Things to do nearChristmas Cove
Christmas Cove is a sheltered natural harbor off St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, prized for its calm turquoise waters, snorkeling, and lively boating scene.
Christmas Cove earned its name from sailors who sheltered here during the holiday season, drawn by the reliable protection the surrounding landmass offers from prevailing swells. Nestled between the eastern shore of St. Thomas and the uninhabited shores of Great Saint James, the cove has long served as a favorite stop on the cruising circuit through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
Below the surface, the cove rewards snorkelers with healthy coral formations and a diverse mix of reef fish. The calm, clear conditions make it approachable for swimmers of most skill levels, and the sandy shallows near the center give families a safe place to anchor and wade. Guided snorkeling excursions from nearby marinas often include Christmas Cove as a featured stop.
The social side of Christmas Cove is part of its enduring appeal. On busy afternoons, boats raft together and passengers move between decks, sharing the easy camaraderie that defines life on the water in the Virgin Islands. The surrounding scenery, rolling green hills, open Atlantic horizon, and the silhouette of neighboring cays, frames every visit with quiet beauty. For anyone exploring the waters around St. Thomas, Christmas Cove is an essential and memorable stop.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Christmas Cove
Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy calmer anchorage conditions and fewer boats before the weekend crowds arrive.
Bring a snorkel mask and fins — the reef along the edges of the cove shelters parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional sea turtle.
Arrive by dinghy or kayak if you are staying at a nearby marina, as there is no road access to the cove itself.
Pack your own food and water, since there are no permanent food vendors reliably on site.
Stay through sunset for dramatic views of the surrounding islands bathed in warm golden light over the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Top tours & experiences near Christmas Cove
Virgin Islands National Park Private Snorkel Charter
Private island hopping on a smooth, shaded power catamaran
3.5-Hour Charter in Virgin Islands National Park
Private Aquila catamaran with drinks, snorkeling gear, and a customizable island route
St. Thomas Sunset Private Charter
Cruise St. John’s north shore aboard a smooth private catamaran at sunset
St. Thomas Sunset Catamaran Charter
Private golden-hour cruise with champagne, charcuterie, and space to unwind
St. John 4-Hour Snorkel & Beach Charter
Snorkel St. John reefs and relax on a beach with a small group
Pizza Boat Cruise to Christmas Cove
Private pizza lunch, cocktails, and snorkeling at Christmas Cove
St. John Food Boat & Snorkeling Cruise
Cruise St. John’s shores with snorkeling, food-boat stops, and an open bar
Pizza Pi Jet Ski Tour in Christmas Cove
Ride a jet ski to Pizza Pi and swim at floating seats in Christmas Cove
Private St. Thomas & St. John Snorkel Charter
Customize a shaded private catamaran day of snorkeling, beaches, and island cruising
Full-Day St. Thomas Private Charter
Customize a private island-hopping day aboard a smooth, stable power catamaran
Full-Day St. John Private Charter
Explore the US Virgin Islands aboard a private 36-foot power catamaran
Virgin Islands National Park Snorkeling Charter
Private shaded catamaran cruising with flexible St. John snorkeling stops
Sunset Charter Around St. Thomas & St. John
Private catamaran cruise with snorkeling, shade, and sunset views
Sunset Turtle Snorkeling Cruise From St. Thomas
Sail, snorkel reefs and look for turtles with pizza and drinks included
4-Hour Sailing Charter in St. Thomas
Private sailing, snorkeling, and watersports in the US Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park Sunset Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel, pizza and an open-bar sunset dance party
Island Hopping Sunset Yacht Charter in St. Thomas
An all-ages yacht outing with snorkeling, lunch stops, and sunset views
St Thomas Pizza Snorkeling Cruise
Snorkel Little and Great St James, then enjoy pizza at Christmas Cove
St. Thomas 7-Hour Catamaran Charter
Sail, snorkel and paddleboard on a private US Virgin Islands catamaran
55' Sailing Yacht Charter in St. Thomas
Sail, snorkel, and choose your St. John or Christmas Cove route
St. Thomas Fishing Charter & Pizza Pi
Cast lines, snorkel, and stop at Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove
Christmas Cove Fishing & Pizza Charter
Cast for fresh catch, then snorkel and float at Pizza Pi
3.5-Hour Sailing Charter in St. Thomas
Private sailing with snorkeling, open bar, and a Christmas Cove option