A six-hour powerboat snorkel trip from St. Thomas to the reefs of St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park, featuring breakfast, lunch, open bar and guided snorkeling at multiple sites. Ideal for cruise passengers and land-based travelers who want an efficient, well-supported reef day.
A six-hour powerboat snorkel trip from St. Thomas to the reefs of St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park, featuring breakfast, lunch, open bar and guided snorkeling at multiple sites. Ideal for cruise passengers and land-based travelers who want an efficient, well-supported reef day.
The boat slips free from the dock of St. Thomas and the island line slides past — palms and limestone cliffs sharpening as the bowsprit cuts glassy water.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by New Horizons & Breakaway Charters · Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
The boat slips free from the dock of St. Thomas and the island line slides past — palms and limestone cliffs sharpening as the bowsprit cuts glassy water.
By midmorning the captain drops anchor at the first site inside Virgin Islands National Park; snorkelers push off into water that alternates between jade and cobalt, currents nudging you toward coral gardens. The day’s tempo is deliberate: continental breakfast while underway, two guided snorkel stops (sites vary by conditions), a buffet lunch and an open bar on board before the final swim and the return cruise.
St. John’s north shore reefs form on volcanic base rock capped by limestone and coral growth; centuries of colonial trade and plantation history shaped the small harbors you’ll pass. Local boat captains often point out former sugar-plantation ruins visible from the water and tell how the Park protected these bays beginning in the 1950s.
Practical guidance: tours run about six hours (typically 9:00–15:00). Snorkeling instruction and basic equipment are provided, but bring a personal mask for fit and a reef‑safe sunscreen. Seas can be calm or choppy—light jacket and non‑slip shoes help when boarding. Hydrate before the trip and eat lightly; motion‑sickness remedies are recommended for sensitive travelers. Cruise-ship guests should confirm docking and reboarding times when they book. Expect approachable swimming in shallow reefs, attentive crew briefings, and the kind of ocean visibility that makes the coral feel alive under you — currents will test your focus and the fish will reward your patience.
easy.
6 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable swimming short distances and getting on/off a laddered boat.
Yes—basic masks, fins and snorkel gear and in-water guidance are included; you may bring your own mask for fit.
Yes—cruise passengers are welcome but must provide ship name and reboarding time when booking to ensure timely return.
Sites vary by conditions; common stops include Maho Bay, Leinster Bay/Waterlemon Cay, Cinnamon Bay and other National Park reefs, but the captain chooses locations for best visibility and safety.
The open bar is provided on board between snorkel sessions; alcohol is not permitted while snorkeling and crew will enforce safety rules.
Many bays around St. John were former plantation lands; the Virgin Islands National Park, established mid‑20th century, protects shoreline and reef habitat while preserving colonial ruins visible from sea.
Visitors are asked to use reef‑safe products, avoid touching coral, and follow crew briefings to minimize contact and anchor damage to reef systems.
New Horizons & Breakaway Charters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The boat slips free from the dock of St. Thomas and the island line slides past — palms and limestone cliffs sharpening as the bowsprit cuts glassy water.
The boat slips free from the dock of St. Thomas and the island line slides past — palms and limestone cliffs sharpening as the bowsprit cuts glassy water.
By midmorning the captain drops anchor at the first site inside Virgin Islands National Park; snorkelers push off into water that alternates between jade and cobalt, currents nudging you toward coral gardens. The day’s tempo is deliberate: continental breakfast while underway, two guided snorkel stops (sites vary by conditions), a buffet lunch and an open bar on board before the final swim and the return cruise.
St. John’s north shore reefs form on volcanic base rock capped by limestone and coral growth; centuries of colonial trade and plantation history shaped the small harbors you’ll pass. Local boat captains often point out former sugar-plantation ruins visible from the water and tell how the Park protected these bays beginning in the 1950s.
Practical guidance: tours run about six hours (typically 9:00–15:00). Snorkeling instruction and basic equipment are provided, but bring a personal mask for fit and a reef‑safe sunscreen. Seas can be calm or choppy—light jacket and non‑slip shoes help when boarding. Hydrate before the trip and eat lightly; motion‑sickness remedies are recommended for sensitive travelers. Cruise-ship guests should confirm docking and reboarding times when they book. Expect approachable swimming in shallow reefs, attentive crew briefings, and the kind of ocean visibility that makes the coral feel alive under you — currents will test your focus and the fish will reward your patience.