Adventure brief
Maho Bay Turtle Snorkel Sail
Set sail from St. Thomas to snorkel alongside sea turtles in the stunning waters of Maho Bay, St. John. This six-hour adventure includes two snorkeling stops, a picnic lunch, and an open bar aboard Lady Lynsey II, making it a top Virgin Islands experience.
Set sail from The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas aboard the charming Lady Lynsey II for a six-hour journey that highlights the pristine beauty of Virgin Islands National Park. This unforgettable excursion brings travelers to the turquoise waters of Maho Bay on St.
John, a renowned snorkeling haven famed for its crystal-clear visibility and vibrant marine life. Sailing into this marine sanctuary, guests will encounter the graceful presence of green and hawksbill sea turtles, a rare opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The adventure begins with a beach boarding—guests should be prepared to wade through knee-deep water to step aboard.
Once on the Lady Lynsey II, the voyage moves toward the tranquil Maho Bay, where beneath the calm waves rests a kaleidoscope of coral reefs teeming with life. The Maho Bay area, protected within the Virgin Islands National Park established in 1956, offers a unique blend of shallow reefs and seagrass beds, an ideal home for the sea turtles and numerous tropical fish species. After snorkeling amid these underwater wonders, the boat anchors again for a picnic lunch served onboard.
The fare is fresh and energizing, perfectly complemented by an open bar offering refreshing beverages, allowing passengers to relax and recharge amidst stunning panoramic views of untouched shorelines and lush island foliage. Following lunch, the Lady Lynsey II sails along the park’s coastline en route to a second snorkeling spot—an offshore cay or a less-visited reef, often described as an “off the beaten path” gem. This stop offers another chance to explore vibrant coral formations and diverse fish communities, rewarding adventurous snorkelers with less crowded, serene settings.
The day concludes with a scenic downwind sail back to the beaches surrounding The Ritz-Carlton. Guests disembark with memories of clear, warm waters and encounters with some of the ocean’s most captivating residents. Cruz Bay, the closest city to this experience on St.
John, provides a charming base with local shops and dining. Travelers appreciate that the trip includes sanitized snorkel gear with flotation aids, fresh water showers onboard, towels, and expert guidance from experienced crew. This turtle snorkel sail stands out as a signature Virgin Islands adventure, combining leisurely sailing, exciting wildlife encounters, and top-notch amenities, making it a must-book for anyone visiting the US Virgin Islands looking to connect with nature in an accessible but unforgettable way.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Beach Boarding Prepessential
Prepare to board from the beach through knee-deep water; wear water shoes for ease and safety.
- 02Sun Protectionessential
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the delicate marine ecosystem.
- 03Snorkel Gear Fitinfo
Ensure your snorkel mask fits securely to enhance your underwater visibility and comfort.
- 04Hydrate Wellinfo
Drink plenty of water before and after snorkeling to stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the marine environment while enjoying long periods in the sun.
summerEssentialWater Shoes
Helpful for walking through rocky or sandy beach entry points during boarding and disembarking.
summerEssentialQuick-dry Swimwear
Comfortable and dries quickly after snorkeling sessions.
summerEssentialSnorkel Mask and Fins
Though gear is provided, bringing your own fitted mask and fins can enhance your experience.
summerLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
The offshore cay snorkeling site offers less crowded, pristine coral reefs rarely visited by tour groups., Explore the nearby Salt Pond Bay trail on St. John for a short hike before or after your sail.
Local fauna
Green sea turtles, Hawksbill sea turtles
Historic heritage
Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956, preserves much of St. John's natural and cultural heritage, including historic sugar plantation ruins near snorkeling sites.
Mindful exploration
All snorkeling tours emphasize reef-safe sunscreen and responsible marine wildlife interaction to protect the delicate coral ecosystems and sea turtles.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- From the deck of Lady Lynsey II during the sail, Shoreline lookout at Maho Bay beach, Underwater with a waterproof camera near sea turtles
- Subjects
- Sea turtles swimming, Coral reefs and tropical fish, Island coastline with sailboat silhouette
- Best times
- Golden hour for warm light, Morning for calm seas and clear water, Late afternoon for soft light on the island landscape
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
Sanitized snorkel gear including masks, fins, and flotation devices are provided for all guests.
Is the sailing trip suitable for children?
Children aged 3 and older can participate; pricing is available for children 3-12 with free admission for under 3s.
Can beginners snorkel on this trip?
Yes, as long as guests are comfortable in water and have basic swimming skills, this trip welcomes snorkelers of all experience levels.
What should I bring with me on the trip?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture underwater moments.
Is the trip weather-dependent?
Yes, all excursions depend on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.
How far is the snorkeling from the shore?
Both snorkeling stops are close to shore reefs in protected areas within the Virgin Islands National Park, ideal for steady conditions and easy access.