REVIEW · ST THOMAS
Snorkel and Sunset Cruise from Margaritaville Resort
Book on Viator →Operated by New Horizons & Breakaway Charters · Bookable on Viator
Sunset on a powerboat changes your pace. I like the handpicked reef snorkeling with gear and crew guidance, and I like the Chef Krygsveld hors d’oeuvres paired with an open bar. One thing to watch: if weather or a mechanical snag hits, the operator can cancel on short notice, so keep a backup plan for snorkeling.
You board at Margaritaville Vacation Club in Smith Bay around 3:00 PM, then spend the afternoon doing exactly what the name promises: water time, snacks and drinks, and a calm cruise into the golden hour. It also helps that the trip runs about 3.5 hours total and caps at around 30 people, so it doesn’t feel like a cattle call.
If you want one simple activity that covers snorkeling and a sunset without extra planning, this cruise is a strong fit. Just go in knowing it’s about comfort and scenery, not scuba gear or a long day on the water.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- From Margaritaville to the Reef: the 3:00 PM start that makes sense
- Snorkel stop on a handpicked reef: what you get and what to expect
- Hors d’oeuvres and open bar: the part that turns snorkeling into a real outing
- The sunset cruise from the water: why the timing feels right
- Crew hospitality and the small-group feel that keeps things friendly
- Price and value: what $150 buys in a full 3.5-hour afternoon
- Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)
- Should you book the Snorkel and Sunset Cruise from Margaritaville?
- FAQ
- What time does the snorkeling and sunset cruise start?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- How long is the tour?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Is scuba equipment included?
- How big is the group?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things to know before you go
- Snorkeling included, gear included: You get the snorkeling equipment and instruction, so you’re not figuring it out on the fly.
- Chef-driven snacks on the water: A rotating selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres comes out after the reef stop.
- Open bar for the sunset hour: Drinks are included, which helps make the late-afternoon mood kick in fast.
- Powerboat timing: The schedule is built to fit snorkeling and still land you at sunset without rushing.
- Small-group feel: Maximum is 30 travelers, and there’s guidance if you’re booking large groups.
- Restroom on board: This is one of those boring details that makes a big difference on a 3.5-hour outing.
From Margaritaville to the Reef: the 3:00 PM start that makes sense
This tour is set up for the afternoon, not the early-morning hustle. You board at about 3:00 PM at Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas, 6080 Estate Smith Bay, Frydendal. From there, the crew takes you to a nearby snorkeling area, then keeps you moving at a relaxed pace for the sunset cruise.
Why I like this timing: it fits real vacation energy. You can sleep in, eat lunch, and still have a full “something special” window on the water. You’re also not forced into the classic St. Thomas rhythm where everything feels like it starts at 8:00 AM and runs nonstop until dark.
Practical tip: since this is a powerboat day, think about light sun protection and something you can slip out of easily. Even if you plan to snorkel briefly, you’ll still be in and out of gear and exposed to sun while waiting and cruising.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in St Thomas
Snorkel stop on a handpicked reef: what you get and what to expect
The core experience is snorkeling at a site chosen for clear waters and marine life. The tour includes snorkeling gear and instruction, and the crew is there to help you find your comfort level quickly.
That instruction matters more than most people think. If you’ve never snorkeled before, you’ll want a quick run-through so you know how to handle breathing, keeping your mask in place, and getting in without panicking. If you’ve snorkeled before, the crew help can still improve your odds of seeing fish instead of spending the whole time adjusting equipment.
What you can do at the reef stop:
- You can snorkel or swim
- Or you can just hang out on the deck and enjoy the experience from above the water
This flexibility is a plus. Not everyone in your group needs to be fully in snorkel mode, and you won’t have to split into separate activities to keep everyone happy.
One more thing to keep expectations realistic: this is snorkeling, not scuba. Scuba equipment is not included, and the tour is designed around surface swimming. If you’re set on scuba training or deeper-water exploration, you’ll need another type of excursion.
Hors d’oeuvres and open bar: the part that turns snorkeling into a real outing
After the water stop, you head back on board for snacks and drinks. The tour description calls out a rotating selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres crafted by Chef Krygsveld, plus alcoholic beverages and soda/pop.
This is one of those details that changes the whole vibe. A lot of snorkel trips feel like a checklist: gear on, water time, back to port. Here, the snacks and the drink service are intentionally built in as a comfort break before sunset.
Why it’s good value: you’re paying for more than a reef stop. You’re paying for the boat time, staff, gear, instruction, and the included food and drink. So even if the snorkeling itself is brief, you still get a full afternoon experience.
Practical tip: if you’re sensitive to heat or motion, eat early and pace your drinks. You’ll likely be out on open water, and the Caribbean sun can hit hard even when you feel like you’re moving.
Also note: there’s a restroom on board. That keeps you from playing guessing games during the snack and cruise portion—especially helpful if you’re the type who likes to plan ahead.
The sunset cruise from the water: why the timing feels right
Once the snorkeling is done and you’ve eaten, the boat heads out for the scenic sunset portion. This is where you get the payoff: the Virgin Islands from the water, the light shifting, and that slow “vacation brain” feeling that doesn’t happen in a chair on shore.
The schedule is built so you’re not late. You board at 3:00 PM, snorkel during the afternoon, then snack and drink while cruising toward sunset. For many people, sunset hours are the hardest time to fit into a day because everything else is busy. This tour gives you a set clock and a built-in reason to stay relaxed.
A small consideration: sunset cruises can make everyone a little camera-happy. If you want quiet views, just pick a spot on deck that doesn’t get crowded and be ready to move with the crew when they reposition the boat.
Crew hospitality and the small-group feel that keeps things friendly
This tour is run by New Horizons & Breakaway Charters, and the crew experience is a big reason people seem to rate it well. Names mentioned include Captain Jake and Captain Stewart, and in other cases Captain Shawn, along with Kennedy, Stine, Josh. Even without knowing who you’ll get, the pattern is clear: the team aims for hospitality and good energy.
Why that matters: when you’re snorkeling, you’re relying on someone else to keep the flow smooth and to help if the gear isn’t perfect. When the sunset portion starts, a friendly crew also helps the whole thing feel like your afternoon is being hosted, not managed.
Group size also helps. The activity has a maximum of 30 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it’s small enough that you’re less likely to feel lost. There’s also a note that if the group is over 15 travelers, you may need an additional reservation, which usually helps keep the experience comfortable rather than jammed.
If you’re traveling as a couple: this setup is ideal. If you’re a family with mixed comfort levels: it still works because snorkeling is optional and the deck is part of the experience. If someone in your group refuses to snorkel, they still get the sunset cruise and food.
You can also read our reviews of more evening experiences in St Thomas
Price and value: what $150 buys in a full 3.5-hour afternoon
At $150 per person, it’s not the cheapest thing you can do in St. Thomas. But it also isn’t just a ticket for being on a boat. You’re paying for a package that includes:
- Snorkeling equipment and instruction
- Snacks and gourmet hors d’oeuvres (rotating selection)
- Alcoholic beverages plus soda/pop
- A restroom on board
- A timed sunset cruise built into the same trip
So the real question is: do you want to spend your afternoon bouncing between vendors, buying separate gear, and then trying to piece together food and a sunset plan? If yes, you’ll probably end up paying similar money after you add it all up. If no, this tour is designed to bundle the day for you.
It’s also a good choice if you hate planning under pressure. The cruise leaves around 3:00 PM, so you’re not spending hours coordinating timing. And since the average booking window is about 23 days in advance, you’re likely competing with other visitors for the best time slots.
Value tip: if you’re the type who will drink a couple of included drinks and actually snack on a boat, this price tends to feel fair. If you won’t eat much and you don’t drink at all, the outing still makes sense for the reef snorkeling plus sunset views, but you’ll get less of the “food and bar value.”
Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)
Book this tour if you want:
- A simple afternoon plan that includes snorkeling and sunset
- Included snorkeling gear and instruction, especially if you’re new
- A laid-back boat ride with food from Chef Krygsveld and an open bar
- A deck experience where not everyone has to be in the water
Skip it if you:
- Are set on scuba (scuba equipment isn’t included)
- Need total certainty that every sailing will run perfectly, since there’s a known risk of cancellation if the vessel has an unexpected mechanical issue
- Want a more active adventure style where the itinerary is built around lots of stops or long time in the water
Also, consider your comfort with sun and saltwater. Even if you’re not snorkeling, you’re outside on a powerboat. Bring basic sun protection and plan for wind chill if the breeze is strong later in the day.
Should you book the Snorkel and Sunset Cruise from Margaritaville?
I’d book it if you want an all-in-one St. Thomas afternoon: reef snorkeling with help, chef-style snacks, and a sunset cruise that feels like a reward instead of a chore.
The strongest reasons to say yes:
- Snorkeling gear and instruction are included, so you’re not troubleshooting.
- The food and drink portion is built into the experience, not bolted on.
- The sunset payoff is the main event, and the schedule is arranged to get you there.
The one reason to pause:
- With any boat activity, mechanical issues or weather can lead to short-notice changes. If your vacation is tight and you can’t pivot to another plan, keep your next couple of hours flexible around this outing.
If you book, do it with a mindset of relaxation. This isn’t a race to check boxes. It’s a “go snorkel, eat well, then watch the sky change” kind of afternoon.
FAQ
What time does the snorkeling and sunset cruise start?
The tour boards at 3:00 PM at Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas, 6080 Estate Smith Bay and ends back at the meeting point.
How long is the tour?
The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and provides snorkeling instruction.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
Yes. The cruise includes alcoholic beverages as well as soda/pop.
Is scuba equipment included?
No. Scuba equipment is not included.
How big is the group?
The activity has a maximum of 30 travelers. If there are more than 15 travelers, you may need an additional reservation.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Free cancellation is available, but changes less than 24 hours before start time aren’t accepted and may not be refunded.
