St. John Full-Day Lime Out Snorkel Taco Lunch & Open Bar – Westin

The best part of this St. John day is the combination: you get reef snorkeling, a floating taco lunch, open-bar drinks, and a relaxed sail around the island without having to arrange each piece yourself. The highlight is Lime Out, the Virgin Islands floating taco bar, but the two snorkel stops keep the day from becoming only a lunch cruise.

I like the fresh breakfast on board, which gives you a useful start before the first swim. I also like the spacious catamaran, helpful for a long day when you want to move between sun, shade, seating, and the water. The main concern is the sea: rough conditions can make snorkeling less enjoyable and can make getting in and out of the water difficult.

Key points to know before booking

• Breakfast comes first: Expect items such as egg bites, croissants, donut holes, and fruit as you cruise from Cruz Bay.
• Two snorkel stops are planned: Conditions and marine life vary, so one outing may bring turtles and plenty of fish while another may be quieter.
• Lime Out lunch includes two tacos: The tacos are included, but drinks bought directly from Lime Out are not.
• The boat bar opens after snorkeling: Alcoholic drinks are included after the morning swim, with plenty of time to relax on the ride.
• The day lasts about seven hours: This is a full outing, not a quick snorkel trip. Bring sun protection and consider a dry change of clothes.
• The group can reach 49 people: The catamaran is described as roomy, but this is still a shared boat experience rather than a private charter.

Leaving the Westin at 8:15 a.m.

The meeting point is the Westin St. John Resort Villas at 300B Chocolate Hole Road near Cruz Bay. Plan to arrive ready for a full morning on the water. The excursion returns to the same place after roughly seven hours, so it is easy to fit into a day based in St. John.

The first stretch is a cruise along St. John’s south shore. This is a good time to settle in, find your preferred seat, and eat breakfast before the boat reaches its first reef. The breakfast has included egg bites, vegetarian options, croissants, donut holes, and fruit, though the exact selection can change.

That first meal matters more than it might sound. Once snorkeling begins, the day moves through swimming, sailing, lunch, and floating time. If you skip breakfast, you may want to bring extra snacks. One particularly useful tip is to pack a dry change of clothes. You can stay wet after snorkeling, but dry clothes make the later sailing portion much more comfortable.

Morning snorkeling around St. John’s reefs

The first snorkel stop takes place off one of the coral reefs around St. John. The crew provides loaner snorkel equipment, and towels are also supplied. You do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer using familiar gear.

The marine life can be excellent. Some outings have included turtles, large numbers of fish, and clear water. Specific sites can change with weather, wind, and sea conditions, so you should treat the location as flexible rather than guaranteed.

The snorkeling is an important part of the day, but this is not designed as a highly focused, guide-led reef expedition. The real rhythm is snorkel, cruise, lunch, swim, and sail. If you want to spend most of the day in the water identifying fish and exploring one reef in detail, a smaller specialist snorkel trip may suit you better.

Water conditions are the biggest variable. Calm seas can make the two stops easy and relaxing. Choppy water can reduce visibility, make swimming tiring, and make entry or exit more challenging, especially for older swimmers or anyone who is not comfortable in open water. Good weather determines whether sailing is possible, and the operator may change the plan when conditions require it.

Lime Out and the floating taco lunch

After the first snorkel, the boat heads toward Lime Out, the floating taco bar that gives this excursion its name. You receive two included tacos per person. Drinks purchased at Lime Out are separate, but you can order from the boat’s included bar after snorkeling.

The setting is the draw. You can eat on the boat or float nearby, depending on the day’s arrangement and current safety rules. Lime Out has limited floating seating, and it can become crowded. That means the advertised floating taco bar experience may work more like a taco lunch served on board, with the chance to swim up toward the bar for a cocktail.

That is not necessarily a bad trade. Eating on the catamaran gives you more space and avoids waiting for one of the limited floating platforms. You still get the unusual sight of a taco restaurant sitting in the water, along with the chance to order a craft cocktail directly from the swim-up bar if conditions allow. Drinks at Lime Out are not included, so bring a card if you want to buy something there.

The tacos receive some of the strongest praise on this outing. They are often described as delicious and a real reason to book the trip. Still, tastes differ, and the lunch is limited to two tacos. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, alternative items can be arranged with at least 72 hours of advance notice, and extra costs may apply.

The second snorkel stop and afternoon floating

After lunch, the boat moves to another stop for more swimming, floating, and lounging. Some outings use spots such as Lamshur, and the second stop can feel like a welcome reset after the meal. If you felt a bit queasy during the ride, getting back into the water may help, though you should take seasickness seriously before boarding.

The two-stop format gives you a better chance of finding pleasant conditions. If one reef is murky or rough, the next may offer calmer water. There is no guarantee of turtles, dense fish activity, or perfect visibility, so your expectations should stay flexible.

This part of the trip is also where the excursion shifts from active sightseeing to downtime. You can float, listen to music, enjoy the views, and make use of the boat bar. The music and friendly crew help keep the sailing stretches lively, while the open deck gives you room to relax.

Alcoholic drinks are included after snorkeling. That timing is sensible, since you should not begin the day drinking heavily before swimming. The bar is one of the better value points for adults who plan to order several drinks, but remember that the open bar does not include purchases made at Lime Out.

Sailing back with Cruz Bay Watersports

The trip home is described as a leisurely downwind sail when conditions permit. That final stretch gives you time to dry off, finish a drink, and enjoy St. John from the water instead of rushing straight back to Cruz Bay.

Crew service is a major strength. Captains and crew members named in the feedback include Captain Erin, Captain Chris, Captain Trent, Captain Chris with Nick and Izzy, and other rotating teams. You should not book expecting one specific captain unless the operator confirms it, but the crews are generally attentive with drinks, snorkeling help, safety, and questions about the area.

The catamaran is large enough for families and groups, with one group of 12 finding plenty of room for eight adults and four children. The listed maximum is 49 people. That is not an intimate private sail, but the boat’s size helps spread people out during a long day.

What the $179 price includes

At $179 per person, the trip is not the cheapest way to reach the water, but it bundles several costs into one day. You receive:

• Continental breakfast
• Two tacos at Lime Out
• Alcoholic drinks from the boat bar after snorkeling
• Snorkel equipment
• Towels
• Boat transportation and sailing time
• All listed fees and taxes

The value depends on how you use the package. If you want breakfast, lunch, several drinks, two snorkel stops, and a full day on the water, the price is reasonable compared with arranging separate boat trips, meals, equipment, and drinks.

If you do not drink alcohol, eat very little, or mainly want serious snorkeling, the value is less clear. A shorter snorkel trip may better match your priorities. The Lime Out drinks are also extra, and gratuity is not included, so keep money available for tipping the crew and for any purchases from the floating bar or shop.

Who will enjoy this day most

This trip suits you if you want variety. You can snorkel, eat something distinctive, spend time at a floating bar, listen to music, and sail without changing boats or planning lunch on your own.

It is a strong fit for:

• Couples who want a social day on the water
• Families comfortable with swimming and boat travel
• Groups looking for a full-day activity
• First-time visitors who want several St. John highlights in one outing
• Adults who will make use of the included drinks
• People who prefer a roomy catamaran to a small boat

It may not be ideal for anyone who gets seasick easily, dislikes group excursions, or needs guaranteed calm water. The boat can become choppy, and the seven-hour length gives rough conditions plenty of time to wear you down. Take seasickness medication beforehand if you know you need it, and protect yourself from the strong sun with sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing.

Accessibility questions should be addressed with the operator before booking. The supplied information says most people can participate, but water entry, boat movement, and floating at Lime Out may be difficult for some passengers.

Weather, cancellations, and practical details

Weather controls the sailing plan. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 8:15 a.m. start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded. The cutoff uses St. John local time.

Food restrictions require advance planning. Contact the operator at least 72 hours ahead if you need alternative food, since substitutions may cost extra. Confirmation is supplied when you book, and the meeting and return point is the Westin St. John Resort Villas.

Should you book the St. John Lime Out snorkel sail?

I would book this if you want a social, all-day St. John outing built around variety rather than serious reef study. The breakfast, two snorkel stops, two tacos, boat drinks, music, and downwind sailing create a generous schedule for the price. Lime Out adds the memorable twist, even if limited floating seating means you may eat on the catamaran.

I would hesitate if your main goal is pristine snorkeling in calm water. Marine life and visibility depend on conditions, and the boat can be choppy. But if you are happy to treat snorkeling as one part of a larger day, this is a well-rounded choice, especially for couples, families, and groups who want an easy way to spend seven hours on the water.

FAQ

Where does the St. John Lime Out snorkel tour start?

It starts at The Westin St. John Resort Villas, 300B Chocolate Hole Road, Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI.

What time does the excursion begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:15 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The excursion lasts approximately seven hours.

Does the tour return to the Westin?

Yes. The activity ends back at the same meeting point at the Westin St. John Resort Villas.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. A freshly prepared continental breakfast is served on board. Items may include egg bites, croissants, donut holes, and fruit.

How many tacos are included?

Each person receives a two-taco lunch from Lime Out.

Are drinks from Lime Out included?

No. Drinks purchased directly from Lime Out are not included. The boat’s alcoholic open bar is included after snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Loaner snorkeling equipment is included.

Are towels provided?

Yes. Towels are supplied for the excursion.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may cancel if conditions are not suitable for sailing. You can then receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 49 people.