Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT

The main attraction here is simple: you sail to Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island and snorkel where green sea turtles graze on the seagrass. You may also spot parrotfish, trumpet fish, barracuda, sea urchins, and schools of smaller reef fish.

I like two things right away. The 54-foot catamaran gives you room to spread out in sun or shade, and the trip includes real snacks plus unlimited drinks after the in-water activities. The crew also takes time to explain safety and marine life, which helps less-confident swimmers relax.

The catch is the location. You must reach the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove by taxi or private transport, and the dock is not walkable from the cruise ports. The walk from the security entrance down to the beach and dock can also take longer than expected.

The Turtle Cove experience at a glance

• Green sea turtles are the star: Turtle Cove is best known for turtles feeding on the seagrass and rising for air.
• A proper sailing boat: The spacious catamaran offers shaded and sunny seating, with a pleasant sail back when the engines are shut off.
• Gear is included: You receive a mask, snorkel, fins, and snorkel vest.
• Afternoon timing can help: The 1 p.m. departure may feel calmer than morning trips when cruise passengers fill the boat.
• Food and drinks are part of the price: Snacks and unlimited nonalcoholic drinks are included, with beer, wine, and cocktails served after swimming.
• Plan your transfer carefully: Frenchman’s Cove is about 7 to 10 minutes by taxi from the WICO cruise dock and 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay.

Sailing out from Frenchman’s Cove

Your day begins at the wooden dock beside Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, the timeshare section of the Marriott property. This is not the same place as The Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, so use the full address when arranging a taxi.

The boat departs at 1 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time. You must check in by 12:30 p.m., and the crew does not hold the boat for late arrivals. Cruise ship schedules can be confusing here, since local Atlantic Standard Time may not match your ship’s clock.

If you drive, enter through the Marriott property and check with the security booth. You’ll be directed to a large gravel parking area. From there, walk downhill toward the pool and follow signs for public beach access. The dock is near the beach.

That walk is not especially difficult for most people, but it is worth allowing time for it. You will be walking downhill on the property rather than simply stepping from a parking lot onto the boat. The return walk is uphill, which may matter if you have limited mobility or are carrying wet gear.

Once aboard, find a spot on the open deck. You can sit in the sun, find shade, or move around during the trip. Shoes are not worn on the deck, and bringing a towel is a smart idea even though it is not listed among the included items.

The 54-foot catamaran ride to Little Buck Island

The trip across St. Thomas waters is part of the experience, not just transportation to the snorkeling site. As the shoreline recedes, you get open views of the coast and a steady Caribbean breeze.

The VI Cat is large enough to feel stable, but this is still a boat trip. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a seat with a clear view of the horizon and tell the crew about any medical concerns before departure.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Names that have been praised include Captain Serena, Captain Dave, Anders, Adrian, Isaac, Tim, Nick, Porscha, and Adrienne. The exact crew depends on the departure, but the job is consistent: explain the safety rules, fit equipment, help people into the water, and keep the mood friendly.

Safety information comes before swimming. The crew helps you adjust the mask, snorkel, fins, and vest, then explains how to use them. If you are new to snorkeling, this support makes the experience much easier. You can also stay aboard, lounge on deck, or swim without snorkeling if you prefer.

The boat can carry up to 65 people, so the atmosphere depends on the departure date. An afternoon trip may be less crowded than a morning sailing, especially on a day when cruise passengers choose earlier departures. Do not count on a nearly empty boat, though.

What you see at Turtle Cove

Little Buck Island is uninhabited and protected as part of the National Wildlife Refuge. The stop feels more natural than a developed beach excursion because the focus is on the water, seagrass, reef life, and open surroundings.

The green sea turtles are the reason to book this trip. They feed along the bottom, then rise to the surface for air. You may see one, several, or a group of turtles, but wildlife is never guaranteed. The clearest sightings described on this trip include turtles close to snorkelers, including a few smaller animals.

Give the turtles space. The crew explains how to respect the animals, and you should avoid chasing, touching, or blocking their path. The best sightings usually come when you float quietly and let the turtle continue feeding.

The reef life can be varied. You might see sergeant majors, parrotfish, blue tangs, trumpet fish, blowfish, barracuda, eels, sea urchins, ballyhoo, and smaller reef fish. Coral formations and rocky areas give you places to look for animals hiding below the surface.

The marine life is not always equally dense. Some conditions produce more fish and coral color than others, and the main draw here is the turtles rather than a huge coral garden. If your top priority is extensive coral structure, you may find the site less impressive than a dedicated reef excursion.

The water is generally described as warm and clear, but visibility can change with weather and sea conditions. You might notice pockets of cooler water while swimming. These temperature shifts can come from currents and layers of water mixing, not necessarily from an underwater spring.

Time in the water, then time at the bar

The snorkeling portion lasts roughly an hour for many departures, within a stop of about two and a half hours at Little Buck Island. The crew may offer guidance, then allow time for you to explore at your own pace.

That balance works well. You get instruction and help at the start, but you are not forced to stay beside a guide for every minute. Strong swimmers can look around independently, while cautious swimmers can stay close to the crew.

You may also choose not to snorkel. Lounging on the boat or taking a swim is allowed, so this works for mixed groups where one person wants wildlife and another prefers a relaxed afternoon on deck.

After the in-water activities, the crew opens the alcohol service. You can choose from beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks. Painkiller cocktails receive particular praise, but you can also stick with soft drinks or water.

The timing matters. Alcoholic drinks are not served before swimming, a sensible rule that keeps the active part of the trip safer. Once everyone is back aboard and dry, the mood shifts toward a casual boat party.

Snacks are included as well. They are useful after swimming, though expectations should stay reasonable. This is light boat food, not a full meal. If you have allergies, tell the captain before the trip and consider bringing any special food you need.

The return sail is worth noticing

The trip back to Frenchman’s Cove takes about 10 minutes in the listed schedule, though the sailing portion may feel longer depending on conditions and how the itinerary runs. One of the best moments can come when the motors are turned off and the catamaran sails quietly toward St. Thomas.

That quieter finish gives you time to dry off, watch the coastline, and enjoy the breeze without needing to do anything else. Music and drinks keep the atmosphere lively, but you can also find a calmer corner of the deck.

You return to the same wooden dock where you started. A complimentary temporary pirate tattoo gives children and playful adults a small souvenir of the afternoon. Shirts and performance shirts are available for purchase but are not included.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the water around St. Thomas. It is a fair price if you value a boat ride, equipment, crew support, marine-life instruction, snacks, and an open bar in one package.

You are not paying only for snorkeling time. The catamaran ride, boat space, crew, gear, and drinks make up much of the value. The price also works better for adults who plan to enjoy the post-snorkel bar service.

Families should think about what each person will use. Children can come with an adult, but the experience still involves a boat, a water entry, and a moderate level of physical fitness. A child who dislikes swimming or cannot manage snorkeling gear may spend much of the trip aboard.

The value is weaker if you want a long, technical reef session or a full meal. It is stronger if you want a social half-day on the water with a good chance of seeing turtles and no need to rent equipment separately.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this for a first-time snorkeler, a couple seeking an easy afternoon on the water, or a family with mixed interests. The crew support, vest option, and choice to remain aboard make it more flexible than a bare-bones snorkeling charter.

It also suits cruise passengers, provided you plan the transfer carefully and leave plenty of time before returning to the ship. The WICO dock is the closer port, while Crown Bay requires a longer taxi ride. At booking, cruise passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

This is less suitable if you need a fully walkable excursion from the cruise terminal, want a quiet private charter, or dislike group activities. The boat may carry as many as 65 people, and the atmosphere can become social and busy.

People with medical concerns, including pregnant travelers, should consult their own medical professional before booking. Service animals are allowed. Tell the captain about allergies or health issues before departure.

Booking details that can save you trouble

You receive a mobile ticket and confirmation at booking. Arrive 30 minutes early, not just a few minutes before the scheduled departure. The crew cannot accommodate late arrivals.

The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels because of weather or insufficient bookings, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

The supplied booking terms show two cancellation windows, 24 hours and 72 hours. The current cancellation terms state that you receive a full refund when canceling at least 24 hours before the local start time, with no refund inside that window. Because the other policy wording says 72 hours, confirm the exact rule at booking rather than guessing.

Final verdict: book it for turtles and easy fun

I would book The VI Cat if you want green turtles, a comfortable catamaran, and drinks after snorkeling. The crew’s safety help and relaxed humor make the trip approachable, while the sailing portion gives the outing more character than a simple ride to a swim site.

I would skip it if your priority is a very quiet private boat, an extensive coral reef, or a walk from the cruise terminal. For most visitors who can manage the transfer and enjoy a sociable afternoon, $119 buys a well-rounded St. Thomas outing with a strong chance of memorable turtle sightings.

FAQ

Where does the Turtle Cove catamaran tour start?

It starts at The VI Cat dock at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, 7338 Estate Bakkeroe, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Check in with the crew on the wooden dock by 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. departure.

How long does the excursion last?

The full experience lasts about three hours. The schedule includes check-in, roughly two and a half hours at sea and Little Buck Island, and the return to Frenchman’s Cove.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour provides a mask, snorkel, snorkel vest, and fins.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes, unlimited drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks are served after the in-water activities. Nonalcoholic drinks are available during the trip.

Can I join if I do not want to snorkel?

Yes. You can lounge on the catamaran or take a swim instead of snorkeling.

What is the cancellation policy?

The current terms state that you can receive a full refund when canceling at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded. The supplied policy information also mentions a 72-hour standard window, so confirm the exact terms when booking.