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Swim with the Turtles!
You can encounter wildlife swimming almost anywhere around St. Thomas, but some of the best snorkel spots lie just a short boat trip away. Head to Virgin Islands National Park on St. John to experience unparalleled snorkeling among coral reefs, or visit Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge’s Turtle Cove for the best chance to see green sea turtles gliding along the sea grass.
In addition to abundant tropical fish and stunning corals, wildlife lovers travel from all over the world to the Virgin Islands to see the resident turtles. Hawksbill, leatherback, and green sea turtles call these waters home and nest on the nearby beaches every year. Swimming next to them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss.
On these top-rated snorkeling tours, all the details are taken care of so you can just jump in and enjoy. Travel in a comfortable boat with experienced guides who know the best places to see wildlife, then relax on board on the way back as you share stories of what you saw.
Check out our snorkeling tours from St. Thomas and book yours online now!
Discover an Underwater Paradise
When you see the glimmering blue waters around St. Thomas, the first thing you’ll want to do is jump right in!
A magical world awaits you underneath the surface, where you can see the local wildlife up close, explore coral reefs, and fall under the spell of St. Thomas. Take the plunge and discover this underwater paradise on a St. Thomas snorkeling tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
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While shore snorkeling is great at Coki Point, the most spectacular 2026 experiences are found by boat. St. Thomas Activities partners with the island’s top-rated captains to bring you to exclusive spots like Turtle Cove at Buck Island and the protected coral reefs of the Virgin Islands National Park.
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Yes. We only work with tour operators who provide high-quality, professional-grade equipment. Your booking includes sanitized masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation vests. Many of our featured partners also offer “easy-breath” full-face masks for those who prefer them.
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While wildlife is wild and never 100% guaranteed, we curate tours specifically known for their high success rates. Our partners target areas like Turtle Cove and Mahoe Bay, where Green and Hawksbill turtles are daily residents. In 2026, morning departures continue to see the highest frequency of sightings.
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Not at all. The operators we feature are experts at hosting all skill levels. They provide high-buoyancy snorkeling vests and “Snorkeling 101” briefings. If you’re a beginner, our partners often have guides who stay in the water with the group to ensure everyone feels secure.
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For the calmest sea conditions and best underwater visibility, we recommend the 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM slots. The morning sun hits the reefs at the perfect angle for photography, and the marine life is typically most active before the midday heat.
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Bring reef-safe sunscreen (it’s the law in the USVI!), a towel, and a hat. While our operators provide water and light snacks, you may want to bring a waterproof phone pouch to capture the underwater magic!