Booking choice: The Turtle Cove catamaran, from $119 per person. Check dates Tour details
Every snorkel trip on this site includes snorkel gear, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. What you do need is sun protection that is legal in the Virgin Islands, something to keep your phone dry and a little cash.
The quick answer
Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, mineral sunscreen (the USVI ban oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene), a hat, a waterproof phone pouch, a snack and cash or a card for tips. Mask, snorkel, vest and fins are provided on the Turtle Cove sail.
What should you wear?
Your swimsuit, with a cover-up or rash guard for the sail back.
One guest on the VI Cat was asked to take shoes off on board and found the deck scorching under bare feet, so pack sandals for the dock and step carefully.
Packed? Check dates for the Turtle Cove catamaran.
Check dates for the Turtle Cove catamaranWhich sunscreen is allowed in the Virgin Islands?
Mineral sunscreen: the U.S. Virgin Islands ban the sale and use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene since March 2020.
The ban was reported by Mongabay when the law passed in 2019. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, put it on well before you swim, and cover up with a rash guard and hat to need less of it.
Do you need to bring snorkel gear?
No. The VI Cat provides a mask, snorkel, snorkel vest and fins, and every other snorkel trip here includes gear too.
If you wear glasses, bring your own prescription mask if you have one.
How do you keep your phone safe?
In a waterproof pouch: one reviewer warns that you will want it for photos.
Underwater photos are sold separately on some trips. If you take your own, keep the lanyard around your wrist and never chase a turtle for a shot.
Should you bring food?
A snack is a good idea: the VI Cat includes snacks, but guests describe them as light.
Eat before you go, and bring water if you need more than the soft drinks on board. On the Maho Bay sail, a picnic lunch is included.
Want lunch included? The Maho Bay sail serves a picnic lunch on board.
Explore the Maho Bay sail with lunch Tour detailsWhat about money?
Bring cash or a card for gratuities, which are not included, and for parking at the resort docks.
Two listings here suggest 15 to 20 percent for the crew. Parking costs extra at the Westin and the Ritz-Carlton docks.
What should you leave behind?
Chemical sunscreen, valuables you do not need and anything you would hate to get wet.
Bring a dry bag or a plastic bag for wet swimwear on the way back to your hotel or ship.
Ready to go? The sail includes gear, snacks and drinks.
Check dates for the Turtle Cove catamaranFrequently asked questions
Do I need water shoes for a catamaran snorkel?
Not for the snorkel itself, since you get in from the boat with fins. Sandals are handy for the dock and the beach stops.
Is there a bathroom on board?
The Someday Charters boat and the two-stop catamaran from the same Yacht Haven Grande dock both list a bathroom on board. The other listings do not mention one, so ask the crew at check-in.
Can I bring alcohol?
There is no need: drinks are included on the VI Cat, with alcohol served after the swim to guests 21 and over.
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
Maho Bay Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch
Maho Bay on St John and Honeymoon Beach, picnic lunch on board
