Five kinds of excursion from St. Thomas
People use the word "excursion" for very different things. A catamaran sail with snorkeling, a ferry day to St. John and a guided drive over the hills have little in common except the island they start from. Decide first what you want, then compare prices.
Many boat trips leave from Red Hook on the east end. Some cruise passengers book through the ship, others book directly with an operator. Prices below are the ones published in October 2026. Operators change them, so confirm the total before you pay.
St. Thomas excursion types compared
What each type gives you and what to check.
| Type | Price in 2026 | Starts from | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran and snorkel trip | $99 adult (one example) | Red Hook (this example) | Motor or sail, fuel surcharge, card fee, cancellation |
| Ferry day to St. John | $8.15 one way from Red Hook | Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie | Return ferry times, Trunk Bay fee of $5 from age 16 |
| Water Island and Honeymoon Beach | $10 one way, $20 round trip | Crown Bay Marina | Hourly sailings, not from the cruise pier |
| Coral World and Skyride | $29 and $34.95 | Coki Point and the harbor | Opening days, ticket desk hours |
| Island tour by road | – | Town, hotels or cruise docks | Stops included, entry fees, pickup point |
If you want to get in the water, take a boat trip. If you want a beach day in a national park, take the ferry to St. John and its Trunk Bay. If you only have a few hours between ship times, the Skyride and a walk through the old town fit more easily. The things to do page lists all 15 experiences.
Our picks: excursions compared
A catamaran, a full sailing day with meals and an island tour by the hour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Sailing trip with snorkeling, breakfast and lunch
Captain and crew, a continental breakfast, a picnic lunch, an open bar, snacks and snorkel gear are included. Tips and towels are not.
Check availability →
Catamaran snorkel and beach trip to St. John
Water, beer, soft drinks, ice, fees and permits are included. Fuel is extra (about 18 to 22 gallons on the half day), as are the crew tip and towels.
Check availability →St. Thomas excursions and tours
Catamaran sails, snorkeling, island tours and day trips from St. Thomas, with live prices and availability.
A worked example: an afternoon catamaran snorkel trip
One operator, Ocean Surfari, publishes the details of its Do It All Trip. Use it as a model of what to ask any operator. Its boat, the Reef Surfari, is a motorized catamaran, not a sailing boat.
Price
$99 for adults and children from 11, and $79 for ages 3 to 10. A fuel surcharge of $5 per person and a 3 percent card fee come on top. For groups of 6 or more, a 20 percent tip is added. The operator's overview page shows a different child price range, so confirm the child fare when you book.
Schedule
The boat leaves Red Hook (American Yacht Harbor) at 2:00 pm and picks up passengers in Cruz Bay at 2:30 pm. It reaches St. John again at about 6:45 to 7:15 pm and then returns to St. Thomas. Do not plan a dinner reservation or a ship departure around the arrival time.
Included
Snorkel equipment, pizza and drinks. Alcohol is served only after the snorkeling.
Booking terms
A 10 percent deposit secures the seat and the rest is due 24 hours before. Check in 30 to 60 minutes early. Cancellation is free up to 72 hours before. Weather and a minimum number of guests can affect whether the trip runs. Children under 2 are free, with registration by phone.
What to check before you book
The descriptions differ more than the prices do.
Motor boat or sailing boat
A "catamaran" can be a fast motor boat. If you want to sail, read the description for the word sail and for the engine.
What the price includes
Look for fuel surcharges, card fees, tips for large groups and park fees. A low headline price may leave out items that raise the total.
Where the trip starts and ends
Red Hook, Cruz Bay, Crown Bay and Havensight are different places. Ask where you meet and where you are dropped off, especially from a cruise ship.
Cancellation and weather
Ask what happens if the trip is canceled for weather or too few guests, and how far ahead you can cancel for free.
A passport for the British Virgin Islands
An excursion that enters the British Virgin Islands needs a valid passport for everyone, and an ESTA is not an entry permit for the BVI. Since 1 January 2025 the BVI use an electronic arrival card, which can be filled in up to 72 hours before arrival.
Entry rules →Land tours and older rates
A taxi tour operator's rates from 2022 listed $75 for a 2-hour tour for one rider or $38 per person for groups, and $90 or $45 for 3 hours. These are old figures, so use them only as a scale and ask for the current rate.
In the water: reef and turtle rules
USVI travel information lists oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene as banned in sunscreen and asks for mineral, non-nano protection. The National Park Service warns that a "reef safe" label alone does not guarantee that, so read the ingredient list.
Look at corals and fish without touching or chasing them. The territory's natural resources department asks boaters to keep at least 50 feet (15 m) from turtles and to slow down when they see one. Sightings are never guaranteed on any trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
Excursions work best when they fit your ferry and cruise schedule.
St. Thomas excursions: frequently asked questions
Is a catamaran trip the same as a sailing trip?
Not always. In the example above, the Reef Surfari is motorized. Read each description to see whether the boat sails or runs on engines.
How much does a catamaran snorkel trip cost?
One published afternoon trip costs $99 for adults and $79 for children aged 3 to 10, plus a $5 fuel surcharge per person and a 3 percent card fee. Other operators set their own prices, so compare the total, not the headline fare.
Can I book on the day?
Check the booking terms. The example trip asks for a 10 percent deposit at booking and the rest 24 hours before, and free cancellation ends 72 hours before departure. Other operators set their own terms.
Do I need a passport for an excursion?
Not for St. John, which is part of the US Virgin Islands. A trip that enters the British Virgin Islands needs a valid passport for everyone. Check the entry requirements.
Which sunscreen can I use on a snorkel trip?
Choose a mineral, non-nano sunscreen without oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene. A "reef safe" label alone is no proof, so check the ingredients.