The VI Cat · Marriott's Frenchman's Cove dock
A 54-foot catamaran sails from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove to Turtle Cove at Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, where you snorkel with green sea turtles. It is the most reviewed trip on this site and the shortest way to a turtle snorkel by catamaran.
The VI Cat runs this trip on a 54-foot catamaran from the dock at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, the time-share side of the Marriott on the south coast. The sail to Buck Island takes about 20 minutes. The boat then spends about two and a half hours at Turtle Cove, where the crew hands out masks, snorkels, vests and fins and you swim over the coral and seagrass where green sea turtles feed.
Nobody lands. Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public, says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, so the island is a backdrop and the trip happens in the water. Snorkeling is optional: you can stay on board. Snacks and soft drinks are served, and the open bar (beer, wine, cocktails) opens only after everyone is out of the water.
The catch is size. Up to 65 guests can be on board, the group swims together, and other boats anchor at the same cove on cruise days. Guests also report a hot deck when shoes come off. For a quieter swim, the 12-person small-group snorkel costs more and adds a beach.
Show your booking to security at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, follow the public beach access signs to the wooden dock. Late arrivals are not taken.
The catamaran sails to the refuge island, about 20 minutes.
Jump in at the cove and swim with the crew over coral and seagrass. Turtles are wild: most guests see one or more, some see none.
Back on deck, the bar opens with cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks.
The trip ends where it started, at Frenchman's Cove.
★★★★★We saw 3 sea turtles almost immediately after getting in the water. Staff was great and really nice. Unlimited pain kill cocktails was icing on the cake.
★★★★★Such a wonderful experience! Unlike other trips, this is a 3 hour affair which makes it manageable yet long enough to enjoy witnessing the amazing sea life! The crew was professional and fun!
★★★★★Great snorkeling. See multiple turtles, a ray, way more fish than on other snorkel excursions we did on St. Thomas. Crew was great as well.
★★★★★Had a great time, guides and crew were awesome and knowledgeable. Peaceful setting even easy for smaller children to enjoy
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About three hours dock to dock: roughly 20 minutes each way under sail and about two and a half hours at Turtle Cove.
No. The refuge is closed to the public, so the catamaran anchors at Turtle Cove and you snorkel around the island.
Yes. Snacks and unlimited drinks are included; alcohol is served only after the snorkel, and the drinking age is 21.
Yes. Children 3-12 have their own rate, infants 0-2 can come, and every child must be with an adult.
Ready to book
Turtle Cove at the Buck Island refuge on a 54-foot catamaran, with snorkel gear, snacks and drinks, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Small-Group Turtle Snorkel & Honeymoon BeachTwelve guests at most, a guide in the water with you, a turtle spot and Honeymoon Beach in four hours.★ 4.9 · 4 hours · from $159
Semi-Private Buck Island & Honeymoon BeachUp to 12 guests: a Buck Island snorkel, then Honeymoon Beach. Drinks included, lunch at the beach is extra.★ 4.7 · 4 hours · from $160
Sunset Sail with Cocktails & AppetizersTwo hours at sunset on the VI Cat's 54-foot catamaran, appetizers and all drinks, no snorkel stop.★ 4.8 · 2 hours · from $95