Snorkel Cat turns your St Thomas day into an easy win. You head out by yacht to two snorkeling areas near the St John side, with gear provided and an all-inclusive setup that keeps you fed and watered the whole time.

I especially like the mix of time on the water plus real support on snorkeling. Breakfast before you hit the first spot, lunch on board, and free beer, wine, and liquor mean you don’t spend the day hunting for food or worrying about your budget. The one drawback is simple: you’re responsible for getting yourself to the start point (and back), since private transportation isn’t included.

Key takeaways before you go

• All-inclusive food and drinks: breakfast at boarding, lunch, soda, and free alcohol on board
• Two snorkel sessions: you’ll hit different underwater areas for more variety
• Provided snorkeling equipment: you can show up lighter and less stressed
• Crew-led fun with safety focus: multiple captains and staff are praised for keeping people at ease
• Wildlife is a strong draw: turtles, sting rays, starfish, eels, and even nurse sharks show up in the reports

Price and value: why $175 can make sense

At $175 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement snorkel trip. But when you price it like a normal day out—boat ride + snorkeling gear + two swims + lunch + drinks—the math starts to look fair. You’re buying convenience and comfort, not just a “go swim in water” experience.

What you get that most cheaper options don’t is the all-inclusive flow. You don’t have to plan lunch, keep track of cash for drinks, or bounce between stops on your own schedule. Add in breakfast at boarding and snacks on board, and the trip feels built for staying out there—sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing—rather than rushing.

If you’re the kind of person who hates “nickel-and-diming” on vacation, you’ll probably like this setup. And if you want a good chunk of time on the water without a lot of logistics, it fits well.

Getting to the boat: plan your first move carefully

You’ll make your way to the Margaritaville Resort area to start the day, with the outing listed to begin around 10:30am and described with a 9:30am arrival window for boarding. The start location is 6080 Smith Bay Rd, Frydendal, St Thomas, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Here’s the practical thing: private transportation isn’t included. That means you should budget time (and possibly extra money) for a taxi or rideshare to the starting area. One review even mentions an extra $15 per person each way for getting there—so if you’re staying somewhere else on the island, don’t assume it’s walk-up easy.

The good news: the meeting spot is listed as near public transportation. If you’re comfortable using buses or local routes, you can keep costs down. If you’re not, make peace with using a car service and focus on enjoying the day once you’re on board.

Your first snorkel session: St John National Park vibes

The schedule is built around a classic rhythm: boarding, a lite breakfast, then straight into the first snorkel stop. The first underwater area is described as near USVI St John National Park and coral reefs close by. That pairing matters because it signals you’re not just doing a random swim spot—there’s an intent to go where the water and marine life are worth the effort.

One review note stood out to me: the first stop can be a bit murky sometimes. That’s not a deal-breaker; Caribbean conditions change with wind and current. What makes the experience work is how the crew adjusts. Captain Shawn, for example, reportedly gave extra time at the second spot so the group still got good visibility and marine encounters.

When snorkeling goes well here, you’re looking for the kind of wildlife that makes you point your mask at everything. Reviews call out fish, sting rays, starfish, eels, and nurse sharks. Even if you don’t see every single species, you’ll likely come away with that feeling of: Oh wow, the water is doing its own show.

What you should do to help your snorkel go smoothly

Snorkeling with provided gear is convenient, but your comfort still matters. If you can, get fitted early, and give your mask a quick check before you head in the water. If you’re new to snorkeling, take the crew’s basic guidance seriously—your comfort will control everything from how long you stay to how enjoyable your whole day feels.

Lunch, open bar, and the second swim spot

After the first snorkel session, the boat time turns into the full-service part of the day. You’ll have lunch on board plus soft drinks and free alcohol. That’s a big deal for two reasons. First, it keeps energy steady for the second snorkeling session. Second, it makes the sail time feel like part of the vacation, not a waiting room.

Then comes the second snorkeling phase, described as an additional swim session at an uninhabited island area and nearby reefs. This second stop is often where the trip really pays off, especially if the first location wasn’t crystal-clear. In the reviews, the second stop is repeatedly where people remember the highlights.

You’ll also see how the trip balances fun and safety. Multiple reviews mention feeling safe with the captain and crew, including charismatic, informative staff members. One family even described Captain Danny going above and beyond when a daughter had anxiety in the water—so if you’re worried about comfort or first-timer nerves, this crew style is a strong point.

Drinks and food: good enough to keep you happy

This is not a five-star menu. Reviews repeatedly describe the food as good, with examples like muffins, lunch meats for sandwiches, cheese, shrimp, and brownies. The drink focus is real, too—painkiller-style cocktails get called out as a favorite.

If you like sailing days that feel like a celebration, you’ll likely enjoy the onboard vibe. If you want gourmet dining, you may find the lunch a bit plain. But for snorkeling tours, “satisfying and steady” is often what you want—and that’s what the reports point toward.

The crew and captain factor: the day depends on the people

This is one of those tours where the crew can turn a standard itinerary into something memorable. Names come up over and over: Captains Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, Tuna, Christian, and others like Dhani Boy. Crew members and staff show up too—Dawn, Kennedy, Matt (nicknamed the rum fairy), Stein, Noel, and Amanda.

What I like about the way the reviews read is that the praise isn’t just for smiles. People mention safety, helpful instruction, and adjustments based on conditions. When the first snorkel spot was murky, extra time went to the second stop. When someone had anxiety, the captain made a plan to help her enjoy the experience. That tells me the operation pays attention to how the day is landing for real people.

And yes, the vibe is playful. Reviews mention pirate music and even a Macarena moment led by Noel. That sounds silly—until you’re the person who’s nervous and needs a friendly distraction. Light energy on a boat helps everyone relax.

What this means for your expectations

Don’t expect a silent, serious expedition. Expect an upbeat crew that blends practical snorkeling support with party energy. If that’s your style, you’ll probably have a great time.

If you want strict quiet time, bring your own mental strategy: you can still enjoy the water, but you’re boarding a group experience with music, laughs, and shared moments.

Wildlife sightings: what you can realistically hope for

Snorkeling results depend on visibility, weather, and where the boat anchors. But the reports are strong enough to set expectations without overselling.

Commonly mentioned sightings include:

• sea turtles
• sting rays
• starfish
• eels and other tropical fish
• jellyfish (mentioned in one review)
• nurse shark (mentioned in a review that also saw sharks generally)

That list tells me the sites are producing a mix of reef creatures, not just “some fish.” If you’ve snorkeled before and got bored quickly, this is the kind of tour that may feel more alive—two locations plus a second island/water session gives you more chances to hit the good areas.

Also, if you’re traveling with kids or first-time snorkelers, this kind of wildlife density is what keeps them engaged. Several reviews describe enjoying the trip as a family, with crew support that helped people feel safe and learn the basics quickly.

Weather and sea conditions: the one thing you can’t control

A few reviews call out choppy water and windy conditions. That’s the normal tradeoff for boat days in open Caribbean water. You’re more likely to feel it if you’re sensitive to motion.

If you’re planning for comfort, bring a practical mindset:

• If you get seasick easily, pack motion-sickness help.
• Don’t expect perfect glassy water on every trip.
• Keep your schedule flexible in your head; sometimes the captain will adjust the plan for the best snorkeling.

Remember the earlier point about the first stop being murky sometimes. That’s a weather/water-clarity issue, not a “you did something wrong” issue. The crew’s ability to shift time toward better snorkeling is a key strength.

Who should book Snorkel Cat (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you want:

• an easy all-in-one day (food, gear, and drinks handled)
• more than one snorkeling stop so you get variety
• a crew that’s fun, friendly, and focused on making people comfortable

It’s also a strong choice if it’s early in your trip. One review notes that starting here helped a first-time snorkeler apply what the crew taught to later snorkeling during the week. That’s a real advantage—learning good habits once beats struggling again later.

You might think twice if:

• you hate sharing boat space with up to 70 travelers
• you need a private transfer door-to-door (since transportation isn’t included)
• you’re expecting gourmet food or a quiet, museum-like atmosphere

Bottom line: should you book this snorkeling yacht day?

If you want an all-inclusive St Thomas snorkel day that mixes two snorkeling areas, real onboard comfort, and free drinks, I think Snorkel Cat is a solid pick for the money. The best part isn’t just the itinerary—it’s how the crew handles conditions and supports different comfort levels in the water.

My advice: book it if you’re looking for value through convenience. Bring a little patience for changing visibility, and plan your getting-there logistics ahead of time. If you do those two things, you’ll be set up for a day that feels like a vacation, not a project.

FAQ

What’s included in the Snorkel Cat all-inclusive trip?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, breakfast lite at boarding, lunch, snacks, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and liquor). It also includes the boat experience and the snorkeling stops.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 5 hours.

How many snorkel stops do you do?

The tour description says you’ll visit two different snorkel spots, including a second swim session at an uninhabited island area.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Where do I meet the tour, and where does it end?

You meet at 6080 Smith Bay Rd, Frydendal, St Thomas 00802, USVI. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Private transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange getting to the start area yourself.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation window for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid won’t be refunded.