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
St. Thomas Full-Day Private Snorkel Charter
Customize a shaded private power-cat cruise through St. Thomas and St. John
Full-Day Private Charter in St. Thomas & St. John
Explore secluded beaches and snorkel sites aboard a smooth, stable private catamaran
Private Virgin Islands National Park Snorkel Charter
Private island hopping with snorkeling, shade, and a smooth catamaran ride
Private Snorkel Charter in St. Thomas
Cruise St. John’s shores in comfort aboard a private Aquila catamaran
St. Thomas & St. John Sunset Charter
Private catamaran cruising with snorkeling, sunset views, and a flexible island itinerary
Sunset Catamaran Charter in St. Thomas
Private golden-hour cruise with champagne, charcuterie, and room to unwind
St. John Snorkel & Beach Charter
Snorkel St. John reefs and unwind at a sandy beach
Pizza Boat Cruise to Christmas Cove
Private pizza lunch, cocktails, and snorkeling at Christmas Cove
St. John Food Boat & Snorkeling Cruise
Circle St. John for snorkeling, scenic coasts and two food-boat stops
Pizza Pi Jet Ski Tour in Christmas Cove
Ride a jet ski to Pizza Pi and swim at floating seats in Christmas Cove
Snorkeling Charter in St. Thomas on a 29' World Cat
Private St. John snorkeling and island-hopping beneath a spacious shaded top
St. Thomas Private 32' World Cat Charter
Island-hop, snorkel and relax aboard a private, smooth-riding power catamaran
36' Aquila Private Charter in US Virgin Islands
Customize a comfortable USVI escape with snorkeling, beaches, drinks, and shaded space
St. Thomas Sunset Private Charter
Private catamaran sunset cruise with snorkeling and island views
St. Thomas Sunset Private Catamaran Charter
Toast sunset with champagne aboard a private, air-conditioned catamaran
Full-Day Snorkeling Charter in St. Thomas
Customize a private island-hopping day aboard a stable, shaded power catamaran
Full-Day Catamaran Charter in USVI
Island-hop in comfort aboard a private 32' power catamaran
Full-Day Private Catamaran Charter US Virgin Islands
Customize a private day of snorkeling, beach stops and island cruising aboard Caribe Express
St. Thomas 3.5-Hour Private Snorkeling Charter
Private catamaran cruising with snorkel stops around St. Thomas and St. John
29' Catamaran Charter in St. Thomas & St. John
Customize a shaded catamaran day of snorkeling and island hopping
Full-Day St. Thomas & St. John Charter
Customize a smooth, shaded private day of snorkeling and beach hopping
36' Catamaran Charter in USVI
Customize a private island day with snorkeling, drinks, snacks, and air-conditioned comfort
3.5-Hour St. John Snorkeling Charter
Private catamaran cruising with flexible St. John snorkeling stops
St. Thomas Island-Hopping Charter
Private catamaran cruise with snorkeling, beach stops, and a route tailored to your group
Snorkeling on a 3.5-Hour St. John Charter
Private luxury catamaran cruising with snorkeling, drinks, and shaded comfort
St. Thomas Sunset Private Catamaran Charter
A relaxed late-afternoon cruise with snorkeling, island views, and sunset colors
Sunset Private Charter in the Virgin Islands
Champagne, charcuterie, and golden-hour cruising aboard a private 36-foot catamaran
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
Turtle Snorkeling Charter in St. Thomas
Private snorkel stops at Buck Island and Christmas Cove
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
7-Hour US Virgin Islands Charter
Customize a private Hammercat day of beaches, reefs, and island cruising
St Thomas Pizza Snorkeling Cruise
Snorkel Little and Great St James, then enjoy pizza at Christmas Cove
Boat Charter in St. Thomas & St. John
Customize a private Hammercat cruise with snorkeling, beaches, and island stops
Full-Day Catamaran Charter in St. Thomas
Private sailing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding with an onboard bar
55' Sailing Yacht Charter in St. Thomas
Sail, snorkel, and choose your St. John or Christmas Cove route