Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John

The best part of this St. Thomas boat trip is the change of pace. You start by looking for turtles, rays, octopus, coral, and tropical fish near St. John, then finish with pizza, rum drinks, music, and a sunset party on the water. It packs a full afternoon into one outing without asking you to choose between snorkeling and a sunset cruise.

I like the two separate snorkel stops, which give you a better chance to see different sea life, and I like that pizza and drinks are included rather than treated as costly extras. The main drawback is timing: this is a long afternoon and evening trip, and it is not suitable for cruise ship passengers who must return to their ship on schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkel stops near St. John: The trip visits sites in Virgin Islands National Park, with chances to see turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, octopus, barracuda, coral, and colorful fish.
• Pizza arrives by boat: Fresh pizza from Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove is served after the second snorkel stop, usually around 5:00 or 5:30 p.m.
• The party comes later: Alcohol is served only after swimming is finished at the second snorkel location, followed by music and a sunset dance party.
• Crew personality matters: CJ, John, Darian, Sydney, BK, and Andy are among the crew members praised for keeping the ride friendly, funny, and informative.
• Bare feet are required on board: Bring water shoes with good grip if you are uncomfortable walking barefoot.
• Allow the whole evening: The trip lasts about five and a half hours and returns to Cruz Bay around 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., then Red Hook around 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Why this St. Thomas cruise packs in so much

Many boat outings ask you to pick one main activity. This one does not. The plan moves from snorkeling to food, then to drinks, music, island views, and sunset. It is less a quiet nature trip than a social afternoon on the water with snorkeling at its center.

The boat is Reef Surfari, operated by Ocean Surfari Charters. Pickup is available at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook on St. Thomas and in Cruz Bay on St. John. The maximum group size is 47 people, so you should expect a shared boat rather than a private charter.

That size helps create the lively mood needed for the final dance party. It also means the boat will not feel like a small, personal sailing trip. If you want a calm, silent afternoon with only a few people on board, this is probably not your best fit.

The crew is a major part of the experience. CJ, John, Darian, Sydney, BK, and Andy are among the names associated with the trip, and the strongest praise centers on their humor, energy, and willingness to help. The crew also shares facts about the islands and the animals you see, so the ride is not only music and drinks.

Starting from Red Hook or Cruz Bay

The meeting point is Ocean Surfari at Smith Bay Road in Red Hook, St. Thomas. Pickup is also available at Cruz Bay on St. John, which is useful if you are staying on that island and do not want to arrange a separate trip to St. Thomas.

Departure times change by season. From October through March, the boat leaves St. Thomas at 1:30 p.m. and reaches Cruz Bay at about 2:00 p.m. From April through September, it leaves St. Thomas at 2:00 p.m. and picks up in Cruz Bay around 2:30 p.m.

Your confirmation should provide the current time for your booking, so check it carefully. Do not rely only on the general 2:00 p.m. start time shown in some booking information.

Parking at the ferry terminal costs $20 per day and is not included. Public transportation is nearby, but you still need to allow enough time to reach the dock, park, check in, and get aboard.

One practical point matters right away: shoes come off before boarding. The boat is a no-shoes setting, so bring water shoes with a good grip if you do not like walking barefoot. Avoid smooth-soled footwear that could slide on a wet deck.

First snorkel stop in Virgin Islands National Park

The boat heads toward two snorkel locations around St. John within Virgin Islands National Park. The exact sites can vary, but the purpose is consistent: give you two chances to see underwater life in different areas.

All snorkel equipment is provided. That removes one of the usual hassles, especially if you are packing light for a day on the island. You still need to be comfortable in the water and should expect a moderate level of physical activity.

The first stop is the quieter part of the food and drink plan. After swimming, chips and cookies are available, along with sodas and water. Alcohol is not served yet. Under the National Park Service permit, the bar opens only after the second snorkel stop and after everyone is finished swimming.

That rule is sensible, but it also shapes the afternoon. You cannot start with a rum drink and then casually join the snorkel. The trip puts the water activity first, then moves into the social part of the day.

The wildlife possibilities are one of the strongest reasons to book. Sightings reported on this trip include sea turtles, stingrays, spotted eagle rays, octopus, barracuda, jellyfish, coral, and many kinds of colorful fish. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but two stops give you more opportunity than a single quick swim.

If you are a first-time snorkeler, tell the crew. The crew has helped children, adults, and people who felt nervous about entering the water. One especially useful pattern in the feedback is that the staff does not treat weak swimmers or water-shy participants as a problem. You should still be honest about your ability, since this is an active boat outing rather than a ride where you remain on deck the entire time.

The second stop brings pizza and the open bar

After the first snorkel, the boat continues to a second location. This is not just another chance to see fish. It marks the change from active swimming to the food and sunset portion of the trip.

Pizza is picked up from Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove, near Great St. James. It is served after the second snorkel stop, usually between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. If Pizza Pi is closed, pizza comes from another restaurant.

The meal is simple, but that is part of its appeal. You are eating fresh pizza on a boat while moving among the islands, not sitting down to a formal dinner. People who expect a special restaurant meal may find it ordinary. I see it as useful fuel and a fun setting, especially after two swims.

Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be addressed if you provide at least 72 hours of advance notice. Alternative food may cost extra, so ask before booking rather than assuming every request is included.

Once swimming is over at the second stop, the bar opens. Included drinks are rum punch, painkillers, sodas, and water. The crew serves alcoholic drinks in line with the park permit, so you should not expect alcohol during the snorkel portion.

The painkillers receive plenty of attention, but remember that they are strong rum drinks. Pace yourself, drink water, and keep in mind that the boat ride continues for several hours. The best version of this trip is one where you enjoy the drinks without letting them overwhelm the sunset and music.

Sunset views and the dance party

After pizza and the second swim, Reef Surfari turns into a floating evening party. The crew plays music, the bar stays open, and the boat cruises around St. Thomas and St. John as the sun drops.

This part suits people who like a friendly, upbeat boat ride. The crew members are often praised for getting everyone involved, keeping the mood relaxed, and adding jokes and island facts along the way. John is frequently singled out as an energetic host, while captains such as CJ, BK, and Andy are praised for both their people skills and their commentary.

The sunset is the natural payoff. You are away from the road and looking back at the islands from the water, with the light changing as the boat heads home. The timing shifts through the year, which explains the flexible return schedule.

The dance party will not appeal to everyone. Music and group energy are central to the final part of the trip, not a minor extra. If you want a romantic sunset in silence, you may prefer a dedicated sunset sail. If you want a casual party with a chance to swim first, this format makes good sense.

The boat returns to Cruz Bay at roughly 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., then continues to Red Hook around 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. The exact time depends on the season and sunset. Plan dinner afterward with some flexibility.

What the $120 price really covers

At $120 per person, the value comes from combining several paid elements in one outing. You get boat transportation, two snorkel stops, equipment, snacks, pizza, soft drinks, water, alcoholic drinks after swimming, restroom access, and the sunset cruise.

If you booked a snorkel trip and a separate sunset cruise, you would pay for two outings and spend more time arranging transportation. Here, the boat handles the movement between St. Thomas, St. John, the snorkel sites, Christmas Cove, and the return docks.

The price is especially reasonable if you plan to use the open bar and eat on board. It is less compelling if you do not drink, do not care about the dance party, or prefer a small private boat. The experience is designed around variety, not a single polished specialty.

A 4.9 rating from 1,498 reviews and a 98 percent recommendation rate point to a strong track record. The most consistent strengths are the crew, the snorkeling, the sunset, and the amount included in the fare. The weaker point is not a service problem so much as personal taste: the food is straightforward pizza, and the party atmosphere is not for everyone.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this trip for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people on a shared boat. It also works well for first-time snorkelers who want equipment and crew support included.

Families should note that the trip is not only a nature outing. After the second swim, the mood shifts toward rum drinks, music, and dancing. That can be fun for teenagers and adults, but parents should decide if the evening format fits their group.

You need a moderate level of physical fitness. The boat has a restroom and provides equipment, but you still need to get into and out of the water and manage a wet boat deck. If you prefer to remain aboard, the views, food, and music are still part of the experience, but the snorkeling is the main daytime activity.

This is not a good choice for cruise ship passengers. The cruise terminals are about 30 minutes from the dock, and the operator cannot guarantee a return before your ship departs. A delayed boat, changing weather, or a longer return could create a serious problem. Stay with an excursion that has a firm ship return guarantee instead.

Booking details and weather planning

You receive confirmation at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted. The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Since the cut-off uses local time, check the deadline in the Virgin Islands rather than relying on your home time zone.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. Add water shoes with grip if you want foot protection on the deck. Keep your belongings compact, since this is a shared boat with wet equipment and moving between activities.

Should you book the Reef Surfari Do It All Trip?

Book it if you want one busy, social afternoon that covers snorkeling, dinner, drinks, island views, and sunset music. The two snorkel stops are the strongest practical feature, while the crew gives the trip its personality. The chance to see turtles, rays, octopus, and tropical fish is a fine reason to go, and the pizza and open bar keep the evening easy.

Skip it if you want a quiet sail, a private boat, a gourmet meal, or a guaranteed return time for a cruise ship. For most people staying in St. Thomas or St. John, the $120 fare offers a lot in five and a half hours, provided you like a lively group setting and are ready to stay out through sunset.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The main meeting point is Ocean Surfari, Reef Surfari Snorkel Excursions, on Smith Bay Road in Red Hook, St. Thomas. Pickup is also available in Cruz Bay on St. John.

What time does the tour leave?

From October through March, departure is at 1:30 p.m. from St. Thomas and about 2:00 p.m. from St. John. From April through September, departure is at 2:00 p.m. from St. Thomas and about 2:30 p.m. from St. John.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts about five and a half hours. It generally returns to Cruz Bay between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m., then reaches Red Hook between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., depending on sunset timing.

Are snorkeling supplies included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat also has a restroom.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. Pizza, chips, cookies, sodas, water, and alcoholic drinks are included. Alcohol is served only after the second snorkel stop and after swimming is finished.

Can people with food allergies request another meal?

Yes. Alternative food can be arranged with at least 72 hours of advance notice. Additional costs may apply.

Can cruise ship passengers take this tour?

The tour is not recommended for cruise ship passengers. The cruise ports are about 30 minutes from the dock, and the operator cannot guarantee that you will return to your ship on time.