Half Day Sail and Snorkel With the Turtles

Set out on a half-day adventure and discover the stunning waters around Buck Island. This sail and snorkel tour offers an unforgettable experience, with the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and spot graceful sea turtles. Priced from $140, the tour includes snorkeling gear, an open bar, and light snacks, ensuring a delightful day at sea. With a maximum of 25 travelers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from the highly praised crew. Though the itinerary promises plenty of excitement, the true highlight may lie in the unexpected moments that this unique excursion has in store.

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

Key Points

• This half-day sail and snorkel tour offers the opportunity to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat around Buck Island.
• The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, an open bar, and light snacks, providing a comprehensive experience.
• The 5.0-rated tour is led by experienced crew members, Captain Mike and First Mate Nikki, who prioritize safety and provide expert guidance.
• Guests can expect to see turtles feeding, resting, or surfacing during the snorkeling portion, which is the highlight of the tour.
• The tour departs from the Yacht Haven Grande Marina in Charlotte Amalie and returns to the same location, offering convenient transportation and parking.

Tour Overview and Details

The half-day sail and snorkel experience offers travelers a chance to explore the waters around St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, with a focus on observing the local turtles.

Rated 5.0 out of 265 reviews, this tour provides a half-day of sailing, snorkeling at Buck Island, and turtle watching.

Priced from $140, the tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, an open bar, light snacks, and a knowledgeable local guide.

Guests must meet at the R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande Marina and arrive 15 minutes before departure. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

Key considerations include the 7-foot vertical ladder to enter and exit the water, and the maximum capacity of 25 travelers.

Inclusions

This tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, allowing guests to explore the underwater world at Buck Island.

A fresh-water shower on board provides a chance to rinse off after snorkeling. An open bar with rum punch, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks keeps travelers refreshed throughout the experience. Light snacks and bottled water are also provided.

Travelers benefit from the knowledge and guidance of a local expert who leads the tour. All fees and taxes are covered, and the industry-standard 20% gratuity is included as well.

This comprehensive set of inclusions ensures a seamless and enjoyable sailing and snorkeling adventure for guests.

Meeting and End Points

Travelers meet at the R Bar, located within the Yacht Haven Grande Marina in Charlotte Amalie, and must arrive 15 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure.

Once on board, the tour returns to this same meeting point at the end of the experience. The meeting and end points are convenient, as the marina provides ample parking and easy access to the tour’s departure.

The tour’s schedule is as follows:

1. Arrive 15 minutes early at the R Bar

2. Board the boat and depart from Yacht Haven Grande Marina

3. Sail, snorkel, and spot turtles throughout the half-day tour

4. Return to the original meeting point at the R Bar to conclude the experience

Health and Safety Information

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions, such as heart problems or back issues.

Participants must be able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder to enter and exit the water. Infants are permitted but must sit on laps during the tour.

Restrooms are available on board, and the maximum capacity is 25 travelers.

It’s important to note that safety is a top priority, and the crew will provide guidance and assistance throughout the experience.

Guests should feel confident in their ability to participate in the tour’s activities, as the crew is dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure for all.

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

Overwhelmingly, guests praise the tour’s crew, particularly Captain Mike and First Mate Nikki, for their expertise and attentiveness.

Travelers consistently highlight several aspects of the experience:

1. Awe-inspiring turtle sightings during the snorkeling portion of the tour.

2. The enjoyment of sailing and taking in the beautiful scenery of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

3. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere fostered by the crew.

4. The refreshing rum punch and light snacks provided.

While the number of turtle encounters can vary, the overall satisfaction with the tour remains high.

Guests appreciate the crew’s knowledge and their efforts to ensure everyone has a memorable and enjoyable time on the water.

Sail and Snorkel Highlights

On the half-day sail and snorkel tour, guests can expect to be enchanted by the sight of majestic sea turtles gliding gracefully through the clear, turquoise waters surrounding Buck Island.

As the boat gently sails across the Caribbean Sea, the crew will guide snorkelers to the best spots for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The underwater experience is truly breathtaking, with the turtles peacefully feeding or resting on the reef.

Back on board, guests can relax with a refreshing rum punch and enjoy the beautiful scenery as the boat sails back to the marina.

The sail and snorkel highlight is an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

Turtle Watching Opportunities

Gracefully swimming amongst the vibrant coral reef, the sea turtles captivate guests with their serene movements and gentle nature during the snorkel portion of the tour. The crew’s expert guidance ensures guests maximize their chances of spotting these majestic creatures.

Some of the key turtle watching highlights include:

1. Witnessing the turtles’ effortless glide through the crystal-clear waters as they forage for food.

2. Observing the turtles’ natural behaviors, such as surfacing to breathe and interacting with other marine life.

3. Appreciating the turtles’ ancient lineage and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

4. Capturing unforgettable photographs and video memories of the turtles in their natural habitat.

The Crew and Hospitality

The crew’s attentive service and welcoming demeanor contribute immensely to the overall enjoyment of the tour, as evidenced by the positive reviews.

Guests consistently praise the expertise and friendliness of Captain Mike and First Mate Nikki, who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience.

The crew’s thorough knowledge of the area and the marine life enhances the informative aspect of the tour, while their genuine hospitality creates a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Travelers appreciate the crew’s responsiveness to their needs, whether it’s ensuring proper fit of snorkel gear or mixing the perfect rum punch.

The crew’s dedication to providing outstanding service is a key factor in the tour’s impressive 5.0 rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

According to the tour details, guests can bring their own snorkel gear. However, the tour does provide snorkeling equipment for guests to use. Bringing one’s own gear is an option, but not a requirement to participate in the snorkeling activity.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, but infants must sit on laps during the trip. Guests should consider the physical demands of the tour, as it requires climbing a 7-foot vertical ladder to enter and exit the water.

Are Lifejackets Provided for the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, lifejackets are provided to all participants for the duration of the tour. The tour operator ensures the safety of guests by requiring the use of lifejackets throughout the sailing and snorkeling activities.

Can I Store Belongings on the Boat During the Tour?

Yes, guests can store their belongings on the boat during the tour. The tour provides a secure storage area where travelers can keep their personal items safe while participating in the sailing and snorkeling activities.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Alcoholic Drinks?

The tour includes an open bar, offering unlimited rum punch, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. However, guests are encouraged to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation for their safety and enjoyment during the tour.

Recap

The Half Day Sail and Snorkel with the Turtles offers an unforgettable experience on the stunning waters around Buck Island.

With snorkeling gear, open bar, and light snacks included, guests can explore vibrant coral reefs, spot graceful sea turtles, and create lasting memories in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The highly praised crew, including Captain Mike and First Mate Nikki, provide personalized attention to ensure a delightful day at sea.