The Virgin Islands National Park offers visitors a rare chance to experience the natural beauty of the Caribbean by sea. The full-day sailing tour departing from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, promises an intimate adventure like no other. With a maximum of six travelers, this personalized excursion combines snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, a visit to the secluded Caneel Bay, and a delectable Mediterranean-style lunch. Renowned for its exceptional crew service and vibrant marine life encounters, the tour caters to families, novice snorkelers, and sailing enthusiasts alike. For those seeking a truly unforgettable day on the water, this captivating experience may just be the perfect fit.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In St Thomas.

Key Points

  • This full-day sailing tour departs from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St Thomas and explores the protected waters of Virgin Islands National Park.
  • The tour offers a maximum group size of 6 travelers for an intimate experience, with activities including snorkeling, visiting Caneel Bay, and a Mediterranean-style lunch.
  • Guests can expect high-quality food, such as Mediterranean orzo salad and organic grilled chicken, as well as alcoholic beverages available onboard.
  • The tour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating from 39 reviews, with guests highlighting snorkeling encounters with turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish, along with the convivial onboard atmosphere.
  • The crew is noted for their exceptional knowledge, friendly demeanor, and personalized attention, tailoring the itinerary to suit individual preferences and interests.

Tour Overview

The full-day sailing tour in Virgin Islands National Park departs from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St Thomas, with a maximum group size of 6 travelers.

The tour starts at 9:15 am and lasts the entire day, providing a comprehensive exploration of the protected waters and pristine beaches within the national park.

Priced from €248.64, the tour includes a variety of activities such as snorkeling, visiting the secluded Caneel Bay, and enjoying a Mediterranean-style lunch with grilled chicken and alcoholic beverages onboard.

The tour also has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts without any penalty.

Activities and Inclusions

Sailing through the protected waters of Virgin Islands National Park forms the centerpiece of this comprehensive excursion, complemented by ample opportunities for snorkeling at pristine beaches with provided equipment. Guests will have the chance to visit the secluded Caneel Bay, accessible only by water, and indulge in a delectable Mediterranean Orzo Salad and Organic Grilled Chicken for lunch. To enhance the experience, the tour includes alcoholic beverages onboard. The crew is praised for their exceptional knowledge, friendliness, and ability to customize experiences for each group. With a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour offers a personalized and memorable sailing adventure in the stunning Virgin Islands.

Activity Description Included
Sailing Explore the protected waters of the Virgin Islands National Park Yes
Snorkeling Discover the vibrant marine life at pristine beaches Yes
Caneel Bay Visit the secluded beach accessible only by water Yes
Lunch Enjoy a Mediterranean Orzo Salad and Organic Grilled Chicken Yes
Beverages Alcoholic beverages available onboard Yes
Small Group Maximum of 6 travelers for a personalized experience Yes

Customer Reviews and Experiences

With a perfect 5.0 rating across 39 reviews, guests consistently rave about the exceptional crew, whose professionalism and attentiveness elevate the overall sailing experience.

Highlights include snorkeling encounters with turtles, stingrays, and vibrant tropical fish, as well as the personal connections guests make with crew members like Captain Aaron, KC, and Matt.

Guests consistently praise the high-quality food, such as the Mediterranean orzo salad and organic grilled chicken, and the convivial onboard atmosphere.

Many express a desire to book the tour again during future visits, underscoring its appeal for first-time snorkelers and sailing enthusiasts alike seeking a truly customized and memorable experience.

Crew and Service Quality

Crew members are consistently praised for their exceptional knowledge and friendly demeanor, with guests highlighting the personalized attention and small group dynamics that enhance the overall sailing experience.

The captains and first mates are noted for their ability to customize each tour, ensuring that every guest feels valued and catered to. Specific crew members, such as Captain Aaron, KC, and Matt, are frequently mentioned in positive reviews, with guests appreciating their expertise and the ways they enrich the sailing adventure.

Key aspects of the crew’s excellent service include:

  • Vast local knowledge of the Virgin Islands National Park

  • Tailoring the itinerary to suit individual preferences

  • Enthusiastic sharing of information about marine life and history

  • Attentiveness to guest comfort and safety

  • Fostering a convivial and relaxed atmosphere onboard

Pricing and Booking

The full-day sailing tour is priced at a reasonable €248.64, making it accessible for a range of travelers.

Guests have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours prior to the experience without incurring any fees, ensuring a hassle-free planning process.

The tour’s pricing is in line with the high-quality experience it provides, which includes sailing through the protected waters of the Virgin Islands National Park, snorkeling at pristine beaches, and enjoying a delicious Mediterranean lunch.

With a maximum group size of 6 travelers, the tour offers a personalized and intimate adventure.

Gratuities for the knowledgeable and friendly crew are recommended at 15-20% of the charter cost.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Guests meet at the American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St Thomas, which serves as the departure point for the full-day sailing tour. The tour begins promptly at 9:15 am, so it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early. The group size is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

From the harbor, the sailing vessel will depart and navigate through the protected waters of the Virgin Islands National Park. The meeting point is easily accessible, with ample parking available nearby. Throughout the day, the crew will provide transportation, equipment, and guidance to ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure.

Key logistics:

  • Meeting point: American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook, St Thomas

  • Start time: 9:15 am

  • Group size: Maximum 6 travelers

  • Transportation: Provided from meeting point

  • Equipment: Snorkeling gear included

Gear and Packing Tips

To make the most of the sailing tour, visitors should pack a few key items. Sunscreen, preferably non-spray, is essential to protect against the Caribbean sun. Plus, bringing a towel can ensure comfort during snorkeling and relaxation on the boat. Guests may also want to consider packing the following:

Item Recommendation
Water Bottle Stay hydrated throughout the day
Camera Capture stunning views and wildlife
Cash/Small Bills For gratuities and additional purchases
Lightweight Clothing Breathable fabrics for the warm weather

Following these simple packing tips will help guests be prepared and fully enjoy the full-day sailing adventure in the Virgin Islands National Park.

Recommended Audience

This full-day sailing tour appeals to a wide range of adventure-seekers, from first-time snorkelers to seasoned sailing enthusiasts. Families and individuals alike can enjoy the personalized experience offered by the small group size, with knowledgeable crew members catering to guests’ interests and comfort levels.

The tour is highly recommended for:

  • Families looking for a unique and memorable day out on the water.

  • Novice snorkelers who want to explore the vibrant marine life of the Virgin Islands.

  • Sailing enthusiasts seeking a personal, immersive experience beyond typical group tours.

  • Travelers seeking a more intimate, customizable excursion compared to larger boat tours.

  • First-time visitors to the Virgin Islands who want to discover the natural beauty of the National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Guests can generally bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, but the tour operator may provide a full meal and alcoholic beverages as part of the experience. It’s best to check the tour details before your trip.

Is There an Option to Charter the Boat Privately?

Yes, the tour offers a private charter option. Guests can book the entire boat for their exclusive use, allowing for a more personalized and flexible sailing experience. Private charters are subject to availability and additional fees.

What Is the Dress Code for the Sailing Tour?

The dress code for the sailing tour is casual and relaxed. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and shoes that can get wet. Swimsuits, sun hats, and sunglasses are recommended to fully enjoy the water activities.

Do You Provide Life Jackets for Non-Swimmers?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all passengers, including non-swimmers. The tour operator takes safety seriously and ensures everyone has the necessary equipment for a comfortable and secure excursion, regardless of swimming ability.

Can I Request a Specific Crew Member for My Tour?

Yes, you can request a specific crew member for your tour. The tour company accommodates such requests whenever possible, as guests often enjoy the personal connection and customized experience offered by working with a preferred crew member.

Recap

The full-day sailing tour in Virgin Islands National Park offers an unforgettable experience for families, snorkelers, and sailing enthusiasts.

With a focus on personalized service, guests can expect vibrant marine life encounters, a visit to Caneel Bay, and a delicious Mediterranean-style lunch – all while enjoying the exceptional expertise of the tour’s crew.

This intimate adventure is a must-consider for those seeking a unique day on the water in this stunning Caribbean destination.