FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
BOOKING & TOURS
A: Pop up showers may happen throughout the day on St. Thomas. The forecast changes often and hourly. We monitor the radar closely and in the unlikely event that we need to cancel the tour, we will call the number listed on the reservation, leave a message. Follow up with a text and also send an email if we do not reach you. Safety is our top priority for everyone, followed closely by FUN.
A: To receive a full refund, customers may cancel up to 72 hours before the excursion start date in the local time zone. Please see the cancellation page for more details.
A: To make sure there’s space for you and your party, we strongly encourage booking in advance. A boarding pass is required to get through the security gate and down to the dock — your boarding info can be found on your phone. If you forget your pass and don’t have your phone handy, call 340-690-2287 before you reach the security gate and we’ll try to help.
A: Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. A suggestion of 15–20% of the ticket price is appreciated.
Q: Is The Cat available for private events?
A: Yes, of course! Please call the office to book your special occasion today! The Cat works very closely with the Marriott’s concierge service (St. Thomas Water Sports, LLC.)
Q: Do you have any new tours?
A: Yes — we’re now booking the LED Illuminated Kayak After Dark tour, departing from the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove beach. It lets you explore the underwater world at night without going under the water. Book now to find out more.
Q: What if I or a member of my party has limited mobility?
A: Please call our office at 340-690-2287 to discuss the options available for each tour.
GETTING THERE & PARKING
Q: Where do you depart from?
A: The Marriott Frenchman’s Cove is 7-10 minutes from the WICO cruise ship dock and 20-30 minutes from the Crown Bay cruise ship dock.
A: We suggest arriving roughly 30 minutes prior to your trip’s departure time to ensure an on-time departure.
A:
- Check in with security.
- Park in the large, flat gravel parking lot after the security booth, on the right.
- Walk down the hill on the road and follow signs for pool or beach access.
- Look for the wooden dock.
- The wooden dock is located off the beach, in front of the pool.
A:
From WICO / Havensight:
1 passenger = $12;
2+ passengers = $9/each person, each way
From Crown Bay:
1 passenger = $15;
2+ passengers = $12/each person, each way.
- Please note these rates are subject to change per VI Taxi Commission Regulations.
A: St. Thomas is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone. AST is an hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time during fall and winter, and the same as EST during spring and summer — St. Thomas doesn’t “fall back” or “spring ahead” for daylight saving. Double-check that your phone updates automatically so you don’t miss your tour.
ONBOARD & WHAT TO BRING
Q: Is there a bathroom onboard?
A: Yes — there are two marine-style bathrooms on the catamaran.
A: Lockers aren’t available onboard. We recommend only bringing what you’ll need for your trip, secured in a backpack or beach bag.
A: We suggest purchasing all reef-safe sunscreen and any over-the-counter medication before arriving at the dock. There’s a commissary store, “The Marketplace,” located poolside for last-minute purchases — credit card only.
A: For a snorkel tour, wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, and non-spray, reef-safe sunscreen. For all tours, we suggest bringing cash for gratuities and cash or a credit card if you’re interested in souvenir shirts.
A: The VI Cat is roughly 29′ wide and 54′ long, so it tends to offer a smoother ride than other boats. If you have a tendency toward motion sickness, anti-nausea bands, a patch, or medication may help — check with your primary healthcare provider for guidance.
A: No, we don’t offer prescription snorkel masks — but you’re welcome to bring your own gear. Just be sure to take it off the boat with you, since it’s hard to reunite gear with guests afterward.
A: Yes. A good mask, snorkel, and fins are one thing, but a snorkel vest is also part of a snorkeler’s equipment, especially for beginners — instead of concentrating on staying afloat, you can focus on the underwater landscapes, turtles, and fish. It’s important that the vest fits well and doesn’t restrict movement; it inflates with a simple mouth valve.
A: With a week’s notice, we can arrange with our caterer to have a cake dropped directly to the boat. Call the office to discuss options and pricing: 340-690-2287.
POLICIES, PETS & ACCESS
Q: Can we use the pool and beach at the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove?
A: The pool and beach chairs are available to registered Marriott Cove guests only. Use of either the pool or beach chairs may forfeit your participation on The VI Cat.
A: If it’s unclear whether someone’s dog is a service animal, you may ask two questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
You are not allowed to:
- Request documentation that the dog is registered, licensed, or certified as a service animal
- Require the dog to demonstrate its task, or ask about the nature of the person’s disability
Service animals aren’t required to wear vests, so a dog wearing a vest isn’t necessarily a service animal — it still needs to be trained to perform a task for a person with a disability to qualify as one.
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Join us and discover why so many guests return year after year for their next unforgettable St. Thomas adventure. Have your next event be the one your friends and family can’t stop talking about!
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