St. Croix Snorkeling Tours Buck Island Reef & Turtle Beach.
- 4.9 on Tripadvisor · 3,000+ reviews
- Lessons for first-timers
- From $95 per adult
- Authorized NPS concessioner
Compare Our St. Croix Snorkel Tours
Every snorkel trip we run goes to Buck Island Reef National Monument, the protected reef about 1½ miles off St. Croix. Gear, a lesson, a guide in the water and national park fees are included. The difference is how long you stay, how many reef stops you make and whether you get there by power or under sail.
Snorkel trips compared. Public trips are priced per person, adults first; private charters are per boat.
| Trip | Best for | Snorkeling | Ride to Buck Island | Length & days | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Day SnorkelCelebration, 41 ft power catamaran | First-timers, families and cruise guests (morning trip) | Lesson at Turtle Beach, then the guided underwater trail (about an hour of snorkeling) | About 30 min | 3.5 hours Daily, 9 am & 1 pm | Adults $95 Young Adults 3–17 $75 0–2 free |
| Snorkelers in ParadiseMile Mark | Keen snorkelers who want more reef | Two guided snorkel stops on the reef, then Turtle Beach | About 45 min | 5 hours Tue & Thu, 10 am | Adults $125 Young Adults 3–17 $105 |
| Full Day SailWave Dancer, sailing catamaran | Sailors and beach lovers who want a long day | Guided snorkel of the underwater trail, then the most time on Turtle Beach | An hour-plus under sail | 6 hours Daily, 9:30 am | Adults $125 Young Adults 0–17 $105 |
| Private snorkel charterSix boats, 12 to 40 guests | Families, groups and celebrations | Your own pace and spots, within National Park Service rules | Depends on the boat | 3 to 6 hours You choose the time | From $900 per boat |
From June to October some trips book online on fewer days; call (340) 773-2628 for other dates. Groups of 10+ save 10% on the half day trips.
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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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Snorkelers in Paradise
5 hours · Up to 28 guests · Tue & Thu
Adults 18+ $125 · Young Adults 3–17 $105
Two snorkel stops on Buck Island’s reef with a guide, then Turtle Beach. Aboard Mile Mark from Christiansted at 10 am.
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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 of the underwater trail, then the most time at Turtle Beach to swim, relax or hike to the top for the view.
Which Snorkel Trip Is Right for You?
The Half Day Snorkel
You learn on the beach at Turtle Beach before you swim the trail with a guide, and you’re back in 3.5 hours. Our most popular trip.
Snorkelers in Paradise
Two guided snorkel stops on the reef instead of one, then time on Turtle Beach. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Full Day Sail
An hour-plus sail aboard Wave Dancer, a guided snorkel and the longest stay on Turtle Beach. Bring your own lunch.
A private snorkel charter
Your own boat and crew from $900 per boat, timed around you. Snorkel, beach and hike in whatever order you like.
Snorkeling Lessons for Beginners
Never snorkeled? You’re who these trips are built for. The National Park Service says Buck Island concessioners can teach anyone, especially kids, how to snorkel, and that the water behind the barrier reef is typically calm (NPS).
- Lesson first. The crew fits your mask and teaches you on the beach before you head to the reef.
- A guide in the water. Not-so-strong swimmers can hold a safety ring while the guide swims them along the trail.
- Relax and float. Salt water is buoyant. Breathe slowly and let the guide set the pace.
- Kids are welcome. Bring a life jacket your child is comfortable in; they wear one for most of the tour.
Watch: Learn to Snorkel with Captain Key
Captain Key’s tips for getting the most out of snorkeling Buck Island, from fitting your mask to breathing easy.
Learn to Snorkel with Captain Key: our crew’s snorkel lesson, on the Caribbean Sea Adventures YouTube channel.
What You’ll See on the Reef
An elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds about two thirds of Buck Island, and the marked underwater trail runs through the calm lagoon behind it, with underwater signs that tell you what you’re looking at (NPS).
- Coral: elkhorn coral, big brain corals and sea fans.
- Reef fish of every color, and southern stingrays on the sand.
- Sea turtles: hawksbill, green, leatherback and loggerhead turtles use Buck Island. Turtles are often seen, though never guaranteed.
Read more in our guide to the Buck Island underwater trail.
Boat or Shore Snorkeling?
Buck Island is reached only by boat, a private vessel or an authorized concession boat like ours. St. Croix also has shore snorkeling:
- Cane Bay on the north shore is famous for its wall dive. The north shore can get surge and swell, so check conditions and never swim alone.
- Jack and Isaac Bays on the east end are a hike in, with no amenities at all.
- The Frederiksted Pier: when a cruise ship is docked, swimming, snorkeling and diving around the pier aren’t allowed.
For a guided reef with gear and a lesson, a boat trip is the easy choice. More ideas in the best snorkeling in St. Croix.
Reef-Safe Snorkeling
Sunscreens containing oxybenzone are prohibited on our trips, and guests wearing them can’t enter the water. Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a sun shirt (we sell reef-safe sunscreen in our shop on the boardwalk). Don’t touch or stand on coral, and take nothing but photos: Buck Island is a no-take zone. See our environmental notice.
Groups of 10+ save 10% automatically on the half day trips. Senior, military & local discounts available, call (340) 773-2628.
St. Croix Snorkeling Tour FAQs
Which St. Croix snorkeling tour is best for beginners?
The Half Day Snorkel. It starts with a snorkel lesson at Turtle Beach, then a guide takes you along the underwater trail, about an hour of snorkeling in all. It’s 3.5 hours, $95 per adult.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel at Buck Island?
No. A guide is in the water with you, and not-so-strong swimmers can hold on to a safety ring while the guide swims them along the trail. If you can’t swim at all, you’re still welcome: tell the crew before you get in.
How deep is the water on the Buck Island snorkel trail?
The National Park Service says the lagoon behind the barrier reef seldom exceeds 12 feet deep, and gives 12 feet as the maximum depth in the coral grottoes.
Will we see sea turtles?
Sea turtles are often seen around Buck Island, in the shallows near Turtle Beach and from the overlook above the reef. They’re wild animals, so a sighting is never guaranteed.
Is snorkel gear included?
Yes. Snorkel gear, a lesson, a guide on the reef and national park fees are included on every snorkel trip. You’re welcome to bring your own mask if you prefer.
Can kids go snorkeling?
Yes. Young Adults 3–17 are $75 on the Half Day Snorkel and Tiny Humans 0–2 ride free. Please bring a life jacket your child is comfortable in; children wear one for most of the tour.
What sunscreen can I wear?
Reef-safe sunscreen or a sun shirt. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone are prohibited on our trips, and guests wearing them can’t enter the water. Reef-safe sunscreen is sold in our shop on the Christiansted boardwalk.
More to explore: All Buck Island tours, including beach days Sailing charters Snorkeling on a cruise ship day Half day or full day?
Give the Gift of Buck Island
Gift certificates for our Buck Island tours, sails and private 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.