St. Thomas to St. John Catamaran Snorkel Tour: Review
The best reefs near St. Thomas often sit just across the channel, inside St. John's Virgin Islands National Park. Seas the Day runs a fast power catamaran from Red Hook to reach them with a small group of 12, so you spend less time getting there and more time in the water. Here's the full review. (Comparing trips? See all the snorkel tours we rate on the homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
From Red Hook, St. Thomas
Fast, stable and shaded
Capped at 12 guests
32 verified reviews
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Real-time dates and prices for the Seas the Day catamaran — book directly with GetYourGuide.
Why Cross to St. John
Most of St. John is protected as a U.S. National Park, which means its reefs are healthier and less crowded than many shore sites on St. Thomas. The catch is getting there — and that's where a power catamaran from Red Hook earns its keep, cutting the crossing to a few minutes so the trip stays focused on snorkeling.
With only 12 guests, the captain can anchor at smaller coves that big boats skip, and you're never fighting for space in the water. The crew provides gear and a reef briefing and keeps an eye on the group throughout.
What the Snorkeling Looks Like
What You'll See
St. John's park reefs are known for healthy coral and dense fish life. Expect:
- Brain and elkhorn coral in better-than-average shape
- Parrotfish, blue tang, angelfish and snapper
- Green sea turtles and southern stingrays on sandy patches
- Spotted eagle rays along the reef edges
Visibility on the park side is often 50–70 feet on a calm morning — among the clearest water you'll find in the area.
What's Included
The price covers a small-group, gear-included crossing with drinks:
- Round-trip power-catamaran ride from Red Hook
- All snorkel gear and flotation vests
- Guided snorkeling at St. John park reefs
- Bottled water, beer and soda on board
Not included
Transfers to Red Hook (about 25–30 minutes east of the cruise port), gratuities, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bring a towel and a waterproof phone case.
Important Things to Know
Departure is from Red Hook on the east end, not Charlotte Amalie, so budget extra taxi time if you're coming from a cruise ship. The 12-guest cap makes this one of the first small-group trips to sell out in high season.
As with any boat trip, the captain chooses the calmest park reef on the day and may adjust the route for wind. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before keeps early booking low-risk.
Where It Happens
Who This Trip Is (and Isn't) For
Best for snorkelers who want the clearest, healthiest reefs and a small group. Less ideal for:
- Travelers staying near Charlotte Amalie who don't want the trip east to Red Hook
- Anyone wanting an all-inclusive meal (this trip is snacks/drinks only)
- Non-swimmers uneasy with open-water boat entries
St. John Catamaran Snorkel FAQ
Why snorkel St. John instead of St. Thomas?
St. John's reefs sit inside a U.S. National Park, so they tend to be healthier and less crowded. A fast catamaran from Red Hook makes them an easy half-day trip from St. Thomas.
Where does the tour leave from?
From Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas, roughly 25–30 minutes by taxi from the Charlotte Amalie cruise port.
How big is the group?
It's capped at 12 guests, so it's intimate and sells out quickly in peak season.
Is food included?
Drinks (water, beer, soda) are included, but not a meal. If you want breakfast and lunch on board, the all-inclusive sailboat trip is a better fit.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, with a flotation vest and the crew nearby — but both stops are boat entries, so you should be comfortable getting in and out of open water.
What Snorkelers Say
Crossing to St. John was quick and the reefs there are noticeably healthier. A group of twelve, so it never felt crowded in the water.
The clearest water we've ever snorkeled — easily 60 feet of visibility. We saw turtles and an eagle ray. Worth the drive to Red Hook.
Fast, smooth catamaran and a knowledgeable crew. A great way to see the national park reefs in half a day.