Private Power Catamaran. Secluded Beaches, Snorkeling, Turtles for Full/Half Day

The best part of this St Thomas charter is simple: you control the day. Your captain can steer you toward coral reefs, turtle waters, quiet beaches, or a lunch stop, instead of locking you into a fixed route. The 32-foot power catamaran is wide, steady, and shaded across much of the deck.

I like the local captains, especially the personal service described by Mike, Aaron, Kirk, and Tim. I also like the choice between active stops and pure loafing time, with noodles, cold water, music, and warm Caribbean sea around you. The main catch is that fuel, lunch, and alcohol cost extra, and the weather can change your plan.

• Private boat for up to 10 people: Your family or group stays together with no strangers aboard.
• A stable 32-foot power catamaran: Nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded, with more seats in the sun.
• Your captain helps shape the route: Snorkel, swim with turtles, beach-hop, or simply float.
• Virgin Islands National Park access: The day combines sea views, island landmarks, and stops in clear water.
• Full-day flexibility: A lunch stop can be added, with the captain helping you choose among available options.
• Practical extras included: Snorkel gear, bottled water, ice, and a captain are provided.

A Private Boat Day Built Around Your Group

A private charter changes the rhythm of a day on the water. You are not waiting for a large group to board, and you are not stuck at a beach once the children have had enough or the snorkelers want another stop. The boat is yours, and the captain can adjust the plan as the day develops.

The advertised price is $1,050 per group of up to 10. That can be strong value for a full boat, especially when compared with paying separate fares for each person on a shared excursion. For two or three people, the cost is harder to justify, but privacy, flexibility, and a captain focused on your group still have real value.

The experience lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes. The description also refers to full-day and half-day options, so confirm the exact length and price for the option you select before paying. Fuel is not included, which is an important budget detail.

You meet at Sapphire Beach Marina, at 6720 Smith Bay Road in Smith Bay, St Thomas. The trip returns to the same place. The marina is near public transportation, though the information provided does not include hotel pickup.

Setting Out From Sapphire Beach Marina

The day begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, a useful starting point for a charter aimed at the waters around St Thomas and the Virgin Islands National Park. Once aboard, the captain gives you a moving view of the islands, points out landmarks, and adds local context as you cruise.

That sightseeing matters even if you are most excited about snorkeling. A private boat lets you ask questions as you go, and the captain can spend more time on places that catch your eye. You might prefer a slower ride along the coast, or you might want to reach a swim stop quickly. The route is not presented as a rigid schedule.

The catamaran is called Shady Lady in the main description and Island Girl in the detailed trip information. Since that could confuse you at the marina, confirm the boat name when you book or before departure. The important practical point is the boat type: a 32-foot power catamaran designed for the waters around the US Virgin Islands.

Why the Catamaran Matters

A catamaran has two hulls, which gives the boat a broad, stable feel compared with a narrow single-hull vessel. That does not mean the sea will always be perfectly smooth, but it should make the ride more comfortable for a mixed group with swimmers, older family members, and children.

Nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded. That is a major advantage in strong Caribbean sun, particularly on a long charter. You still have open seating if you want direct sun, so your group can spread out rather than competing for one small covered area.

The boat also has a 2,000-watt stereo system. You can listen to your own music during the ride and while relaxing at anchor, though the practical details of connecting a device are not provided. Ask the captain how the system works if music is important to your group.

There is room for up to 10 people. Larger groups may have a mate along with the captain. That extra crew member can help with equipment and general service, but the provided information does not promise a mate for every group size.

Snorkeling Coral Reefs and Looking for Turtles

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this charter. Equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or fins unless you strongly prefer familiar gear. The water is described as warm and clear, with many shades of blue and coral reefs suitable for swimming and viewing sea life.

The captain chooses the snorkeling spots with your group in mind. One stop may suit confident swimmers, while another might work better for children or people who want a calmer look around the reef. Ask for a quick explanation of the entry point, current, and depth before getting in.

Turtles are a key draw. The trip is designed to give you a chance to swim near them, but no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed. You may also see other sea life. One outing included nurse sharks after weather required a change of snorkeling location. Another included starfish and rays. Those details show why flexibility can help: a changed plan may lead to a different kind of wildlife encounter.

You should still treat the animals and reef with care. Do not chase turtles or touch coral. The supplied information does not list formal wildlife rules, but gentle swimming and a respectful distance are sensible choices in any protected marine area.

Beach-Hopping Along Quiet Coves

The captain can take you from one beach to another, including places described as secluded. This is a good choice if you want more than a single swim stop. You might swim ashore, relax on the sand, then return to the boat for another short cruise and a different cove.

The word secluded should not make you expect a guaranteed empty beach. Conditions, boat traffic, and the day’s route can affect how quiet a stop feels. Still, a private captain has more room to adjust than a fixed group excursion.

Beach-hopping also lets your group divide the day naturally. One person can snorkel while another sits in the shade. Children can swim, older family members can stay aboard, and everyone can regroup without rushing to a scheduled departure.

Bring sun protection even though much of the boat is shaded. You will still spend time in open areas and in the water. The listed inclusions cover bottled water and ice, but not sunscreen, towels, or personal snacks, so pack anything your group needs.

Turtles, Floating Time, and the Art of Doing Less

Not every good boat day needs constant activity. You can ask to stop in warm water, use the provided noodles, and float with a cold drink while music plays. That slower stretch may be the part your group remembers most, especially after snorkeling and swimming.

This flexibility is a strong reason to book privately. A shared tour often has to keep everyone moving at the same pace. Here, you can ask for another swim, more time at a beach, or a quieter ride past the islands.

The boat has built-in coolers with ice. Bottled water is included. Alcohol is not included, but the operator can obtain it for an extra charge. If you plan to drink, arrange that in advance and ask about the additional cost. You should not assume that alcoholic drinks are waiting aboard.

Adding Lunch to a Full-Day Charter

A full-day trip has time for a lunch stop. The captain can help you choose among the available options, and one past itinerary included lunch at Lovongo. Another group combined snorkeling, beaches, and a floating pizza venue.

Those examples show that lunch can become part of the fun rather than just a break. Still, lunch is not included in the $1,050 price. Ask where you are stopping, how payment works, and whether the lunch location fits your group’s needs.

If you choose a shorter option, lunch may not fit comfortably. The supplied details describe both full-day and half-day trips but do not give a separate half-day duration. Confirm the timing before booking, particularly if you have dinner plans, a flight, or a cruise departure later that day.

The Captains Make the Difference

The company’s captains include Mike, Aaron, Kirk, and Tim, with Cindy also serving as crew on one birthday outing. The strongest pattern in the available feedback is personal attention. Mike was praised for communication before the trip, while Aaron was described as especially good with families and children. Kirk was noted for telling stories and adjusting plans when weather interfered.

That matters because a private charter is only as good as the person running it. You are not just renting a boat. You are relying on the captain to read the weather, place you safely, choose suitable snorkeling areas, and keep the day moving without making it feel rushed.

The captains have also handled changes. One group was rebooked after rain, and another had a snorkeling plan altered by weather. A mechanical cancellation from another company was followed by a last-minute charter that took a family to the British Virgin Islands as planned. These examples do not guarantee every request can be met, but they suggest that clear communication is useful when conditions shift.

Who Will Get the Most From This Charter

This is a strong match for families, groups of friends, and multigenerational parties who want their own space. Teenagers can choose music, snorkelers can focus on reefs, and less active members can stay in the shade without holding anyone else back.

It also suits celebrations. A birthday group enjoyed snorkeling among turtles, starfish, and rays before stopping for lunch. Another family described the boat day as a highlight for two adults and two young children.

The private format can work for a small group, too. A party of three with teenagers found the freedom worthwhile, even without filling all 10 spaces. That is where the value question becomes personal. If you mainly want the lowest possible price, a shared tour may be better. If you want control over pace and company, the private boat earns its higher cost.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Swimming and snorkeling require getting in and out of the water, and the tour information does not promise special accessibility equipment. Ask the operator directly about your group’s mobility needs before booking.

What to Budget Beyond the Charter Price

The listed cost is $1,050 per group of up to 10. For a full group, that works out to $105 per person before fuel, lunch, and any alcohol. For five people, it becomes $210 each before those extras. That is why filling the boat improves the value.

Included items are snorkel equipment, bottled water, ice in the built-in coolers, and the captain. Larger groups may also have a mate. Fuel is extra, and no fuel estimate is supplied, so ask for the likely total rather than treating $1,050 as the final bill.

Lunch and alcoholic beverages are also separate. The captain can help arrange drinks for an additional charge, but you should confirm what is available and how much it costs. These details are small on paper and easy to overlook when planning a special day.

The operator offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

My Practical Verdict

I would choose this charter if your group values a private boat, flexible stops, and time in the water more than a fixed sightseeing script. The stable catamaran, large shaded area, included snorkel gear, and local captains make it easy to build a day that works for different ages and energy levels.

I would pause if your budget is tight, your group is very small, or you need a fully accessible activity. Fuel and lunch are extra, the weather can alter the plan, and the exact half-day details should be confirmed. Also check the boat name before arrival, since the supplied information uses both Shady Lady and Island Girl.

For up to 10 people, this is a sensible way to turn one St Thomas day into a private mix of reefs, turtles, beaches, island views, and time to simply float. Book it when the freedom to call the shots is the main attraction.

FAQ

Where does the charter leave from?

The meeting point is Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St Thomas, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The charter returns to Sapphire Beach Marina, the same place where it begins.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The activity also refers to full-day and half-day options, so confirm the exact length of your selected option.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price is listed per group of up to 10 people. Only your group participates, along with the captain and possibly a mate for larger groups.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are bottled water and ice included?

Yes. Bottled water and ice in the boat’s built-in coolers are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though a full-day charter can include a lunch stop and the captain can help with options.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included. The operator can obtain them for an additional charge.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.