Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

The best part of Snorkel Cat is the mix of multiple reef stops and easygoing sailing. You get time in the water, food already handled, and wide views of St. Thomas and St. John from a yacht instead of trying to piece together separate snorkeling, lunch, and boat trips.

I like the included equipment and the generous food-and-drink setup, especially the cold soft drinks and rum-based Painkiller cocktails. I also like that the crew adjusts the plan when water conditions are poor. The main catch is transportation: you must reach Margaritaville Resort on your own, which can mean extra taxi cost and a cross-island ride.

Key points to know before you book

• Two planned snorkeling locations: Visit St. John National Park waters and a second reef near an uninhabited island.
• Food is part of the fare: Expect a light breakfast at boarding, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
• The crew shapes the day: Captains Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, and Tuna have all been noted for safety guidance and entertaining commentary.
• The first stop may not be perfect: Water clarity can vary, but the captain may allow more time at a better second location.
• Margaritaville is both start and finish: The boat returns to the same meeting point after roughly five hours.
• Plan for a sizable boat: The maximum group size is 70 people, so this is a social outing rather than a private charter.

Setting out from Margaritaville St. Thomas

Snorkel Cat starts at Margaritaville Resort, at 6080 Smith Bay Road in Frydendal. You make your own way there, check in, and board the yacht for a day on the water. The meeting information lists a 10:30 a.m. start, while the tour description also refers to arriving at 9:30 a.m. Because those times do not match, confirm the current boarding time before you leave your hotel or ship.

Once aboard, the day becomes simple. You do not need to arrange a separate snorkel rental, pack lunch, or stock a cooler. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and a light breakfast is served near boarding time.

That breakfast is not presented as a full restaurant meal. Think of it as a useful start to a long morning, with snacks available later as well. The point is convenience: you can get settled, listen to the crew, and enjoy the ride without worrying about finding food before the first water stop.

The boat trip itself is part of the attraction. You will see the green hills of the Virgin Islands from the water, with breezes and open Caribbean views along the route. The return sail is often described as a relaxed part of the afternoon, especially with a drink in hand.

The first snorkeling stop near St. John

The itinerary includes snorkeling in the waters around St. John National Park, along with nearby coral reefs. This is a strong reason to choose the trip over a basic beach rental. You get boat access to places that are not as easy to reach from shore, and the captain can choose a site based on conditions.

The water is often clear enough to see tropical fish and other marine life. Specific sightings reported on the trip include sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, barracuda, and nurse sharks. None of these animals can be promised on a given day, but the range gives you a fair idea of what may be living around the reefs.

The first stop is not always the best one. Water clarity can change with wind, currents, and recent weather. At least one outing found the first site murky, so Captain Shawn gave the group extra time at the second location. That flexibility matters more than a rigid promise to spend the same number of minutes at every stop.

If you are new to snorkeling, pay close attention to the crew before entering the water. The crew has been praised for helping first-time snorkelers feel safe, and Captain Danny has even helped a nervous child stay involved by offering a look at the captain’s station and explaining more about the boat.

The group setting has advantages and limits. You have crew nearby and other people around you, but you are not receiving private instruction. If you are anxious in the water, tell the crew early. They can give you a better sense of how to use the equipment and where to position yourself.

Lunch, drinks, and the easy middle of the day

After the first water session, lunch is served aboard. The meal is casual rather than fancy, but it is substantial enough to keep the day moving. Food described from the trip has included sandwich fixings such as lunch meats and cheese, shrimp, brownies, snacks, and a Caesar salad prepared by Shawn.

The exact menu may change, so do not book this as a gourmet food cruise. I see the lunch as a practical value: you can eat without leaving the boat, losing time in port, or paying for another meal ashore. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks are all included in the $175 price.

Soft drinks are free, and the alcohol selection includes beer, wine, and liquor. The Painkiller is a popular choice, and several people specifically singled it out as part of the fun. Keep an eye on your own pace, though. Alcohol and snorkeling are not an ideal combination when consumed heavily, so eat first and stay aware before returning to the water.

Music helps set the tone. The boat has been associated with pirate music and general island-style music, although the exact playlist can vary. If you prefer a quiet nature trip, this may feel lively. If you want a social boat day with conversation, drinks, and crew banter, the atmosphere should suit you better.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names connected with different departures include Captain Shawn, Captain Jake, Captain Danny Boy, Captain Tuna, Dawn, Matt, Kennedy, Amanda, Noel, and Stein. Since staffing can change, do not expect one particular captain unless the operator confirms it. What you can expect is a crew-led outing rather than an unstaffed boat transfer.

A second reef and an uninhabited island

The afternoon continues with a second snorkeling and swimming session near an uninhabited island. This stop gives the crew a chance to find different water conditions and lets you see another section of the reef instead of repeating the same view.

Many of the most memorable sightings have come at the later stops, including sharks and large amounts of tropical fish. One outing included a nurse shark, stingrays, turtles, and other sea life across several locations. Again, these are possibilities rather than guarantees, but changing sites improves your odds of seeing something different.

The published plan describes two main snorkeling spots. Some outings have included three remote locations, depending on the boat and conditions. Consider the two-stop plan the reliable expectation, and treat a third location as a possible variation rather than something to demand.

The uninhabited island setting also creates a different mood from the first reef. You get a swim break away from resort buildings and roads, with open water and undeveloped shoreline around you. There is no suggestion that you spend a long period ashore, so think of it primarily as a water stop, not an island walking tour.

Wind and waves can affect this part of the trip. One family noted choppy water and strong wind but still found the day enjoyable. That is a fair way to think about a boat excursion in the Virgin Islands: conditions are part of the outing, and the captain may need to adjust the route or timing.

Sailing back with St. Thomas in view

After the final swim, you return to the yacht for the ride back to Margaritaville. This is when the excursion shifts from active snorkeling to sightseeing and conversation. The views of St. Thomas, St. John, and the surrounding sea are a useful reminder that the boat is doing more than transporting you between reefs.

The return trip is also a good time to enjoy the included drinks and snacks, provided you are finished snorkeling. You can sit back, dry off, and listen to the crew or music as the boat heads toward the resort.

The excursion ends at the same meeting point where it begins. With a stated duration of about five hours, you should have much of the day left for dinner or another evening plan, though I would avoid scheduling anything with a tight connection. Boat timing can shift with sea conditions, group size, and the time needed at each site.

What $175 really gets you

At $175 per person, Snorkel Cat is not the cheapest way to get into the water. A basic beach day or short snorkeling trip can cost less. The comparison changes when you add the included meals, drinks, equipment, multiple boat-accessed sites, and roughly five hours aboard a yacht.

The price makes the most sense if you value an all-in-one day with little to organize. You do not have to rent fins and masks separately, find lunch, buy a cooler of drinks, or arrange a second boat after your first snorkel. For a full day on the water, those extras add up quickly.

The fare is less attractive if you do not drink alcohol, prefer a small group, or want long stretches of quiet snorkeling. With up to 70 people aboard, the mood can be social and busy. You are paying for the whole package, not just the time spent in the water.

Transportation is the extra cost to plan for. Private transportation is not included, and the resort is on the other side of St. Thomas for some visitors. One reported taxi estimate was $15 per person each way, but your actual fare can differ. If you are staying nearby, this matters less. If you are arriving from a cruise port or another side of the island, calculate the round-trip ride before deciding if the total price works for you.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend Snorkel Cat to families, couples, and groups of friends who want snorkeling combined with food, drinks, music, and scenery. It is particularly useful for a first snorkeling outing because equipment is provided and the crew offers guidance.

Families should know that the water portion is not a private lesson. A child who is nervous may need extra support, but the crew has shown a willingness to help people stay comfortable and involved. Parents should also keep track of how much alcohol they consume while supervising children and swimming.

The trip suits confident swimmers who want access to more than one reef, but it can also work for beginners who are willing to listen to instructions. If you are uncomfortable in open water, tell the crew before you enter. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information for every mobility need.

You may want a different outing if your priority is a very small group, a quiet sail, or a guaranteed animal sighting. You should also consider another plan if you dislike wind, boat motion, or changing water conditions. This is a real sea excursion, not a controlled aquarium visit.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a way to keep personal items secure. The supplied information confirms that snorkeling equipment is included, but it does not list towels, lockers, or hotel pickup, so ask the operator if you need any of those.

Bring cash for crew tips. Tipping is not listed as part of the fare, and the crew’s work includes safety guidance, serving food and drinks, helping with equipment, and adjusting the day when conditions change.

Use the mobile ticket and keep your booking confirmation available. The operator states that confirmation is provided at booking and that the activity is near public transportation, but you still need to reach the meeting point yourself.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum group size is not met.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, refunds are not provided and changes are not accepted. Since the start-time information includes both 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., confirm the final time and cancellation cut-off using the local time shown with your booking.

Should you book Snorkel Cat?

Book it if you want a full-service St. Thomas boat day rather than a bare-bones snorkeling transfer. The combination of two planned reef stops, St. John views, breakfast, lunch, snacks, equipment, and drinks gives the $175 price a reasonable case, especially for visitors who want one simple package.

I would book early if the date fits your plans, then confirm the boarding time and price your taxi ride. Go in expecting a social boat with up to 70 people, changing sea conditions, and a casual meal. If that sounds like your kind of Caribbean day, Snorkel Cat offers a lot of water time and very little planning work.

FAQ

Where does Snorkel Cat depart from?

The meeting point is Margaritaville Resort at 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Margaritaville Resort.

How long is the Snorkel Cat adventure?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

What time does the tour start?

The meeting information gives a 10:30 a.m. start, while the tour details also mention arriving at 9:30 a.m. Confirm the current boarding time before departure.

Is transportation included?

No. You must make your own way to Margaritaville Resort, and private transportation is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. A light breakfast is served at boarding, and lunch is included later in the trip. Snacks are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Free soda and alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, are included.

How many snorkeling stops are planned?

The tour description includes two snorkeling locations, including St. John National Park waters and a second area near an uninhabited island. The exact route may change with conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may result in a different date or a full refund.