Sail to Turtle Cove: A Three‑Hour Catamaran Snorkel on Little Buck Island

CHARLOTTE AMALIE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Sail to Turtle Cove: A Three‑Hour Catamaran Snorkel on Little Buck Island

A daily 3‑hour sail-and-snorkel departing from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove Dock that delivers swimming with green sea turtles, coral reefs, and relaxed deck time.

Sail to Turtle Cove: A Three‑Hour Catamaran Snorkel on Little Buck Island.

Duration
3 Hours
Location
Charlotte Amalie
Operator
St. Thomas Water Sports
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Board a 54' sailing catamaran in Charlotte Amalie for an exhilarating sail to the uninhabited Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge and Turtle Cove, where guests can snorkel among coral reefs and resident Green Sea Turtles, tan on deck, or relax in shaded cabin space on this three‑hour outing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WILDLIFE

Green Sea Turtles and Vibrant Reefs

The trip visits coral reefs that teem with tropical fish and offers opportunities to watch resident Green Sea Turtles in their natural habitat.

THE BOAT

A 54' Sailing Catamaran

Passengers board a 54' catamaran with shaded cabin areas and restrooms, giving options to snorkel, sun on a special deck, or relax out of the sun between activities.

THE SERVICE

Gear, Snacks and Onboard Refreshments

The tour includes sanitized snorkel gear with flotation, snacks and beverages, and alcohol is served once in‑water activities are finished.

What the day feels like

What the Trip Feels Like

Check in at the dock and board for an energetic sail to Little Buck Island; once anchored at Turtle Cove the day opens into short, guided snorkeling sessions among reefs and turtles, interspersed with time to sun on the catamaran's special deck or retreat to shaded cabin space before the return to the dock.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should pick something else.

1
Active FamiliesA good match: the tour is suitable for all ages, includes mandatory flotation for swimmers, and offers both in‑water activity and shaded rest areas for younger children.
2
First‑time SnorkelersIdeal: no prior snorkeling experience is necessary and sanitized snorkel gear with flotation is provided, making it accessible for beginners.
3
Couples & Small GroupsWell suited: the trip accommodates singles, couples, groups and friends with a mix of active snorkeling and relaxed deck time.
4
Travelers Needing Accessibility ConsiderationsCaveat: while the vessel has shaded cabin space and restrooms, participants should assess their ability to enter and exit the water and follow crew safety guidance; flotation vests are mandatory for in‑water participants.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Meeting

Tours depart daily at 1:00 p.m. AST and return at about 4:00 p.m.; guests should check in 30 minutes prior at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove Dock (Dock Master).

What to Bring

Sanitized snorkel gear with flotation is provided; guests should bring swimwear, a towel, reef‑safe sunscreen, and any personal items. Masks/facial coverings are optional while on board.

Onboard & Amenities

The catamaran is equipped with restrooms and a shaded area; snacks and all beverages are included and alcohol is served after in‑water activities are concluded.

Parking & Dock Access

Parking at the Cove is free; taxi arrivals should proceed directly to the dock, while private vehicles must stop at the security gate checkpoint before proceeding to the designated parking area.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Turtle Cove Catamaran trip?

The tour is approximately three hours in duration, departing at 1:00 p.m. and returning around 4:00 p.m.

Where do I meet for departure?

Departures are from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove Dock; check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time with the dock master.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?

No prior snorkeling experience is necessary; the tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels and sanitized snorkel gear with flotation is provided.

Are flotation devices provided?

Yes — sanitized snorkel gear with flotation is provided and flotation vests are mandatory for swimmers and snorkelers.

Is alcohol available on the boat?

Yes; snacks and all beverages are included, and alcohol is served after in‑water activities have concluded.

Who do I call with questions or booking assistance?

For questions or booking assistance contact the concierge at 340-473-5708 or 340-998-6789.