Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

Clear water, open sea, cold drinks. Snorkel Cat pairs a five-hour yacht ride with two snorkel stops near St. John National Park and nearby reefs. I especially like the all-inclusive meals and drinks, which remove the usual boat-day hassle, and the crew’s friendly, safety-minded approach, often praised under captains such as Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, and Tuna. The main drawback is simple: you must reach Margaritaville Resort on your own, and that can add both time and taxi cost.

At $175 per person, this is not a bargain-priced beach outing. Still, breakfast, lunch, snacks, snorkel gear, soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor are included. If you want a full day on the water without arranging several separate activities, the price can make good sense. Check the start time carefully, since the information provided gives both 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkel areas near St. John: The route includes waters around the USVI St. John National Park and nearby coral reefs, with the exact stops shaped by sea and weather conditions.
• Food begins soon after boarding: A light breakfast is served at the start, followed by lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks during the trip.
• A crew that adds real value: Captains and crew members such as Shawn, Kennedy, Matt, Dawn, Noel, Amanda, and Danny Boy are often singled out for their humor, help, and attention to safety.
• A scenic sailing day, not just a swim stop: The ride offers views of St. Thomas, St. John, scattered islands, and open Caribbean water.
• Plan your own transport: Private transportation is not included, and the meeting point is at Margaritaville Resort in the Smith Bay area.
• Expect a social boat: The yacht can carry up to 70 people, so this suits people who enjoy music, conversation, drinks, and a lively group setting.

Boarding at Margaritaville and sorting out the timing

The meeting point is 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas, at Margaritaville Resort. You make your own way there, and the activity ends back at the same location.

There is a timing inconsistency in the supplied information. The day-by-day description says to arrive at 9:30 a.m., while the meeting details list a 10:30 a.m. start. I would not guess on this one. Check your confirmation and contact New Horizons & Breakaway Charters before the day of departure.

The self-arrival rule matters more than it may seem. St. Thomas is hilly, roads can be slow, and the resort sits on the opposite side of the island for some cruise and hotel areas. One passenger calculated an extra $15 per person each way for transportation. That is not part of the tour price, so include it when comparing this trip with boat outings that offer hotel or port pickup.

Check-in itself appears to be straightforward. Once aboard, you can settle into the boat, look over the water, and get ready for the first meal. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Breakfast, sailing views, and the first stretch of the day

The first meal is a light breakfast served at boarding. The exact menu is not specified, but the food is intended to give you something before snorkeling rather than function as a full brunch.

The early ride is part of the attraction. Snorkel Cat is not simply a shuttle to a beach. You spend time moving across open water, with views toward the green hills of St. Thomas and St. John, small islands, and the changing color of the sea.

Music is part of the mood. Several accounts praise the soundtrack, including pirate music, while one person hoped for more island-style music. That tells you what kind of boat this is: social and relaxed, with entertainment woven into the ride. If you want a silent nature cruise, this may feel too lively. If you like music, drinks, and an easygoing crowd, it should fit well.

The crew is another strong point. Captains Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, and Tuna are named in different accounts, so the exact team may change from day to day. Kennedy, Dawn, Matt, Noel, Stein, and Amanda also receive praise for being helpful and upbeat. Their role is not just serving drinks. They help people feel comfortable in the water, explain what is happening, and keep an eye on safety.

The first snorkel stop near St. John

The first water stop takes place around St. John National Park or nearby coral reef areas. The appeal is clear Caribbean water, reef fish, and the chance to see animals in their natural setting.

You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask, fins, or related gear. The information does not specify the full equipment range or sizes, so if you are particular about fit, bringing a familiar mask may be worth considering. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable entering the water and swimming with a mask and snorkel.

Marine life can include tropical fish, stingrays, starfish, eels, nurse sharks, sea turtles, barracuda, jellyfish, and other reef creatures. That list comes from reported sightings, not a promise for every departure. Wildlife is unpredictable, and water clarity changes with wind, currents, and recent weather.

The first stop may not always be perfect. One account describes the water as murky there, but Captain Shawn gave the group extra time at the second site. This is a useful detail because it shows how conditions can affect the day. You may get bright visibility at both stops, or the crew may need to adjust the plan. A captain who changes the timing instead of clinging to a fixed schedule can make a real difference.

The water can also be choppy and windy. That is normal for an open-water trip, but it may bother anyone prone to seasickness. Eat lightly before boarding, bring any medication you normally use, and keep your expectations flexible. The boat ride and the snorkeling are both weather-dependent.

Lunch, snacks, and the famous painkillers

After the first snorkel session, lunch is served on board. The official inclusion is lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Specific menus can vary, but food described during the trip includes sandwich fixings such as lunch meats, cheese, and other fillings, along with shrimp, brownies, and salad.

One especially praised detail is Shawn’s Caesar salad. Another account calls the lunch good rather than fancy, which is probably the right way to think about it. This is boat food designed to be easy to serve and eat, not a restaurant meal.

Drinks are a major part of the experience. Beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, and snacks are included. Several people particularly enjoyed painkiller cocktails, a classic Caribbean-style rum drink. The crew’s playful service even earned Matt the nickname the rum fairy.

The all-inclusive setup is valuable because you do not need to carry a cooler, buy lunch at a beach stop, or keep reaching for your wallet. It also creates a party-like feel. Remember that the drinks are alcoholic, so keep your own pace in mind. You still need to swim, manage a moving boat, and handle sun and wind for several hours.

Lunch is also the point where the day shifts from active to easygoing. You can eat, sip a drink, and watch the islands pass by before the second water stop. That balance is one reason the trip works for families and mixed groups, including people who want to snorkel but also want time to sit back.

The second stop and the best chance to see more

The excursion continues to an uninhabited island for a second snorkel and swim session. This stop offers a different setting from the first reef area, which is important even if you are not a strong swimmer. Two locations give you a better chance of finding calm water, clearer visibility, or different marine life.

Reports describe sightings of turtles, rays, jellyfish, starfish, eels, tropical fish, and a nurse shark. Again, you should treat these as possible encounters, not guaranteed attractions. The second site may also be the better one on a particular day, especially if the first has poor visibility.

One account says the crew visited three remote locations, while the stated plan describes two snorkel spots. The route can apparently vary, but you should book expecting two primary snorkeling areas. If the crew adds another location, consider it a bonus rather than part of the firm promise.

For first-time snorkelers, the crew’s help can be especially useful. One family described a child becoming anxious in the water, and Captain Danny helped make the experience more comfortable, even allowing time to sit in the captain’s seat and learn about the boat. That kind of personal attention is worth more than a short list of included equipment. It can turn a nervous swimmer into someone ready to try again later in the week.

The uninhabited island also gives the trip a more remote feel. You are not simply stepping off at a developed beach with shops and facilities. Bring patience, sun protection, and realistic expectations about the lack of land-based comforts.

The return sail to St. Thomas

After the second swim, you return to Margaritaville by boat. The ride back is a quiet reward for the day, with more island views and time to finish a drink or listen to music.

Several people describe the return as a relaxing part of the outing. That makes sense: the main activity is finished, lunch is behind you, and you can watch the water without rushing toward the next stop. The captain may also share information about the islands and the places you pass.

The trip lasts about five hours, which gives you a substantial half-day on the water without taking up the entire day. You return to the original meeting point, so you can arrange dinner or another St. Thomas activity afterward. Just leave enough time for the ride back to your hotel or ship.

What $175 includes, and what it does not

At $175 per person, Snorkel Cat costs more than a basic beach rental or short snorkel boat. The comparison is not quite fair, though, because this price covers a full yacht outing with two water stops, equipment, breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for:

• A boat ride to St. John waters
• Snorkeling gear
• Lunch and drinks
• A second snorkel location
• A crew to guide and supervise the day

It is less attractive if you do not drink, do not plan to eat on board, or mainly want an inexpensive swim from shore. You are also paying for the sailing time, the scenery, the crew, and the convenience of having the day organized for you.

The maximum group size is 70 people. That is not a small private charter, so expect a shared outing with a mix of families, couples, and groups of friends. The upside is a lively atmosphere and a full crew presence. The downside is less personal space and potentially more activity around the water entry points.

Tips are not included in the listed price. One direct suggestion is to bring cash for the crew, especially if they help you with equipment, swimming confidence, food, or drinks. Tipping is optional, but cash makes it easy if you feel the service earned it.

Who should book Snorkel Cat

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a complete day on the water rather than a short snorkeling lesson. It suits people who like a social boat, music, island scenery, and a steady flow of food and drinks.

Families can benefit from the crew’s patient approach, though parents should still judge their children’s swimming comfort. First-time snorkelers may appreciate the equipment and instruction, while experienced swimmers will likely enjoy the chance to visit more than one reef area.

Couples and groups of friends should like the relaxed party atmosphere, especially if painkillers and a long sail appeal to you. The trip also works well for anyone who wants St. John scenery without arranging a private boat.

I would think twice if you need hotel pickup, dislike group activities, or are sensitive to boat motion. The route is exposed to wind and waves, and the first stop may have weak visibility. You should also avoid booking tightly around another important appointment because the sea, weather, and group boarding can affect timing.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that window, the amount paid is not refunded. If poor weather or too few bookings force cancellation, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Final verdict: a strong all-inclusive choice

Snorkel Cat earns its high rating for good reasons: the crew is warm and entertaining, the food is solid, the drinks keep coming, and the route gives you more than one chance to find good water. The most valuable feature is not any single fish sighting. It is the way the crew can adjust the day when conditions change.

Book it if you want snorkeling wrapped inside a sociable Caribbean sailing day. Just confirm the departure time, budget for your own transportation to Margaritaville, and expect two planned snorkel areas rather than guaranteed animal encounters. If those terms suit you, $175 buys a well-filled five hours with very little extra planning.

FAQ

Where does the Snorkel Cat tour begin?

It begins at Margaritaville Resort, at 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas, USVI.

What time does the tour start?

The supplied information lists both 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Confirm the exact boarding time with your booking confirmation or the operator before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately five hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and liquor.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.