REVIEW · ST THOMAS
Snorkel & Swim with Turtles. Semi Private Tour to Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach
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Turtles, coral, and a top beach in one 4-hour loop. This semi-private Snorkel & Swim with Turtles charter pairs reef snorkeling at Buck Island (Turtle Cove or Brewers Bay) with time at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, plus cold drinks after snorkeling. I like how the day feels run-and-gun but not rushed, and I also like the small-charter vibe that keeps the water time feeling personal with captains such as Captain Rusty and Captain Mike Conforti. The one thing to keep in mind: if weather and ocean conditions don’t cooperate, the captain may swap snorkeling or beach locations.
You’ll start at Havensight Cruise Pier area, get your snorkel gear ready, hit the water for turtle and fish sightings, then ride to Water Island for that postcard sand and a stop at Dinghy’s Beach Bar. For value, this is one of those “you pay, you get the gear and drinks, and you’re done” trips—just know lunch isn’t included, and you’ll still want towels and sunscreen.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- Buck Island snorkeling setup: Turtle Cove and Brewers Bay options
- How the turtles and reef life play out underwater
- The post-snorkel boat-time: cold beer and captain talk
- Honeymoon Beach on Water Island and Dinghy’s Bar stop
- Boat, group size, and timing from Havensight Cruise Pier
- Price and what makes this $160 feel fair
- What to bring and how to get the most from the day
- Who this semi-private charter is for (and who should skip)
- Should you book this snorkel-and-turtle charter?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start, and where does it end?
- How long is the charter?
- What snorkeling locations are included?
- What beach do we visit after snorkeling?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Will I see sea turtles?
- What happens if the weather is rough?
- Do I need to bring sunscreen or a towel?
- Is tipping included?
Key things I’d plan around
- Real snorkel time for wildlife at Turtle Cove / Buck Island, with turtles often part of the plan
- Flexible routing if conditions are rough, with backups like Brewers Bay or Emerald Beach
- Drinks included: beer plus soda and water after snorkeling
- Honeymoon Beach + Dinghy’s stop for the #1 TripAdvisor beach experience and Pain Killer culture
- Semi-private feel in practice (max 31, and many trips run noticeably smaller)
Buck Island snorkeling setup: Turtle Cove and Brewers Bay options
This charter is built around one main snorkeling stop on St Thomas waters, usually Turtle Cove / Buck Island. Depending on the day’s sea conditions, the captain may swap in Brewers Bay instead, so you get snorkeling where the water is calmer and safer.
Gear is part of the package, so you’re not hunting for rentals at the pier. The rhythm is simple: meet up, get your equipment, safety steps, then you’re heading out for reef time.
A nice detail: the captain may also adjust the beach portion. If the original beach plan doesn’t work, you could see Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay instead of Honeymoon Beach, which keeps the tour from turning into a long boat wait.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in St Thomas
How the turtles and reef life play out underwater
The point of this day is close-to-the-water snorkeling with a chance to see turtles—and a reef full of fish. Expect coral reef habitat with tropical fish such as snapper, hamlets, parrotfish, surgeonfish, squirrelfish, plus other sea life that can show up when visibility is good.
You’re not just watching from the boat either. The whole experience is designed for swimming alongside wildlife rather than a quick look-and-go. In many successful runs, people report seeing turtles up close and also picking out stingrays, smaller sharks, and a mix of reef fish.
One practical note: sightings aren’t guaranteed. If the water is choppy, it can be harder to hold position and look carefully, and that can affect what you spot (even with good gear). The tradeoff is that the captain often changes the plan on rougher days to keep snorkeling enjoyable.
The post-snorkel boat-time: cold beer and captain talk
After the main snorkeling stop, you get a regroup on the water with beer, sodas, and bottled water. This is one of those small-but-smart touches that makes the day feel complete instead of just “get back on the boat and go.”
It’s also when you’ll hear a lot of the local island storytelling. Multiple captains in the operation are praised for being friendly, professional, and for helping people feel comfortable in the water—some even share info about sea life and how to interact safely.
The boat ride between stops is part of the fun. You get time to dry off, hydrate, and reset before Honeymoon Beach. If you’re the type who gets antsy waiting for the next thing, the flow here tends to keep momentum.
Honeymoon Beach on Water Island and Dinghy’s Bar stop
Once the snorkeling portion is done, you’re whisked to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. This is the “wow” sand-and-water stretch, and it’s promoted as the #1 beach on TripAdvisor—the kind of place where you’ll want your phone charged and ready.
Plan for a relaxed beach block with time to swim, wander the shoreline, and take in those crystal-clear views. Then there’s the optional-but-fun culture stop: Dinghy’s Beach Bar, known for Pain Killers and the general beach-bar scene.
Food isn’t included, but it’s very much a real option while you’re there. Some people highlight things like fresh mahi tacos and Bushwhackers at Dinghy’s. If you want snacks and drinks, bring cash or confirm the payment options on the day, since you’re dealing with a beach bar environment.
Tip if you like photos: go early in your beach time. The first stretch often feels calmer and gives you more space for that full view of the shoreline.
Boat, group size, and timing from Havensight Cruise Pier
Timing matters on cruise days, and this tour has clean departure windows: 9:00am or 2:00pm, depending on what you book. The charter runs about 4 hours, and it ends back at the starting point.
You meet at the Havensight Cruise Pier area (Charlotte Amalie East). Because you’re near the cruise pier zone, this is usually straightforward if you’re already set up in that part of town.
In terms of the vessel, the operator uses different boats depending on availability. You might ride on a 36′ Island Flyer, a 2019 36′ Twin Vee power Ocean Cat, a 31′ Wellcraft, or other comparable vessels such as MV Hydra, MV Poseidon, or MV Aquarius. What this means for you: expect a powerboat experience designed for quick hops between snorkeling and beach time.
Group size is where this can feel different from the massive boat tours. The maximum size is 31 travelers, but multiple experiences describe surprisingly small groups like seven or eight people on board—so you get a more personal captain vibe and a smoother feel at safety briefings.
Price and what makes this $160 feel fair
At $160 per person, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” What you’re buying is equipment, guided snorkeling, transportation between two major waterfront locations, and drinks as part of the package.
Here’s how the value typically shakes out:
- Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from rental hassles
- Beer plus soda and water are included, which adds real value on a beach day
- The tour is short (about 4 hours), so you aren’t losing an entire day to transit
- You don’t need to plan food beyond what you choose at Honeymoon Beach
The main financial tradeoff: lunch isn’t included, so if you eat at Dinghy’s you’ll pay out of pocket. Also, tipping is not baked in—customary guidance is 15–20% for captain and crew.
If you’re counting what this costs versus doing snorkeling gear rental + separate beach access + separate drink stops, this tends to come out feeling fair. And if wildlife sightings and reef visibility are good, it can feel like a best-value “one-and-done” day.
What to bring and how to get the most from the day
This is one of those tours where your prep affects comfort more than anything else. Bring your own sunscreen and towels, and dress for warm saltwater conditions.
A few practical pointers:
- Wear a swimsuit you can tolerate with sunscreen. Saltwater will challenge even the best efforts.
- If you’re prone to cold, note that in many seasons water is comfortable, but it can still feel cool right after you’re soaked.
- If you want lunch or extra drinks at Dinghy’s, plan for that cost on top of the tour price.
Also, make sure you’re mentally ready for a water-based activity. Even though it’s a boat tour, the heart of it is snorkeling—so a moderate fitness level helps.
If you have kids in the party, the operator asks you to call if the group includes children under 2 years old so they can advise appropriately.
Who this semi-private charter is for (and who should skip)
This fits best if you want a short St Thomas adventure that combines reef snorkeling and a “top beach” stop without complicated scheduling. It’s especially good for couples, small groups, and people who like having a captain manage the day rather than you piecing together multiple stops.
You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:
- want a real shot at turtle sightings plus reef fish
- appreciate included gear and drinks
- want a day plan that can adjust if the ocean gets rough
You may want to think twice if you want a beach-only day with zero water activity. The day is structured around snorkeling, and the itinerary may switch locations based on weather and sea state.
Also note: since the captain can change snorkeling or beach spots, you shouldn’t book this with a rigid, must-see checklist for one single exact location.
Should you book this snorkel-and-turtle charter?
If your ideal day is clear, warm water, snorkeling time, and then a classic beach payoff, this is a strong pick. At 4 hours, it’s a smart use of limited vacation time, and the combination of included snorkeling gear plus beer/soda/water makes the overall experience feel less like nickel-and-diming and more like a complete outing.
Book it if you’re okay with nature being unpredictable and you’re flexible with location swaps. Bring sunscreen and a towel, plan for lunch costs if you want them, and lean into the snorkel portion—you’ll get the best results when you treat it as the main event.
FAQ
Where does the tour start, and where does it end?
The tour starts at Havensight Cruise Pier (Charlotte Amalie East, St Thomas) and ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the charter?
It’s about 4 hours.
What snorkeling locations are included?
The main snorkeling stop is at Turtle Cove or Buck Island / turtle area, with possible substitution to Brewers Bay depending on ocean conditions.
What beach do we visit after snorkeling?
The tour takes you to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. Depending on weather and conditions, the captain may substitute Emerald Beach at Lindbergh Bay.
What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, soda/water, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages (beer, soda, and waters).
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is available on Honeymoon Beach, but it’s not included in the tour price.
Will I see sea turtles?
The tour is designed for turtle snorkeling, and the day’s stops include areas where turtles can appear. Sightings are never guaranteed, but it’s part of the focus of the trip.
What happens if the weather is rough?
The experience requires good weather. If conditions are not suitable, the captain may substitute snorkeling and/or beach locations. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Do I need to bring sunscreen or a towel?
Yes. You should bring your own sunscreen and towels.
Is tipping included?
No. Tips for the captain and crew are not included, and a customary range is 15–20% for exceptional service.
