15 Best St. Thomas Boat Tours (2026)

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If you’re looking for the best St. Thomas boat tours, then you’re in luck as I’ve traveled to St. Thomas multiple times and taken tons of boat tours from the island.

From family trips to girl’s getaways to my honeymoon, I’ve been on all types of trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands and it really is a slice of paradise.

There is no better way to spend a few hours (or a full day) than out on a boat enjoying the stunning island views and taking a dip in that crystal clear water.

Whether you want to snorkel, take a sunset sail, visit the British Virgin Islands, or just island hop, there’s an option for you on this list.

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Best St. Thomas Boat Tours

These options are fun and active boat tours where you’ll be with groups of other people. All of these leave from the island of St. Thomas but from different marinas, so do pay attention to that. These are some of the most popular activities in St. Thomas.

I’ve been with New Horizon Charters on multiple tours and they always do a top-notch job and make sure you have the best experience. The crew is always fantastic!

The tour leaves out from Margaritaville so very convenient if you are staying on the East End and Margaritaville is actually one of my favorite places to stay in St. Thomas.

You’ll take a large powerboat to a few different snorkeling spots around St. John and the captain selects different spots each day depending on the weather.

You could find yourself exploring the vibrant coral and tropical fish at Maho Bay, Honeymoon Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Cinnamon Bay, or Leinster Bay. Exploring an uninhabited Caribbean island is a highlight!

You definitely won’t go hungry (or thirsty) on this trip. Included in the price is a continental breakfast, an open bar, a picnic lunch, and snacks to keep you energized.

Don’t worry if you’re a snorkeling newbie – the expert guides provide comprehensive instruction and the necessary equipment.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

2. The Baths and White Bay

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!

Note: You will need your passport for this tour!!

This is one of my all-time favorite St. Thomas boat tours because you spend the day island hopping, visiting a The Baths National Park, and then some of the famous bars at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. If you’re looking for day trips from St. Thomas, this is the perfect one.

I’ve taken this tour with one of my girl friends after we graduated from college and then with my husband on our honeymoon and would do it again in a heartbeat. It’s always one of the best days on my St. Thomas itinerary.

Just be careful – those drinks they give you are strong!

This tour leaves from St. Thomas but also offers a pick-up point on St. John which is convenient if you’re staying over there.

A guided tour of the Baths offers a unique experience as you navigate through the maze of giant boulders and make your way down to the beach, which is also dotted with boulders.

The hike through The Baths down to Devils Bay is about 1.8 miles and I loved seeing the large rock formations and the views of the bay down below. Make sure you wear good shoes! My Chacos are my go-to shoes for adventures like this.

After exploring the Baths, you continue on to White Bay. It’s well-known for the famous Soggy Dollar Bar because your dollars literally may be soggy.

The boats anchor out in the bay here and you swim to the beach lined with beach bars offering a variety of island drinks and a chance to grab lunch.

Make sure you get a Painkiller – the signature drink of the Virgin Islands – and you can relax on the beach for the rest of the afternoon.

Pro tip – before you leave on this tour, grab breakfast at Lattes in Paradise which is one of the best restaurants in Red Hook. It’ll be nice to have something on your stomach.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

3. VI Jet Boat Tours

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 30 minutes | ✅ Book it!

If you love high-speed thrills, then this tour is for you. While the tour takes you to St. Thomas Harbor near Charlotte Amalie, the boat leaves from Sapphire Beach Marina so keep that in mind.

The jet boat, Sceamin’ Eagle, is turbo-charged with 750 horsepower so you know this will be a good time. On your way to St. Thomas Harbor, the captain will be sharing tidbits about local history.

Once you make it to the harbor you’ll experience 180-degree spins, fishtails, and high-speed cruising so prepare to get soaked! Literally. You will get wet on this tour.

They have morning or afternoon options so you can pick the best one that fits in your schedule!

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

4. Parasail Experience

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!

Want to get a bird’s eye view of the islands? You’ll definitely want to check out this Parasailing adventure. Fly high above the stunning turquoise waters and admire the beauty of the Virgin Islands.

Don’t worry, you’ll get a brief safety orientation with the professional and friendly crew, if this makes you a little nervous.

Once you’re strapped into your harness and lift off from the boat, you’ll love it! You can expect to be in the air for 8 – 10 minutes.

This activity is perfect for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone looking for a unique way to take in the breathtaking scenery of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ages six and up can parasail!

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

5. Island Hop & Food Boat Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour combines two of my favorite things – island hopping and a food tour! Snorkeling is also included so what more could you want on a St. Thomas boat tour?

This tour is led by Stormy Pirates and I’ve done multiple tours with them as well. They are top-notch and make sure you have the best experience!

You’ll start the day by cruising the northern shore of St. John where the crew will give you some background on major points of interest and point out the beautiful homes of the rich and famous.

Lunch will be at Lime Out St. John in Coral Bay, which is a floating taco bar. Then, it’s time to hit go snorkeling and explore the marine reserve at Christmas Cove at Great St. James Island.

Snorkeling is optional – you can also just hang out in some floaties in the water or have drinks from the open bar on the boat.

Your next food stop is at Pizza Pi St Thomas, the famous pizza boat. The day winds down at Lovango Cay, where you have the choice to relax ashore at the Sand Pit which is another bar & restaurant or snorkel the colorful reef.

Note that the only food included in the price of the tour is cheese or pepperoni pizza at Pizza Pi. If you want anything from Lime Out or Sand Pit that is extra and so are any drinks at Pizza Pi. There is an open bar on board the boat.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

6. Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza, & Sunset Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

For a fun way to spend the afternoon and evening, this tour offers snorkeling, pizza, and a sunset dance party with an open bar.

The tour conveniently offers pickups from Red Hook in St. Thomas and Cruz Bay in St. John, making it perfect no matter which island you’re on.

Once aboard, you’ll get to visit two different snorkeling stops in the Virgin Islands National Park, where you’ll have the chance to discover the vibrant underwater world.

I’ve done the underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay and there were so many colorful fish – I even saw a small shark!

All snorkeling equipment is provided, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have your own. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the snorkeling, you’ll be treated to pizza from Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove.

The remainder of your cruise will consist of drinks from the bar, a sunset dance party, and a chance to unwind as the beautiful Caribbean day turns into a spectacular night.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

St. Thomas Catamaran Excursions

If you prefer to experience the Caribbean waters from the comfort of a large catamaran, then the tours below will be perfect for you.

7. Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

My husband and I did this sunset cruise on our honeymoon and made friends that we are still connected with today! It was honestly a blast.

The food was great, drinks were strong, and the views were absolutely stunning as the sun crept below the horizon.

‘The Cat’ is a 54-foot sailing catamaran that you’ll be aboard during the 2-hour harbor lights dinner sail. There are plenty of comfortable spots on deck to sit back and enjoy the view.

It’s typically a BBQ dinner except on Tuesdays when they celebrate Taco Tuesdays! As the sun sets, there are plenty of photo opps and then you can enjoy the twinkling lights of Charlotte Amalie as you make your way back to Frenchman’s Cove.

This is one of the best ways to end the day in the Virgin Islands!

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

8. Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel & Sail

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

Another adventure on “The Cat,” but this one will be in the day time and you’ll need to be prepared to get in the water! This is one of the most popular tours in St. Thomas so you can’t go wrong with it.

You’ll head to Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, an uninhabited island that serves as a sanctuary for a variety of marine life.

Once there, the crew will provide snorkels, masks, and flippers, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore underwater to see the tropical fish, vibrant coral, and hopefully some sea turtles.

After you get your fill of the underwater world, unwind with plenty of snacks and an unlimited open bar.

If there are some in your group that aren’t into snorkeling, they can tan on the spacious deck or there are shaded areas where they can get out of the sun.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

9. Swim with Turtles at St. John

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | ✅ Book it!

Beautiful beaches, swimming with turtles, and eating at a floating pizza bar. Sounds like my kind of day.

Group sizes are limited to 12 people so this makes for a bit more intimate experience. You’ll leave bright and early from St. Thomas and the ride to St. John is beautiful in itself.

Enjoy an on-board continental breakfast on the way. A few snorkeling spots you’ll likely visit are Christmas Cove and Maho Bay which is known for it’s turtle and stingray population.

The lunch stop is at Pizza Pi and then depending on the day, you may have another chance to swim at one more gorgeous beach.

There is an open bar that will be available after your snorkeling adventures. All National Park fees are included as well.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

Private Boat Tours in St. Thomas

Looking for a private experience? These private boat tours are for your group only so you can explore the Virgin Islands in style.

10. 50’ Luxury Yacht Private Full or Half Day Experience

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 – 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

Imagine sailing around the Caribbean seas on your own catamaran. You and your group of up to 12 people get to decide the itinerary with your captain. Enjoy a half-day sail or take the entire day to explore.

The yacht boasts a large indoor space where you can hang out that opens to an expansive back deck – perfect for dining or lounging as you make your way around the islands.

On the bow, there are bean bag chairs and trampolines, where you can sunbathe, enjoy the views, and be on the lookout for marine life. You’ll also have access to SUPs, snorkeling equipment, and floaties.

This private boat charter is all-inclusive and includes ice, soda, beer, and rum punch to keep you refreshed. Sailing around the USVI on your own boat is one of the most amazing experiences!

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

11. Private Luxury Catamaran

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

Another option for sailing on a luxury catamaran, this one is 47′, can carry 12 people, and you also work with the captain to create your itinerary.

It has many of the same features as the 50′ catamaran – spacious indoor area, bean bag chairs & trampolines, and access to water toys.

It’s also equipped with a full JBL sound system that connects via Bluetooth and they have beach games in case you find a secluded beach to swim out to.

With half or full day options, you can choose your adventure and make memories that will last forever.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

12. USVI Private Boat Charters

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 – 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

Instead of a catamaran, this tour is led on a fast power boat so you can quickly hop around to multiple spots if that’s what you prefer.

Go snorkeling at some of the best spots on St. Thomas or St. John, relax on a deserted beach, or head to a hopping beach bar for a party. The choice is yours.

The boat can fit groups of 12 people and there is seating on the bow where you can enjoy the views. It also has a Bluetooth sound system.

Choose a catamaran if you want a lazy day at sea but go with the power boat tour if you want to hop between a few different places on the islands.

Note – the price of this tour does not include a fuel surcharge so don’t let that sneak up on you.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

Kayak & Paddlecraft Tours

These boat tours are self-powered but they are watercraft just the same! We’ve been on kayaking tours in St. Thomas before and it’s such a unique way to explore the waterways or ocean.

13. Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike, & Snorkel with Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Other than the BVI tour, this was one of Tyler and I’s favorite boat tours in St. Thomas. Be warned – this tour will absolutely wear you out! We got back and had to take a nap.

This is an ecotour so in addition to stunning views and adventure, you also get to learn about the things you’re seeing from a knowledgeable guide.

You have the option of single or tandem kayaks and you’ll paddle out through the mangroves and make one stop on a rocky coastline. It’s one of the best places to kayak in St. Thomas.

We got to walk around and see a blowhole and tide pools before getting back in our kayaks and heading over to Cas Cay.

Here you go for a hike and have a picnic lunch while TONS of hermit crabs scurry around. Then it’s time for snorkeling! I had never seen so much marine life while snorkeling in St. Thomas.

We saw a barracuda, sting ray, poisonous worm (I think), and sooo much more. It was amazing!

I was exhausted when paddling back to VI Ecotour’s outpost but it was totally worth it. If you don’t have as much time or maybe aren’t in good shape, I would recommend going with the Kayak & Snorkel tour only.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

14. Illuminated Night Kayak Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.25 hours | ✅ Book it!

Ever wanted to kayak at night? Here is your chance! Marriott is situated on Pacquereau Bay just off of St. Thomas Harbor so you can typically enjoy calm seas.

You’ll paddle in a special kayak equipped with LED lights underneath, which lights the ocean beneath you and you can see all kinds of marine life from turtles and fish to stingrays.

This excursion isn’t just about the wildlife; it also provides a unique vantage point for enjoying the nighttime views of Charlotte Amalie Harbour.

You’ll have brief training session before setting off, so this experience is beginner-friendly. Enjoy drifting across the sea, searching for marine life, and enjoying the views of twinkling lights on the island at night.

It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

15. St. Thomas Cycleboats Water Island Trip

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

You’ve likely heard of pedal pubs in the city, but did you know they are made for the water too? This pedal boat will take you from Charlotte Amalie over to Water Island and Honeymoon Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in St. Thomas.

The kicker is – you have to pedal. Don’t worry, you can take a break. The boat does have a motor.

It’s not just the novelty that makes this tour stand out, but the destination itself. Water Island, known for its pristine Honeymoon Beach, is the ultimate beach paradise with white sands and crystal clear waters.

Once there, you can choose to relax on the beach or take a dip in the waters where sea turtles have been spotted.

The best part is you can bring your favorite beverages with you and keep them chilled in the on-board cooler. So you don’t have to buy any expensive drinks (unless you really want to).

This unique experience is a fun alternative to traditional boat tours and will be an unforgettable part of your visit to St. Thomas.

🚤 Check prices & availability here. 🚤

Tips for the Best Boat Tours in St. Thomas

Boat tours are tons of fun, but you need to come prepared to make the most of your experience. Here are just a few tips based on my experience on many of these tours.

Take Motion Sickness Pills (If You Get Seasick)

If you get seasick then you’ll absolutely want to take motion sickness pills. I don’t have an issue with this, but my brother does and when we went deep sea fishing in St. Thomas, he was sick the whole time.

I recommend taking something even if you aren’t sure whether you get sick or not because sea sickness can ruin your whole trip. Dramamine works wonders.

Bring Money for Crew Tips

Tips are not included on any tours and it’s customary to give 20% gratuities for the captain and crew for good service.

You’ll want to bring cash for this so plan ahead before your trip. Tips are so important for their livelihood so please don’t skip this!

Pack a Dry Bag

While some tour operators will have a dry bag for you to use, that isn’t always the case and most of the time the dry bag will stay with the guide. It’s also only available for medication/emergencies sometimes.

This is why we love bringing our own dry bag so we can keep our own things with us and know they will stay dry. At the very least, I recommend having a waterproof case/bag to put your phone in.

I have a couple of these cases that are super simple and pretty cheap.

Wear Proper Footwear

On many of the boat tours you’ll be getting on and off the boat into the water for snorkeling, on the beach to relax, or even exploring an island if you go with Virgin Island Ecotours.

Wearing the right footwear (and clothing in general) is so important so you stay comfortable for your entire trip.

Personally, I love wearing my Chacos for these tours because they are made as water shoes but hold up for hiking or lounging too. I brought them on my honeymoon trip to St. Thomas and lived in them the entire week.

Apply Mineral-Based Sunscreen

Did you know it’s the law in St. Thomas to use mineral-based sunscreen? You have to use sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene.

Double-check your sunscreen labels. This is for the safety of the coral and marine life on the island!

Wrap Up: Best St. Thomas Boat Tours

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer a laid-back approach to exploring, St. Thomas boat tours offer a variety of unforgettable excursions.

From paddling through mangroves under looking for stingrays to pedaling your way to serene beaches to sailing around the islands, each boat tour is unique and fun in its own way.

Remember to plan ahead, come prepared, and respect the marine life that calls these waters home. I know you’ll love any of these tours on your St. Thomas vacation!