Snorkeling Alone vs. Guided in USVI

The US Virgin Islands are an incredibly fun, easy place to go snorkeling. Between St. Thomas and St. John, there are countless snorkel sites to check out with varying experiences and marine life to see. For example, we offer tours in both the mangroves and coral reefs, each unique in their biodiversity and worth checking out.

We are the leading ecotourism company in the Virgin Islands and so snorkeling is a big part of what we have to offer beyond kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and hiking. For snorkeling, we have gear – fins, masks, and snorkels – available for rent that allow guests to head out wherever they please to snorkel on their own. We also offer guided tours to specific sites between the two islands.

One of the most common questions we receive from guests is: Which is better: should I rent my own snorkel gear and explore alone, or should I go snorkeling with a guide?

Our answer: How about both! If you’re new to the area and/or are relatively new to snorkeling, joining us for a guided tour is a great place to start. In fact, most of our guests schedule a tour for the beginning of their trip, then rent snorkel gear to keep with them for the rest of their time on island.

– Safety: Our snorkel guides will brief you on the proper safety protocol for the locations you’re in. They will also be by your side throughout your adventure to ensure you’re feeling confident in the water.

– Instruction: Our snorkel guides will teach you how to use your gear, what to do (and what NOT to do) in the water, and show you the best places to go to see the best marine life, views, and more.

– Expert eyes & facts: Because our snorkel guides are in the water all the time, their eyes are trained to spot the coolest sea life that you might miss when you’re alone. They’re also full of interesting facts about the Virgin Islands underwater world to help enhance your snorkeling experience with local knowledge.

– A built-in photographer: If you want to document your trip, you’re going to want a couple of pictures with you and your group in it too. Our guides are happy to snap a picture for you so you can all be in it!

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USVI Stand Up Paddle Boarding FAQs

By Chrissann Nickel • August 27, 2026

For many people, their vacation in the US Virgin Islands is the first time they’ve gotten the opportunity to try stand up paddle boarding (also known as “SUP”). And while many of them arrive just a little intimidated at first, it ends up being one of the most fun experiences of their trip. If you, too, aren’t sure if paddle boarding in the USVI is for you, we’d like to encourage you to give it a shot. You’ve got this! We have stand up paddle boards available for rent on all three islands: St. Thomas , St. John , and St. Croix . With a SUP rental in the VI, you have endless opportunities to explore and to spend quality time in our gorgeous Caribbean waters. Your SUP rental opens up a world of adventure for you. Here are some answers to the frequently asked questions we get regarding stand up paddle boarding in the Virgin Islands to set your mind at ease: