Embark on an unforgettable journey to the stunning waters of St. Thomas with the "Snorkel & Swim With Turtles" semi-private tour. Enjoy the thrill of swimming alongside majestic sea turtles, while enjoying high-quality snorkeling equipment and personalized service. Indulge in refreshments and a delicious lunch, all while exploring the breathtaking marine environment of Buck Island and Honeymoon Beach. With exceptional customer reviews, this eco-friendly excursion promises an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Key Points
- A semi-private tour that provides opportunities to snorkel and swim with sea turtles in a stunning marine environment near Buck Island and Honeymoon Beach.
- The tour departs from the R Bar at Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and returns to the same location.
- Snorkeling equipment and unlimited refreshments, including alcoholic beverages, are included in the tour price of $160 per person.
- The tour has a maximum capacity of 31 travelers and is rated 4.6/5 from 594 reviews, known for its eco-friendly practices.
- Guests can expect to encounter various species of sea turtles, including Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Leatherback, as well as diverse tropical fish and coral formations.
Tour Overview
The Snorkel & Swim with Turtles Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning marine environment surrounding Buck Island and Honeymoon Beach in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
With a rating of 4.6/5 from 594 reviews, this semi-private tour provides the chance to snorkel and swim with turtles. Priced at $160 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 31 travelers and utilizes eco-friendly practices, including providing water from Virgin H2O.
The tour departs from the R Bar at Yacht Haven Grande, Charlotte Amalie, and returns to the same meeting point.
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Location and Meeting Point
The Snorkel & Swim with Turtles Tour departs from the R Bar at Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the Snorkel & Swim with Turtles Tour at the R Bar, Yacht Haven Grande.
To get to the meeting point, allow an extra 20 minutes for transportation from the nearby Crown Bay area. The tour returns to the original meeting location at the end of the excursion.
Key details about the meeting location and logistics:
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Meeting Point: R Bar, Yacht Haven Grande, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00802, USVI
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Arrival Time: 15 minutes prior to departure
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Transportation Time: Add 20 minutes from Crown Bay area
Snorkeling and Marine Life Encounters
Participants get to snorkel and swim with an array of captivating marine creatures, including the tour’s namesake – the majestic sea turtles. The tour provides high-quality snorkeling equipment, allowing guests to explore the vibrant underwater world. Encounters with sea turtles gently gliding through the water are a highlight, as are sightings of diverse tropical fish and coral formations. The smaller group size ensures a more personalized experience, with ample opportunities to observe the incredible marine biodiversity of the US Virgin Islands.
| Sea Turtles | Tropical Fish | Coral Reefs |
| — | — | — |
| Green Turtles | Parrotfish | Elkhorn Coral |
| Hawksbill Turtles | Angelfish | Brain Coral |
| Loggerhead Turtles | Surgeon Fish | Staghorn Coral |
| Leatherback Turtles | Damselfish | Soft Coral |
Amenities and Inclusions
The tour provides a comprehensive set of amenities and inclusions to enhance the overall experience.
Snorkeling equipment is included, allowing guests to explore the vibrant underwater world. The tour also offers unlimited soda, water, and alcoholic beverages (beer, soda), ensuring refreshment throughout the day.
Snorkeling equipment is included, allowing guests to explore the vibrant underwater world. Unlimited refreshments ensure a rejuvenating experience throughout the day.
While lunch is available on Honeymoon Beach, it isn’t included in the tour price. Guests are recommended to bring their own sunscreen and towels for added convenience.
Tips of 15-20% are customary for exceptional service provided by the crew.
Lunch and Refreshments
Unlimited soda, water, and alcoholic beverages, including beer and soda, are provided throughout the tour.
Lunch is available for purchase on Honeymoon Beach, the second stop of the tour. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of the local beachside restaurants or bring their own packed lunch.
The tour company recommends checking local menus and prices in advance to ensure a smooth dining experience.
Plus, guests are advised to bring their own sunscreen, towels, and any other personal items they may need for the day’s activities.
Accessibility and Considerations
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, allowing families with young children to participate. Infants must sit on laps during the boat ride.
Here are three important considerations for this tour:
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Allow extra time for transportation, as the meeting point is 20 minutes from the cruise port by taxi.
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Bring your own sunscreen and towels, as these items aren’t provided.
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Be aware that the crew expects a 15-20% tip for exceptional service.
Customer Feedback and Experiences
Many customers have praised the Snorkel & Swim With Turtles Tour for its well-organized operations, beautiful locations, and friendly, professional crew.
The Snorkel & Swim With Turtles Tour is praised for its well-organized operations, beautiful locations, and friendly, professional crew.
Travelers rave about their memorable encounters with sea turtles and diverse marine life, appreciating the smaller group settings that enhance the experience.
However, some customers have noted issues, such as tour cancellations due to minimum guest requirements and instances of overcrowding on boats, leading to less enjoyable experiences.
There are also concerns about the crew’s professionalism and service quality in certain cases.
To improve the tour, reducing maximum capacity and enhancing crew training could address these challenges.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance the overall experience of the Snorkel & Swim With Turtles Tour, the operator could consider reducing the maximum capacity for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Plus, the company should ensure clear communication regarding tour availability and scheduling, especially for cruise ship guests.
Finally, they should explore enhancing crew training to maintain professionalism and service standards, as well as considering alternative snorkeling locations to avoid overcrowding during peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
You can bring your own snorkeling gear, but it’s recommended to use the equipment provided. The tour includes snorkel gear, and using the provided gear ensures it’s properly fitted and in good condition for the activity.
Is There a Minimum Number of Guests Required?
Yes, there is a minimum number of guests required for this tour. The tour operator has a policy of requiring a minimum number of passengers to operate the tour, though the exact minimum is not specified in the provided information.
How Does the Refund Policy Work?
The refund policy states that cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour are non-refundable. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, subject to availability and any applicable fees.
Can I Request a Specific Crew Member?
Customers cannot request specific crew members for this tour. The tour operator assigns crew based on availability and scheduling. While crew professionalism is important, specific crew requests cannot be accommodated.
Are There Any Photography Services Available?
The tour does not offer dedicated photography services. However, guests are welcome to bring their own cameras and capture photos during the snorkeling and beach activities. The crew may be able to provide occasional assistance with taking photos upon request.
The Sum Up
The "Snorkel & Swim With Turtles" semi-private tour offers an unforgettable experience in the stunning waters of St. Thomas. Guests can enjoy high-quality snorkeling equipment, personalized service, and the thrill of swimming alongside majestic sea turtles. The tour’s amenities, including refreshments and optional lunch, ensure a memorable day filled with adventure and eco-friendly practices.
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