Turtle Cove Snorkel Experience: Explore Green Sea Turtles at Little Buck Island St. Thomas
4.8
1,646 Ratings
Southside
Swim with green sea turtles and tropical fish on a 3-hour snorkel and sail adventure in St. Thomas. Book your morning tour during busy holiday weeks!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The VI Cat - Arrive at 12:30pm to check-in with The VI Cat crew on the wooden dock of the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. Tour departs promptly at 1pm (AST - Atlantic Standard Time). Guest is to provide their own transportation to the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. After checking in with security, follow signs that say “public access to the beach”. Free parking can be found in a large gravel parking lot on the right hand side AFTER the security booth.
  • Little Buck Island - Board ‘The Cat’, a spacious 54-foot sailing catamaran for an exhilarating sail to the uninhabited Little Buck Island, located off of St Thomas. You’ll snorkel at Turtle Cove, Little Buck Island, the National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll experience an unforgettable, fun-filled, marine life adventure.

Your friendly crew will provide snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, snorkel vest), brief instruction and safety tips and if needed, a beginner’s snorkeling lesson when you reach Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. You may choose to swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, tan on the special deck of the catamaran, or relax in the shaded cabin area. However you choose to spend your day on the boat, you will no doubt have fun!

Water, light snacks and a variety of beverages. NOTE: Alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks are served AFTER the snorkeling/in-water portion of snorkel & sail trips.

  • The VI Cat - Enjoy the relaxing sail back to the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, where your fun-filled tour will conclude.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Unlimited Drinks (alcoholic beverages after in-water activities)
  • Snacks
  • Use of snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, snorkel vest, fins)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (suggested)
  • Souvenir T-Shirts and Dri-Fit Shirts (available for purchase)
  • Guest provides own transportation to and from the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove
Additional Information

Join us for a 3-hour snorkeling and sailing journey in St. Thomas on The VI Cat and experience swimming with the local green sea turtles and exotic fish. We set off on our 54-foot catamaran that has been cleared by the US Coast Guard and make our way to the picturesque waters of Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. Witnessing the green sea turtles in their natural surroundings will indeed etch a lifelong memory. Please note that this is Little Buck Island, located off of St. Thomas.

Contact us for a morning tour during peak holiday weeks.

  • Must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Check-in with Cat Crew on Dock of Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. We cannot accommodate late-comers.
  • Use Google Maps. Type “The VI Cat” or “Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove”. 1. Pull into the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove (the property with all of the colorful buildings). The Marriott Cove has a large stone/brick entrance. 2. Check in with the security guard at the security booth. They will ask that you park in the large, flat gravel parking lot on the right AFTER the security booth. 3. After parking, walk down the hill, on the road, towards the pool and follow signs that say public beach access. 4. Look for the wooden dock located off of the beach. 5. You will check in with The VI Cat crew on the wooden dock approximately 30 minutes prior to departure.
  • The VI Cat’s Standard Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, customers may cancel up to 24 hours before the excursion start date in the local timezone. No refunds will be given after that time period. “No-Shows” will be charged the full price of the excursion. In the event The VI Cat cancels the excursion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers may receive a full refund or rebooking.
  • Note that the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is the time-share portion of the Marriott. This location is different than The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef
  • All tours are listed in local time - Atlantic Standard Time Zone (PLEASE NOTE THIS MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN YOUR SHIP TIME)
  • Be sure to mention any allergies or medical conditions to the Captain
  • The Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is 7-10 minute taxi ride from the WICO cruise ship dock and 20-30 minute taxi ride from the Crown Bay cruise ship dock
  • At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Children MUST be accompanied by an adult • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
  • Alcoholic beverages will be offered after the in-water activities.
  • Wheelchair accessibility is best fitted for travel/non-motorized wheelchairs. If guest or vessel’s Master determines safety issue, a full refund will be given.
  • MUST arrive 30 minutes prior to trip departure time. We cannot accommodate late arrivals.
  • Any guests with medical concerns (including pregnant travelers) are encouraged to address them with their own medical professional prior to attending excursion.
  • Facial coverings are optional while onboard.
Location
The VI Cat
Each guest is to provide their own transportation to the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove. Check in with security and make your way to the DOCK and follow signs that say public access to beach. Arrive 30 minutes prior to trip departure time. We are cannot accommodate late arrivals.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1646 Ratings)
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Miranda_m
May 24, 2024
10/10 recommend! - SO MUCH FUN!! We saw three turtles, a barracuda and a 5’ shark. It was a great experience with a great crew.
Review provided by Viator
Michelelj7913ql
May 24, 2024
Excellent 1/2 Snorkel - The 1/2 day snorkel was exactly what we were looking for, VI Cat was exceptional for the trip!! The Crew, the ride, the snorkel, the sail back… A+++ Thank you, Paul and Michele
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide774289
May 22, 2024
Good time! - We enjoyed a lovely outing yesterday on the Cat VI! Four adults went but only three of us snorkeled. At first, it seemed like it would feel really crowded. There were lots of people- but it was totally fine! Isaac, Serena and Heather worked efficiently to check us in, provide safety instructions, get us there and back, serve drinks, put out snacks, and all the while encouraging a fun and friendly atmosphere. All in all, a very nice time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eddie
May 21, 2024
Relaxing Snorkel Cruise - Excellent cat cruise! Capt. Serena with crew Heather, and Nick, were incredibly friendly and attentive to all, with a focus on safety and fun. We were a wedding group of 20 (many other passengers on board) and all had the same experience. Would have liked to see more turtles during the snorkel tour but Nick’s marine life education made up for it. Lots of fish to see as well. Open bar after snorkeling was a great way to sail back to port. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eddie_a
May 21, 2024
Very Satisfying Cruise - Excellent cat cruise! Capt. Selina with crew Heather, and Nick, were incredibly friendly and attentive to all, with a focus on safety and fun. We were a wedding group of 20 (many other passengers on board) and all had the same experience. Would have liked to see more turtles during the snorkel tour but Nick’s marine life education made up for it. Lots of fish to see as well. Open bar after snorkeling was a great way to sail back to port. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Tim_d
May 21, 2024
Wonderful - Seeing all the beautiful fish at the reefs and my wife seeing a turtle and on and on and on. It was a wonderful experience
Review provided by Viator
Howard_b
May 20, 2024
Great Crew, Great Experience! - Great group of guys on the VI Cat. Good time and saw several green sea turtles and other sea life. Took a slow ride on the catamaran back, had some great 'adult' drinks and socialized. The crew was very, very attentive the entire time. I recommend The Cat. Exceptional rating.
Review provided by Viator
Sheena_b
May 19, 2024
Fun day in the Caribbean - The staff! Very attentive ,got in the water with and made sure we seen sea turtles and a beautiful reef. There hospitality and the music were amazing not to mention the snacks ... worthy every penny , another great memory made.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer
May 18, 2024
Great trip! - The crew of the VI Cat was awesome! They really took time to get you prepared for the snorkeling. They were knowledgeable about the reef once you got in the water. We saw four sea turtles and it was amazing! Once back on the boat, we had drinks, snacks and a relaxing ride back. The crew really did a wonderful job making this trip fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_j
May 18, 2024
Great experience! - The crew guiding the snorkeling tour was very knowledgeable about the reef. The best part was that we saw four turtles while out! Great experience! The lazy ride back was relaxing. The crew was excellent- friendly, knowledgeable, service-oriented. Would definitely book with them again!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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