2025 Buck Island Turtle Tour Review: Snorkel & Swim Trip

So, you are wondering about that ‘Snorkel & Swim with Turtles: Semi Private Tour to Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach’ thing that you’ve possibly seen doing the rounds. Maybe you’re weighing it up, wondering whether it’s actually as awesome as it seems. Actually, you are in the right place, that’s what I thought, because I went along a little while back. By the way, what follows is a real, in-depth kind of rundown of my day – all the highs, those lovely bits, and, very slightly less of, the quirks. That is because hopefully, by the end, you’ll be feeling pretty clued up on whether or not to give this tour your money.

What Makes This Tour Different, Actually?

Now, tons of tours shuttle people out to Buck Island every day, it’s like your standard St. Croix must-do, arguably. Still, what makes this one different, in some respects, is its ‘semi-private’ vibe. They kind of keep the group sizes more compact. Basically, that means fewer elbows in your face when you’re checking out the reef and arguably way more attention given from your guides. Actually, that’s ideal, it feels more personalized in a way. Basically, the promise is always of an up-close glimpse of marine life plus a chilled-out beach moment over on Honeymoon Beach, and who wouldn’t be down for that?

Arguably, a smaller group thing makes quite a difference. A little like, think about it, you’re not wrestling with loads of other people just to catch a look at that ray cruising along. Plus, too, it usually means you’ll be able to hear what the guides have to say a bit more easily. The guides, as a matter of fact, they drop some seriously helpful knowledge about what you’re seeing, how it all ticks. In fact, a smaller tour tends to be, in that case, a slightly nicer experience from start to finish, very intimate.

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The Snorkeling at Buck Island: Turtles and More, You Know?

Buck Island is sort of known for its underwater trail. In fact, that’s where the snorkeling trip really begins, where they take you. Basically, the water, usually, is pretty clear, very clear that you might add, actually allowing you to see loads of coral formations. That’s a very colorful cast of fish scooting all over the place. Still, very many people really come hoping for a gander at some turtles. Very often, this tour seems to deliver just that.

Now, the tour folks often know the hotspots. Too, they know just where these little, well not so little actually, shelled dudes are usually hanging out. But still, as a matter of fact, seeing them gliding around, eating the sea grass – it is quite special. The guides really respect the turtles’ space, obviously. They also really encourage you to do the same too, just to let you get a look at them being themselves, and I thought that was particularly decent. Anyway, the snorkeling spot really is fairly teeming. Anyway, with life, so even if a turtle isn’t right next to you, there’s so very much to enjoy.
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Honeymoon Beach: Chill Vibes Only, It Seems

Once you’ve had your fill of checking out all of Buck Island’s marine inhabitants. Now, the tour makes tracks to Honeymoon Beach. Basically, picture white sand, so super-soft, the water so turquoise, it’s almost unbelievable, and not too many other souls around, and that’s it actually. That is pretty much Honeymoon Beach.

Still, that semi-private label kind of pays dividends again. As I was saying, you get to revel in some beach time without all that feeling of being crammed in like sardines. Anyway, I literally just stretched out on my towel. Of course, I was feeling that warm sun on my skin, the gentle sound of the waves. It was the ultimate relax bit after that dash of underwater adventure. Besides, sometimes they haul along snacks, so very often drinks are there, just making that experience a bit more dreamy. So very few things are wrong about chilling on Honeymoon Beach, it’s almost perfect.

Read our full review: Buck Island Turtle Tour Full Review and Details

Things to Know Before You Book, You Know?

Ok, so here’s the lowdown for those thinking about giving it a whirl, possibly. Basically, first up, book ahead of time, clearly. Such tours, very nice smaller ones, tend to fill up quite speedily, especially within high season. Too, have a proper gander at what’s included. Still, sometimes the gear, the grub, drinks, aren’t necessarily part of the price, you know?

Ok, think too about the weather, you. The sea being all calm, and crystal clear is going to be key, obviously, just to make sure that snorkel experience is awesome. They often keep watch of conditions. To be honest, they reschedule if Mother Nature isn’t really feeling very co-operative. Very similarly, get the sunscreen slapped on; the Caribbean sun really is no joke! Of course, lastly, respect the ocean. Be careful, don’t chase sea life, keep a responsible distance. Doing your bit means these brilliant animals, the awesome spots stay that way for peeps to keep enjoying for ages.

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Overall: Is It Worth It, Actually?

Is that semi-private snorkel escapade worth shelling out your hard-earned cash? Basically, I reckon that is. From me, it gets that double thumbs-up. If the thought of easily glimpsing turtles just beneath the surface really thrills you. Not only if you would cherish a bit of downtime over a stupendously lovely beach. So then this really has got your name written all over it. Very personalized experiences almost always cost slightly more, definitely; yet, in a way, with this tour, the more intimate vibe, arguably more personal touch, seem, very clearly, like money totally very well spent.