CRUZ BAY SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Beats, Fresh Pizza and Coral: A 5.5‑Hour Do‑It‑All Cruise Out of Cruz Bay
A single afternoon aboard Reef Surfari combines two snorkel stops in the Virgin Islands National Park, included fresh‑baked pizza and an open‑bar sunset dance party — this guide maps the practical details and what to expect.
Sunset Beats, Fresh Pizza and Coral: A 5.5‑Hour Do‑It‑All Cruise Out of Cruz Bay.
Adventure brief
Sunset Beats, Fresh Pizza and Coral: A 5.5‑Hour Do‑It‑All Cruise Out of Cruz Bay
Board Reef Surfari in the afternoon for a compact, social outing that moves from guided snorkeling at two protected sites around St. John to a pizza pickup in Christmas Cove and then a music‑forward sunset cruise with an open bar. The trip departs from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook with a Cruz Bay pickup and runs roughly five and a half hours, making it an efficient way to combine reef time, food and a party‑style finish.
Experience the ultimate day in the U.S. Virgin Islands with Ocean Surfari’s "Do It All Trip: Snorkel, Pizza and Sunset" near Cruz Bay, St. John. This private adventure blends exciting watersport activity with laid-back island vibes. Your trip begins with a guided snorkel through some of the most vibrant coral reefs found in the calm, crystal-clear waters around St. John. Expect to encounter colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and a variety of coral formations in protected marine areas that offer unmatched underwater views. After working up an appetite, you’ll retreat to a cozy beachfront spot where a delicious, hand-crafted pizza awaits — perfect to refuel and soak in the island breeze. As the sun begins to dip, your group will enjoy some of the region’s most breathtaking sunset views, turning the sky into a canvas painted with fiery oranges and purples. This adventure is tailored for those seeking a balanced day of activity, food, and relaxation in an intimate, private group setting. Ocean Surfari’s experienced guides ensure every moment is safe, fun, and memorable. Whether you are a snorkeling novice or looking to capture incredible sunset photos, this trip encapsulates the beauty and fun that make the USVI a top Caribbean destination.
Route Schematic
Route and Stops
The trip follows a set afternoon route with two snorkeling sites, a pizza pickup and a sunset run through the islands.
Red Hook / Cruz Bay Pickup
Depart Reef Surfari from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook at 2:00 with a scheduled pickup in Cruz Bay at 2:30 to board St. John guests.
Snorkel Stop One
First snorkeling location in the Virgin Islands National Park to look for coral, tropical fish and turtles; guests use provided, sanitized snorkel gear and must wear inflatable snorkel vests.
Snorkel Stop Two
Second reef stop where alcohol service begins once swimming is finished, followed by a short run to pick up pizza.
Pizza Pickup — Christmas Cove
Boat stops to collect included fresh‑baked pizza (often from Pizza PI in Christmas Cove on Great St. James) so the group can eat while cruising toward sunset.
Sunset Cruise and Return
After pizza the vessel cruises around St. Thomas and St. John to position for sunset, with music and an open bar, then returns to St. John around 7:00–7:30 before heading back to St. Thomas as needed.
Guests must wear inflatable snorkel vests when snorkeling; arrive 30–60 minutes early for check‑in at the operator's retail locations (Red Hook on St. Thomas or Cruz Bay on St. John). The boat will not wait for late arrivals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two Snorkel Stops in Virgin Islands National Park
The itinerary includes visits to two snorkeling locations around St. John where guests look for turtles, coral formations and tropical fish. Snorkel gear is provided and sanitized after each use; inflatable snorkel vests are required for swimmers.
Fresh‑Baked Pizza Delivered Afloat
After snorkeling the boat stops to pick up pizza — included in the trip price — typically from Pizza PI in Christmas Cove on Great St. James, so you eat as the cruise continues toward sunset.
Open‑Bar Sunset Dance Party
As daylight wanes the crew opens a bar serving rum punch, painkillers, beer, sodas and water; alcohol service begins once guests are finished swimming and the captain plays music to start a sunset dance party en route back to St. John and St. Thomas.
What the day feels like
What the Afternoon Feels Like
The flow is brisk and social: a mid‑afternoon departure, two reef stops where masks and fins are handed out and snorkel vests required, a pizza pickup that keeps the group fed, then a music‑led cruise toward sunset with an open bar and dancing before the return to St. John (and onward to St. Thomas depending on sunset time).
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trip duration is about 5.5 hours. Departures are scheduled from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook at 2:00 with a Cruz Bay pickup at 2:30; arrive 30–60 minutes early for check‑in at the operator's retail location. If you pay a deposit only, the remaining balance is charged to the same credit card 24 hours before the trip.
Basic swimwear and reef‑safe sunscreen are practical; snorkel gear is provided and sanitized after each use and new mouthpieces are available for purchase on board or at retail locations. Guests are required to wear inflatable snorkel vests when snorkeling.
The bar offers rum punch, painkillers, beer, sodas and water; smoking is not allowed on any Reef Surfari trips. A 20% service charge will be added to any groups of six or larger.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing lasts approximately 5.5 hours.
Where and when does the boat depart?
Reef Surfari departs at 2:00 from the dock at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook on St. Thomas and picks up St. John guests in Cruz Bay at 2:30.
Is snorkel gear provided?
Yes — snorkel gear is provided and cleaned and sanitized after every use; new mouthpieces are available for purchase.
Are children allowed?
The trip is listed as suitable for all ages, but if you have a child under two you must call the operator directly to book over the phone.
When is alcohol served and what’s available?
The bar offers rum punch, painkillers, beer, sodas and water; alcohol service begins after the second snorkel stop once guests are finished swimming.
What is the operator’s late‑arrival policy?
Guests should arrive 30–60 minutes early for check‑in at the retail locations; the boat will not wait and refunds are not issued for late arrivals.
Is smoking allowed on the boat?
No — smoking is not allowed on any Reef Surfari trips.
Are gratuities included?
A 20% service charge will be added for groups of six or larger; otherwise gratuities are handled in the usual way for service staff.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T13:00:26.867Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.