THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail from St. Thomas to snorkel alongside sea turtles in the stunning waters of Maho Bay, St. John. This six-hour adventure includes two snorkeling stops, a picnic lunch, and an open bar aboard Lady Lynsey II, making it a top Virgin Islands experience.
Set sail from St. Thomas to snorkel alongside sea turtles in the stunning waters of Maho Bay, St. John. This six-hour adventure includes two snorkeling stops, a picnic lunch, and an open bar aboard Lady Lynsey II, making it a top Virgin Islands experience.
Book with Cruz Bay Watersports
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cruz Bay Watersports · Cruz Bay, St. John
Set sail from The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas aboard the charming Lady Lynsey II for a six-hour journey that highlights the pristine beauty of Virgin Islands National Park. This unforgettable excursion brings travelers to the turquoise waters of Maho Bay on St. John, a renowned snorkeling haven famed for its crystal-clear visibility and vibrant marine life. Sailing into this marine sanctuary, guests will encounter the graceful presence of green and hawksbill sea turtles, a rare opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The adventure begins with a beach boarding—guests should be prepared to wade through knee-deep water to step aboard. Once on the Lady Lynsey II, the voyage moves toward the tranquil Maho Bay, where beneath the calm waves rests a kaleidoscope of coral reefs teeming with life. The Maho Bay area, protected within the Virgin Islands National Park established in 1956, offers a unique blend of shallow reefs and seagrass beds, an ideal home for the sea turtles and numerous tropical fish species.
After snorkeling amid these underwater wonders, the boat anchors again for a picnic lunch served onboard. The fare is fresh and energizing, perfectly complemented by an open bar offering refreshing beverages, allowing passengers to relax and recharge amidst stunning panoramic views of untouched shorelines and lush island foliage.
Following lunch, the Lady Lynsey II sails along the park’s coastline en route to a second snorkeling spot—an offshore cay or a less-visited reef, often described as an “off the beaten path” gem. This stop offers another chance to explore vibrant coral formations and diverse fish communities, rewarding adventurous snorkelers with less crowded, serene settings.
The day concludes with a scenic downwind sail back to the beaches surrounding The Ritz-Carlton. Guests disembark with memories of clear, warm waters and encounters with some of the ocean’s most captivating residents.
Cruz Bay, the closest city to this experience on St. John, provides a charming base with local shops and dining. Travelers appreciate that the trip includes sanitized snorkel gear with flotation aids, fresh water showers onboard, towels, and expert guidance from experienced crew.
This turtle snorkel sail stands out as a signature Virgin Islands adventure, combining leisurely sailing, exciting wildlife encounters, and top-notch amenities, making it a must-book for anyone visiting the US Virgin Islands looking to connect with nature in an accessible but unforgettable way.
moderate.
6 hours.
Guests should have moderate fitness to manage light swimming and wading for boarding and snorkeling.
Sanitized snorkel gear including masks, fins, and flotation devices are provided for all guests.
Children aged 3 and older can participate; pricing is available for children 3-12 with free admission for under 3s.
Yes, as long as guests are comfortable in water and have basic swimming skills, this trip welcomes snorkelers of all experience levels.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture underwater moments.
Yes, all excursions depend on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.
Both snorkeling stops are close to shore reefs in protected areas within the Virgin Islands National Park, ideal for steady conditions and easy access.
Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956, preserves much of St. John's natural and cultural heritage, including historic sugar plantation ruins near snorkeling sites.
All snorkeling tours emphasize reef-safe sunscreen and responsible marine wildlife interaction to protect the delicate coral ecosystems and sea turtles.
Cruz Bay Watersports operates from Cruz Bay, St. John, offering a selection of guided tours and private charters across St. John and nearby St. Thomas. The operator runs a fleet that includes a 65' luxury catamaran used for picnic snorkel sails, the Flying Frenchman catamaran for afternoon turtle snorkels and dinner sails, a VanDutch 40' powerboat called Lady Luxe for private full-day charters, and a 37' Axopar available for customized excursions. Guided Jet Ski Tours depart after a safety briefing at The Westin Resort, St. John, and include WaveRunners with a professional guide. Cruz Bay Watersports offers experiences that combine snorkeling stops, open bars, picnic lunches, beach time at Salomon or Honeymoon Beach, and sightseeing in the waters around St. John and St. Thomas. Private charters include captain service, snorkeling gear, and refreshments as described for each trip. Trips feature sanitized gear, professional captains or guides, and small-group options appropriate for families and adult groups. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Cruz Bay Watersports lists clear trip summaries and vessel-specific details to help guests select the right experience. Whether booking a multi-stop snorkel sail, a private VanDutch or Axopar charter, a Frenchman dinner sail, or a guided jet-ski tour, guests can choose based on vessel type, trip length, and included amenities.
Book with Cruz Bay Watersports