Snorkel with Sea Turtles: St. Thomas Turtle Cove Tour

Swim with green sea turtles and tropical fish on a 3-hour snorkel and sail adventure in St. Thomas. Book your morning tour during busy holiday weeks!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The VI Cat - Arrive at 12:30pm to check-in with The VI Cat crew on the wooden dock of the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. Tour departs promptly at 1pm (AST - Atlantic Standard Time). Guest is to provide their own transportation to the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. After checking in with security, follow signs that say “public access to the beach”. Free parking can be found in a large gravel parking lot on the right hand side AFTER the security booth.
  • Little Buck Island - Board ‘The Cat’, a spacious 54-foot sailing catamaran for an exhilarating sail to the uninhabited Little Buck Island, located off of St Thomas. You’ll snorkel at Turtle Cove, Little Buck Island, the National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll experience an unforgettable, fun-filled, marine life adventure.

Your friendly crew will provide snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, snorkel vest), brief instruction and safety tips and if needed, a beginner’s snorkeling lesson when you reach Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. You may choose to swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, tan on the special deck of the catamaran, or relax in the shaded cabin area. However you choose to spend your day on the boat, you will no doubt have fun!

Water, light snacks and a variety of beverages. NOTE: Alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks are served AFTER the snorkeling/in-water portion of snorkel & sail trips.

  • The VI Cat - Enjoy the relaxing sail back to the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, where your fun-filled tour will conclude.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Unlimited Drinks (alcoholic beverages after in-water activities)
  • Snacks
  • Use of snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, snorkel vest, fins)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (suggested)
  • Souvenir T-Shirts and Dri-Fit Shirts (available for purchase)
  • Guest provides own transportation to and from the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove
Additional Information

Join us for a 3-hour snorkeling and sailing journey in St. Thomas on The VI Cat and experience swimming with the local green sea turtles and exotic fish. We set off on our 54-foot catamaran that has been cleared by the US Coast Guard and make our way to the picturesque waters of Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. Witnessing the green sea turtles in their natural surroundings will indeed etch a lifelong memory. Please note that this is Little Buck Island, located off of St. Thomas.

Contact us for a morning tour during peak holiday weeks.

  • Must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Check-in with Cat Crew on Dock of Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. We cannot accommodate late-comers.
  • Use Google Maps. Type “The VI Cat” or “Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove”. 1. Pull into the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove (the property with all of the colorful buildings). The Marriott Cove has a large stone/brick entrance. 2. Check in with the security guard at the security booth. They will ask that you park in the large, flat gravel parking lot on the right AFTER the security booth. 3. After parking, walk down the hill, on the road, towards the pool and follow signs that say public beach access. 4. Look for the wooden dock located off of the beach. 5. You will check in with The VI Cat crew on the wooden dock approximately 30 minutes prior to departure.
  • The VI Cat’s Standard Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, customers may cancel up to 24 hours before the excursion start date in the local timezone. No refunds will be given after that time period. “No-Shows” will be charged the full price of the excursion. In the event The VI Cat cancels the excursion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers may receive a full refund or rebooking. NOTE! If you miss your tour, a $25 rebooking fee will be added
  • Note that the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is the time-share portion of the Marriott. This location is different than The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef
  • All tours are listed in local time - Atlantic Standard Time Zone (PLEASE NOTE THIS MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN YOUR SHIP TIME)
  • Be sure to mention any allergies or medical conditions to the Captain
  • The Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is 7-10 minute taxi ride from the WICO cruise ship dock and 20-30 minute taxi ride from the Crown Bay cruise ship dock
  • At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Children MUST be accompanied by an adult • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
  • Alcoholic beverages will be offered after the in-water activities.
  • Wheelchair accessibility is best fitted for travel/non-motorized wheelchairs. If guest or vessel’s Master determines safety issue, a full refund will be given.
  • MUST arrive 30 minutes prior to trip departure time. We cannot accommodate late arrivals.
  • Any guests with medical concerns (including pregnant travelers) are encouraged to address them with their own medical professional prior to attending excursion.
  • Facial coverings are optional while onboard.
Location
The VI Cat
Each guest is to provide their own transportation to the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove. Check in with security and make your way to the DOCK and follow signs that say public access to beach. Arrive 30 minutes prior to trip departure time. We are cannot accommodate late arrivals.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1760 Ratings)
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Departure540083
Oct 3, 2024
Memorable - I was nervous about getting into the water. But the crew was great and talked me through the process. I thoroughly enjoyed snorkeling and saw several turtles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenneno448
Oct 1, 2024
Castaway Cat Snorkeling - Boat was Castaway Cat. Trip was amazing, swam with sea turtles, a barracuda, swam through giant school of fish. Almost went twice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pdporterproperties
Sep 25, 2024
Excellent tour - What a beautiful afternoon on the VI Cat! Captain Mike, Nick and Portia took great care of us and we saw lots of Sea Turtles and thousands of fish along the reef. Thanks for a lovely sail!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jorges2776
Sep 23, 2024
Great way to start your vacation - Great way to start your vacation. Nice easy boat ride the buck island and clear water to snorkel in. Crew was very eager to serve!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jcandlish
Sep 22, 2024
Great snorkeling! - Went with the VI cat on a 3hr snorkeling excursion to buck island. We saw thousands of fish, some turtles, and even a sting ray. The catamaran was comfortable with lots of shade. The crew was very fun and knowledgeable. Thanks Captain Dave, Alex, Nick and Tyler for a great trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simoneef5224fy
Sep 17, 2024
Enjoyable time - Crew was friendly. Beautiful trip there, snorkeling fun and saw a couple of turtles. Fun on the way back with some snacks and drinks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maria_r
Sep 8, 2024
Soo worth it!!! - The guides made it so comfortable that I forgot how nervous I was. The views were amazing. Got to see a beautiful turtle, fish of all colors and corals. Tried a yummy drink once back on the boat. Overall this was an amazing experience. Recommend 100%
Review provided by Viator
823doric
Sep 5, 2024
Fun afternoon! - Great crew and a wonderful tour! Very informative, easy to jump on from the hotel and lots of fun! We saw several turtles and lots of life on the reefs!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yolanda_w
Sep 4, 2024
Clear waters to view many turtles - Awwh I'm just seeing area to give reviews. We went June 2022 It was a lil too chilly to enjoy a drink going but after snorkeling I needed one or two. We saw so many turtles. Great area and right amount of time given for all to enjoy.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_h
Sep 2, 2024
Disappointing - I’ve been on mini catamarans. The staff were extremely nice. The catamaran was clean. And we did get to see a few turtles. That being said the food was very disappointing. They opened a bag of Tostitos chips and opened a jar of salsa and that was snacktime. No veggie tray. No fruit tray. Literally that was it, bagged chips and jar salsa. Yes it was a 3 hour tour which is generally a short trip compared to my usual 4-6 hour, but there was plenty of time and room on the bar for more food. Just the overall vibe also, it wasn’t nearly as good as the other catamaran's I have been on!
Review provided by Viator
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October 2024
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