St. Croix Cruise Ship & Shore Excursions In port for the day? Snorkel Buck Island.
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Plan Your Ship Day in 3 Steps
Why book direct with a local crew? You get a small-group Buck Island snorkel trip, and once you’re back on the boardwalk there’s time to explore historic Christiansted, with its shops and restaurants, before heading back to the ship with no rush. Always check your all-aboard time.
- Check your ship’s times.
Find out when you dock and your all-aboard time. We run on local (Atlantic) time, not ship time.
- Get a taxi to Christiansted.
Ships dock in Frederiksted; we’re on the Christiansted Boardwalk, about 40 minutes away. We don’t provide transport: see St. Croix taxi rates.
- Pick a trip that gets you back with time to spare.
Allow time to get off the ship, find your driver and check in on time.
A typical ship day on the Half Day Snorkel
- 8:00 amShip docks in Frederiksted
- ~8:30 amTaxi to Christiansted (about 40 min)
- Later on ship daysCelebration leaves for Buck Island, timed to your ship’s arrival (see booking)
Times are a guide. Always check your own ship’s schedule.
St. Croix Cruise Ship Schedule
Ships due at the Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted over the next 90 days. Find your ship, then pick a trip below that gets you back well before all-aboard.
October 2026
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Adventure of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Carnival DreamCarnival Cruise Line · 7 am–4 pmBook this day
- Valiant LadyVirgin Voyages · 9 am–6 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
November 2026
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–5 pmBook this day
- Viking SeaViking · 7:30 am–6 pmBook this day
- Explora IIIExplora Journeys · 8 am–4 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmVision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Viking SeaViking · 7:30 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Marella DiscoveryMarella Cruises · 8 am–3 pmBook this day
December 2026
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–5 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Viking SeaViking · 7:30 am–6 pmBook this day
- Seven Seas GrandeurRegent Seven Seas Cruises · 7 am–4 pmBrilliant LadyVirgin Voyages · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Resilient LadyVirgin Voyages · 8 am–5 pmAlluraOceania Cruises · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Marella DiscoveryMarella Cruises · 8 am–4 pmBook this day
- Viking SeaViking · 7:30 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Rhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
January 2027
- Marella DiscoveryMarella Cruises · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Azamara JourneyAzamara · 8 am–5 pmRhapsody of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
- Vision of the SeasRoyal Caribbean · 8 am–6 pmBook this day
Schedules subject to change. Times are local (Atlantic Standard Time); always confirm with your cruise line. Source: Virgin Islands Port Authority, updated Oct 9, 2026. All St. Croix cruise ships dock in Frederiksted.
Which Trips Fit a Cruise Ship Day?
Most ships dock in Frederiksted around 8 am and sail between 5 and 6 pm, with all-aboard usually 30–60 minutes before departure. Add about 40 minutes by taxi each way, and these are the trips that get you back in time.
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Half Day Snorkel, morning
Best fit- Leaves
- Later on ship days, timed to your ship’s arrival
- Exact times
- See booking
- Adults
- $95
On ship days, our Half Day leaves later, timed to your ship’s arrival; see booking for exact times. Buck Island snorkeling and Turtle Beach in 3.5 hours.
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Full Day Sail
Good fit- Leaves
- 9:30 am
- Back at the dock
- 3:30 pm
- Adults
- $125
Six hours aboard Wave Dancer: an hour-plus sail to Buck Island, a guided snorkel and the most time at Turtle Beach. You’re back at the dock at 3:30 pm, about 40 minutes by taxi from the Frederiksted pier. Always check your all-aboard time. Departs from Christiansted now and from Green Cay Marina starting Nov 1, 2026.
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Parasailing
Good fit- Leaves
- Several times a day
- Back in Christiansted
- about 1–1.5 hours later
- Per flyer
- $95
An 8–10 minute flight from the Christiansted Boardwalk with our partners Parasail Virgin Islands. Pick a morning or midday slot.
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Private charters
Flexible- Leaves
- You choose
- Back in Christiansted
- You choose
- From
- $900 per boat
Your own boat and crew, timed around your ship. Day charters start at $900 per boat (Smooth Recovery, 3 hours, up to 6 guests). Call us with your docking and all-aboard times and we’ll plan a start that gets you back with time to spare. Celebration leaves from Christiansted; Smooth Recovery, Inconceivable and Good Times from Green Cay Marina, east of Christiansted. Wave Dancer departs from Christiansted now and from Green Cay Marina starting Nov 1, 2026.
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Fishing charters
Pick an early start- Length
- 4 hours
- Leaves from
- Green Cay Marina
- From
- $1,000 per boat
A private sport fishing or spearfishing charter for up to 6 guests with our partners Day Break Charters. Green Cay Marina is about 40 minutes by taxi from the pier, so choose the 4-hour charter and the earliest start that works with your docking time, and you’re back well before all-aboard. Not sure which start fits? Call us first.
Not for ship days: afternoon and evening trips get back too close to all-aboard time, and Snorkelers in Paradise and Beach & Hike don’t run when a cruise ship is in port.
Not sure what fits? Call us with your ship’s times. Senior, military & local discounts available, call (340) 773-2628.
St. Croix Shore Excursions from Frederiksted
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Half Day Snorkel Cruise
3.5 hours · Up to 28 guests · Christiansted
Adults 18+ $95 · Young Adults 3–17 $75 · Tiny Humans 0–2 free
Snorkel Buck Island's reef on a guided tour of the underwater trail and relax on Turtle Beach aboard our power catamaran Celebration. Gear and lessons included; swimmers and non-swimmers welcome.
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Full Day Sail
6 hours · Up to 16 guests · Christiansted; Green Cay Marina from Nov 1, 2026
Adults 18+ $125 · Young Adults 0–17 $105
An hour-plus sail to Buck Island aboard Wave Dancer, a guided snorkel and the most time at Turtle Beach. Back at the dock at 3:30 pm; check your all-aboard time.
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Parasailing
About 1–1.5 hours · 8–10 min flight · Christiansted
Parasailor (6+) $95 · Observer $70
Fly high over Christiansted harbor with our partners Parasail Virgin Islands, tandem or triple.
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Sport Fishing
4, 6 or 8 hours · Up to 6 guests · Green Cay Marina
4 h $1,000 · 6 h $1,300 · 8 h $1,600 per boat
Private charter with our partners Day Break Charters, gear and bait included. On a ship day, book the 4-hour trip with an early start.
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Private Charters
Six boats · your plan
Per boat · from $900 for up to 6 guests
Your boat, your crew, your plan: private Buck Island snorkels, sails and full-day trips.
Why Cruise Guests Choose Us
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Snorkel the underwater trail and relax on Turtle Beach, which National Geographic called “one of the world’s best beaches”.
Options & variety
Six boats, from our Half Day Snorkel aboard Celebration to private sailing and power charters for your group.
Personal help
Our team will help you pick a trip that fits your ship’s schedule. Our captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed.
“Absolutely great time! Captain and crew made the whole trip enjoyable, educational, fun. We were a 3 generation group and everyone had a good time from the kids to the grandparents.”
“What a great way to see Buck island! The crew was great and so was the snorkeling. They gave us a short history of the island and you can tell they care a lot about the safety of you and the reef!”
Pier to Boat, and Back to Your Ship
From the pier to the boat
- Your ship docks at the Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted, on the west end.
- Taxis meet the ships at the pier. Tell the driver 1102 King St, Christiansted; it's about 40 minutes. We don't provide transport. St. Croix taxis are unmetered and charge set per-person rates: Frederiksted to Christiansted is about $36 for 1–2 riders or about $17 each for 3 or more. Rates can change, so confirm the fare with your driver before you ride.
- Check in at our office and store, 1102 King St Suite 12, Christiansted, on the boardwalk.
Getting back to your ship
| Trip | Departs | Back at the dock | Back at the pier (taxi ~40 min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Day Snorkel (Celebration) | On ship days, our Half Day leaves later, timed to your ship's arrival; see booking for exact times. | ||
| Full Day Sail (Wave Dancer) | 9:30 am | 3:30 pm | about 4:10 pm |
We run on local (Atlantic) time, not ship time. Always check your all-aboard time before you book.
Frederiksted Cruise Port & Shore Excursion FAQs
What happens if my ship is late or skips St. Croix?
If your ship is late or skips St. Croix, we'll always work with you. Call or text us at (340) 773-2628.
Where do cruise guests check in?
At our office and store, 1102 King St Suite 12, on the Christiansted boardwalk, about 40 minutes by taxi from the Frederiksted pier.
Is the Full Day Sail safe for an early all-aboard time?
It's back at the dock at 3:30 pm and at the pier around 4:10 pm, so it only suits ships whose all-aboard time leaves a comfortable margin after that. With an earlier all-aboard, choose the Half Day Snorkel instead.
Do you pick up from the cruise ship pier?
No. We don’t provide transportation. Ships dock at the Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted, and we’re on the boardwalk in Christiansted, about a 40-minute taxi ride away. See gotostcroix.com for taxi rates.
Which tour is best for cruise ship passengers?
The Half Day Snorkel aboard Celebration. On ship days, our Half Day leaves later, timed to your ship’s arrival; see booking for exact times.
Will I make it back to my ship on time?
Plan for it: find out your docking and all-aboard times before you book, and allow time to get off the ship, find a taxi, and ride 40 minutes each way. We run on local time, not ship time. If you’re not sure, call us at (340) 773-2628 and we’ll help you pick a trip.
Can I do the Full Day Sail on a cruise day?
Yes. It leaves at 9:30 am (please arrive 30 minutes early) and is back at the dock at 3:30 pm. From there it’s about 40 minutes by taxi to the Frederiksted pier, so you’re back around 4:10 pm. Always check your all-aboard time before you book.
Which trips don’t run on cruise ship days?
Snorkelers in Paradise and the Beach & Hike trip don’t run on days a cruise ship is in port. We also don’t suggest afternoon or evening trips for cruise guests: they get back too close to all-aboard time.
Can we book a private charter around our ship’s schedule?
Yes. A private charter is the most flexible option for a ship day. Call us with your docking and all-aboard times and we’ll plan it with you. Celebration leaves from Christiansted; Smooth Recovery, Inconceivable and Good Times leave from Green Cay Marina, a little further east. Wave Dancer departs from Christiansted now and from Green Cay Marina starting Nov 1, 2026.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone), sunglasses, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a snack and cash for your taxi and crew gratuity.
What if the weather is bad?
Our U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains check the conditions every day. If we cancel for weather, you get a full refund.
Is St. Croix walkable from the cruise port?
Frederiksted itself is. The Ann E. Abramson Pier leads straight into town, and Fort Frederik and the waterfront are an easy walk. Christiansted, Buck Island boats and most of the island are not: Christiansted is about 40 minutes away by taxi.
Can you walk to a beach from the Frederiksted pier?
Rainbow Beach is about a mile north of the pier on Route 63, with calm water and a beach bar. Note that when a cruise ship is docked, swimming, snorkeling and diving around the pier aren’t allowed. See our things to do on land guide.
How do I get from Frederiksted to Christiansted?
By taxi: it’s about 40 minutes each way, and taxis meet the ships at the pier. We don’t provide transportation. Allow time to get off the ship and to check in before your trip, and plan the ride back before you go.
Can I go fishing on a cruise ship day?
Yes, with a private 4-hour charter with our partners Day Break Charters, $1,000 per boat for up to 6 guests, from Green Cay Marina (about 40 minutes by taxi). Pick the earliest start that works with your docking time so you’re back well before all-aboard. See fishing charters.
More to explore: All Buck Island tours Private charters Parasailing Fishing charters
Any Questions? Contact Us Today!
Not sure which trip is right for your group? Call or email and we'll help you plan it.