St Thomas~St John Snorkel, Swim & Beach Trip on MV Island Flyer

Skip the floating crowd. This four-hour trip from Red Hook to St. John keeps the group to a maximum of 12 people, giving you more room on the boat and less waiting in the water. I like the small-group format, and I also like the chance to visit both a reef site and a beautiful St. John beach in one half-day outing.

The crew supplies snorkel gear, water, soda, and beer, while captains such as Hillary, Glen, Mike, Dallas, Wallens, Sammy, Justin, Montana, and Thomas bring local knowledge and a friendly touch. The main consideration is that the exact stops depend on weather and sea conditions. At some beaches, you must swim from the boat to shore, and one snorkel stop may require a fairly long swim to reach the best reef.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Small boat, maximum 12 people: A semi-private feel replaces the usual packed excursion boat.
• Two main stops in about four hours: Expect a snorkel location followed by beach time, though some trips visit three snorkel sites.
• Possible turtle sightings: Maho Bay, Lovango Cay, and other St. John waters can bring encounters with turtles, rays, squid, nurse sharks, and reef fish.
• Beach access can require swimming: At Honeymoon Beach, the boat may anchor offshore rather than pull up on the sand.
• Drinks are included: Water, soda, and beer are available after snorkeling, but rum punch is not part of the standard offering.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a towel: Sunscreen is not supplied, and the crew asks you to use a non-aerosol, reef-safe product.

Leaving American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook

Your morning or afternoon begins at the Seas the Day departure lounge at The Shops at American Yacht Harbor, at 6100 Red Hook Quarters. The lounge is on the lower floor, directly across from the entrance to B Dock.

This is a handy starting point if you are staying near Red Hook or using the public transportation that serves the area. Parking can be tight, though. If you drive, allow time to search for a space, and check the ferry parking area if a spot is available.

From the harbor, you board one of several comparable powerboats. The main boat named for this experience is the 36-foot MV Island Flyer, a Blue Planet power catamaran. The operator may also use a 36-foot Twin Vee, a 31-foot Wellcraft, or another similar vessel.

The boat choice matters less than the small passenger count. With 12 people or fewer, you can usually hear the captain’s instructions, move around without bumping elbows, and get help with equipment without a long line. One boat has been described as having good cover, which is useful under the strong Caribbean sun or during a passing shower.

The ride itself is part of the outing. You cross from St. Thomas toward St. John and nearby cays, with the captain choosing the route according to sea conditions. One section of water can become choppy where currents meet, sometimes called a washing machine by local boaters. Conditions vary, but the crew’s handling of the boat is important here. Captains such as Montana and Hillary have received praise for keeping the ride comfortable in windy or rough conditions.

Snorkeling Around St. John and the Nearby Cays

The first major part of the trip is usually a snorkel stop. Possible locations include Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Christmas Cove, Lovango Cay, Mingo Cay, Stevens Cay, or St. James Island.

You should think of this as a flexible route, not a fixed checklist. The captain chooses a site based on wind, waves, visibility, and the day’s conditions. That flexibility is a strength because the best-looking location on a map may not be the best place to snorkel that afternoon.

The water around St. John and the nearby cays can support a good range of sea life. You might see snapper, parrotfish, squirrelfish, sturgeonfish, squid, rays, starfish, barracuda, or nurse sharks. Sea turtles are a major draw, especially around Maho Bay and the waters near Honeymoon Beach, but sightings are never guaranteed. They are wild animals, not scheduled performers, and sometimes they keep their distance.

Several captains have been praised for finding active marine life. Captain Mike has taken people to areas where nurse sharks were seen, while Captain Glen has led outings with sightings of turtles, stingrays, starfish, and many reef fish. Captain Hillary has guided trips where people saw squid and rays, along with turtles. Those encounters are possible highlights, but you should not book this trip on the promise of one particular animal.

Lovango Cay is especially appealing for people who want a more boat-accessible snorkeling site. One outing there had water about 12 feet deep and was compared to an aquarium because of the fish and coral. The area also has a coral restoration project connected with the Lovango Resort, making the stop interesting beyond its clear water.

At some sites, the boat can anchor close to the reef. At others, you may need to swim a fair distance before reaching the most rewarding area. One stop at Maho Bay placed swimmers about 100 yards from the seagrass and reef area. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the captain about the distance and conditions before entering the water.

The equipment is included and has been described as being in good condition. You still need to bring your own towel and sunscreen. The crew is strict about reef-safe sunscreen, which is sensible in turtle and coral habitat. A product such as Blue Lizard was specifically accepted on one trip, but check the ingredients on your own sunscreen rather than relying only on the label.

Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, and Christmas Cove

Maho Bay is one of the more appealing possible stops because it combines a sandy St. John setting with the chance to see turtles in relatively shallow water. The bay can also attract several boats, so the captain’s choice of anchoring area affects your experience.

If the boat anchors far from shore, you may get better access to the outer reef but face a longer swim. One person found the distant position inconvenient and felt the beach snorkeling was easier. That is a fair warning for anyone who prefers effortless entry into the water.

Trunk Bay and Christmas Cove offer different versions of the same basic pleasure: warm water, reef life, and a view of St. John from offshore. The route may also include Mingo, Stevens, or Lovango Cay, where the group can get away from the more familiar bays.

You will not know your exact snorkel sites until the captain assesses the day. This can disappoint someone hoping specifically for Trunk Bay, but it also protects the trip from being locked into a poor location during rough weather.

The Second Stop: Honeymoon Beach or Hawksnest Bay

After snorkeling, the boat usually heads to either Hawksnest Bay or Honeymoon Beach at Caneel Bay, depending on weather and sea conditions. These beaches are a strong reason to choose this excursion rather than a snorkel-only trip.

Honeymoon Beach has soft white sand and clear blue water, with a more relaxed pace after the active water time. You can swim, float, sit on the beach, or simply enjoy the St. John shoreline from the boat. Some outings have included a short visit to the beach snack bar, while others have focused on more time in the water.

The catch is access. The boat may not be allowed to run all the way to shore, so you may need to swim roughly five minutes from the boat to the beach. The distance and water depth can vary, with one outing taking place over water about 25 to 35 feet deep before reaching the shallower beach area.

That makes this stop less suitable for anyone who is uncomfortable swimming in open water. It is also worth considering if you are bringing young children or carrying cameras, dry clothing, or other items that should not get wet. Children under two require a call to the operator before booking.

Hawksnest Bay is another possible beach stop, and it may be selected when conditions make it the better choice. Since the captain controls the route, you should view the beach portion as a scenic and flexible part of the day rather than a guaranteed visit to one named beach.

Captains Who Shape the Day

On a small boat, the captain is more than a driver. You will hear local stories, get help with masks and fins, and rely on the crew to judge water conditions.

Captain Justin has been praised for sharing local information and keeping the trip on time. Captain Wallens has been noted for a fast, fun ride and for taking the group to two strong locations. Captain Thomas has shared island history and shown beautiful views during other Seas the Day outings, although the details of that particular trip included land activities beyond this snorkel tour.

Captain Dallas has earned praise for making the outing feel personal. Captain Sammy has been described as friendly and well informed about St. Thomas and the surrounding islands. That variety is part of the appeal, though you cannot select a particular captain unless the company confirms one for your date.

The crew’s style seems best suited to people who enjoy conversation and practical guidance rather than a scripted, large-boat presentation. You can ask about the islands, fish, coral, and sea conditions as you go. The smaller group makes those exchanges easier.

Drinks, Gear, and What You Need to Pack

The price includes snorkel equipment, bottled water, soda, and beer. Drinks are available after snorkeling and help make the return ride more comfortable. If you want rum punch, bring your expectations down a notch: it is not included on the standard shared charter.

Pack lightly, but bring the items that matter:

• Reef-safe, non-aerosol sunscreen
• A towel
• A swimsuit
• A waterproof phone case or underwater camera
• Dry clothing for the ride back
• Any personal medication you may need

An underwater camera is useful if you hope to record turtles, squid, rays, or coral. Keep in mind that sightings and water clarity change from day to day, so good photos are possible but not promised.

The operator says the boats are sanitized after each trip using established CDC and WHO guidelines. The activity is mainly outdoors, and masks are not required, though you may wear one if you prefer.

Is $135 a Fair Price?

At $135 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a St. Thomas beach or snorkel from shore. The value comes from combining boat transportation, equipment, a captain, several possible island locations, drinks, and a maximum group size of 12.

A large excursion may cost less per person, but you are more likely to spend time boarding, waiting, and sharing limited space. Here, your money buys a more personal outing and the ability to reach St. John and nearby cays without arranging separate transportation.

The price is strongest for you if you want a half-day on the water and do not want to charter a private boat. It is less compelling if your main goal is simply to sit on a beach or snorkel directly from shore. One person preferred free beach snorkeling after being anchored far from the reef at Maho Bay, and that is a useful comparison.

The trip lasts about four hours, so it fits neatly into a cruise-port day or a vacation schedule with other plans. The operator aims to leave and return on time, but sea conditions can always affect the exact pace.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most?

I would choose this excursion for confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small social group to a packed boat. It is also a good fit if you want to see St. John from the water without committing to a full-day charter.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water swimming, need guaranteed beach access, or want a fixed itinerary. The snorkeling can be excellent, but the captain may move to a different bay or cay, and some sites require a longer swim than expected.

The tour works particularly well for people who care about wildlife. Turtles, nurse sharks, rays, squid, starfish, coral, and reef fish have all appeared on different outings. Still, the captain can only choose promising habitat. The animals decide what happens next.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the tour returns to the same American Yacht Harbor meeting point. The activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. The trip also depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, or the minimum is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Tipping is not included. For strong service from the captain and crew, the customary tip is 15 to 20 percent.

Should You Book the MV Island Flyer Snorkel Trip?

I would book it if you want a small boat, two island stops, and a real chance at sea-life encounters in a compact four-hour outing. The strongest parts are the group size, the helpful captains, the range of possible snorkel sites, and the combination of reef time with a St. John beach.

I would skip it if you want to walk directly from the boat onto sand or if open-water swimming makes you uneasy. Ask about the likely swim distance before boarding, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and accept that the captain may change the route.

For most active visitors staying in St. Thomas, $135 is a reasonable price for the access and personal attention. The boat is small, the water is the main event, and the best moments may come from an unexpected turtle, ray, or patch of coral rather than from following a rigid schedule.

FAQ

Where does the snorkel trip meet?

You meet at the Seas the Day departure lounge at The Shops at American Yacht Harbor, 6100 Red Hook Quarters, Red Hook, St. Thomas. The lounge is on the lower floor across from the entrance to B Dock.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the American Yacht Harbor meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Which boat will be used?

The experience may use the 36-foot MV Island Flyer, a 36-foot Twin Vee powerboat, a 31-foot Wellcraft powerboat, or another comparable vessel available that day.

Which snorkeling locations might I visit?

Possible sites include Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Christmas Cove, Lovango Cay, Mingo Cay, Stevens Cay, and St. James Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, and beer are included. Rum punch is not part of the standard shared charter.

Do I need to bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not included. The crew asks you to bring non-aerosol, reef-safe sunscreen.

Will the boat go directly onto the beach?

Not always. At Honeymoon Beach, you may need to swim from the boat to shore because the boat cannot pull all the way onto the beach.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.