Sea turtles and crystal water in one morning. This Maho Bay trip starts at the Westin Frenchman’s Reef and heads out on the Jost Boat, reaching calm, clear snorkeling waters on the St John side of the National Park, with sea turtles as the main event.

I love that you get a real two-stop snorkel setup, not just one short swim. The day also includes a full picnic-style lunch on board, plus an open bar after snorkeling, so you can cool down and enjoy the ride home.

One thing to keep in mind: the whole plan depends on good weather and water conditions, so if your schedule is rigid, leave some buffer days.

Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go

• Jost Boat catamaran ride to Maho Bay: you’re out on open water early, then you’re in the water fast.
• Sea turtle snorkeling (green and hawksbill): that’s the headline you’re paying for.
• Two snorkeling stops: first for turtles, then a second look at an offshore cay or National Park reef.
• Lunch + open bar after snorkeling: a full picnic-style meal and drinks are built into the flow.
• Small group size (up to 26): easier handling and a less chaotic boat day.
• Fresh-water shower onboard: helpful when you want to get off the water feeling human again.

Maho Bay Sea Turtle Snorkel: What Makes It Special

If you’re hoping for a St Thomas snorkeling trip where the animals are the point (not just scenery), this one fits the bill. The whole plan is centered on swimming with sea turtles in clear, calm water around the Maho Bay area, with green and hawksbill turtles specifically mentioned as the targets.

What I like most is how the day is paced. You’re not stuck waiting around once you arrive. After the catamaran ride, you gear up and get your first water time with the turtles in mind. Then you’re fed and hydrated before you head to the second snorkeling spot. It keeps the momentum going.

There’s also a nice bonus rhythm: snack and relax time is scheduled after you snorkel. That matters because a snorkeling day can feel oddly exhausting—your face is wet, your hair is a mess, and you’re hunting for breath while watching fish. Having lunch and drinks set for later makes the day feel complete.

From Westin Frenchman’s Reef to St John Waters on the Jost Boat

You meet at the Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa (5 Estate Bakkeroe, St Thomas), and the start time is 9:30 am. From there, you’ll cruise toward Maho Bay on St John aboard a power catamaran called Jost Boat.

The practical value here is the transportation style. A catamaran generally means smoother motion than a small skiff, and you’ll spend less of the day sitting still. Also, you’re not driving yourself around the islands. Someone else handles the fuel, route, and timing.

This cruise is part of the experience, too. The route takes you through those classic Virgin Islands visuals—turquoise water with lush coastline on the edges—before you reach the calm snorkeling area. If you’re the type who enjoys boat days, you’ll feel like the time is used well.

One note to plan for: this activity is listed for a moderate physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean it’s extreme, but you should expect getting in and out of the water and managing your own snorkel gear while on a boat schedule.

First Snorkel Stop: Meeting Green and Hawksbill Turtles

The first snorkeling stop is the big draw. You’ll enter calm, turquoise waters to snorkel with sea turtles, and the tour specifically calls out green and hawksbill turtles.

Here’s why that’s worth your attention. Turtles aren’t a guaranteed sighting on every snorkel trip, and this itinerary is designed around that goal. The first stop is built to give you time right when conditions are best for that kind of underwater viewing.

What you can reasonably expect to see in the water includes tropical fish and the kind of underwater color that shows up when the water is clear. The experience description also points to schools of tropical fish catching sunlight, plus turtles gliding through the water with you present. That matches what people actually come for: watching calm animals move through their environment while you float nearby.

A realistic consideration: even when you’re in the right place, turtles can move. If you go in expecting a perfect, always-facing view, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re patient and keep your breathing steady, you’ll likely get multiple passes and good viewing angles.

The Lunch Break on Board: Picnic-Style Food and a Reset

After the first snorkeling stop, you’ll get lunch on board. It’s described as a full picnic-style lunch, served while you’re still on the water.

This is one of the smartest parts of the itinerary. Snorkeling is physically light, but it’s mentally focused and it can leave you hungry and slightly salty. A meal mid-day prevents that classic problem where everyone is starving, cranky, and rushing during the best part of the afternoon.

Because the lunch is included, you also don’t have to hunt for food at the wrong time. You just keep moving through the day’s rhythm—snorkel, eat, and then go back out for the second stop.

And yes, you’ll also be offered drinks later. The tour includes a full open bar, but it’s specifically described as after snorkeling. That timing helps keep the experience from turning into a “how many cocktails can we fit in” situation and keeps the day centered on the water first.

Second Snorkel Stop: Offshore Cay or a National Park Reef

After lunch, the boat sails along the shores of the National Park for the second snorkeling stop. The plan describes it as an offshore cay or an off-the-beaten-path reef where locals know the spot(s).

That second stop matters because it changes the underwater picture. On a single-location snorkel trip, you sometimes get one “wow” and then it fades. Two different stops give you a better chance of seeing different fish activity, different underwater structure, and a slightly different water feel.

What you can expect here is still snorkeling-focused: gear in, water time, then you’re out. The tour is about keeping your day active, with the second stop acting like the follow-through—an extra chance to see turtles and other marine life or, at minimum, to enjoy a second clear-water snorkel session.

The drawback is also simple: the second stop is dependent on water conditions and how the day is going. If conditions are rough, the operator may adjust. That’s normal in island snorkeling. It’s also why you should avoid scheduling a tight dinner reservation the moment the tour ends.

Drinks, Ice-Cold Time, and the Ride Back Downwind

Once snorkeling is done, you’ll head back to the dock at the Westin Frenchman’s Reef. The tour description also mentions that you’ll enjoy an ice-cold beverage on the journey back.

The open bar is included, described as a full open bar after snorkeling. So if you’re the kind of person who wants a proper end-of-day drink—rather than paying extra for every single round—this is built in.

I like this part of the itinerary because it creates a clean end point. You snorkel first, you eat next, you snorkel again, and only then does the boat-time mood shift into relaxation. You get the satisfaction of a complete day, not a half-finished one.

Price and Value: Is $139 Actually Worth It?

At $139 per person for about 5 hours, the value mostly comes down to what’s included versus what you’d otherwise pay on your own.

Here’s what you’re getting for that price:

• Snorkeling gear use (so you don’t have to rent or bring your own)
• Lunch (full picnic-style, included on board)
• Alcoholic beverages (full open bar after snorkeling)
• All fees and taxes
• Fresh-water shower on board

What’s not included:

• Gratuity
• Parking for outside guests: $10/vehicle, arranged through the hotel front desk

If you were to price out the typical costs separately—boat transport, snorkel gear, lunch, and drinks—the package starts to make more sense. The “secret value” here is that the day is structured around snorkeling time and you don’t have to manage multiple vendors.

Is it cheap? No. But it’s also not just a one-stop snorkel. You’re paying for a guided, structured day built around turtles plus the food-and-drinks component. For many people, that’s the difference between a regular half-day and a full, memorable outing.

Practical Tips That Matter on This Kind of Snorkel Day

This tour is max 26 people, which usually means less time wasted and fewer bottlenecks when it’s time to gear up. Still, on a boat day, you’ll want to be ready to move.

Since the activity is set for moderate physical fitness, think about whether you’re comfortable:

• getting in and out of the water on a schedule
• snorkeling while floating and adjusting your gear
• handling a couple of water sessions in one morning

Also, this activity runs on good conditions. It’s explicitly listed as requiring good weather. That doesn’t mean you can ignore the forecast, but it does mean you should pack your schedule with a little slack—especially if you’re juggling other island plans.

Finally, if you have food needs: alternative items can be arranged with 72 hours advanced notice, and additional costs may apply. If this is you, plan early so the lunch part of the day stays stress-free.

Who Should Book (and Who Might Skip)

This is a strong fit if:

• you want a turtle-focused snorkeling day rather than just scenic water
• you like the idea of two snorkeling stops
• you want lunch and drinks included, so you’re not searching for food mid-day
• you’d enjoy a catamaran ride as part of the day, not just the transfer

It might be less ideal if:

• you’re traveling with a very tight schedule and can’t handle possible changes due to weather or conditions
• you don’t feel comfortable with moderate physical activity on a boat day

If you’re a first-time snorkeler, this can work, as long as you’re comfortable using the provided gear and staying calm in the water. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, which lowers the barrier.

Should You Book This Maho Bay Turtle Snorkel with Lunch and Bar?

I’d book it if your dream St Thomas day includes turtles, clear water, and a guided plan that feeds you and keeps things moving. The combination of turtle snorkeling, a full lunch, and a full open bar after snorkeling makes it feel like a true day outing rather than a quick “try snorkeling once” event.

But I’d think twice if your itinerary is too tight to absorb weather-related changes. With any National Park snorkeling plan, conditions matter. If you can give the day a bit of flexibility, you’ll be much happier with the overall experience.

In short: if turtles and good value inclusions are your priorities, this one belongs on your shortlist.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa, 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St Thomas 00801, USVI.

What time does it start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 5 hours.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment use is included.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get a full picnic-style lunch on board, and a full open bar is included after snorkeling (plus an ice-cold beverage on the return).

Does the tour swim with turtles?

Yes. The snorkeling is set up for sea turtles, specifically green and hawksbill.

Are there meal options for food allergies?

Alternative food items can be arranged with 72 hours advanced notice. They may be subject to additional costs.

How much is parking for outside guests?

Parking is available for outside guests for $10 per vehicle, and you purchase it at the hotel front desk.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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