Christmas Cove St. Thomas: Snorkeling, Pizza Pi & Charter Guide (2026)

Christmas Cove: Snorkeling, Pizza Pi, and Caribbean Magic

Christmas Cove is one of the most beloved anchorages in the US Virgin Islands — a protected, turquoise-water paradise tucked into the western shore of Great St. James Island, just 15 minutes by boat from Red Hook, St. Thomas. It perfectly combines world-class snorkeling with one of the Caribbean's most unique dining experiences: Pizza Pi, the famous floating pizza boat.

Why Christmas Cove Is Special

Unlike many popular USVI destinations that require long boat rides, Christmas Cove is remarkably accessible. Its protected position between Great St. James and Little St. James islands creates a calm, sheltered bay ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and floating — even on days when seas are choppy elsewhere.

The cove gets its name from Christopher Columbus, who allegedly anchored here on Christmas Day during his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. Today, it's one of the most popular charter stops in the territory, and for good reason.

Where Is Christmas Cove in the Virgin Islands?

Christmas Cove is located on the western shore of Great St. James Island, a small uninhabited island about 1 mile southeast of Red Hook, St. Thomas. It sits in the sheltered channel between Great St. James and Little St. James islands, making it one of the calmest anchorages in the USVI even on windy days.

GPS coordinates: approximately 18.3133° N, 64.8478° W. The cove is only accessible by boat — there are no roads or docks on Great St. James Island.

Snorkeling at Christmas Cove

The snorkeling here is exceptional and suitable for all skill levels:

What You'll See:

• Vibrant elkhorn and brain coral formations along the rocky edges of the cove
• Schools of blue tang, sergeant majors, and yellowtail snapper
• Spotted eagle rays gliding along the sandy bottom
• Occasional sea turtles, especially in the morning hours
• Colorful parrotfish, trumpetfish, and barracuda
• Starfish and sea urchins in the shallows

Best Snorkeling Spots Within the Cove:

1. The Rocky Edges — Swim along either side of the cove where rocks meet water for the densest coral and fish activity
2. The Reef Shelf — A shallow coral shelf on the eastern side is perfect for beginners, with calm water and abundant marine life
3. The Deeper Channel — More experienced snorkelers can explore the center where larger fish, rays, and occasional nurse sharks patrol

Tips for Snorkeling Here:

• Morning visits (before 10 AM) offer the clearest water and fewest boats
• The western edge tends to have better coral health
• Bring your own gear or most charters provide high-quality masks, snorkels, and fins
• Water depth ranges from 4–15 feet, making it comfortable for most swimmers

Pizza Pi: The Floating Pizza Boat

Anchored right in the middle of Christmas Cove, Pizza Pi is a converted 37-foot sailing vessel with a custom-built 900°F wood-fired pizza oven. It's operated by Sasha and Tara, who left their corporate lives to build one of the most iconic food experiences in the Caribbean.

What to Know:

• Hours: Generally 11 AM – 6 PM, Wednesday through Sunday (check their social media for current schedule)
• Menu: Wood-fired pizzas ($18–$28), including creative options like the "Chesapeake" with Old Bay seasoning and the classic Margherita
• Ordering: Swim up, dinghy over, or use VHF Channel 16 to place your order. They'll bring it to your boat on a floating tray
• Payment: Cash and credit cards accepted; Venmo also available
• Wait Times: Expect 20–45 minutes during peak hours; the pizza is made fresh to order

Pro Tip: Order early in the day and snorkel while you wait. The pizza arrives hot on a floating tray — one of the most Instagram-worthy moments in the USVI.

How Do You Get to Christmas Cove?

By Charter Boat (Most Popular): The vast majority of visitors reach Christmas Cove on a half-day or full-day charter from St. Thomas. It's a quick 15-minute ride from Red Hook or 25 minutes from Crown Bay. Most private charters and catamaran charters include Christmas Cove as a standard stop.

By Private Boat: If you're renting your own vessel from a boat rental company, Christmas Cove is easy to navigate. Enter from the west side between Great and Little St. James. Anchor in 12–20 feet of water over sand — never anchor on coral.

By Kayak/Paddleboard: Adventurous paddlers launch from Red Hook or Vessup Beach, though this is a 2+ mile open-water crossing only recommended for experienced paddlers in calm conditions.

From St. John: Some St. John charters also include Christmas Cove on full-day itineraries, crossing from Cruz Bay.

Can You Snorkel at Christmas Cove Without a Charter?

Technically yes — if you have your own boat, kayak, or paddleboard. But there is no land access to Great St. James Island, so you cannot walk or drive to Christmas Cove. The most practical and popular way to visit is by booking a charter from St. Thomas that includes Christmas Cove on its itinerary. Most half-day snorkel charters stop here as their primary destination.

What to Bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen (required by USVI law)
• Snorkel gear (or rely on your charter's equipment)
• Cash for Pizza Pi
• Waterproof phone case for photos
• A noodle or float for relaxing between snorkeling and pizza
• Towel and dry bag

Best Time to Visit Christmas Cove

• Morning (8–10 AM): Calmest water, best snorkeling visibility, fewer boats
• Midday (11 AM–2 PM): Pizza Pi is open, liveliest atmosphere, most boats anchored
• Afternoon (3–5 PM): Boats thin out, golden light for photos, Pizza Pi still serving

Best months: Christmas Cove is excellent year-round, but February through May typically offers the clearest water (60–80+ feet visibility). Summer months have warmer water but occasional afternoon rain.

Is Christmas Cove Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Christmas Cove is the rare destination that delivers on every front — stunning natural beauty, exceptional snorkeling with sea turtles and vibrant coral, and a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Pizza Pi that you literally swim to. It consistently ranks as the #1 recommended stop by local charter captains and is a must-do on any USVI itinerary.

For more St. Thomas snorkeling spots including Coki Beach and Buck Island, see our complete St. Thomas Snorkeling Guide. Ready to book? Browse charters that visit Christmas Cove →