St. Thomas to St. John Snorkel, Swim & Beach Trip on MV Island Flyer (4 Hours)
Skip the crowds and spend four sunlit hours snorkeling reef gardens and lounging on the soft sands of St. John. This semi-private powerboat trip from American Yacht Harbor pairs two snorkel stops with a beach drop at Hawksnest or Honeymoon Beach.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The reefs are fragile—use non-nano, reef-safe sunscreen to protect corals and avoid applying it right before entering the water.
Wear water shoes
Rocky entries on some coves make reef booties or water shoes useful for getting in and out comfortably.
Hydrate and eat lightly
Bring a bottle of water and a light snack; alcohol and heavy meals before snorkeling can increase seasickness risk.
Listen to the crew
Follow briefing instructions about entry, exit and reef etiquette—crew decisions are based on current, safety and marine life protection.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Waterlemon Cay (Leinster Bay) for quieter but excellent snorkeling
- •Lovango Cay’s south side for secluded sandbars and small reef encounters
Wildlife
- •Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- •Colorful reef fish—parrotfish and sergeant major
Conservation Note
Operators emphasize reef-friendly practices—no-touch rules, single‑file snorkeling, and reef-safe sunscreen—to reduce visitor impact on coral communities.
St. Thomas and St. John bear Danish colonial history and were transferred to the United States in 1917; much of St. John is protected within Virgin Islands National Park (established 1956).
Photographer's Notes
- • From the boat bow approaching a bay for wide seascapes
- • Shallow reef edges while snorkeling for close marine-life shots
- • Honeymoon Beach shoreline looking back to rolling green ridges
What to Bring
Reef‑safe sunscreenEssential
Protects coral and prevents sunburn during prolonged exposure on deck and in the water.
Mask or prescription snorkel mask
Provided equipment is available, but a personal mask improves fit and visibility.
Light towel and quick‑dry shirtEssential
Dries quickly after the swim and provides sun protection on the return ride.
Water shoes or reef booties
Make rocky entries and exits more comfortable and protect feet from sharp coral.
Common Questions
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes—masks, snorkels and fins are provided, though you may bring your own for a better fit.
How long is the boat ride to St. John spots?
Most snorkel sites and cays are 15–40 minutes from American Yacht Harbor depending on conditions and which spots are chosen.
Are trips family friendly?
Yes—this semi-private trip welcomes families, but children should be competent swimmers and supervised in the water; infants must sit on an adult's lap on board.
What if seas are rough?
The captain may alter the itinerary or cancel for safety; the operator issues full refunds for cancellations at least 24 hours prior or for bad weather.
Should I tip the crew?
Tipping is customary—15–20% of the booking is standard for good service and helpfulness.
Can I request a specific beach or snorkel site?
You can request preferences during booking, but the crew selects sites based on sea conditions and crowd levels to maximize safety and visibility.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate—participants should be comfortable swimming short distances and moving on a boat; children must be supervised.
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