Five hours on the water beats a long day ashore. Reef Surfari’s Do It All Trip pairs two National Park snorkeling stops with included pizza and an easygoing open bar during the cruise, plus a sunset dance party at the end. I love that this trip builds in a real rhythm—snorkel, snack, snorkel, then food and party time—so you’re not waiting around bored. The one catch: this is not recommended for cruise ship passengers since you can’t count on getting back to your ship on time.

You’ll meet at Red Hook on St. Thomas or Cruz Bay on St. John depending on the day, cruise along both islands, and then settle in for the vibe. The crew shows up big: captains and guides like CJ, John, BK, Sydney, and marine biologist Darian are a big part of why people leave smiling, laughing, and already planning a return. With a maximum of 47 people, it feels social without feeling chaotic, and there’s a restroom onboard when you need it.

Key highlights you should clock before you go

• Two Virgin Islands National Park snorkel stops for more chances at turtles, coral, and tropical fish
• Snacks, pizza, and an open bar included, with alcohol served after the second snorkeling stop
• Sunset dance party on the water after you’ve cooled off and eaten
• Real hands-on crew support for first-timers, with guides that explain what you’re seeing
• Max group size of 47 keeps the day lively without running you ragged

Reef Surfari Do It All: the smart way to stack snorkeling and sunset time

This tour is built for people who want a full afternoon without doing math on transport, reservations, and add-ons. You’re getting a boat day that moves: cruise time, snorkeling time, then food and a sunset celebration. At $120 per person, it’s not a “cheap and cheerful” outing, but it is a good value when you compare what’s included—snorkel equipment, two park stops, pizza, soda, and an open bar.

What I like most is how the plan avoids the classic problem of island tours: you’re not spending half the day commuting or waiting. You go out, you snorkel in the Virgin Islands National Park in two separate spots, you eat, then you close the day with the sunset on the water. It’s the kind of schedule that helps you actually enjoy the day instead of just “checking boxes.”

Where you meet: Red Hook on St Thomas vs Cruz Bay on St John

Pickup depends on the season, and that matters. From October to March, the boat departs the dock at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook at 1:30 pm, then swings over to Cruz Bay at 2:00 pm to pick up St. John guests. From April to September, it runs a later schedule: 2:00 pm from St. Thomas and 2:30 pm from St. John.

Your listed start time is 2:00 pm, and the overall experience runs about 5 hours 30 minutes. The reason it works is that you’re joining a boat that’s already timed for the islands, not showing up to a random dock and hoping for the best. If you’re planning your day around this, build in extra buffer to get to the pickup location.

One thing to take seriously: this tour is not recommended for cruise ship passengers. Cruise ports are about 30 minutes from the dock, and there’s no guarantee you’ll make it back to your cruise ship on time. If your itinerary is cruise-dependent, choose something that leaves from a port closer to your ship.

The boat ride and vibe: what the afternoon feels like

This is a boat-centered tour, not a land excursion. After pickup, you’ll cruise around St. Thomas and St. John while the energy ramps up—music on, drinks rolling, and the crew keeping things moving. The onboard setup includes a restroom, which is genuinely helpful on a 5+ hour water day.

The open-bar portion starts with the cruise atmosphere, with rum punch, painkillers, sodas, and water mentioned as part of the party. Alcohol is handled a bit differently for the park timing: it’s served beginning at the second snorkel location after you’re finished swimming (in line with the National Park Service permit rules). Translation: you get the full party vibe, but you also get a practical “swim first” rhythm.

The day also caps at 47 travelers, which means you’ll likely get to chat with people while still feeling like it’s your group, not a field trip herd.

Two snorkel stops in the Virgin Islands National Park: what you’ll look for

You’ll snorkel at two locations in the Virgin Islands National Park around St. John. Having two separate stops is the biggest advantage here. It increases your odds of seeing more wildlife, since conditions can change from spot to spot—like water clarity and fish movement.

You’re specifically there to look for:

• turtles
• coral and tropical fish
• and other marine life you might spot while you’re in the water

From real-world sightings shared by past snorkelers, you might also come across sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, eagle rays, barracuda, jellyfish, and colorful fish. None of that is guaranteed, but the pattern is consistent: these are the kind of waters where the cool stuff shows up more often than in generic “nearby beach” snorkeling.

The tour also provides snorkeling equipment, so you’re not stuck hauling gear or renting at the dock. That’s a big deal if you’re trying to travel light and avoid extra delays.

Snorkeling reality check (so you can enjoy it)

This trip is listed as requiring moderate physical fitness. That usually means you’ll be getting in and out of the water and swimming at least some distance while wearing snorkeling gear. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely feel comfortable. If you’re a first-timer or “water shy,” the crew’s approach is the key—guides like John and marine biologist Darian are repeatedly praised for helping people feel at ease and for explaining what’s worth watching.

Snacks, shoes, and the small details that make or break it

After the first snorkeling stop, you’ll have time to regroup with chips and cookies, plus non-alcoholic drinks. Then you’re back in for stop number two. I like this structure because it prevents the mid-afternoon energy slump. You snorkel, you refuel, you snorkel again, and then food arrives before the party.

Footwear is one practical issue I’d plan for. One recent reviewer noted you need to take off your shoes before getting on the boat. If that’s your discomfort zone, bring water shoes or slip-ons that work for moving around the dock and boarding without turning your feet into sad noodles.

Also, the crew is active about safety and comfort. Many people highlight how helpful captains and guides were with first-time snorkelers and with mixed skill groups, including kids. That doesn’t turn it into a private lesson, but it does mean you won’t feel stranded.

Pizza at Christmas Cove: when dinner actually happens

After snorkeling, you’ll get dinner pizza from Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove of Great St. James. Pizza is typically served between 5:00 and 5:30 pm, which is perfect timing for a sunset plan—your stomach is fed, but you’re still light enough to enjoy the ride.

If Pizza Pi is closed, the tour notes that pizza may come from another pizza restaurant instead. Either way, pizza is included in the tour price, and soda/pop is included too. For a $120 outing, it’s not just “some snacks”—it’s a real meal at a real time.

Is the pizza fine dining? Based on the notes people shared, it hits the practical spot: warm, filling, and easy to eat while you reset for the sunset. That matters more here than bragging rights.

Open bar timing and the sunset dance party payoff

Once the first snorkel is done, you’re in cruising mode with snacks. After the second snorkel, you’re finished swimming and the bar opens up fully with alcohol served at that point, per permit rules.

Then the mood shifts: music gets louder, the cruise becomes the party, and you get a sunset dance party before returning to St. John and then St. Thomas.

The return timing depends on sunset through the year. The trip typically returns:

• to St. John between 6:30 and 7:00 pm
• and to St. Thomas between 7:00 and 7:30 pm

That sunset timing is why this isn’t a “grab and go” tour. People describe the ending as a highlight—the kind of moment you remember because it’s not just pretty; it’s social, with the boat rocking and everyone in the same mood.

Price and value: is $120 actually fair?

At $120 per person, this isn’t the lowest-cost option on the islands. But for a do-it-all afternoon, it stacks up well because you’re paying for multiple included components:

• Two snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park
• Snorkeling equipment
• Food (pizza included after the second stop)
• Drinks (sodas/water included, plus an open bar with a park-timed alcohol schedule)
• A full sunset cruise and dance party

If you try to assemble those things separately—snorkeling transport, gear rental, a meal, and a sunset outing—you’ll usually end up with more costs and more coordination. Here, the coordination is handled for you.

Also, the crew quality looks to be a core strength. People consistently mention captains and guides like CJ, BK, John, Sydney, Andy, and marine biologist Darian for keeping the mood up while also staying informative and attentive. That matters because snorkeling tours live or die on guidance and vibe.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• a full afternoon with snorkeling plus an actual meal
• a fun crew and group energy (dance party included)
• the convenience of equipment provided
• two snorkeling chances rather than one

You might skip it if:

• you’re on a tight cruise ship schedule and need guaranteed reboarding time
• you don’t want an active, water-based day with moderate fitness expectations
• you prefer quiet, no-music experiences (this one leans party after snorkel time)

It also suits mixed groups. One of the strongest themes in the feedback is that crew members help first-timers get comfortable, including families with kids.

Practical tips for a smoother day on Reef Surfari

Here are the things that will make your day less stressful:

• Bring water shoes with grip or comfortable footwear you don’t mind removing during boarding, since at least one reviewer noted you must take off shoes.
• Pack a towel and a dry bag if you have one. You’ll finish in the water and want to change quickly for the sunset ride.
• If you have a food allergy, don’t wait until you arrive. The tour notes that alternative food items can be arranged with 72 hours advanced notice, and there may be extra costs.
• Watch the weather. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
• If you’re booking close to your trip dates, confirm the seasonal pickup schedule. October–March and April–September run different times for St. Thomas vs St. John.

On timing, give yourself slack. Even though the tour is well-run, ferry logistics and dock access can be unpredictable once you’re moving between islands.

Should you book Reef Surfari’s Do It All Trip?

If you want one ticket that turns into snorkeling time, pizza dinner, and a sunset party, I’d book this. Two park snorkel stops plus included gear and food is a strong mix for the price, and the crew energy—names like CJ, John, BK, Sydney, and Darian keep showing up for a reason.

I would not book it if you’re a cruise passenger trying to “maybe make it back.” And if you need a quiet, sit-and-stare tour, this one runs more social and upbeat after the second swim.

If your goal is a memorable St. Thomas and St. John afternoon with real water time and a finish you’ll talk about later, Reef Surfari is one of the clearest choices.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the afternoon snorkeling and sunset tour?

You’ll meet at Ocean Surfari – Reef Surfari Snorkel Excursions on Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas (00802). The tour also picks up guests in Cruz Bay on St John as the schedule swings over between islands.

How long is the tour, and when does it return?

The duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes. Return timing depends on the sunset, with the boat back to St John between 6:30–7:00 pm and to St Thomas between 7:00–7:30 pm.

What snorkeling is included, and do I get equipment?

You get two snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Chips and cookies are available after the first snorkel stop.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have soda/pop and water, plus chips and cookies after the first snorkel stop. Pizza from Pizza Pi (or another pizza restaurant if Pizza Pi is closed) is provided after the second snorkel stop, typically between 5:00–5:30 pm.

When is alcohol served?

Alcohol is served in accordance with the National Park Service permit rules: it starts at the second snorkel location after you are finished swimming. While cruising, the bar is described with items like rum punch, painkillers, sodas, and water.

Is there anything to know about footwear or onboard rules?

Yes. One review noted that you must take off your shoes before getting on the boat. If that’s an issue for you, consider bringing water shoes you can wear comfortably without grip problems.

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