who should book this St Thomas snorkel + sunset cruise

This experience fits best if you want a balanced afternoon: active enough to see a reef, relaxed enough to enjoy the sunset without sprinting across the island.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You’re a first-time snorkeler who wants instruction and included gear
• You want an easy plan from Margaritaville without complicated transfers
• You like the idea of snacks and drinks onboard while you cruise into golden hour
• You want a smaller group size feel (up to 30)

It might not be the best match if:

• You specifically want scuba, since scuba equipment isn’t included
• Your plan depends on zero risk of disruption. While cancellations are not the norm implied here, one past case mentions cancellation less than 24 hours before due to a mechanical safety issue. If this is your only snorkeling window, build a backup activity you can pivot to.

Quick decision guide: should you book?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward St Thomas afternoon with everything lined up: snorkeling gear and guidance, a tasty snack break, and a sunset cruise that keeps you on the water long enough to actually enjoy the sky change.

I’d hesitate only if your schedule is extremely tight or you can’t handle any possibility of a last-minute weather or vessel issue. In that case, consider booking a second, land-based snorkeling option or a flexible activity on your same day so you’re not stuck.

If you do book, I’d also recommend you go in with the right mindset: you’re not signing up for a long marathon snorkel day. You’re signing up for a well-paced afternoon where the reef and the sunset are the main attractions, supported by good food, drinks, and a crew that seems to keep things upbeat.

FAQ

What time does the snorkeling and sunset cruise depart?

Boarding starts at 3:00 PM at Margaritaville Resort in St Thomas.

How long is the tour?

The experience runs about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas, 6080 Estate Smith Bay, Frydendal, St Thomas 00802, USVI.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with instruction from the crew.

Is scuba equipment included?

No. The tour does not include scuba equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. You get snacks and alcoholic beverages, plus soda/pop.

Is there an open bar?

The experience includes drinks from an open bar as you cruise toward sunset.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

How far in advance can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before is not refunded.