Sail to St. John: Snorkel, Beach & Shopping from St. Thomas
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks and basic swimming ability for snorkeling
Overview
Board the Lady Lynsey at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas for a six-hour loop that lands in Cruz Bay, lets you explore shops and beaches, and finishes with snorkeling in Virgin Islands National Park. It’s a compact, easy way to experience St. John’s reefs, village life, and open-water sailing.
Sail to St. John: Snorkel, Beach & Shopping from St. Thomas
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A soft roar of surf and a smell of salt announce departure as the Lady Lynsey eases from the sandy shallows off The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. The boat boards from knee-deep water—your shoes squish into warm sand while the crew hauls duty-free bags aboard—and then the horizon unfurls: low, green St. John with its single bright harbor at Cruz Bay, and the open water that separates island life from a day of simple pleasures.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Beach boarding — expect shallow water
You board from the sand and must walk through knee-deep water; wear sandals you can wade in and secure small electronics in dry bags.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Sunscreen that won’t harm coral is required by local conservation practices and keeps the reef healthy for future snorkelers.
Cash or card for Cruz Bay
Lunch and shopping in Cruz Bay are on your own—carry small cash for local vendors and tip at restaurants.
Motion-sickness precautions
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding and sit mid-ship where motion is least noticeable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Parrotfish
- Reef sergeant (sergeant major)
History
St. John’s shoreline reflects volcanic origins and centuries of navigation; much of the island is preserved as Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956 to protect its reefs and historic sugar plantation ruins.
Conservation
Snorkel stops follow park guidelines—use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral; operators often brief guests on low-impact practices to protect fragile reef habitats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and coral during sun-heavy tropical days.
summer specific
Water sandals
Protect feet while wading through knee-deep water to board and on rocky shorelines.
summer specific
Light cover-up or UV shirt
Shields from sun and provides warmth on breezy return sails.
spring specific
Seasickness medication or bands
Helps prevent nausea on open-water stretches between islands.