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Caribbean ports/St. Thomas/Tours

Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

4.8 (2,320 reviews)3 hSt. ThomasWildlife & natureSnorkelingFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 12:00 pm, 4 h 30 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 3 h 30 min to spare.

Safety margin
7 am8 am9 am10 am11 am12 pm1 pm2 pm3 pm4 pm5 pm
8:20 am – 12:00 pm
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in St. Thomas20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 20 min to the start point
  3. 8:40 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 3 h. Latest sensible start: 12:10 pm.
  4. 11:40 am
    Tour ends20 min back to the pier
  5. 12:00 pm
    Back at the gangway4 h 30 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

About this tour

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.

Max 65 per group English

What's included

  • Use of snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, snorkel vest, fins)
  • Local guide
  • Unlimited Drinks (alcoholic beverages after in-water activities)
  • Snacks

Not included

  • 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

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Stop 1
    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.
    20 min
  2. 2
    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 h 30 min
  3. 3
    Stop 3
    Enjoy the relaxing sail back to the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, where your fun-filled tour will conclude.
    10 min

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
Guest is to provide their own transportation to the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove. Check in with security and make your way to the DOCK and follow signs that say public access to beach. Arrive 30 minutes prior to trip departure time. We are cannot accommodate late arrivals. *Reference map in photos.
Guest is to provide their own transportation to the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove. Check in with security and make your way to the DOCK and follow signs that say public access to beach. Arrive 30 minutes prior to trip departure time. We are cannot accommodate late arrivals. *Reference map in photos.
From the cruise pier
About 20 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • 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.
  • To find dock, please reference map in photos.
  • 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.

Traveler reviews

4.8
2,320 traveler reviews
5
89%
4
6%
3
3%
2
1%
1
1%

Read all 2,320 reviews

Operated by The VI Cat. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

from $119 per person
Fits a typical callCheck dates & book
3 h
Typical St. Thomas call: 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
English

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