In December we cruised on the Explorer of the Seas, and one of the ports on our itinerary was Saint Thomas. Friends that we had made through our roll call thread invited us to join them on their excursion, which was a day sail/snorkel on High Pockets. This turned out to be the high point of our vacation, so I thought I would share our experience here.
First, this excursion was not booked through Royal Caribbean, but directly with High Pockets. Don't let this scare you away, as the process was very simple. I called Captain Kathleen at the number provided on their website, let her know the date, and she locked us in. I provided a credit card, however nothing was charged to it at the time. Payment is made at the end of the day of the excursion. I received a detailed confirmation e-mail, and Captain Kathleen even made the arrangements to have a taxi service pick us up at the pier. Payment to the taxi service was made directly to them, but after the return trip to the pier at the end of the day.
There were five of us on the excursion. Me, DW Shelly, DS Kyle, and our friends John and Samantha.
Upon exiting the ship the representative from the taxi service was waiting for us with a sign marked "High Pockets"...EASY! We hopped aboard for the roughly 30 minute drive to the marina in Red Hook. Captain Kathleen was waiting for us, and after the introductions were complete we boarded the Zodiac that would take us the short distance into the bay where we would board High Pockets. Because of the depth of the keel, sail boats are unable to dock in the marina...they are anchored out in the bay.
High Pockets is a sleek, 42 foot sloop...beautiful. Once aboard we met the first mate, Jimmy. Interestingly enough, it turns out Jimmy is the owner of High Pockets and the husband of Captain Kathleen. After stowing our gear we were informed that we were there to relax, and were promptly led to the front of the boat to lounge around while sailing to the bay where we would be snorkeling. Captain Kathleen made sure that we all put on sunscreen, and told us how we would be spending the day. She also offered us beverages, including the local drink...the Rum Swizzle. I HIGHLY recommend the Rum Swizzle.
We were heading to Hawk's Nest Bay. There was a good breeze blowing, and High Pockets was heeled over pretty good. FUN! My son and I were sitting on the low side, hanging our feet in the water and catching spray from the bow. Captain Kathleen would frequently check on us...offering drinks and making sure we had put on sunscreen.
Hawk's Nest Bay was sheltered from the wind, so was smooth as glass. We anchored out, and pulled out the snorkel gear. We brought our own gear, but High Pockets was equipped with gear as well should we have needed it. They also have water noodles if lounging in the water is more your speed. We snorkeled for a couple of hours along a beautiful reef. We saw a stingray, hundreds of fish in hundreds of colors, and breathtakingly colorful coral formations. On a side note, my wife has always had a problem with having panic attacks while attempting to snorkel. First mate Jimmy gave her advice regarding relaxation and not putting so much pressure on herself to keep up with everybody else, and by the end of the day my wife couldn't get her face out of the water. She's now hooked, and we're looking for a prescription mask, fins and snorkel for her. Thanks Jimmy!
While we were snorkeling Captain Kathleen prepared lunch. When it was ready Jimmy called us aboard. Turns out the Captain is also a gourmet chef. We had a delicious salad with a vinigrette dressing of the Captain's creation, fresh baked bread, an amazing pasta dish, and homemade rum cake...oh, and more Rum Swizzles. DELICIOUS!
After lunch we went back in the water for a while, just floating around and having fun. When getting back aboard for the trip back to the marina Jimmy pulled out some bread and began tossing it in. A bunch of fish came in to eat, and we were stunned when a sizeable Remora came right alongside the boat. VERY COOL!
So...well fed and watered, we started the trip back to the marina. During the ride back Captain Kathleen acted as tour guide, providing detailed information on the history of the area. A great way to round out the day.
Upon arriving back to the marina, and after another short ride on the Zodiac, we were back on land. The taxi service was there waiting for us. We settled up with Captain Kathleen...with many thank you's, and promises that if we are ever again in St Thomas she would definitely be receiving some repeat business.
I should note that the entire time both the taxi service and Captain Kathleen were very focused on making sure we would be back to the ship in plenty of time for boarding. So much so, that any concern we had at the start of the day quickly dissipated.
The cost of this excursion was $116 per person. This included a 6 hour day sail, snorkeling gear (if needed), a gourmet lunch, cold drinks and alcoholic beverages, and all the mothering that Captain Kathleen could muster...and let's not forget first mate Jimmy. This was customer service at its finest. I would gladly have paid more, and gladly did in the way of a gratuity.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask.
Following are some pictures taken during our day on High Pockets. We had purchased an underwater housing for our digital camera prior to this trip, and some of the underwater shots taken are included. Enjoy!
High Pockets
All of us on High Pockets. From the left...Sam, Shelly John, Kyle, Dave
Opps! Dave, I think I need to go have my glasses cleaned!
Garry
HaHa! Garry, no need to do that! After your post I went into Dave's and highlighted the link! It was easy to miss since it was the same color font as the rest of the post.
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High Pockets Day Sail/Snorkel
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High Pockets Day Sail/Snorkel
After stowing our gear we were informed that we were there to relax, and were promptly led to the front of the boat to lounge around while sailing to the bay where we would be snorkeling. Captain Kathleen made sure that we all put on sunscreen, and told us how we would be spending the day. She also offered us beverages, including the local drink...the Rum Swizzle. I HIGHLY recommend the Rum Swizzle. 
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