Top St Thomas Snorkeling

People have raved about these snorkeling tours while visiting St. Thomas, USVI:

• St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands
• Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure
• Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour Departing from St. Thomas & St. John
• Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville
• Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island

Yes, St. Thomas is an extremely popular destination for snorkeling. Smooth sailing to many options of calm inlets filled with turtles and vibrant fish is one of the reasons people love to visit here. Your snorkeling experience includes everything you need for a great afternoon: equipment, a fun atmosphere filled with experienced guides, and flowing drinks.

Prices range from about US$79 per person to US$200 per person, depending on the type of itinerary you select for your St. Thomas snorkeling tour. You can also shell out closer to US$2,000 for a private charter with all gear and meals included.

Green sea turtles, leatherbacks, and hawksbill turtles—three of the seven types of sea turtles—are all native to the U.S. Virgin Islands. And yes, swimming with turtles while visiting St. Thomas is possible. Boat captains will have all the information on the best places to go on your snorkeling trip to see these magnificent creatures.

Yes, St. Thomas and several nearby Caribbean islands all have coral reefs, where you can experience some fantastic snorkeling opportunities filled with interesting fish and other wildlife. Buck Island Reef National Monument—just south of the mainland—is the most popular underwater sanctuary to visit.

Though you are not likely to encounter sharks while in the Virgin Islands, they live in these Caribbean waters. You may glimpse a nurse shark, lemon shark, Caribbean reef shark, or a great hammerhead from a safe distance.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in St. Thomas aside from snorkeling. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Catamaran Cruises

• Private Drivers

• Sunset Cruises

• Port Transfers

• Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

What are the most affordable snorkeling tours in St. Thomas?

St. Thomas snorkeling tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Snorkeling with Sea Turtles at St. Thomas

• SeaFari FastCat - Sun, Fun, Swimming, Snorkeling, & Boat Party

• Small-Group Sea Turtle Tour (Guaranteed to See Turtles)

• National Park Snorkeling Excursion

• St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch

St. Thomas snorkeling tours leave from various marinas on the island—check the departure location before booking. The length of tours can also vary, so consider this when choosing which tour to book. Snorkeling tours range from private to large groups—you may prefer one over the other. Some longer tours include lunch and drinks.

Arrive early for your snorkeling tour so that you don't miss the departure—most group tours will not wait for latecomers. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself while out on the water. If you tend to get seasick, consider taking medication before your tour. Some snorkeling tours offer drinks and snacks, and you may want to have cash for tips available. Bring sunglasses and a waterproof case for your phone.

The dry season months of December through April are best for snorkeling tours in St. Thomas. You'll have less chance of encountering rain or significant wind, and the temps aren't as high as in summer. The dry season is also when you have a higher chance of seeing whales migrating in the area. These months can be busy with tourists, so book your excursion as early as possible.