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3 hours
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Come swim with the resident green sea turtles and tropical fish on this 3 hour snorkel & sail adventure in St. Thomas aboard The VI Cat. From your departure, set sail on our 54-foot US Coast Guard inspected catamaran to the idyllic Caribbean waters of Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. Seeing the green sea turtles in their natural habitat truly is a life-long memory. Note this is Little Buck Island located off of St. Thomas.
Enquire about a morning tour during the busier holiday weeks.
*Turtle sightings are often reported and not guaranteed as the green sea turtles are in their natural habitat.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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 72 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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Use of snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, snorkel vest, fins)
Local guide
Unlimited Drinks (alcoholic beverages after in-water activities)
Snacks
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
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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.
2,038 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bob S,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
This was a great experience with unbelievable views and ocean encounters. The staff was absolutely amazing and they made the entire trip unforgettable and awesome. Would highly recommended this excursion to anyone who comes to St. Thomas.
Suzanne A,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
We had an amazing time on the catamaran snorkel trip. Captain Dave (and his wild, crazy-long beard) was awesome. Isaac kept the drinks coming and made sure everyone was having fun, and Porche was the fun host—super knowledgeable about marine life and always smiling. The best part, though, was the turtles. We saw 4 and even a baby—and they didn’t seem scared of us at all. Some even came up to the surface while we watched. We could’ve stayed there watching them munch along the sea floor for hours. Buck Island was also a great snorkel spot. We saw tons of colorful fish—rainbow fish, blue tangs, trumpet fish—and tons of sea urchins hiding in the rocks. Lots of little coral formations and cool spots to peek into. One thing I meant to ask: while snorkeling near shore, I noticed the water temperature would randomly shift. Is that from underwater rivers or something geothermal? I forgot to ask, but it was super interesting. All around, such a fun and memorable experience. Next time I’d choose a different spot for a different experience.
Greg M,
Aug 7, 2025
- Viator
Saw lots of turtles. Very good crew. Reasonably priced for the time being in the water. Enjoyed the turtles up close.
Robert R,
Aug 4, 2025
- Viator
If the objective is to see Turtles then this was accomplished. There is a limited amount of other sea life (fish) in the area. IMO its due to lack of coral in the area. ONE VERY IMPORTANT fact although this facility is 1.2 miles away IT IS NOT walkable. NO side walk and its very hilly. The facility NEEDS to offer a shuttle from the cruise port
Kristi C,
Jul 31, 2025
- Viator
It’s about an hour of actual snorkeling at Turtle Cove. We saw several turtles a stingray and lots of fish. The sail back was about an hour and included free drinks and snacks. The staff were knowledgeable, professional and friendly.
Operated by The VI Cat