ST. THOMAS SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Prickly Pear by Tradition: Six Hours of Sailing, Snorkeling and Grilled Caribbean Lobster
A shared day sail from Sandy Ground that pairs reef snorkeling and hands‑on sailing with a beachside grilled Caribbean lobster lunch.
Prickly Pear by Tradition: Six Hours of Sailing, Snorkeling and Grilled Caribbean Lobster.
Embark on a six‑hour day sail aboard Tradition from Sandy Ground to the tiny isle of Prickly Pear. The outing blends open‑water sailing, reef snorkeling and a beach restaurant lunch—spent largely on sun, sea and simple pleasures—and is anchored by a spirit of relaxed, hands‑on seamanship.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Snorkel Prickly Pear’s reefs
Prickly Pear’s surrounding reefs teem with tropical fish; the itinerary gives you time for at least one extended snorkel or swim while moored off the island.
Grilled Caribbean lobster on the beach
Lunch is a centerpiece: succulent grilled Caribbean lobster served at Prickly Pear’s beach restaurant, with cocktails and refreshments available throughout the day.
Hands‑on sailing aboard Tradition
From a morning safety briefing and a chance to help raise sail to an afternoon opportunity to steer Tradition’s massive hand‑carved tiller, the sailbook balances leisure with authentic, tactile sailing moments.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
Board at Sandy Ground for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Guests are greeted with morning mimosas or fresh‑squeezed orange juice and a short safety briefing and history of Tradition before casting off. The passage to Prickly Pear includes chances to relax on deck, help raise the sails, watch for turtles or dolphins, and even try a hand at fishing. Time on Prickly Pear is devoted to snorkeling the reefs, a visit to the beach bar, feeding banana‑quit birds and savoring a grilled Caribbean lobster lunch. Mid‑afternoon the group returns to Tradition for a roughly 1.5‑hour sail back toward Sandy Ground—an ideal window to steer the tiller—arriving back late afternoon.
THE WATER
Snorkel Prickly Pear’s reefs
Prickly Pear’s surrounding reefs teem with tropical fish; the itinerary gives you time for at least one extended snorkel or swim while moored off the island.
THE MEAL
Grilled Caribbean lobster on the beach
Lunch is a centerpiece: succulent grilled Caribbean lobster served at Prickly Pear’s beach restaurant, with cocktails and refreshments available throughout the day.
THE SAIL
Hands‑on sailing aboard Tradition
From a morning safety briefing and a chance to help raise sail to an afternoon opportunity to steer Tradition’s massive hand‑carved tiller, the sailbook balances leisure with authentic, tactile sailing moments.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this shared day sail suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a 6‑hour shared day sail, operating from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m.
Boarding and departure take place at Sandy Ground.
The trip includes morning mimosas or fresh orange juice at boarding, cocktails and other refreshments during the day, as well as homemade cookies and freshly sliced watermelon; lunch is grilled Caribbean lobster served on the island.
The day balances sailing passages, a long shore stop at Prickly Pear for snorkeling and lunch, and a relaxed return sail with opportunities to steer.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Shared Prickly Pear Lobster Lunch Day Sail?
The trip lasts 6 hours, operating from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m.
Where do we meet the boat?
The meeting and boarding point is Sandy Ground.
Is lunch provided?
Yes. The outing includes a grilled Caribbean lobster lunch at Prickly Pear’s beach restaurant.
Are children allowed on this trip?
Yes; the trip is open to children aged 4 and older.
Will there be snorkeling and other activities?
Yes. Time at Prickly Pear includes snorkeling the reefs, swimming, visiting the beach bar and walking the island; the crew also offers opportunities to help raise sails, fish and steer the tiller during the sail.
What beverages and snacks are served?
Guests are welcomed with morning mimosas or fresh‑squeezed orange juice; during the day the crew serves cocktails such as rum punch, chilled wine or beer, plus homemade chocolate chip cookies and fresh watermelon.