Board a 47' power catamaran in Red Hook and head into Virgin Islands National Park for two guided snorkel stops among coral gardens and sea turtles. This half-day excursion includes gear, light snacks and an open bar served after swimming—ideal for travelers with moderate fitness and basic snorkeling ability.
Board a 47' power catamaran in Red Hook and head into Virgin Islands National Park for two guided snorkel stops among coral gardens and sea turtles. This half-day excursion includes gear, light snacks and an open bar served after swimming—ideal for travelers with moderate fitness and basic snorkeling ability.
The catamaran slips away from Red Hook as the harbor light slides past—salt on your lips, a trade wind pushing the bow toward St. John. By 9:30 the boat picks up in Cruz Bay, and the open water opens up: clear blue that dares you to drop in. The crew rigs masks and points toward two reef sites inside Virgin Islands National Park, where sea turtles forage among coral fingers and parrotfish polish the shallows.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ocean Surfari Charters · Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
The catamaran slips away from Red Hook as the harbor light slides past—salt on your lips, a trade wind pushing the bow toward St. John. By 9:30 the boat picks up in Cruz Bay, and the open water opens up: clear blue that dares you to drop in. The crew rigs masks and points toward two reef sites inside Virgin Islands National Park, where sea turtles forage among coral fingers and parrotfish polish the shallows.
The park, created in 1956 with large land donations from Laurance Rockefeller, preserves volcanic outcrops draped in ancient coral growth. Geologically the islands marry igneous cores with living reef systems; culturally you’ll hear the layered history of Danish colonial settlements, plantation ruins, and contemporary island life in Cruz Bay’s small shops and eateries.
Expect two snorkel stops chosen by weather and visibility, guided safety briefings, and the use of provided snorkel gear. After your swim the boat serves light snacks and a timed open bar—alcohol is offered after you return to the deck. Trip logistics are straightforward: depart Red Hook (St. Thomas) at 9:00, pick up at Cruz Bay at 9:30, drop-off on St. John around noon, and return to St. Thomas by 12:30.
Practical tips: apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding, secure motion-sickness treatment if needed, wear a swimsuit under quick-dry layers, and hydrate. Visibility and currents vary—listen to the crew, conserve the reef by avoiding contact, and bring a small dry bag for phone and keys.
moderate.
3–4 hours.
Moderate fitness and basic swimming ability; comfortable entering and exiting the water from a ladder is required.
The boat departs Red Hook, St. Thomas at 9:00, picks up in Cruz Bay, St. John at 9:30, returns to St. John for a 12:00 drop-off and back to St. Thomas by approximately 12:30.
Yes—masks, snorkels and basic fins are provided; however you may bring your own gear for better fit.
Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available before snorkeling; beer and mixed drinks like rum punch are served once swimming concludes.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious heart or spinal conditions; participants should have moderate fitness and be able to swim.
Virgin Islands National Park was established in 1956, largely from land donated by Laurance Rockefeller to protect St. John’s coastlines and historical sites.
Boats in the park follow anchoring and mooring rules to protect reefs; visitors are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching marine life to limit impact.
Ocean Surfari Charters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The catamaran slips away from Red Hook as the harbor light slides past—salt on your lips, a trade wind pushing the bow toward St. John. By 9:30 the boat picks up in Cruz Bay, and the open water opens up: clear blue that dares you to drop in. The crew rigs masks and points toward two reef sites inside Virgin Islands National Park, where sea turtles forage among coral fingers and parrotfish polish the shallows.
The catamaran slips away from Red Hook as the harbor light slides past—salt on your lips, a trade wind pushing the bow toward St. John. By 9:30 the boat picks up in Cruz Bay, and the open water opens up: clear blue that dares you to drop in. The crew rigs masks and points toward two reef sites inside Virgin Islands National Park, where sea turtles forage among coral fingers and parrotfish polish the shallows.
The park, created in 1956 with large land donations from Laurance Rockefeller, preserves volcanic outcrops draped in ancient coral growth. Geologically the islands marry igneous cores with living reef systems; culturally you’ll hear the layered history of Danish colonial settlements, plantation ruins, and contemporary island life in Cruz Bay’s small shops and eateries.
Expect two snorkel stops chosen by weather and visibility, guided safety briefings, and the use of provided snorkel gear. After your swim the boat serves light snacks and a timed open bar—alcohol is offered after you return to the deck. Trip logistics are straightforward: depart Red Hook (St. Thomas) at 9:00, pick up at Cruz Bay at 9:30, drop-off on St. John around noon, and return to St. Thomas by 12:30.
Practical tips: apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding, secure motion-sickness treatment if needed, wear a swimsuit under quick-dry layers, and hydrate. Visibility and currents vary—listen to the crew, conserve the reef by avoiding contact, and bring a small dry bag for phone and keys.