St. Thomas Two-Reef Snorkeling Adventure: What to Expect
Most boat trips hit a single anchorage and call it a day. This Aqua Marine adventure visits two different reefs in one 3.5-hour outing, with a small group and a guide who gets in the water with you. If you want more reef and fewer crowds, it's one of the best-value snorkel trips on the island. Here's the full rundown. (Weighing the options? Compare every snorkel tour we rate on the homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Two reef stops
Capped at 15 guests
A guide snorkels with you
Top-rated by recent guests
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for the two-reef adventure — book directly with GetYourGuide.
Why Two Reefs Beats One
Reefs around St. Thomas vary a lot — one site might be turtle-and-seagrass, the next a coral wall full of fish. Visiting two in a single trip means you see more variety and the guide can pick the calmer of the two if the wind shifts.
Aqua Marine keeps the group small (15 max), so it doesn't feel like a cattle boat, and a guide gets in the water to point out what you'd otherwise swim straight past — a camouflaged octopus, a resting nurse shark, a spotted drum tucked under a ledge.
What the Reef Looks Like
What You'll See
Across two stops you'll typically encounter:
- Parrotfish, blue tang, angelfish and sergeant majors
- Schools of yellowtail snapper over the coral
- Sea turtles and southern stingrays on the seagrass edges
- Spotted eagle rays gliding along deeper reef walls
Because a guide is in the water, this trip is a good pick if you want to actually learn what you're looking at rather than just float around.
What's Included
The price covers a guided, gear-included trip with drinks:
- Round-trip boat ride to two reef sites
- All snorkel gear and flotation vests
- An in-water snorkel guide
- Snacks and rum punch on the way back
Not included
Hotel or cruise-port transfers to the marina, gratuities, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bring a towel and a waterproof phone case for photos.
Important Things to Know
This is a snorkel-focused boat trip, not a beach day — you're in and out of the water at two anchorages, so basic swimming comfort helps. The small-group cap means it books out faster than the big catamarans, especially in the December–April high season.
Flights are weather-dependent; the captain may swap a reef for a calmer one or, rarely, cancel and refund. Cruise passengers should share their ship name and re-boarding time when booking.
Where It Happens
Who This Trip Is (and Isn't) For
Ideal for snorkelers who want variety, a smaller group and a guide. Less ideal for:
- Absolute non-swimmers (two open-water entries)
- Big groups that want a party-boat vibe
- Anyone wanting a beach to relax on between swims
Two-Reef Snorkeling FAQ
How is this different from a catamaran tour?
It's smaller and more snorkel-focused. Instead of one anchorage and an open-bar sail, you visit two reefs with an in-water guide and a capped group of 15, so you spend more time actually snorkeling.
Is there really a guide in the water?
Yes — a guide snorkels with the group and points out marine life. That's the main reason this trip rates so well with first-timers.
How many people are on the boat?
It's capped at 15 guests, which is small for St. Thomas. That's also why it sells out quickly in peak season.
Do you need to be a strong swimmer?
No, but you should be comfortable in open water with a flotation vest, since both stops are boat entries rather than wade-in beaches.
What's included to eat and drink?
Snacks and rum punch are served on the ride back; bring your own water bottle if you like.
What Snorkelers Say
Two completely different reefs in one trip — the guide pointed out an octopus and a nurse shark we'd never have spotted. The small group made it feel personal.
Best snorkeling of our St. Thomas trip. Only a handful of us on the boat and rum punch on the way back. Highly recommend.
Loved having a guide actually in the water with us. Tons of fish at both stops and the crew was friendly and safety-focused.