Booking choice: The Turtle Cove catamaran, from $119 per person. Check dates Tour details
St Thomas has two main cruise piers, Havensight (the WICO dock) and Crown Bay. None of the listings on this site includes pickup at the ship, so the question is how far your boat's dock is and how long the trip lasts.
Below: the docks, the timing and what to tell the operator when you book.
The quick answer
The VI Cat leaves from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, which its listing puts 7 to 10 minutes by taxi from the WICO (Havensight) dock and 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay, for a three-hour sail. Small-group boats leave from Havensight. Give your ship name and times at booking, and remember tours run on Atlantic Standard Time.
Which dock does each boat leave from?
The VI Cat uses Marriott's Frenchman's Cove. Someday Charters meets at Yacht Haven Grande and Seas the Day at the WICO day charter dock, both at Havensight.
| Trip | Leaves from | Length | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Cove catamaran | Marriott's Frenchman's Cove | 3 hours | $119 per person |
| Small-group turtle snorkel | Yacht Haven Grande, Havensight | 4 hours | $159 per person |
| Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach | WICO day charter dock, Havensight | 4 hours | $160 per person |
| National park snorkel | Red Hook, Crown Bay or Havensight | 3.5 hours | $90 per person |
Docked at Havensight? Frenchman's Cove is a short taxi ride for the Turtle Cove sail.
Check dates for the Turtle Cove catamaranHow long is the taxi to Frenchman's Cove?
About 7 to 10 minutes from the WICO (Havensight) dock and 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay, according to the VI Cat listing.
Ask for Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, not the Westin at Frenchman's Reef next door. Arrive 30 minutes before departure: late arrivals cannot board.
What is the ship-time trap?
St Thomas keeps Atlantic Standard Time all year, and the VI Cat times its tours by the island clock, not your ship's.
The territory does not observe daylight saving. From November to March that puts the island an hour ahead of US Eastern time; from March to November the two match. Check which clock your ship uses in port, then plan back from all-aboard with a generous buffer for the taxi.
What do you need to tell the operator?
Your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time, which the VI Cat asks for at booking.
Mention any allergies or medical conditions to the captain as well. The confirmation arrives at the time of booking.
Three hours dock to dock: the Turtle Cove sail fits most port days.
Explore the Turtle Cove catamaran Tour detailsWhich trip is easiest from Havensight?
The small-group boats: Someday Charters meets at Yacht Haven Grande and Seas the Day at the WICO day charter dock, both by the Havensight cruise pier.
Seas the Day asks guests arriving at Crown Bay to take a taxi and allow an extra 20 minutes. The national park snorkel lists meeting points at Crown Bay and Havensight as well as Red Hook.
What if the weather turns or the ship is late?
On Viator you can cancel free up to 24 hours before, and if the operator cancels for weather you are offered a refund or another date.
A late ship inside 24 hours is not covered by the free cancellation, so if your arrival is uncertain, consider a later departure time.
Ship excursion or independent booking?
An independent booking gives you the full choice of boats, but the timing is your responsibility.
Leave a buffer at both ends and choose a dock close to your pier. For the boat options and prices, see St Thomas catamaran prices.
Port day planned? Check dates for the Turtle Cove catamaran.
Check dates for the Turtle Cove catamaranFrequently asked questions
How far is Frenchman's Cove from the cruise port?
The VI Cat listing gives 7 to 10 minutes by taxi from the WICO (Havensight) dock and 20 to 30 minutes from Crown Bay.
Do St Thomas catamaran tours pick up at the ship?
None of the listings here includes pickup at the ship; the national park snorkel lists meeting points at Crown Bay and Havensight.
How long is the Buck Island catamaran?
About three hours dock to dock on the VI Cat; the small-group trips take about four hours.
Ready to book
Choose your boat
Every option here can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before on Viator. Prices are per person, in USD, and move with the season.
Buck Island Turtle Cove Catamaran Sail
- Sail to Turtle Cove at Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge (you snorkel; nobody lands on the island)
- Snorkel gear: mask, snorkel, snorkel vest and fins
- Snacks and unlimited drinks; alcohol only after the in-water part
Small-Group Turtle Snorkel & Honeymoon Beach
- Professional crew and an in-water snorkeling guide
- Snorkel gear, a boarding ladder and a bathroom on board
- Snacks; open bar after the in-water activities
Semi-Private Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach
- Snorkel stop at Little Buck Island, then Honeymoon Beach
- Snorkel gear, soda, bottled water and alcoholic drinks
- Group limit 12; infants ride on laps
