Private Day Sail and Snorkel from Sapphire Beach to St. John National Park
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Casual fitness; able to step on/off a low ladder and swim short snorkel sessions
Overview
Set sail from Sapphire Beach for a private, full-day cruise to St. John National Park. Snorkel vibrant coral gardens, enjoy a grilled lunch and open bar, and customize the route with a small group of up to six guests.
Private Day Sail and Snorkel from Sapphire Beach to St. John National Park
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The keel tips, the rigging sings, and the marina slips behind you in a ribbon of memory — Sapphire Beach’s dock office a neat line of pastel buildings and rum-scented taxis. By 9 a.m. the skipper runs through a brief safety talk, hands out snorkel gear, and you climb aboard a clean, comfortable catamaran designed for small private groups. The first breath of open water is saline and bright; the island chain unspools ahead, lazy cays and the serrated silhouette of St. John rising like a green cathedral.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The boat provides shade but not full sun protection; use reef-safe SPF to protect coral and your skin.
Take motion-sickness prevention
If you’re prone to seasickness, take a dose before boarding and sit mid-boat where motion is minimized.
Wear water shoes
Rocky landings and coral shards at some beaches make water shoes a smart choice for getting in and out.
Protect valuables
Carry a small dry bag for phones and keys; the crew has limited storage and saltwater spray is constant.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Colorful reef fish such as parrotfish and sergeant majors
History
The US Virgin Islands were once a Danish colony; St. John contains numerous 18th-century plantation ruins now protected within the national park.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to use reef-safe products and avoid touching coral; operators support low-impact anchoring and National Park regulations to protect reefs.
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Adventure Hotspots in Red Hook
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the coral ecosystems you'll be visiting.
summer specific
Water shoes
Protect feet on rocky shorelines and coral entry points.
summer specific
Light windbreaker or layer
Open-ocean breezes can be cool in the morning and late afternoon.
winter specific
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phone, wallet, and spare clothes safe from spray.