St. Thomas Lime Out Snorkel with Taco Bar Lunch & Swim-Up Bar – Ritz-Carlton

Snorkel first, tacos later. This 7-hour-15-minute catamaran trip combines two of my favorite St. Thomas pleasures: clear-water snorkeling near St. John and lunch at Lime Out, the Virgin Islands’ only floating taco bar. I also like the small-group feel, with a maximum of 32 people, plus the spacious boat, bathrooms, swim platform, and helpful crew.

The best part is the balance. You can swim with turtles and tropical fish, then stretch out on deck with a drink while someone else handles lunch. The main drawback is the extra $25 parking fee at the Ritz-Carlton, and Lime Out service can move slowly when the floating bar is busy.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Two reef stops: The trip typically includes extended snorkeling at two sites, including Salt Pond and Tectonic reefs on some departures.
• A floating taco lunch: Your included meal is two tacos at Lime Out, served in one of the Virgin Islands’ most unusual settings.
• Open bar after snorkeling: Beer, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks are included aboard the catamaran after the water activities.
• Maximum of 32 people: This is not a giant cruise ship outing, so the boat feels more personal and easier to manage.
• Family-friendly water time: A small slide, a large floating mat, and plenty of deck space give non-snorkelers something to do.
• Ritz-Carlton departure: The boat leaves at 8:00 a.m. from the Ritz-Carlton in Great Bay, with parking available for $25.

Boarding at the Ritz-Carlton at 8:00 a.m.

The day begins at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay in Nazareth. You return to this same meeting point after the excursion, which keeps the logistics simple if you are staying nearby or arranging your own transport.

The early start makes sense. You have a full day ahead, and the morning departure gives the crew time to reach the waters around St. John before lunch. Public transportation is available near the meeting point, and on-site parking is offered at the Ritz-Carlton for $25.

I would arrive with enough time to park, find the meeting point, and settle aboard without rushing. The boat has a maximum capacity of 32 people, a useful limit for a full-day outing. You are still sharing the catamaran, but this is a different experience from being one face in a large cruise excursion.

Some departures have included a light breakfast when you board. Since that is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion, I would still eat something beforehand or bring a small snack if you need a substantial breakfast.

The Catamaran Ride Toward St. John

Once aboard, the boat heads toward the north shore of St. John. The ride itself is part of the appeal. From the water, you get a broad view of the islands, beaches, rocky points, and shifting shades of blue that are hard to appreciate from a road.

The catamaran has cushioned seating and open deck areas. You can sit in the sun, find a little shade, or stay near the stern where the water activities take place. Two bathrooms are available on board, a small feature that matters on a 7-hour trip.

Boat conditions can change. Some days are smooth, while other departures may encounter choppy water. The crew has handled rougher conditions carefully, but if you are prone to motion sickness, take that seriously and prepare before boarding.

The ride is not just transportation between stops. It gives you a chance to slow down, watch the islands pass, and meet the other people on board. The crew is described as attentive and good at keeping the mood relaxed without leaving anyone unsure about what happens next.

Two Snorkeling Stops Near St. John

The snorkeling is the main reason I would book this excursion. The trip makes two water stops on many departures, allowing roughly an hour at each site when conditions and timing permit. Salt Pond and Tectonic reefs have been used as snorkeling locations.

You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask, fins, or snorkel. The crew helps people get organized and keeps an eye on the group, which is helpful if you do not snorkel often.

The sea life can include tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and, on lucky days, an eagle ray. Several people have also seen more than one turtle during a single stop. Marine sightings are never guaranteed, but the reefs and clear water offer a good chance to see plenty beneath the surface.

One of the strongest features is the amount of water time. This is not a quick ten-minute swim followed by a long wait. You get enough time to look carefully, move at your own pace, and return to a favorite patch of coral if the crew allows it.

The snorkeling can be better than what you find at more famous beach stops. One experienced participant considered these reefs better than Trunk Bay, especially because the boat can reach sites away from the shore crowds. That does not mean every visit will have perfect visibility. Wind, waves, and water conditions affect what you see.

If you are not comfortable in the water, you can stay aboard and relax. At one stop, the crew may put out a large floating mat, giving tired swimmers a place to stretch out. This makes the trip more workable for a mixed group, where one person wants serious snorkeling and another prefers floating and sunbathing.

Children have also enjoyed the small slide off the back of the boat. Parents can trade off water time while a child plays on the mat or slide. Still, the trip is not a supervised children’s program, so adults need to stay responsible for young swimmers.

Lime Out, the Floating Taco Bar

After the snorkeling, the catamaran heads to Lime Out. This is the part that turns a good snorkel trip into something more memorable. The restaurant sits on the water, so lunch comes with the strange and pleasant sensation of eating tacos while surrounded by open Caribbean sea.

Two tacos are included. The menu has included popular choices such as barbecue chicken, and the food has earned some of the strongest praise from people who took this trip. The tacos are prepared in Lime Out’s kitchen, not pulled from a cooler on the boat.

Timing can affect the meal. On busy visits, service at the floating bar may be slow, especially when many boats arrive at once. In some cases, the tacos have been delivered together to the catamaran rather than served directly at the bar.

That arrangement is not necessarily a bad thing. You may lose a little of the restaurant experience, but you also avoid standing around waiting for food. If Lime Out is crowded, I would enjoy the included drinks on the boat and let the crew organize lunch rather than spending the whole stop trying to order at the bar.

The setting is the real attraction. Lime Out is colorful, casual, and unusual, but it is not a quiet seaside restaurant. You are eating in a popular floating venue with other boats and people nearby. Go for the setting, the novelty, and the chance to combine lunch with swimming.

Craft Cocktails and the Swim-Up Bar

After snorkeling, the open bar on the catamaran becomes part of the afternoon. Included alcoholic drinks can include beer and mixed cocktails, and the onboard crew keeps service moving while you relax.

Lime Out is also known for fresh-fruit drinks and craft cocktails. Some of the most popular choices have memorable names, including the Dangerous drink. The drinks served by Lime Out are separate from the boat’s open bar, so check with the crew about what is included and what may cost extra at the floating restaurant.

Do not expect every possible bar option. One account specifically noted that frozen drinks were not available on the boat, even though the selection was broad. If your ideal afternoon requires a frozen cocktail, this may matter.

The swim-up bar is a major reason to choose this outing over a standard sightseeing cruise. You can spend the afternoon in the water, move between the boat and the floating restaurant, and enjoy a drink without returning to shore.

There is a sensible order to the day: snorkeling comes before the open bar. That lets you enjoy the reefs while alert and active, then switch into relaxation mode once the main swimming is finished.

A Crew That Makes the Long Day Work

A full-day boat trip depends heavily on the crew. The captains and deck staff have been praised for being attentive, organized, and personable. Captain Heather, Captain Jolene, and crew members such as Danny, Phillip, Q, Niko, and Ben have each received specific praise on different departures.

The crew’s role is practical, not just cheerful. They help with snorkeling equipment, explain the stops, manage the slide and floating mat, handle the boat in changing conditions, and keep drinks and lunch organized.

One especially nice touch occurred when the crew spotted a whale near St. John and turned the boat around for a better look. Whale sightings are rare and never part of the promised itinerary, but it shows the kind of flexible judgment that can make a boat day feel personal.

The crew also gives you room to relax. You are not pushed into constant activities or loud entertainment. If you want to sit on the upper deck, feel the sea breeze, and watch the islands go by, you can do that.

What the $179 Price Really Covers

At $179 per person, this is not a cheap half-day snorkel trip. But it is also not just a boat ride. The price includes snorkeling equipment, lunch with two tacos, the onboard alcoholic drinks after snorkeling, and all fees and taxes.

You are paying for roughly seven hours on the water, two snorkeling stops, boat access to St. John’s surrounding reefs, the floating Lime Out experience, and a crew handling the details. Buying each piece separately would take more planning and could cost more once food, drinks, equipment, and transport are added.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full day. If you do not drink alcohol, do not care about tacos, or prefer a short snorkel outing, you may find the price harder to justify. If you want a full water day with food included, the package makes more sense.

Remember to budget for the $25 Ritz-Carlton parking fee if you drive. Gratuity is not included either, so plan for a tip if the crew takes good care of you.

Who Should Choose This Excursion?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a mix of activity and downtime. Strong swimmers can spend plenty of time at the reefs, while less active people can stay on deck, use the floating mat, or enjoy the scenery.

It works particularly well for families and groups with different interests. Children can use the slide, adults can take turns snorkeling, and everyone gets lunch and time on the water.

It also suits couples and friends who want a social day rather than a private charter. The maximum of 32 people keeps the group manageable, but you should still expect to share the boat and the Lime Out stop with others.

This is less ideal if you want a quiet, secluded beach day. Lime Out can be busy, and the boat’s open bar creates a lively mood after snorkeling. It may also disappoint you if you expect guaranteed turtles, perfectly calm water, or a restaurant-style lunch served without delay.

Practical Details to Pack

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. You should also bring any personal medication you need during the seven-hour outing.

A waterproof phone pouch is useful if you want pictures near the reefs or the floating bar. Some departures have offered reasonably priced snorkeling photos, so you may have the option of buying professional images afterward.

Wear something comfortable for the ride and bring a light layer if you tend to get cool with sea spray or wind. The boat has open seating, so your comfort may change as the sun and wind shift.

If you plan to drink, eat breakfast first and pace yourself. The open bar is included after snorkeling, but a long day of sun, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

The cancellation policy is simple: cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can also cancel the trip, in which case you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should You Book the Lime Out Snorkel Sail?

Book it if you want a full day built around the water. The strongest reasons are the extended snorkeling, the chance to see turtles and rays, the comfortable catamaran, the included lunch, and the unusual Lime Out setting.

I especially like the way the day moves from active to easygoing. You snorkel while fresh, then spend the later hours with tacos, cocktails, and sea views. That structure gives you more than a standard boat tour without requiring you to plan every stop yourself.

Skip it if you want a low-cost outing, a private boat, or a guaranteed wildlife show. Also think twice if you dislike group activities or busy food venues.

For most people who want to see the waters around St. John and enjoy a memorable lunch without island traffic, the $179 price is fair. Add parking and gratuity to your budget, arrive ready for a full day, and you will have one of St. Thomas’s more distinctive water excursions.

FAQ

Where does the Lime Out snorkel tour depart?

The tour departs from the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay, Nazareth, St. Thomas 00802. It returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes two tacos at Lime Out, the floating taco bar in the Virgin Islands.

Are drinks included?

A full open bar on the catamaran is included after snorkeling. Gratuity is not included, and on-site parking at the Ritz-Carlton costs $25.