Full-Day Sail and Snorkel to St. John National Park from Sapphire Beach
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable swimming ability recommended; little hiking—mostly short swims and stepping on/off the boat
Overview
Set sail from Sapphire Beach for a semi-private full-day cruise to St. John National Park and its surrounding cays. With a six-guest limit, reef snorkeling, grilled lunch and an open bar, this trip balances comfort, quiet anchorages and top snorkel sites away from the big-boat crowds.
Full-Day Sail and Snorkel to St. John National Park from Sapphire Beach
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The morning light on Sapphire Beach cuts the horizon into a band of nickel-blue and glass. A six-guest catamaran hums at its slip, canvas already trimmed, the promise of empty coves and coral gardens ahead. You push off Red Hook’s bustle and feel the island shrink into green ridgelines; the motor softens, sails take the load and the voyage becomes a steady, sun-bright pulse toward St. John and a scatter of cays that guard the National Park.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Be at Slip N-21 at least 15 minutes before departure; parking is free but the slip sits on the marina’s backside.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and reapply with a towel shield to protect coral and marine life.
Bring a Light Water Shoe
Shoe soles help with slippery rocks when entering shallow snorkel spots and protect against coral scrapes.
Prepare for Motion
If you’re prone to sea-sickness, take medication before boarding and stay hydrated; morning departures are usually calmer.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Parrotfish and stingrays
History
St. John’s park lands and reefs were set aside in the 1950s as part of Virgin Islands National Park protection efforts that preserved beaches and colonial-era ruins.
Conservation
Anchoring is managed to avoid coral damage, and operators encourage reef-safe sunscreen, no-touch snorkeling, and packing out all waste to protect sensitive marine habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Red Hook (Saint Thomas)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects both your skin and the coral ecosystems you’ll snorkel around.
Water shoes
Useful for rocky shore entries and scrambling on small cays.
summer specific
Waterproof camera or phone case
Captures underwater life and deck moments without risking gear damage.
Light windbreaker or rash guard
Blocks sun and spray; mornings can be breezy while sailing.
spring specific