St Thomas snorkel excursions

[SeanSD]

Hi trying to decide between two St. Thomas snorkel excursions, the St. John Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel ( ST21) and the Castaway Catamaran Sail and Snorkel to Shipwreck Cove (ST29). Has anyone done both or either to offer opinions? Would like to know:

Which is more crowded?
Is the ST21 additional open air safari taxi time a
negative?
Which offers better snorkeling/marine animal sightings in general?
Is ST29 just in deep water so you snorkel and the only break/rest option is climbing back on the catamaran?
Do both offer time to do downtown Charlotte Amalie after for lunch/shopping?

Thanks!

 

[SeanSD]

And apparently the water sports rental and bikini beach bar and grill at Honeymoon beach on St John’s is closed if that makes a difference.

 

[stkgator]

Hi trying to decide between two St. Thomas snorkel excursions, the St. John Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel ( ST21) and the Castaway Catamaran Sail and Snorkel to Shipwreck Cove (ST29). Has anyone done both or either to offer opinions? Would like to know:

Which is more crowded?
Is the ST21 additional open air safari taxi time a
negative?
Which offers better snorkeling/marine animal sightings in general?
Is ST29 just in deep water so you snorkel and the only break/rest option is climbing back on the catamaran?
Do both offer time to do downtown Charlotte Amalie after for lunch/shopping?

Thanks!

We have done ST29. It was about a 45-minute trip to the snorkeling site and then spent about an hour snorkeling around the boat. If you wanted to rest, you would have to re-board the ship or just float in the water. We walked around St Thomas after we returned to the dock, but there was not much really to see or do around the pier. ST29 was nice, but I'm not sure I would do it again. I find snorkeling at Castway Cay more enjoyable and relaxing.