St. John Full-Day Lime Out Snorkel Taco Lunch & Open Bar – Westin

The main draw here is a very St. John combination: coral-reef snorkeling followed by tacos from a floating bar. You’ll start with breakfast, spend much of the day on the water, and finish with a downwind sail back toward Cruz Bay. It is part snorkel trip, part floating lunch party, and part carefree boat day.

I like the two snorkel stops, which give you more than one chance to see turtles, fish, and coral. I also like the easy all-inclusive setup: breakfast, loaner equipment, two tacos, and an open bar are covered in the $179 price. The catch is that the trip can be choppy, and snorkeling is not always the main event.

• Floating taco stop: Two Lime Out tacos per person are included, though Lime Out drinks cost extra.
• Two chances to snorkel: One morning reef stop and another stop after lunch.
• Breakfast on board: Expect items such as egg bites, croissants, donut holes, and fruit.
• Open bar after snorkeling: Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are included on the boat.
• Spacious catamaran: The boat holds up to 49 people, with room to sit, move, and dry off.
• Seven-hour outing: The 8:15 a.m. start gives you a full day on St. John’s south shore waters.

A Full Day From the Westin to Lime Out

This outing begins at 8:15 a.m. at the Westin St. John Resort Villas in Chocolate Hole, near Cruz Bay. It ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the harbor.

The timing matters. Seven hours is long enough to make the boat your main plan for the day, not just a quick snorkel between beach visits. You’ll want to protect the rest of the day from other commitments, especially if you plan to enjoy the open bar and take your time at the snorkel stops.

The boat is a catamaran, and the maximum group size is 49 people. That is not a private charter, but the boat has been described as clean, well maintained, and spacious enough for families and larger groups. One party of 12, including eight adults and four children, found there was plenty of room for everyone.

I would think of this as a social day on the water. You may meet other people, hear music during the longer rides, and have plenty of company while floating and eating. If you want a quiet, private sail with a flexible itinerary, this is not that kind of outing.

Breakfast Before the First Reef

Once you are under way, a freshly prepared continental breakfast is served. The food has included vegetarian egg bites, croissants, donut holes, and fruit. That is more useful than it may sound. A morning on the water, followed by swimming and sun, can leave you hungry well before lunch.

I recommend eating something even if you plan to drink later. One seven-hour outing can feel very long if you skip breakfast and rely only on the two tacos served at lunch. Bringing extra snacks is also sensible, particularly if you have a large appetite or plan to drink from the open bar.

The breakfast is not a full restaurant meal, so set your expectations properly. It is a light, practical start rather than a reason to book the trip. The real value comes from combining breakfast with the water time, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks.

The First Snorkel Stop Around St. John

The morning continues along St. John’s south shore, where the crew selects one of the coral reefs surrounding the island. Exact locations can change with sea conditions, and the trip description does not promise a particular reef every day.

At the stop, loaner snorkeling equipment is provided. You can expect to see fish and coral, and turtles are possible. Some outings have produced sightings of two turtles and plenty of fish, while another had less luck with marine life. That difference is normal in reef snorkeling, where visibility, water movement, weather, and animal behavior all matter.

The crew has been particularly helpful with equipment, drinks, and safety. Still, you should be comfortable entering and exiting the water from a boat. Stronger swells can make the ladder more difficult, especially for older swimmers or anyone who feels unsure in open water.

This is also where seasickness can become an issue. The route can be choppy, and one itinerary had rough water that reduced the quality of snorkeling. If you know you get motion sick, take your usual precautions before departure. Sinus congestion, heat, sun, and alcohol can make the problem worse.

Lime Out and the Two-Taco Lunch

After the first swim, the boat heads to Lime Out, the Virgin Islands’ floating taco bar. This is the outing’s signature stop, and it gives the day a distinctly St. John feel. You get to eat lunch on the boat or while floating in the clear water near the taco bar.

The package includes two tacos per person. The tacos have received some of the strongest praise connected with this trip, and many people consider them a highlight. Food quality can always be personal, but this is not a token boxed lunch. Lime Out is a major reason to choose this particular cruise instead of a standard snorkel sail.

One practical detail deserves attention: the tacos may be brought to your boat rather than served on Lime Out’s limited floating seating. That arrangement makes sense when the taco bar is crowded, but it may surprise you if you picture yourself sitting at the bar for a long lunch.

You can still swim up to the bar for a craft cocktail when current health and safety rules allow. Lime Out beverages are not included, so bring a credit card if you want a drink, shirt, or other purchase there. The boat’s open bar is separate and becomes available after snorkeling.

The water around Lime Out is part of the fun, but large swells can make swimming to the floating bar uncomfortable or intimidating. If conditions are rough, stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s guidance. You do not need to force the swim-up experience to enjoy the lunch.

Afternoon Snorkeling and Floating Time

After lunch, the itinerary includes another stop for snorkeling, floating, and relaxing. This second water break is useful because it gives you a chance to swim after eating and spreads the activity across the full day.

Some outings have used locations such as Lamshur, with plenty of fish and good snorkeling. But conditions vary. One particularly choppy day made both the snorkeling and getting in and out of the water more difficult, while another produced excellent reef stops. The crew can choose among locations, but no boat operator can guarantee calm water or a specific animal sighting.

The trip works best when you enjoy the whole package rather than treating it as a serious wildlife expedition. If seeing coral and fish is your only goal, a shorter snorkeling trip may give you more focused water time. Here, lunch, drinks, music, views, and sailing take up a large part of the day.

You can also use this stop simply to float and lounge. That makes the outing more family-friendly than a nonstop swim program. Children and adults who want a break from snorkeling can enjoy the boat and water without needing to race from one activity to the next.

Sailing Home With a Drink in Hand

The return is described as a leisurely downwind sail. Weather determines whether sailing is possible, so the boat may use its motor when conditions do not cooperate. On a good day, this is a pleasant final stretch, with views of St. John and time to enjoy the open bar.

Alcoholic drinks are included after snorkeling. This is an important value point, since a full day of drinks can quickly add up at a resort or beach bar. The crew has been praised for keeping beverages available and for offering attentive service throughout the day.

The open bar also creates a responsibility. If you are drinking, pace yourself, drink water, and remember that you still have to manage ladders, swims, sun, and boat movement. A drink is most enjoyable after you have finished the active part of the day, not before a rough-water snorkel.

Music helps fill the transit portions, and the atmosphere can be lively without being a formal party cruise. I would choose this for a relaxed social day, not for a silent nature tour.

What the $179 Price Really Covers

At $179 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use most of what is included. The package covers:

• Fresh continental breakfast
• Two Lime Out tacos
• Alcoholic beverages after snorkeling
• Snorkeling equipment
• All fees and taxes
• About seven hours on the water

That is a strong bundle. You are paying for a full day rather than a short boat ride, and you avoid separate charges for equipment, breakfast, lunch, and most drinks. The value improves if you would otherwise spend money on a resort breakfast, snorkel rental, lunch, and afternoon beverages.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, dislike group boating, or mainly want premium snorkeling. The trip is built around Lime Out and the full boat-day atmosphere. You are not paying only for time with your mask in the water.

Gratuity is not included. Bring cash for a tip, and consider the crew’s work in handling equipment, serving breakfast and drinks, helping people into the water, and keeping the day on schedule. Lime Out purchases are also extra.

Crew Service and Boat Comfort

The crew is one of the most consistent strengths of this experience. Captains and crew members named in recent outings include Erin, Chris, Trent, Brenden, Riley, Izzy, Sam, Nick, Matt, Ryan, and Danny. Specific personnel can change, but the operating style is clear: the crew helps with snorkeling, answers questions, serves drinks, and pays close attention to safety.

That matters on a seven-hour boat trip. A crew that is friendly but inattentive can make a long day feel awkward. Here, the service helps the different parts of the outing fit together, from breakfast to snorkeling to lunch and the sail home.

The catamaran has enough space for people to spread out, though it is still a shared boat with up to 49 people. Towels have been supplied, but I would still bring a change of dry clothes. Wet swimwear becomes uncomfortable during the ride home, and a dry layer also helps if the wind picks up.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and any needed seasickness medication. The sun is strong, and the combination of sun, wind, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. A waterproof phone pouch is also practical, though it is not listed as provided.

Weather, Water Conditions, and Who Should Book

This outing requires good weather, and sailing depends on conditions. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund, but even a trip that runs can have choppy water. You should be ready for an active marine setting, not a guaranteed calm-water day.

Most people can participate, but accessibility questions should be directed to the operator before booking. The main physical demands are boarding the catamaran, using the water ladder, swimming or floating near the boat, and managing boat movement.

I think this suits you best if you want:

• A full day rather than a short excursion
• A mix of snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and sailing
• A social boat atmosphere
• A comfortable way to visit Lime Out
• A trip suitable for a family group with adults and children
• The convenience of included equipment and food

I would hesitate if you want a private charter, a quiet wildlife trip, or guaranteed calm water. I would also reconsider if anyone in your group has serious seasickness concerns or trouble using a boat ladder. The crew can help, but rough conditions can still be stressful.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the 8:15 a.m. start time. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather or too few bookings.

Should You Book the Lime Out Snorkel Sail?

I would book this if you want the classic St. John boat day in one package: reef snorkeling, floating tacos, music, drinks, and a sail past the island’s coast. The two snorkel stops give the day real water time, while Lime Out keeps it from feeling like a standard reef excursion.

I would not book it solely for snorkeling. Marine life and visibility vary, and rough seas can limit the quality of both swimming and sailing. Choose it for the balance of activities, the included food and bar, and the chance to spend seven hours outside.

At $179, the value is strongest for a full-day visitor who will eat breakfast, use the snorkel gear, enjoy the two tacos, and have drinks on board. Bring sunscreen, a change of clothes, cash for gratuity, and a plan for seasickness. If that sounds like your ideal St. John day, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the Lime Out snorkel cruise start?

The cruise starts and ends at The Westin St. John Resort Villas, 300B Chocolate Hole Road, Great Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI.

What time does the experience begin?

The listed start time is 8:15 a.m., and the activity lasts approximately seven hours.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. A freshly prepared continental breakfast is included. Items served have included egg bites, croissants, donut holes, and fruit.

How many tacos are included?

Each person receives a two-taco lunch from Lime Out. Lime Out beverages are not included.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes. A full open bar with alcoholic beverages is included after snorkeling. Gratuity is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Loaner snorkeling equipment is included. Weather and water conditions determine the quality and location of the snorkel stops, and sailing may not be possible in unsuitable conditions.