Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

Snorkel Cat turns a simple beach outing into a full day on the water, with two snorkel stops, meals, drinks, and island views folded into one five-hour trip. You board near Margaritaville Resort, cruise toward St. John, and spend the day moving between reef sites rather than sitting in one crowded cove.

I like the easy all-inclusive setup: breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, and snorkel gear are covered. I also like the crew’s flexible approach. When the first stop was murky, Captain Shawn gave the group extra time at the second site, where they saw sharks and many fish.

The main drawback is getting to the dock yourself. The meeting point is on the east side of St. Thomas, and one family paid about $15 per person each way for transport. Also, the supplied details show both a 9:30am arrival and a 10:30am start, so confirm your exact check-in time before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• Two main snorkeling areas: Expect a stop near St. John National Park and another near an uninhabited island or nearby reef.
• Meals are part of the day: A light breakfast comes at boarding, followed by lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
• Marine life can be excellent: Sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, barracuda, nurse sharks, and tropical fish have all been spotted.
• The crew shapes the experience: Captains and crew members including Shawn, Danny Boy, Tuna, Jake, Kennedy, Dawn, Matt, Noel, and Amanda are praised for safety, good humor, and help in the water.
• Plan your own ride: There is no private transportation included, and the dock is at 6080 Smith Bay Road near Margaritaville Resort.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, with a date change or full refund offered.

What your five hours on Snorkel Cat look like

The day begins at the Margaritaville Resort meeting point in the Smith Bay area of St. Thomas. The supplied information gives a 9:30am arrival time in the itinerary and a 10:30am start time in the meeting details. I would not guess at this one. Check the confirmation carefully, then allow extra time for island traffic and finding the dock.

Once aboard, the crew gets you settled and provides the snorkeling equipment. A light breakfast is served at boarding, which is useful if you have an early hotel start or do not want to search for food before reaching the marina.

The yacht then heads across the bright Caribbean water toward the snorkeling areas. The cruise itself is part of the appeal. You get changing views of St. Thomas and nearby islands, along with a cool breeze and time to settle into the rhythm of the boat before getting wet.

This is not a quick transfer to one reef. The crew plans the day around multiple water stops, giving you a better chance of finding clear conditions and interesting sea life. The exact locations can change with weather and water conditions, which is a benefit on a snorkeling trip. A beautiful reef is not much use if visibility is poor.

The first stop near St. John National Park

The first snorkeling area is described as being around St. John National Park and nearby coral reefs. St. John is known for clear Caribbean water and protected coastal scenery, so this portion gives you both an underwater activity and a front-row view of the islands.

You receive the equipment on board, then enter the water for a guided or crew-supported snorkeling session. The crew’s role matters here, especially if you are new to snorkeling. The staff has helped first-time snorkelers feel safer, and Captain Danny once helped a nervous young snorkeler enjoy the day in a different way by letting her sit in the captain’s seat and learn about the boat.

Conditions are not guaranteed to be perfect. One first stop was described as murky, while another outing had choppy water and strong wind. That is normal for an open-water trip, but it is worth knowing before you book. Snorkel Cat’s advantage is the ability to give more attention to a better second location when the first one is not at its best.

The reported sea life across the outing includes tropical fish, stingrays, starfish, eels, jellyfish, sea turtles, barracuda, and nurse sharks. Shark sightings are never promised, and you should not book on the assumption that you will see one. Still, the range of sightings suggests that the reefs can offer plenty to look for beyond a few colorful fish.

Lunch, painkillers, and time to relax

After the first water session, the yacht becomes a floating lunch table. Lunch is included, along with snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks. The food is not presented as formal dining, and one useful description called it simple but good.

The food examples provide a clearer picture: sandwiches made with lunch meats and cheese, shrimp, brownies, snacks, and a Caesar salad prepared by Shawn. A light breakfast is served earlier, so you are not relying on lunch alone to get you through the morning.

This is where the $175 price begins to make more sense. You are not paying only for a boat ride and a place to borrow fins. The fare includes a half-day on the water, equipment, two meals, snacks, and an open selection of nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Add the cost of a separate boat trip, rental gear, lunch, and beverages, and the package can be a fair deal for someone who plans to spend the day snorkeling anyway.

The famous local-style Painkiller drinks receive plenty of attention, but pace yourself. Alcohol and hot sun are a poor mix if you forget water or drink too quickly. Soft drinks are included, and you can choose a slower afternoon without treating the bar as the main attraction.

Music is part of the mood. The crew uses upbeat music and pirate-themed selections, though one person wanted more island-style music. If you want a quiet nature trip, this may feel lively. If you enjoy a social boat with drinks and a soundtrack, it should fit better.

The second snorkel and uninhabited island stop

The second water session takes place near an uninhabited island or another remote reef area. This stop is often the stronger part of the day because the crew can adjust the plan after seeing the morning conditions.

The setting also changes the feel of the outing. Instead of snorkeling near a busy resort beach, you are visiting a quieter piece of the island chain, then swimming in open Caribbean water before returning to the boat. The phrase remote should not be read as a promise of complete solitude, since the boat can carry up to 70 people and other boats may be in the area. It does mean the experience is built around reaching places you would not easily visit on foot.

The marine life can be varied. You might find turtles, rays, fish, starfish, eels, or jellyfish, depending on the site and conditions. The crew can point out what you are seeing and help with basic snorkeling technique. That assistance is useful for families and first-timers, not just experienced swimmers.

If you are not comfortable in the water, this portion deserves some thought before booking. The tour is designed around snorkeling and swimming, and the information says most people can participate, but it does not describe a separate shallow-water program or guaranteed flotation support. Ask the operator about your needs before you reserve.

The sail back to Margaritaville

The return trip is not simply dead time. Once the water sessions and lunch are finished, you can stay on deck, enjoy the views, and watch the islands pass by. The sail back has been described as a calm finish, especially with a drink in hand and the green hills of St. Thomas and St. John spread around the boat.

The crew remains part of the entertainment. Names that come up in connection with the trip include Captain Shawn, Captain Danny Boy, Captain Tuna, Captain Jake, Captain Christian, Kennedy, Dawn, Matt, Noel, Stein, and Amanda. Crew assignments can change, so do not expect a particular person unless the operator confirms it. The consistent pattern is a friendly, playful team that keeps the boat moving and helps people feel at ease.

The boat returns to the original meeting point. That makes the day simple once you arrive, but you still need to arrange your own ride back to your hotel, cruise port, or other base.

How good is the value at $175?

At $175 per person, Snorkel Cat is not the cheapest way to get into the water. It is a package for people who want the boat, food, drinks, equipment, and social atmosphere handled in one booking.

The value is strongest if you will use most of what is included. A person who wants breakfast, lunch, several drinks, two snorkel sessions, and a scenic boat ride may find the price reasonable. It is also useful for families because you do not need to organize a separate equipment rental and lunch stop.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike group boats, or mainly want a quiet hour at one beach. Alcohol is included, but you are not required to drink. Still, the music, crew interaction, and open bar create a festive setting rather than a private, hushed nature outing.

The maximum group size is 70. That is a substantial number, so you should expect a shared excursion rather than a small private charter. The yacht format gives you room to move around, but the snorkeling water can feel busy when everyone enters at once.

Transportation is the extra cost to put into your budget. Private transportation is not included, and the meeting point is at 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas, near public transportation. One reported ride cost about $15 per person each way. Your actual fare will depend on where you are staying and the vehicle you use.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend Snorkel Cat to families, couples, and groups of friends who want a full-service day on the water. First-time snorkelers can benefit from the equipment and crew support, while confident swimmers get two chances to explore different sites.

It also suits people who like a social outing. Music, drinks, jokes, and an attentive crew are central to the experience. You can spend part of the day in the water and part of it talking, eating, and watching the coast.

This may not be your best choice if you want a small private charter, a quiet sailing trip, or a tightly controlled schedule. Water clarity and wind can change, and the first site may not deliver the best conditions. The flexible plan helps, but nature still gets the final word.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and cash for crew tips. The fare includes the core equipment and food, but the information does not say that personal hotel transfers or gratuities are included. Tipping is not listed as part of the price, yet the crew’s hands-on service makes cash a practical thing to carry.

Booking details and cancellation rules

Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted. The experience lasts about five hours and ends where it begins. The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. Again, confirm the meeting time because the supplied details list both 9:30am and 10:30am.

Should you book Snorkel Cat?

Book it if you want St. Thomas snorkeling packaged with meals, drinks, gear, island scenery, and a crew that keeps the mood light. The strongest reasons are the chance to try more than one site, the possibility of seeing a wide range of sea life, and the sensible backup of moving on when water conditions are poor.

Think twice if you need hotel pickup, prefer a small boat, or dislike music and a party-boat atmosphere. For everyone else, $175 is a reasonable price for a five-hour, all-inclusive outing, provided you budget for transportation and arrive ready for changing wind and water.

FAQ

Where does Snorkel Cat depart from?

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

What time does the tour start?

The meeting information lists a 10:30am start, while the itinerary says to make your way to Margaritaville at 9:30am. Confirm the exact check-in time on your booking confirmation.

How long does the experience last?

The snorkeling adventure lasts about five hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

Are snorkeling supplies included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

Are food and drinks included?

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

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The planned experience includes two snorkel and swim areas, including a location near St. John National Park and a second stop near an uninhabited island or nearby reef.

Is transportation included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and private transportation is not included.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you can select another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.