by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 1/3/2025
This was the second port of call on our family cruise aboard the "Oasis of the Seas" for Christmas 2018 (Click here to view that blog page). St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Saint Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and rich history. Visitors are drawn to its turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and picturesque landscapes. The island is a haven for snorkelers, scuba divers, and sailing enthusiasts, with locations like Magens Bay and Coral World Ocean Park offering unique experiences.
The capital, Charlotte Amalie, boasts historic charm with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and duty-free shopping. Landmarks such as Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 Steps offer glimpses into the island's past. Beyond its scenic and cultural allure, Saint Thomas provides luxury resorts, fine dining, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a premier destination for relaxation and adventure alike.
Image Property of
U.S. National Park Service via Wikimedia Commons
Sapphire Beach Panoramic ViewThe above image is Sapphire Beach, and you can easily see how pretty it is! This is where most of our group went to prior to the snorkel cruise.
A visit to Sapphire Beach in Saint Thomas is a tropical paradise experience. Located on the island’s east end, this stunning beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking views of nearby islands like St. John and Tortola. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, as the coral reefs just offshore teem with vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
Sapphire Beach is family-friendly and offers easy access to water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, with equipment rentals available on-site. Visitors can also relax under the natural shade of palm trees or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. There’s a beach bar and grill nearby for snacks and drinks, making it easy to spend the entire day there.
Celeste and I decided to skip the morning excursions, because we wanted to be ready for the afternoon/evening catamaran cruise & snorkeling trip. So we did some minor shopping and then hung out on the ship and relaxed till our Sapphire Beach group returned and met us on the cruise ship dock.
Saint Thomas Harbor Area
Catamaran Bow Area
Waiting to Snorkel
Gearing up to Snorkel
Getting Ready to Plunge!
View from the Catamaran Cockpit Area
Catamaran Main Sail WrapCatamaran Bow Area
Sunset on the CatamaranA snorkeling catamaran cruise from Saint Thomas offers an unforgettable adventure on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Departing from the Saint Thomas Marina, the cruise takes you along stunning coastlines to pristine snorkeling spots, like the nearby island of St. John or secluded cays with vibrant coral reefs.
Once aboard the spacious catamaran, you’ll enjoy scenic views, fresh ocean breezes, and often complimentary snacks and beverages, including tropical cocktails. The crew provides snorkeling gear and guidance, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. At the snorkeling destination, you'll dive into crystal-clear waters, exploring colorful coral reefs filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, and even rays. The underwater visibility is superb, offering an up-close view of the vibrant marine life.
Our first snorkeling event was to see the turtles swimming in Turtle Cove on Buck Island. There were a number of turtles swimming about or searching the sandy bottom, so most everyone got a chance to see at least one turtle.
NOTE: The second snorkeling event was in Shipwreck Cove on Buck Island. Click here to view a very good video of the wreck. The video is the property of lifeinusvi.com via YouTube.
Warning: The sun went down as the wreck snorkeling event concluded, and it began to cool down
quickly. If you take this excursion in late fall or early spring, bring some warm clothes!
A Christmas present to our immediate family !
Come and read about our experiences on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, we documented all of our onboard & ashore adventures.
Click here to read more on our Cruise Overview Page
Our goal was to visit the Atlantis Water Park - however, you might want to investigate going there on your own. If you take the ship's excursion, you will have to get up very early and then it will get you there before the water park opens and when you depart the ship you will have to wait in lines with everyone for a long time to get on a bus to get to Paradise Island.
Click here to read more on our Paradise Island Page
We did the Catamaran sail and snorkel to Buck’s island. The boat was nice and boat staff was great however there wasn’t much to see in the water and our trip was scheduled for 2 in the afternoon so we got back after dark. Other members of our group went to Sapphire beach prior to our excursion and enjoyed the beach and swimming.
Click here to read more on our Saint Thomas Page
Some of us went to the Flying Dutchman zipline and ate lunch after that at Karakter beach. We took a taxi and the driver gave us his card so we could call when we needed him. Other members of our party went to a beach and fell in love with St. Maarten. They want to go back one day.
Click here to read more on our Saint Maarten Page
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