Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

The main draw here is simple: you sail from St. Thomas to Turtle Cove, then swim near green sea turtles feeding on the seagrass. The 54-foot catamaran gives you room to stretch out, and the return under sail, with the motor off, can be the calmest part of the afternoon.

I like the included equipment and drinks, since you do not need to pack a mask, fins, or a cooler. I also like the crew’s warm, safety-minded approach. One thing to consider is the meeting point: the dock sits inside Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, not at the cruise pier, and the walk from the parking area down to the beach is steep.

Key points at a glance

• Green sea turtles are the star: Turtle Cove is known for turtles feeding over seagrass, with sightings often including several animals close to the boat.
• A relaxed afternoon schedule: The 1 p.m. departure can be quieter than morning trips, especially when cruise ship passengers fill the earlier sailings.
• Snorkel gear is included: You receive a mask, snorkel, fins, and snorkel vest, with crew help before entering the water.
• The return sail is part of the fun: After snorkeling, the crew may shut off the motor and let the catamaran glide back with the breeze.
• Food and drinks are built into the price: Snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are available, with alcohol served after the water activities.
• Plan your transportation carefully: You must reach Marriott Frenchman’s Cove on your own and check in 30 minutes before departure.

Sailing out from Frenchman’s Cove

The trip begins at the wooden dock at Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, the timeshare section of the Marriott property at 7338 Estate Bakkeroe. This is not the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, and confusing the two can put you in the wrong place.

Check-in is at 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. departure. I would not cut this close. The operator does not accommodate late arrivals, and the route from the parking area to the dock takes time.

If you drive, enter through the Marriott’s large stone entrance and check with the security booth. You will be directed to a broad gravel parking area on the right. From there, walk downhill toward the pool, follow signs for public beach access, and look for the wooden dock by the beach.

The walk is manageable for many people, but it is not a flat stroll. One person found the route through the property longer than expected, while another pointed out that the location is not realistically walkable from the cruise port. Take a taxi instead. The dock is roughly 7 to 10 minutes by taxi from the WICO cruise ship dock and about 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay.

Once aboard, find a place in the sun or shade. The catamaran carries up to 65 people, so this is not a private charter. Still, its size gives you several places to sit, stand, and watch St. Thomas recede as the boat heads toward Little Buck Island.

You will be asked to remove your shoes on deck. Bring a towel, since one is not listed among the included items, and tell the captain about allergies or medical concerns before the trip begins.

Two and a half hours around Little Buck Island

Most of the excursion takes place around Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, an uninhabited island off St. Thomas. The boat anchors at Turtle Cove, where the crew explains the safety rules and helps fit your mask, snorkel, fins, and vest.

The water portion lasts about an hour, though the exact amount of swimming time can vary with conditions and the group. You can snorkel, swim, or remain aboard. That flexibility matters if one person in your party wants to explore the reef while another prefers to enjoy the boat.

The reef life is the reason to choose this trip. Look for green turtles moving over the seagrass, then rising to the surface for air. You might also see parrotfish, sergeant majors, blue tangs, trumpetfish, blowfish, barracuda, sea urchins, eels, and smaller reef fish around coral formations.

The turtle sightings are not a guarantee, but they are a strong possibility at this location. Several excursions have produced two to four turtles, and some have seen many more. The most memorable encounters come when a turtle keeps feeding rather than rushing away. You can watch it graze while the crew reminds everyone to keep a respectful distance and avoid touching the animals.

Fish and coral conditions can vary. One outing produced an impressive mix of reef fish and coral, while another had fewer fish and less coral than expected. That is normal for a marine site, where visibility, weather, and animal activity change from day to day. If your only goal is a dense coral garden, this may not be the strongest choice. If your priority is a good chance to see sea turtles with a comfortable boat ride, it makes more sense.

The guides add real value here. Nick has been praised for pointing out reef creatures and explaining what you are seeing, while crew members such as Porscha, Isaac, Tim, Anders, and Adrien have helped swimmers feel prepared and looked after. Captain Serena and Captain Dave have both been singled out for calm handling of the boat.

The safety briefing is practical rather than theatrical. You get help with the gear before entering the water, and the crew stays attentive to the group. That makes the trip a good introduction for people who have snorkeled before but do not feel fully confident in open water.

Snacks, cocktails, and the ride home

After the water activities, you return to the catamaran for snacks and drinks. Nonalcoholic beverages are available throughout, while beer, wine, and mixed drinks are offered after everyone is back aboard.

The open bar helps explain the $119 price. You are paying for a three-hour boat outing, crew support, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and drinks, not just transportation to a reef. If you would otherwise rent gear and buy drinks separately, the package is fairly priced.

The snacks are light, not a meal. Some people have found them satisfying enough for the afternoon, while one person thought they were mediocre. Plan to eat beforehand if you need a substantial lunch, especially if you are traveling with hungry children.

Painkiller cocktails receive special praise, and the crew keeps the mood social without making the trip dependent on drinking. Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult, and only those 21 or older may consume alcohol.

The return ride is often the most peaceful stretch. Several people have enjoyed the crew shutting off the motors and sailing back toward Frenchman’s Cove. You get the wind, warm sun, and open water without needing to do anything except find a seat and watch the shoreline approach.

Music and conversation may make the ride lively, especially with a full boat. On the quieter afternoon departures, the atmosphere can feel more personal. If you prefer a less crowded outing, the 1 p.m. time has an advantage because many cruise ship passengers choose morning departures. That is not guaranteed, but the timing is worth considering.

What the $119 price really buys you

At $119 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the water. You are also not paying for a full-day sailing or a secluded private experience. The excursion lasts about three hours, with roughly two and a half hours devoted to the boat ride and Little Buck Island, plus check-in and the short return to the dock.

The value improves if you use the full package. The mask, snorkel, fins, and vest are included. So are snacks and unlimited drinks, including alcoholic choices after snorkeling. You also receive local guidance, safety help, and a temporary pirate tattoo at the end.

The boat itself matters. A 54-foot catamaran is more comfortable than a small open skiff for a mixed group, especially when some people want shade, some want sun, and some want to stay dry. It also gives you a stable platform for putting on equipment and climbing back aboard.

I would call the price reasonable for an afternoon that combines sailing, wildlife viewing, equipment, and refreshments. It is less compelling if you do not plan to snorkel, do not drink, or expect a full meal. In that case, much of the package is less useful to you.

Who will enjoy Turtle Cove most

This excursion suits couples, families, and first-time snorkelers who want a straightforward water outing without arranging every detail themselves. The crew gives clear instructions, and you can choose your level of activity.

It is also a good pick for anyone who cares more about sea turtles than about a large coral wall. The focus is on watching turtles feed in their natural setting, with reef fish and coral as a bonus.

You should think twice if you need a fully accessible route from the parking area to the boat. The walk down to the dock is on a hill, and the catamaran requires getting aboard from a dock. The information provided says service animals are allowed, but anyone with significant mobility or medical concerns should discuss the outing with a medical professional beforehand.

The trip can work for cruise ship passengers, but schedule it carefully. You need to supply your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. Use local Atlantic Standard Time, since ship time may differ. Leave a generous buffer for taxi traffic and the return ride from the dock.

Practical details that can make or break the day

Arrive 30 minutes early. The boat leaves promptly at 1 p.m., and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Wear something easy to remove before boarding, since shoes are not worn on deck. Your own mask and snorkel are allowed, although the tour supplies equipment.

If you have allergies, tell the captain before snacks are served. Mention pregnancy or other medical concerns before booking or before departure, as the operator advises checking with your own medical professional.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. The stated cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, with no refund for cancellations inside that window. The provider also references a 72-hour standard cancellation policy in its additional information, so confirm the exact rule shown at checkout.

A temporary pirate tattoo is included, while T-shirts and dri-fit shirts cost extra. The tour ends back at the same Marriott Frenchman’s Cove dock, so arrange your return taxi in advance if you are on a tight schedule.

Should you book the VI Cat?

I would book this trip if sea turtles, an easy snorkeling setup, and a social catamaran ride sound like your ideal St. Thomas afternoon. The strongest reasons are the reliable focus on Turtle Cove, the attentive crew, the comfortable boat, and the fact that gear, snacks, and drinks are already covered.

I would skip it if you want a quiet private charter, a serious full-day reef expedition, or a large lunch. I would also avoid booking it without a transportation plan, since the dock is not at the cruise terminal and the property access takes effort.

For most visitors who want a simple introduction to St. Thomas snorkeling, the $119 package offers a good balance. Choose the afternoon departure if you can, arrive early, bring a towel, and give yourself time to enjoy the sail home after the turtles have had their turn.

FAQ

Where does the Turtle Cove catamaran tour begin?

It begins at The VI Cat’s wooden dock at Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, 7338 Estate Bakkeroe, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The tour ends at the same dock.

What time should I arrive?

Check in 30 minutes before the 1 p.m. departure. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

How do I reach the dock from the cruise port?

You provide your own transportation. The Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is about 7 to 10 minutes by taxi from the WICO cruise ship dock and 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay. It is not a practical walk from the cruise port.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour supplies a mask, snorkel, snorkel vest, and fins. You may also choose to swim or remain aboard instead of snorkeling.

What drinks are included?

Nonalcoholic drinks are available, along with beer, wine, and cocktails after the in-water activities. The minimum drinking age is 21.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

How long is the excursion?

The experience lasts about three hours. The main sailing and Little Buck Island portion takes about two and a half hours, followed by the short return to the dock.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. A minimum number of participants is also required, and a cancellation for that reason offers a new date, another experience, or a full refund.