Lime Out Snorkel Sail St. John: Catamaran, Floating Taco Bar & Sea Turtles Review
Lime Out is the only floating taco bar and swim-up bar in the U.S. Virgin Islands — a barge anchored offshore in a remote cay on St. John's south coast that you reach by swimming from a catamaran. Pairing that experience with two coral reef snorkel stops in the national park makes for one of the most distinctive days you can spend when snorkeling in St. John USVI. The Lime Out snorkel sail from Westin St. John runs 6.5 hours, serves a full breakfast, includes two tacos per guest at Lime Out, and keeps the open bar flowing all afternoon on the catamaran. It has 333 reviews and a 4.8-star average. Here is everything you need to know before you book.
Tour at a Glance
What Makes the Lime Out Snorkel Sail Different
Most snorkel tours in St. John follow a similar format: reef stop, lunch on the boat, another reef stop, head home. The Lime Out sail is different because the lunch destination is itself the experience.
Lime Out is a converted barge anchored in a cove accessible only by water. There are no roads to it. You swim from the catamaran — typically about 20–30 metres — through clear warm water to reach a floating platform where the tacos are freshly made to order.
The swim-up bar operates on the same principle: order from the water.
- Only floating taco bar in the USVI — accessible exclusively by water
- Tacos made fresh to order (shrimp, short rib, jerk chicken options)
- Swim-up bar for cocktails and beverages at the barge
- 2 tacos included per guest; additional tacos can be purchased at Lime Out (card/Apple Pay only)
Beyond Lime Out, the tour hits two separate snorkel sites. The first stop is typically a coral reef in the protected national park waters on the south or east coast of St. John — sea turtles, stingrays, and reef fish are commonly spotted.
The second stop, after Lime Out, is often Salt Pond Bay or a similar sheltered site. Reviews consistently praise the quality of the snorkeling at both stops, and some guests report seeing reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and nurse sharks in addition to turtles.
- First snorkel stop: national park coral reef — 60 min average time in water
- Sea turtles, stingrays, reef shark sightings reported frequently
- Second snorkel stop after Lime Out: Salt Pond Bay area or similar sheltered site
- Snorkel gear provided on board — fins, mask, and vest/belt for flotation
The catamaran itself is described in reviews as large, clean, and comfortable. Ample seating on deck and below, a slide into the water at the second snorkel stop, and a floating lily pad alongside the boat for guests who prefer to stay near the vessel. The open bar on the catamaran operates after the snorkel stops — beer, rum punch, hard seltzers, and soft drinks.
What Is Included — and What Costs Extra
| Included in $189 | Not included |
|---|---|
| Continental breakfast on board | Beverages at Lime Out bar (card/Apple Pay) |
| 2 tacos per guest at Lime Out | Additional tacos at Lime Out |
| Open bar on catamaran (after snorkeling) | Gratuities (tip the crew) |
| Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) | Towels — bring your own |
| Flotation devices | Reef-safe sunscreen |
| Towels on board (confirmed in some reviews; bring your own to be safe) | Lime Out merchandise |
Note on Lime Out beverages: the two tacos are included in the tour price, but drinks purchased at the Lime Out bar (cocktails, beer, the signature drinks) are extra and must be paid directly at Lime Out. Several reviewers note you cannot bring cash into the water — bring a waterproof card case or use Apple Watch / tap-to-pay to purchase at Lime Out.
How the Day Runs — Itinerary
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 8:15 am | Meet at Westin St. John — Building 15 near Lemongrass restaurant; take the hotel shuttle if arriving at the main desk |
| ~9:00 am | Depart — continental breakfast served on deck (egg bites, croissants, fruit, pastries) |
| ~10:00 am | First snorkel stop — coral reef in national park waters (60 min) |
| ~11:30 am | Sail to Lime Out — 20–30m swim from catamaran to the barge |
| ~12:00 pm | Lunch at Lime Out — 2 tacos per person, swim-up bar |
| ~1:15 pm | Second snorkel stop — Salt Pond or nearby sheltered site (45–60 min) |
| ~2:30 pm | Open bar on catamaran — optional downwind sail if conditions allow |
| ~3:30 pm | Return to Westin St. John |
Meeting point logistics: the Westin St. John is at 300B Chocolate Hole Road, Cruz Bay. If you arrive at the main Westin reception, ask for a shuttle to reach the meeting point by Building 15.
Coming from Cruz Bay, drive past the Westin entrance southbound on Southside Road, take the first right onto Great Cruz Bay Road, then right down the hill. The gate to the Westin will be on your right after about 400 feet.
Important Things to Know
What to bring
A waterproof card or Apple Watch is genuinely useful for purchasing extra drinks or merchandise at Lime Out — cash is very hard to use when you are swimming. Bring reef-safe mineral sunscreen (required in national park waters), a towel, and a dry bag for valuables.
- Waterproof card holder or smartwatch (for Lime Out purchases)
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen — chemical sunscreen banned in USVI NPS waters
- Towel — some captains provide towels, but reviewers recommend bringing your own
- Water shoes optional but useful at rocky entry points
- Dry bag for phone and valuables
Not allowed
Chemical sunscreen (oxybenzone / octinoxate) is prohibited in Virgin Islands National Park waters under USVI law. Use mineral-only sunscreen. The catamaran is family-friendly — the crew maintains a social but not rowdy atmosphere (several reviewers note it is distinctly not a party boat).
Lime Out tip
When conditions are calm, you swim from the catamaran to the Lime Out barge — roughly 20–30 metres of open water. If you prefer not to swim to Lime Out, you can remain on the catamaran (lily pad and slide are in the water alongside the boat). Tacos can be brought to the boat by the crew if you ask.
Meeting Point — Westin St. John Resort
Who This Tour Is For — and Who Should Skip It
- Travelers staying on St. John who want a full-day water experience departing from Cruz Bay
- Food-focused travelers who want snorkeling AND a genuinely memorable lunch experience
- Groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons — several reviews mention special occasion bookings
- Anyone who has already done a straight snorkel tour and wants something different
Not suitable for
Guests who cannot swim the 20–30 metres to Lime Out (though you can stay on the catamaran and have tacos brought to the boat). Those looking for a quiet, small-group experience — the catamaran holds up to 49 guests. Guests prone to seasickness should know this is a longer day on the open water, though the catamaran is very stable.
- Non-swimmers who cannot do the short open-water swim to Lime Out (workaround: stay on the boat)
- Those seeking a small-group or private experience (max 49 guests)
- Guests who want strictly snorkeling without the social Lime Out lunch element
Lime Out Snorkel Sail — FAQ
What is Lime Out?
Lime Out is the only floating taco bar in the U.S. Virgin Islands — a converted barge permanently anchored in a sheltered cay on the south coast of St. John. There are no roads to it; you reach it by boat or by swimming. The menu features freshly made tacos (shrimp, short rib, jerk chicken), and there is a swim-up bar on the barge. It is a genuinely unique experience in the Caribbean.
Do I have to swim to Lime Out?
You swim from the catamaran to the Lime Out barge — approximately 20–30 metres of open water. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay on the catamaran and the crew can bring tacos to you. Lime Out purchases (extra drinks, merchandise) are cashless — bring a waterproof card or use a tap-to-pay smartwatch.
What snorkel spots does the tour visit?
The captain selects sites based on conditions. The first snorkel stop is typically a coral reef in protected USVI National Park waters — reviewers report sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, and dense reef fish. The second stop after Lime Out is often Salt Pond Bay or a nearby sheltered cay. Exact locations vary by day.
Where is the meeting point on St. John?
The Westin St. John Resort Villas, 300B Chocolate Hole Road, Cruz Bay. The meeting point is Building 15 by the Lemongrass restaurant. Meeting time is 8:15 am; the boat typically departs by 9:00 am. If you arrive at the main Westin reception, ask for a shuttle to the meeting point. Parking is available at the Westin for a fee.
Is the tour suitable for beginners or non-snorkelers?
Yes. The crew provides snorkel instruction, flotation devices are available, and the snorkel sites are in calm, clear, shallow water. Non-snorkelers can swim near the boat, use the floating lily pad, or simply enjoy the deck and open bar while others snorkel.
What Travelers Say
Such a fun day trip! The snorkeling was excellent — tons of giant sea turtles, sting rays, a reef shark and one starfish. The snorkel equipment was like new. And the tacos were absolutely delicious. If you only do one excursion on St. John, pick this one.
Amazing experience! The crew catered to our every need. The snorkeling was incredible and Lime Out was the best experience ever — I had the short rib taco and it was out of this world. I also bought a water shirt which was a great call. 10 out of 10.
Captain Chris and crew were a lot of fun. Good snorkeling in coral bay, taco lunch at Lime Out was unique and the atmosphere was fantastic. Easy to find the meeting place at the Westin. Highly recommend for anyone visiting St. John.