Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat)

The floating Lime Out taco boat is the star of this day on the water. You sail along St. John’s North Shore, stop to snorkel in a calm spot, then pull up to a floating restaurant where you eat tacos while sitting on the water. It is an unusual lunch stop, and one of the most memorable ways to break up a full day at sea.

I like the two snorkeling stops, which can include sea turtles, stingrays, coral, and plenty of fish. I also like the easygoing setup: gear, drinks, snacks, pizza, a restroom, and changing areas are provided. The main catch is value. At $250 per person, lunch at Lime Out is extra, and the advertised group size should be confirmed because the details describe both a small group of up to 12 and a larger maximum of 45.

Key points to know before you book

• Lime Out is the centerpiece: Your taco lunch is purchased separately, but the floating setting is the reason many people consider it worth the price.
• Two water stops add real variety: You may snorkel around rock formations, coral, a shipwreck, and areas visited by sea turtles and stingrays.
• Drinks are included: Beer, rum, mixers, juice, soda, and bottled water are available during the trip.
• The crew shapes the day: Names mentioned on recent outings include Lacey, Sammy, Sierra, Robyn, Tara, Brandon, Cornelius, Grant, Tyler, Heather, and Captain Dave. Crew assignments can change.
• Plan for a full day: The tour begins at 9 a.m. and lasts about eight hours, with time split among cruising, snorkeling, lunch, and Lovango.
• Check the group size: The tour is promoted as intimate, but the booking information also lists a maximum of 45 people.

Why this St. John boat day works so well

St. John is best appreciated from the water. From a boat, you see the curve of the North Shore, quiet coves, beaches, rocky points, and hillside homes without spending the day driving from one beach parking area to another. This tour gives you that broad view, then adds several stops so you are not simply sitting on a boat for eight hours.

The pace is relaxed rather than packed. You can snorkel at each stop, stay aboard, float in the water, or sit in the sun. That makes the trip a good fit for mixed groups, especially when one person wants active water time and another would rather enjoy the ride with a drink.

The crew also keeps the practical side simple. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and some crew remain aboard while you are in the water, so you can leave your belongings on the boat. A restroom and private changing areas are available, which matter on a full-day outing.

The mood leans social. Drinks are served throughout the cruise, music may be played, and the crew works to refill glasses and help with masks, fins, and other gear. If you want a quiet sailing trip with long stretches of narration, this may not be your best choice. One useful criticism is that information about the passing beaches and islands can be hard to hear over the boat noise, since the crew may need to call out explanations rather than use a microphone.

Cruising St. John’s North Shore

The morning begins at 9 a.m. from your selected departure point in St. Thomas or St. John. Confirm the exact meeting location when you book, since the experience offers both options. From there, the boat follows the North Shore of St. John and the captain chooses a calm, clear place for the first snorkel.

This opening cruise is more than transportation. It gives you a water-level look at the island, with beaches and coves unfolding from the sea. You also get a feel for the day’s conditions before committing to the first swim. The captain chooses the stop based on calm water and visibility, so the exact location can change.

That flexibility is useful in the Virgin Islands, where wind and sea conditions affect comfort and water clarity. It also means you should not expect the exact same route every time. The published plan is a guide, not a promise that every stop will look identical.

If island information matters to you, ask questions early. Crew members such as Captain Dave, Tara, Cornelius, Grant, Heather, and Tyler have been praised for explaining the surrounding islands and beaches. Still, the amount you hear may depend on boat noise, the weather, and how busy the day is.

First snorkel: calm water and island scenery

The first snorkeling stop is selected along the North Shore. The appeal here is freedom. You can get in with the supplied mask and fins, swim among rocks and fish, or remain on the boat and enjoy the sun.

Past outings have included large rock formations, coral, and schools of fish. The first stop is not presented as a fixed reef with guaranteed sightings, so keep your expectations sensible. Sea conditions guide the choice, and marine life is never scheduled like a show.

I like having a first stop before lunch because it breaks the morning into a natural rhythm. You begin with a scenic cruise, get into the water while you are still fresh, then have a social meal afterward. If you are new to snorkeling, this is also a good place to test your gear and ask the crew for help before the later stop.

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, a towel, insect repellent, and a payment card or cash. You can bring your own preferred snack or drink, though the boat already supplies water, soda, snacks, and alcoholic drinks. Use reef-safe habits in the water: look, do not touch coral or animals, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Lunch at Lime Out, the floating taco bar

Lime Out is the signature stop. The boat takes you into the bay, where you order lunch from the floating taco restaurant and sit on floats or at the water-based dining area. It is a fun setting, but it is also the clearest extra cost of the day.

Lunch is not included in the $250 ticket. Plan to pay separately for tacos and any food or drinks you order at Lime Out. The boat’s beer, rum, mixers, juice, soda, and water are included, but that does not cover your meal at the taco bar.

You have about 90 minutes here, enough time to order, eat, float, and enjoy the odd pleasure of having lunch in the middle of a bay. The tacos have received some of the strongest praise attached to this outing, with particular enthusiasm for the food and the novelty of the setting. I would treat Lime Out as an experience as much as a meal. You are paying for the location, the water seating, and the relaxed island pause, not simply for a quick plate of tacos.

There is one practical point: arrive ready to order and keep an eye on the schedule. The boat plans its stops, and a floating restaurant can be more leisurely than a standard shore-side café. The crew aims to arrive in time for good seating, but the exact experience depends on conditions and how busy Lime Out is.

If you are watching your budget, the additional lunch cost may make the total feel high. If you specifically want to visit Lime Out and would otherwise arrange a separate boat or water taxi, including it in a full-day cruise can make more sense. I would compare the total cost of your alternatives, not just the ticket price.

Second snorkel: shipwreck, turtles, and stingrays

After lunch, the outing moves to another water stop. The planned area can include a shipwreck, resident sea turtles, stingrays, and coral. This is the stop that may provide the most memorable wildlife encounters, though no sighting is guaranteed.

A shipwreck gives you something to explore beyond a normal reef. You can swim around it and look for fish, while the surrounding coral adds color and structure. Sea turtles and stingrays are a major draw, but you should keep a respectful distance. The right approach is to watch quietly and never touch or chase marine life.

This stop lasts about 45 minutes. That is long enough for a good swim, but it is not an all-day snorkeling session. If you want extensive time in the water, the schedule may feel brisk. If your group includes children or people who prefer shorter swims, the time limit helps keep the day moving.

Pizza from Pizza Pi is delivered to the boat after this snorkel. The included snack is described as cheese or pepperoni pizza. It is a useful touch because Lime Out lunch may have been several hours earlier, and swimming tends to sharpen an appetite.

Lovango Resort and the final water break

The last listed stop is Lovango Resort and Beach Club on St. John. You can go ashore for a drink, snack, or shopping at the boutiques, or stay near the boat and snorkel around the coral reef surrounding the island.

You get about 45 minutes here, so choose one main plan. If you want to browse the boutiques, do that first. If snorkeling is your priority, stay with the water time rather than trying to squeeze in every option.

This stop gives the day a different feel from Lime Out. Lime Out is a floating taco stop with a playful, informal setting. Lovango offers the option of a beach club, shopping, and another chance to enjoy the coast. It also gives you a final pause before the return ride.

The itinerary can change with weather and sea conditions. That flexibility is important, since a rough crossing or poor visibility may affect the order or location of stops. A bad-weather cancellation brings a choice of another date or a full refund, but the booking is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons.

What the boat provides

The included equipment and services make this easier than planning a full boat day yourself. You receive snorkeling gear, a captain, a first mate, onboard alcoholic beverages, soda, juice, bottled water, snacks, and a restroom. Pizza is also provided after the second snorkel.

The drinks are a meaningful part of the value. Beer and rum-based drinks, along with mixers and juice, are available without adding a bar tab on the boat. Pace yourself in the sun, though. An eight-hour day with swimming and alcohol can catch up with you quickly, so alternate drinks with water.

The boat has private changing areas, which lets you move between swimwear and dry clothes with less fuss. Personal belongings can remain aboard while you snorkel, with some crew staying on the boat. I would still keep valuables to a minimum.

Crew service is one of the most praised elements of this outing. Specific team members have been described as attentive, funny, helpful, and good at keeping drinks filled. Lacey and Sammy, Lacey and Brandon, Sammy and Sierra, Robyn and Cornelius, and other combinations have all been singled out on different days. Since the crew changes, book this for the format and route rather than expecting a particular person.

The real value of $250 per person

At $250, this is not a cheap sightseeing cruise. The price covers roughly eight hours on the water, the captain and first mate, snorkeling equipment, drinks, snacks, pizza, and several stops around St. John. It also saves you from separately arranging transportation, gear rental, and a boat route.

The value improves if you want all of those pieces in one day. A private charter or several separate activities could cost more, while a simple beach day will cost much less. The key question is how much you value Lime Out, two snorkels, onboard drinks, and the convenience of a planned route.

The extra lunch cost is the most important budget warning. You should set aside additional money for Lime Out rather than assuming the ticket includes everything you eat. If you are traveling with children or a larger family, that added meal cost can affect the overall total.

The group-size information also deserves a careful check. The main appeal is an intimate group limited to 12, but the additional booking information lists a maximum of 45. The boat described in one account as the Gorda Pirate was spacious, but that does not settle the actual size of every departure. Ask the operator how many people are booked on your date and which vessel will run the trip.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a full day that mixes sightseeing, swimming, food, and drinks without having to plan each piece yourself. It suits couples, families, and friends who are happy to share a boat and follow a set schedule.

It is also a strong choice for a group with different energy levels. You can snorkel, float, sunbathe, or remain on the boat while others swim. Children are welcome, and the crew supplies the basic snorkeling equipment.

You may want another option if you dislike group outings, do not drink, or want a quiet naturalist trip with constant commentary. The music, social atmosphere, and drink service are part of the appeal, but they may not suit everyone.

Strong swimmers should know that the snorkel stops are timed. People who prefer a long beach visit may also find the 45-minute Lovango stop short. On the other hand, the structured schedule helps you see several parts of St. John in one day instead of settling into a single bay.

Should you book the St. John circle tour?

Book it if your ideal island day includes two snorkels, a floating taco lunch, drinks, and broad coastal views. The combination is unusual, and the crew’s attentive service adds real value to a long day on the water.

Before paying, confirm the departure point, expected group size, vessel, and the likely extra cost of lunch. I would also check the weather forecast and remember that the booking is non-refundable unless the operator cancels for poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings.

If Lime Out is high on your wish list and you want to see St. John from the sea, this is a sensible one-day package. If the $250 price plus lunch feels steep, choose it only if you will make good use of the snorkeling, included drinks, pizza, and full island cruise.

FAQ

How long does the Circle the Island of St. John tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and begins at 9 a.m.

Where can I start the tour?

You can choose a departure from St. Thomas or St. John. Confirm the exact meeting point when booking.

Is lunch at Lime Out included?

No. Lunch at Lime Out is purchased separately, so bring cash or a credit card for additional purchases.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Beer, rum, mixers, juice, soda, and bottled water are available on board and included in the ticket price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for passengers.

Are there restrooms on the boat?

Yes. The boat has restrooms and private changing areas.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children are allowed, and the experience is described as a good option for children.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The itinerary may also change because of weather and sea conditions.