Buck Island Catamaran Snorkel & Sail in St. Thomas: A Full Review
If you want a relaxed sail and easy reef snorkeling in one trip, The VI Cat's catamaran ride to Little Buck Island is one of the simplest ways to do it. It's a 3-hour outing from the Frenchman's Cove dock with snorkel gear, an open bar, and calm water at Turtle Cove. Here's exactly what the trip is like, what's included, and who it suits. (Comparing options first? See all the snorkel tours we rate on our homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Lock in your date, pay nothing today
Sail, snorkel and open bar
Shaded deck and easy water entry
Green turtles, reef fish and a shipwreck
Included on the return sail
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for The VI Cat — book directly with GetYourGuide.
Why Sail to Little Buck Island
Little Buck Island sits about a mile off the south coast of St. Thomas and is a protected wildlife refuge reachable only by boat. That's the whole appeal: you trade a crowded beach for a quiet, clear anchorage that most visitors never reach.
The VI Cat is a 54-foot sailing catamaran with a wide, stable deck and steps straight into the water, so getting in and out is easy even if you're new to snorkeling. The crew hands out masks, snorkels and fins, gives a short safety and reef briefing, and stays in the water nearby while you explore.
What the Sail Looks Like
What You'll See at Turtle Cove
Turtle Cove on Buck Island's sheltered side is calm and shallow, which makes it one of the most beginner-friendly reef sites near St. Thomas. On a good day you'll drift over:
- Green sea turtles grazing the seagrass beds
- Schools of yellowtail snapper and sergeant majors
- Parrotfish, blue tang and the occasional stingray
- The Cartanza Señora — a shallow shipwreck that draws fish
Visibility here is usually 40–60 feet. Because the cove is protected, the water stays glassy when north-shore beaches like Coki Point get choppy.
What's Included (and What's Not)
Included
The price covers the full sail and the on-board extras:
- Round-trip catamaran sail from Frenchman's Cove
- All snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and flotation vests
- Guided snorkel stop at Turtle Cove
- Open bar (rum punch, beer, soda, water) and light snacks
Not included
Gratuities for the crew are appreciated but optional. Hotel transfers to the Frenchman's Cove dock aren't included — it's about a 7–10 minute taxi from the WICO cruise dock. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and a waterproof phone case.
How the 3 Hours Flow
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0:00
Board at Frenchman's Cove
Check in at the dock, meet the crew and settle onto the catamaran's shaded deck.
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0:20
Sail to Little Buck Island
A short, scenic sail along the south coast with views back to St. Thomas.
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0:50
Snorkel Turtle Cove
Anchor in the calm cove for roughly an hour of guided snorkeling over reef, turtles and the shipwreck.
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2:00
Open-bar sail back
Dry off, grab a drink and a snack, and enjoy the sail back to the dock.
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3:00
Return
Back at Frenchman's Cove by early afternoon.
Important Things to Know Before You Book
Trips are weather-dependent; if the south coast is rough the crew may move the snorkel stop or, rarely, cancel and refund. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before means there's little risk in booking early.
This is a larger boat (up to 65 guests), so it's social and lively rather than intimate — great for families and groups, less so if you want a tiny private charter. Cruise passengers should give the operator their ship name and re-boarding time when booking.
Where It Happens
Who This Trip Is (and Isn't) For
Great for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a sail plus reliable turtle snorkeling without a long day. It's less ideal for:
- Travelers wanting a small-group or private boat
- Anyone who can't do a ladder entry into open water
- Visitors set on a specific reef (the captain picks the calmest spot)
Buck Island Catamaran Snorkel FAQ
Do you really see turtles at Buck Island?
Usually, yes. Turtle Cove is named for the green sea turtles that graze its seagrass beds, and the crew anchors where they're most reliably seen. Sightings are never guaranteed, but they're common on this route.
Is it good for beginners and kids?
Very. The cove is calm and shallow, the catamaran has easy water entry and flotation vests, and the crew stays in the water nearby. Families with kids who can swim do well here.
Where does the catamaran leave from?
From the Frenchman's Cove dock, about a 7–10 minute taxi from the WICO cruise dock in Charlotte Amalie.
Is the open bar really included?
Yes — rum punch, beer, soda and water are included, typically served on the sail back after snorkeling.
How long are you actually in the water?
About an hour of snorkeling at Turtle Cove, within the 3-hour round trip.
What Snorkelers Say
Rohan put us right on some turtles we got to snorkel with in a few different places. Very relaxing just chilling all day. Absolutely the best day of our 8-day cruise.
The catamaran was so relaxed — we snorkeled right over a turtle and an old shipwreck, then had rum punch on the sail back. The crew were great with our kids.
Easy entry off the boat and the captain found us the calmest spot. We saw turtles within minutes at Turtle Cove. Perfect half-day from the cruise port.