Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

The main draw here is simple: you get a full day on the water without having to organize much yourself. Snorkel Cat visits two locations around St. John and nearby reefs, then feeds you breakfast and lunch while the crew keeps soft drinks and alcohol flowing.

I like the combination of varied snorkeling and a proper sailing day. You may see turtles, rays, eels, starfish, nurse sharks, barracuda, jellyfish, and plenty of reef fish. I also like the crew’s flexible approach. When the first stop was murky for one group, Captain Shawn gave them more time at the second site.

The main catch is transportation: you must make your own way to Margaritaville Resort, and the marina is on the other side of St. Thomas for some visitors. Also, the published information gives both 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. as start times, so confirm the exact check-in time before setting out.

Key points to know before you book

• Two planned snorkeling stops: Expect water time near St. John National Park and at a nearby uninhabited island, with the exact sites shaped by sea and weather conditions.
• Meals are part of the fare: A light breakfast is served at boarding, followed by lunch and snacks during the trip.
• Drinks are included: Soft drinks, beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks such as Painkillers are available on board.
• A crew-led outing: Captains and crew members including Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, Tuna, Dawn, Matt, Amanda, Noel, and Kennedy have been praised for safety help and a cheerful atmosphere.
• Plan your own transportation: Private transportation is not included, and the meeting point is at Margaritaville Resort in the Frydendal area.
• A large but limited group: The boat can carry up to 70 people, so this is a social yacht outing rather than a private charter.

A five-hour yacht day from Margaritaville

Snorkel Cat begins at the Margaritaville Resort meeting point at 6080 Smith Bay Road in Frydendal, St. Thomas. The supplied details list a 10:30 a.m. start, while the itinerary says to make your way there at 9:30 a.m., so I would treat the time as something to verify directly when you book.

Once aboard, the outing moves quickly into scenic sailing. You will see the blue water open up around St. Thomas and St. John, with green island hills rising from the sea. Several people especially enjoyed the ride itself, not just the time with a mask and fins in the water.

This is an important distinction. Snorkel Cat is not only a transfer to a reef. It is a half-day boat outing with music, food, drinks, swimming, and views. If you want a quiet, small-group wildlife lesson, this may feel too social. If you want a relaxed island day with plenty happening, the format makes good sense.

The maximum group size is 70. That means the boat can feel lively, especially once lunch and music are underway. The upside is a fun atmosphere and several crew members available to help. The downside is that you should not expect the personal attention of a private boat.

Breakfast first, then your first look below the surface

A light breakfast is served at boarding. The exact menu is not specified, but the trip includes breakfast, snacks, and lunch, so you do not need to pack a full day of food. One account specifically mentions muffins, while another praised the snacks and lunch spread.

The first water stop is planned around the reefs near St. John National Park. This area gives you the chance to see Caribbean fish and other sea life in clear water. Sightings reported on the trip include sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, eels, nurse sharks, barracuda, jellyfish, and many tropical fish.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, and water clarity can change from one day to the next. One group found its first stop murky, but the captain responded by extending the second snorkeling session. That is useful to know: the crew may adjust the schedule when conditions call for it, but a picture-perfect reef is not guaranteed at every stop.

The provided snorkeling equipment makes this easier for visitors who are not bringing their own mask, fins, or related gear. The crew also helps people feel more comfortable in the water. One family described Captain Danny taking extra time with a nervous first-time snorkeler, even inviting her to sit with him and learn more about the boat.

That kind of assistance matters if you are new to snorkeling. You can still take part at your own pace rather than feeling pressured to swim far from the boat. At the same time, you should be comfortable entering open Caribbean water and handling changing wind and waves. One family reported choppy water and strong wind, conditions that are normal possibilities on an island boat trip.

St. John National Park and the uninhabited island stop

The itinerary calls for two snorkeling areas. The first is connected with St. John National Park and nearby coral reefs. The second takes you to an uninhabited island for another swim and snorkeling session.

The second stop is often the highlight because the crew can choose a location with better visibility or more active sea life. The accounts include sightings of sharks, rays, turtles, and large schools of fish. One outing included three remote locations instead of the two described in the standard plan, so the exact pattern can vary with the day’s conditions and the captain’s choices.

Do not read that as a promise of three stops. The advertised plan is two. Think of any extra location as a possible adjustment, not a feature you should count on.

The uninhabited island setting also gives the day a more natural feel. You are not simply stopping at a developed beach with shops and facilities. There is no indication that a formal island tour or beach service is included, so expect a short water stop rather than a land-based sightseeing program.

Captains such as Shawn, Jake, Danny Boy, and Tuna have been praised for explaining the area, keeping the group safe, and making the outing entertaining. Music is part of the mood, with pirate songs and island tunes mentioned. One person wanted more island music, which is a fair reminder that the soundtrack is a matter of taste.

Lunch, Painkillers, and the value of an all-inclusive fare

Lunch is served aboard after snorkeling, with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages included. The food is described as good rather than formal or elaborate. One account lists lunch meats and sandwich fixings, cheese, shrimp, brownies, and salad. Another singled out Shawn’s Caesar salad.

That tells you what kind of meal to expect: practical boat food that fills you up between swims, not a restaurant meal. For a five-hour outing, this is a real convenience. You can stay on the water instead of losing time finding lunch in St. Thomas.

The drink selection includes beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, and mixed drinks. Painkillers received repeated praise, and one person joked about having three. If you drink, pace yourself. The water, sun, wind, and boat movement can make alcohol feel stronger than expected, especially after swimming.

I see the $175 price as reasonable if you plan to use the full package. A separate snorkeling trip, breakfast, lunch, drinks, equipment rental, and a half-day boat ride could add up quickly. The value is strongest for adults and families who want food and drinks included and expect to spend much of the day aboard.

The value is less clear if you do not drink, already own gear, or want only a short snorkeling session. You are paying for the whole boat experience, not just access to a reef. The fare also does not include private transportation, so add your own taxi or other travel cost when comparing options.

The crew makes the difference

The most consistent strength of this outing is the crew. Names associated with different departures include Captain Shawn, Captain Jake, Captain Danny Boy, Captain Tuna, Dawn, Matt, Amanda, Noel, Kennedy, and Stein. Since crew assignments can change, do not assume a particular captain will be working on your date.

The crew’s role goes beyond serving food and drinks. They explain safety, help with snorkeling equipment, point out marine life, and keep the boat moving on schedule. Several people felt well cared for, while first-time snorkelers appreciated the hands-on guidance.

The mood is informal. Music, jokes, and named crew personalities are part of the experience. Noel’s Macarena performance even became a memorable part of one outing. That will appeal to you if you like a friendly boat with some entertainment. It may not suit you if you are looking for silent sailing and a naturalist-led wildlife trip.

Safety is another strong point. The captains are described as competent and careful, and the crew helps people feel secure in the water. Still, you remain responsible for judging your own comfort level. Wind and waves can change, and the quality of snorkeling can vary by stop.

Getting to Margaritaville and managing the timing

You must reach the meeting point yourself at Margaritaville Resort, 6080 Smith Bay Road, Frydendal, St. Thomas. Private transportation is not included, though the area is near public transportation.

This is the most practical weakness in the package. One person specifically noted paying about $15 per person each way for transportation. Depending on your starting point and group size, the extra cost can affect the total value of the excursion.

Give yourself enough time to arrive, especially if you are coming from another part of St. Thomas. The conflicting 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. times deserve attention. I would not rely on the later time without confirming it. Your booking confirmation should provide the final instruction.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That makes the return simple, but you still need a plan for getting back to your hotel, ship, or other destination.

Who will enjoy Snorkel Cat most

I would choose this outing for a family or mixed-age group that wants snorkeling plus a social day on the water. It works well when some people are excited about fish and reefs while others mainly want views, swimming, music, food, and drinks.

It is also a good fit for first-time snorkelers. The equipment is supplied, and the crew has shown patience with people who need extra help. You do not need to bring a packed lunch or arrange a separate bar tab, which keeps the day simple.

Strong swimmers may want more time at each reef, particularly if the boat is full. The maximum of 70 people means the experience can be active and crowded. If you want long, quiet stretches alone in the water, a smaller charter would likely suit you better.

This trip also depends on weather. Wind and choppy water are possible, and cloudy or murky conditions may reduce visibility. The captain can adjust the plan, but no boat operator can guarantee turtles, sharks, or clear water at every stop.

Booking, cancellation, and what to bring

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel within 24 hours, or make changes inside that window, and you will not receive a refund.

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the outing, you can receive a full refund or choose another available option.

Bring the basics for a half-day on the sea: swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a way to secure personal items. The provided information does not list a required packing list, so follow the operator’s instructions after booking. I would also carry cash for crew tips, since one person specifically suggested it and praised the entire team.

Keep your expectations focused. You are buying an all-inclusive boat day, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter or a private reef guide. The strongest part is the blend of water time, food, drinks, views, and an attentive crew.

Should you book Snorkel Cat?

I would book Snorkel Cat if you want a lively, convenient day on the Caribbean and value having breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear bundled into one $175 fare. The visits near St. John, the uninhabited island stop, and the chance to see turtles, rays, sharks, and tropical fish make the plan appealing.

I would pause if transport from your location is expensive, if you dislike group boats, or if your main goal is long, quiet snorkeling in uncrowded water. Confirm the start time, budget for your ride to Margaritaville, and remember that sea conditions can change the route.

For families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants food and drinks served between swims, this is a strong choice. Just book with realistic expectations: the crew can improve the day, but the sea has the final say.

FAQ

Where does Snorkel Cat depart from?

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

What time does the experience start?

The supplied information lists 10:30 a.m. as the start time, while the itinerary says to arrive at 9:30 a.m. Confirm the exact time in your booking details before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

Does the tour return to Margaritaville?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

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

Are meals included?

Yes. A light breakfast is served at boarding, and lunch and snacks are included during the outing.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor are included.

How many snorkeling stops are planned?

The standard itinerary includes two snorkeling locations, including an area near St. John National Park and a second stop at an uninhabited island.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. You must make your own way to Margaritaville Resort. Private transportation is not included.

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 departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient enrollment cancels the experience, you will be offered another option or a full refund.