RED HOOK SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Morning Reefs and Sail‑Delivered Pizza — a 3.5‑Hour Snorkel from Red Hook
A guided morning snorkel around Little and Great St. James with vibrant coral, an open bar and pizza delivered by sailboat — this guide lays out what to expect and how to plan.
Morning Reefs and Sail‑Delivered Pizza — a 3.5‑Hour Snorkel from Red Hook.
Adventure brief
Morning Reefs and Sail‑Delivered Pizza — a 3.5‑Hour Snorkel from Red Hook
Set off from Red Hook for a compact, morning excursion into the St. Thomas East End Reserves: two snorkel stops among coral and tropical fish around Little and Great St. James, followed by pizza delivered by dinghy and an open bar while you relax in Christmas Cove.
Discover a vibrant snorkeling adventure combined with a delicious twist on the waters of St. Thomas with the St James Snorkel and Pizza Party. This experience starts with exploring the crystal-clear waters of the East End Reserves, where you'll swim among colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. The protected marine reserve offers calm, clear conditions perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels to enjoy coral formations and sea life up close. After immersing yourself in the underwater world, relax aboard a sailboat while enjoying an open bar and a freshly delivered pizza lunch. The unique combination of snorkeling and a floating pizza party makes this adventure a perfect way to spend a morning or early afternoon on the water. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or as a couple, this private tour with Ocean Surfari provides attentive service and an intimate setting. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience the natural beauty and delicious flavors of the U.S. Virgin Islands in a laid-back and fun atmosphere.
Route Schematic
Route and Key Stops
The trip strings together a short sequence of departures, pickups and two snorkel stops before a midday return.
Depart Red Hook (Ocean Surfari Dock)
Leave from the dock behind the Ocean Surfari retail store in Red Hook to begin the morning cruise.
St. John Pickup — Cruz Bay
A scheduled pickup in Cruz Bay in front of the Ocean Surfari retail store brings additional guests aboard.
Snorkel — Little St. James
First snorkel stop to explore reef habitat and tropical fish around Little St. James.
Snorkel & Lunch — Christmas Cove, Great St. James
A second snorkel at Christmas Cove while Pizza PI delivers fresh pizza by dinghy; beverages from the open bar are available after snorkeling.
Return to St. John — Drop Off
After lunch the boat returns to St. John to drop guests off prior to heading back to St. Thomas.
Return to St. Thomas
Complete the morning with a return leg to the St. Thomas dock.
Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early for check‑in — the boat will not wait and late arrivals are not refunded. Note also that alcohol is served only after snorkeling, smoking is not allowed, and special booking rules apply for very young children.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Snorkel Vibrant Coral Reefs
The trip concentrates on snorkeling protected reef habitat around Little St. James and Great St. James, with opportunities to see coral and tropical fish during two dedicated water stops.
Pizza Delivered by Sailboat
While you wait in Christmas Cove the crew arranges fresh pizza delivered by dinghy from Pizza PI; pizza, snacks and drinks are included as part of the experience.
A Relaxed Morning Cruise from Red Hook
Ocean Surfari operates a compact morning schedule with snorkel time, a casual lunch and return hops between St. Thomas and St. John — a curated half‑day on the water that blends reef time with a social meal.
What the day feels like
What the Morning Feels Like
This is a brisk, social morning on the water: departure from the Ocean Surfari dock in Red Hook, a St. John pickup, two snorkel stops among reef and fish, then a laid‑back pizza lunch and open bar in Christmas Cove before returning to St. John and St. Thomas.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and when to choose something else.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Snorkel gear is provided, cleaned and sanitized after every use; new mouthpieces are available for purchase at the operator's retail stores.
Pizza, snacks, drinks and snorkel gear are included in the quoted fare; beverage service (sodas, water, beer, rum punch and painkillers) is provided with the open bar after snorkeling.
Plan to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early for check‑in; the boat departs on schedule and refunds are not issued for late arrivals.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time should I arrive for check‑in?
Guests should arrive 30 to 60 minutes early for check‑in; the boat will not wait and late arrivals are not eligible for refunds.
How is payment handled if I only pay a deposit at booking?
If you pay a deposit only when booking, the remaining balance will be charged to the same credit card 24 hours before the trip.
Can cruise ship passengers arrange transport?
If you are on a cruise ship, select the option to include round‑trip taxi transportation to and from your cruise ship dock when booking.
Do I need to do anything special if I have a baby?
If you have a child under 2 in your party you must call the operator directly and book over the phone.
Is snorkel gear provided and hygienic?
Snorkel gear is provided and cleaned and sanitized after every use; new mouthpieces are available for purchase.
Are there any surcharges or rules for groups?
A 20% service charge will be added to any groups of six or larger on Reef Surfari trips; smoking is not allowed on Reef Surfari outings.
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: 2026-08-10T13:00:26.988Z
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.