Sail, Shop and Snorkel in St. John from Frenchman’s Reef

The best part of this outing is the mix: you get a boat ride, free time in Cruz Bay, and a snorkeling stop without having to plan separate bookings. I like that lunch is on your own, so you can choose your own pace and meal, and that the full bar opens after snorkeling for the sail home.

The main thing to consider is timing. Six hours sounds generous, but part of the day is spent sailing and walking around Cruz Bay, so this is not a long beach day or a dedicated snorkeling trip. Marine life can also be unpredictable, and one outing produced little to see underwater.

Key Points

• Two islands in one day: Depart from The Westin at Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas and visit Cruz Bay and Honeymoon Beach on St. John.
• A flexible Cruz Bay stop: Lunch, shopping, bars, and restaurants are all on your own, close to the dock.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Gear is provided for the stop at Honeymoon Beach, followed by beach time.
• Open bar after snorkeling: Alcoholic drinks are included for those 21 and older once the water portion is finished.
• Light bites are provided: Snacks help bridge the gap, but you should budget separately for lunch.
• A large catamaran outing: The maximum group size is 80, so expect a shared boat rather than a small private sail.

Sailing Out From Frenchman’s Reef

This six-hour trip begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa, at 5 Estate Bakkeroe. You board the Flying Frenchman, described as the newest catamaran in the fleet, and set course for St. John.

That departure point matters. You are not being collected at a random roadside meeting spot. The activity begins at a major resort, and public transportation is nearby. If you are staying elsewhere, parking is available for $10 per vehicle, but you need to buy the parking arrangement at the hotel front desk.

I like the morning start. It gives you time to reach Cruz Bay, enjoy a useful stop on land, and still have the snorkeling and return sail later in the day. You should arrive ready for a full outing, not a quick harbor cruise. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a government-issued ID if you want alcoholic drinks, and money for lunch and shopping.

The catamaran can carry up to 80 people. That is a fairly large group, and it helps explain the $129 price. You get a professionally arranged island day, sailing time, equipment, snacks, and drinks later, but you do not get the quiet, personal feel of a small charter.

Cruz Bay, St. John, on Your Own Time

The first stop is Cruz Bay, St. John’s main harbor community. The boat docks close to the town, so you can step ashore and start exploring without arranging a taxi or a long transfer.

This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because the time is not tightly programmed. You can wander through the shops, choose a restaurant, stop at a bar, or simply walk around and enjoy the waterfront. Lunch is not included, and that is both a cost and a benefit. You pay for only what you want, rather than being locked into a set meal.

I would treat this as a chance to get your bearings fast. Cruz Bay is a pleasant place for a short visit, but the schedule does not allow a full island tour. You will not be touring the whole of St. John by road, visiting inland sights, or spending the day at a national park site. The appeal here is the easy combination of town time and water time.

Set aside money for food, drinks, and purchases. The included snacks are useful, but they are called light bites for a reason. They are not a replacement for lunch, particularly if you plan to swim and spend several hours in the sun.

The free-time format also suits mixed groups. One person can shop while another looks for lunch, and nobody has to follow a guide through every store. On the other hand, you are responsible for returning to the boat on time. Keep an eye on the meeting instructions from the crew and do not wander too far from the dock.

Honeymoon Beach Snorkeling and Beach Time

After Cruz Bay, the boat heads to Honeymoon Beach for snorkeling and time on the beach. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing fins, masks, or other gear. The stop gives the day its main water activity, but it is important to set realistic expectations.

This is not a specialized marine-life expedition. Conditions, visibility, and animal activity can change from one day to the next. One person had little luck seeing aquatic life, while another first-time snorkeler saw several interesting creatures and found the experience exciting. That contrast tells you what to expect: the setting may be beautiful, but no operator can promise a particular fish, turtle, ray, or coral sighting.

If this is your first time snorkeling, the equipment and organized stop make the activity less intimidating. You can try the water without arranging a separate rental or boat trip. If you already snorkel often, you may find the stop fairly short compared with a dedicated snorkeling charter.

Beach time adds some choice. You can swim, use the provided equipment, or remain on shore. If you are not comfortable in the water, you are not forced to make snorkeling the center of the day. Still, the tour is built around this stop, so it is not the best match for someone who wants to stay completely dry.

Use the early part of the day to eat lightly and drink water. The full bar does not open until after snorkeling, a sensible rule that keeps the water activity separate from alcohol service. Plan on enjoying the included drinks only after you have finished swimming.

The Return Sail and Included Drinks

Once snorkeling is over, you reboard the catamaran and the full bar opens for the sail back to Frenchman’s Reef. This is a well-timed finish. You can settle into the boat after the active part of the afternoon, enjoy the sea views, and have a drink if you are at least 21.

A valid, government-issued ID is required for anyone over 21 who wants to use the open bar. Bring it even if your age is obvious. The bar is included only after snorkeling, so do not count on alcoholic drinks during the earlier part of the outing.

Light bites are included as well. They make the return ride more comfortable, particularly if you had an early breakfast or a modest lunch in Cruz Bay. Still, I would not book this expecting a catered meal. The tour includes snacks, not a full lunch or dinner.

Several of the strongest comments about the outing focus on the crew. The captains are described as attentive and informative, and the staff receives repeated praise for handling the day smoothly. That matters on a shared boat. Clear instructions, a friendly manner, and good timing can make a large-group excursion feel much easier.

The final sail is also where the value of the format becomes clear. You do not have to find your own ferry, rent snorkeling gear, locate a beach transfer, or arrange a separate ride back to St. Thomas. Everything returns to the original meeting point at The Westin.

What the $129 Price Really Covers

At $129 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach St. John. You could spend less by arranging transportation and activities separately, especially if you skip the bar and bring your own snorkeling gear.

The price becomes more reasonable when you value convenience. You receive:

• Sailing between St. Thomas and St. John
• The Cruz Bay stop
• Honeymoon Beach snorkeling and beach time
• Snorkeling equipment
• Light bites
• A full bar after snorkeling
• All listed fees and taxes

You still need to pay for gratuity, lunch, drinks or food in Cruz Bay, shopping, and parking if you are an outside customer at the hotel. Those extra costs can make the day more expensive than the headline price, so set a simple spending limit before you leave St. Thomas.

I see the best value for someone who wants variety. If your ideal day includes a boat ride, a little shopping, a casual meal, a beach stop, and drinks afterward, the package saves you planning time. If you want a long, quiet snorkeling session or a serious sailing lesson, your money may be better spent on a more focused charter.

The published score is 4.7 out of 5 from 18 ratings, with 94 percent recommending the experience. The praise centers on the crew, the balance between St. John and the water, and the enjoyable drinks on the way back. There is also a serious practical warning: one booking was canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice after schedule changes during the week. That appears to be an exception, but it is worth keeping in mind if your vacation schedule is tight.

Who Will Enjoy This St. John Day

I would recommend this outing to families and groups with different interests. Someone can shop in Cruz Bay, someone else can eat lunch, and everyone can reunite for snorkeling and the boat ride home. The crew’s friendly approach also helps first-time snorkelers feel more at ease.

It is a good fit for couples who want more than a beach resort day but less structure than a full sightseeing tour. You get a taste of St. John without committing to a long island drive or a complicated ferry plan.

The outing may also work well for cruise or resort customers who have one open day and want a simple plan. The fixed departure and return point make the day easier to manage than piecing together several independent activities.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group excursions. With room for up to 80 people, the boat may feel busy, especially during boarding, transitions, and equipment distribution. You should also think twice if shopping and town time do not interest you. Cruz Bay is a major part of the schedule, and the snorkeling stop is only one section of the day.

Finally, keep weather in mind. The experience requires good conditions. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Practical Advice Before You Go

Book only if you can keep your schedule flexible enough to handle a possible change. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

For food allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the operator at least 72 hours in advance. Alternative food items may be arranged, and extra costs may apply. Do not wait until boarding to explain a serious restriction.

Accessibility questions should be directed to the operator before booking. The available information says the office can provide specifics, but it does not describe the boat’s exact accessibility setup. That call is especially important if you need assistance with boarding, walking, or water access.

Bring a valid ID for the bar, payment for Cruz Bay, and a way to protect your phone and wallet around water. Since the trip includes both town walking and beach time, comfortable clothing and footwear are more useful than dressing for only one activity.

Most people can participate, but the experience includes sailing, walking around Cruz Bay, and snorkeling or beach time. If anyone in your group has physical concerns, ask the operator before reserving.

Should You Book the Flying Frenchman?

Book this tour if you want a well-rounded St. John sampler rather than a single-purpose boat trip. The strongest reasons are the easy dockside access to Cruz Bay, the included snorkeling gear, the friendly crew, and the open bar after the water activity.

Skip it if you want a long snorkeling session, a private boat, or a full meal included in the price. You should also leave room in your schedule in case weather or minimum numbers affect the departure.

For most families, couples, and first-time visitors who want to combine St. John with a comfortable day on the water, $129 is a fair price for the amount of planning it removes. Just budget for lunch, remember your ID, and treat the underwater wildlife as a bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa, 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, USVI.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at The Westin at Frenchman’s Reef, the original meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch in Cruz Bay is on your own, so you should bring payment for the food or drinks you choose.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

When is the open bar available?

The full open bar is available after snorkeling during the return sail. Alcoholic beverages are included for people age 21 and older, and a valid government-issued ID is required.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund. If weather or minimum numbers cause the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.