Want a beach day with your own captain? This 50′ luxury catamaran lets you set the pace around St Thomas and St John, with snorkel stops and plenty of deck time for a small group. Captains like Maddie (with first mates such as Olivia) are the kind of crew that tailor the day to what you actually want to do.

Two things I’d prioritize if I were booking for my own group: you get included drinks and snorkeling gear, plus floats and a restroom on board. And the boat layout is built for hanging out together, especially the bow seating and bean bag setup that keeps the whole crew part of the fun.

One consideration: the exact beaches you can hit may shift with rules or conditions. For example, Trunk Bay can be restricted for commercial charters, and your captain may swap stops if access isn’t available.

Key things that make this charter worth it

• Private 50′ catamaran for up to 12 with your own captain and crew
• Included snorkeling gear, floats, and restroom so you don’t have to plan extra rentals
• Bean bags, trampolines, and open deck lounging built for group hang time
• Captain-led itinerary flexibility with recommended 1.5-hour blocks at each stop
• Drinks included (soda, beer, and rum punch) plus water and ice on board
• Health and sanitation routine with crew testing and CDC/WHO-style sanitation practices

Why a 50-foot private catamaran beats the usual day cruise

This is the kind of sailing day that feels like renting your own slice of the islands. You’re not sharing the boat with strangers. Your group—up to 12—sets the vibe, then your captain designs the route to match it.

The catamaran layout helps. There’s a spacious salon that opens to a broad back deck with seating and dining. That means you can stay social even while you’re underway. And out on the bow, the seating plus the trampolines are made for easy conversation, people-watching, and turtle or dolphin spotting when the water cooperates.

From the review pattern, the crew also leans practical. People keep mentioning how attentive the captain and first mate are, from getting snorkeling gear ready to keeping drinks moving. On a day like this, that matters more than fancy extras. It’s the difference between a smooth experience and one where you’re constantly asking for help.

How the captain plans your half or full day (without locking you in)

The day runs about 4 to 7 hours, and you choose a half-day or full-day charter. What makes it feel personal is the way the captain works with your group. You don’t just get a fixed checklist. You get options, and you can tell them what you care about most—swimming, snorkeling, scenery, turtles, family time, or just relaxing.

A useful detail: the captain’s planning typically uses time blocks at each stop. A minimum of around 1.5 hours is recommended at each location so you’re not just arriving, snapping photos, and rushing back on board.

This approach is especially good if your group has mixed comfort levels. One review included a family where one child didn’t swim well; the crew kept an eye on the child while the adults snorkeled. That kind of flexible hosting tends to happen when the captain is planning for your real group needs, not just moving schedules.

On-board comfort: bow bean bags, a back-deck hangout, and real breaks

I love boats that keep everyone included, and this one does. The bow has bean bag chairs and large trampolines. It sounds like a fun detail, but it’s actually practical: you can rotate who’s lounging while still keeping an eye on swimmers and gear prep. It’s also great for kids (or adults) who need a quiet moment.

The back deck is where you eat and hang out between swims. There’s also a salon for shade when the sun gets intense. Plus there’s a restroom on board, which can save a lot of stress on a 4-to-7-hour day.

Comfort shows up in the feedback too. People mention the boat feeling spacious and clean. They also note the experience stays enjoyable even during a windy week, because the crew finds calmer water spots around the islands.

Snorkeling gear and floats: the sea life payoff without the hassle

Snorkeling is a main event here, and you don’t have to bring equipment. Snorkeling gear and floats are included. That makes it easy for beginners to try it and for more confident swimmers to spend longer time in the water.

What you can realistically hope for is a chance at lots of sea life. Reviews call out sea turtles, sting rays, octopus, and plenty of tropical fish. One group even mentions seeing a sunken ship. You can’t promise specific animals at specific times, but the consistent theme is good snorkeling and strong crew help in the water.

The crew role is big. First mates are repeatedly mentioned as being on top of gear, helping people in and out, and keeping the process calm and organized. If anyone in your group gets sea sick, it’s worth knowing that accommodations are part of how the day is run—people specifically mention the crew being helpful even when someone felt unwell.

Drinks and lunch: what’s included and what you’ll need to plan

Your charter price is all inclusive for the boat up to 12 guests, and the day includes:

• Soda/pop
• Beer
• Beer and Seas the Day Signature Rum Punch
• Ice and bottled water (provided by Virgin H2O)

You’ll also have snacks and beverages handled on board, which is a big value because you’re not tracking a bar tab mid-trip.

Lunch is the one clear gap: lunch is excluded. That said, you can often buy lunch at many of the places your captain may choose. Reviews mention lunch stops such as Lovango (spelled as Lovango/Lovongo in feedback), and that’s typically where people feel the day gets even better—snorkel first, eat somewhere nice, then head back for more water time.

If you’re traveling with kids, this matters. Plan ahead for what you’ll snack on during the sail time and swims, since lunch isn’t bundled in.

The St Thomas and St John beach lineup: what each stop gives you

Here’s the practical reality: each stop is built for a mix of beach time and water time. Your captain will decide the exact order based on conditions and what your group asks for, but each location is part of the same “1.5 hours or more” philosophy—enough time to snorkel, swim, and enjoy the shoreline without feeling rushed.

Below are the stops you may visit, and how to think about them on the day.

Secret Harbour

Expect a solid block of beach and water time. This is the kind of spot where your group can settle in early, try snorkeling, and still have room to relax on deck afterward.

Brewer’s Bay

Think of this as another chance to rotate between swimming and lounging. If your group wants variety without overcomplicating the day, this stop fits well.

Magens Bay Beach

This is one of the most recognizable names on the route list. Use the time to enjoy a longer stretch of shoreline, then take advantage of the included snorkeling gear while you’re there.

Sapphire Beach

Another stop designed for a beach-and-water mix. I like treating these middle-of-the-day locations as your “do more in the water” phase, especially if everyone’s feeling good.

Coki Point Beach

This is a stop where many groups go to maximize water time. If turtles or rays are on your wish list, snorkeling time here is a good reason to be ready when the crew hands out gear.

Lindqvist Beach

Use it as a change of scenery stop. The value is in giving your group different shorelines and water moods across the day, not just repeating the same type of swim spot.

Honeymoon Beach

Plan to slow down here. In a day full of swimming breaks, this is the kind of stop where your group can relax and reset between snorkel sessions.

Francis Bay

A beach stop that works well for calm enjoyment, especially once you’ve already done a couple of swims. It’s also a good place to take photos and just sit with the sea breeze.

Trunk Bay

This stop is famous, but it comes with a practical warning. One review notes that Trunk Bay access was not available due to restrictions for commercial charters. In other words: be flexible. If it’s not accessible, your captain should swap to a different option.

Maho Bay Beach

Plan for another chunk of shoreline time. By this point in the day, you’ll likely appreciate having a stop where you can spread out—snorkel when you want, rest when you want.

Waterlemon Cay

Cay stops are often where people enjoy the feeling of being out on the water a bit more. Treat it as a “get your gear, swim a while, then cool off on board” moment.

Scott Bay Beach

This is another slot for water time and beach time in the same stop length. It works well for groups who want steady pacing with no long dry spells.

Hansen Bay Beach

Use this as your closing stretch if the day is running full. After a series of stops, this can be the location where everyone finally slows down and soaks in the last swim.

When beaches get swapped: Trunk Bay and rule-based changes

I’d call this the one place where your expectations need to stay flexible. Trunk Bay is listed as an option, but at least one experience notes it wasn’t available because of rules affecting commercial charters. Your captain may adjust the route to keep the day enjoyable even when access changes.

So how should you handle this? When you book, talk early with the captain (in whatever way communication happens for your day) about what you want most. If a “must-do” beach becomes unavailable, ask what can replace the snorkeling experience or the feel of the stop.

This is one reason I like private charters: you’re not stuck with a crowd timeline, and you can ask for sensible swaps.

Wind, timing, and getting real value from 4 to 7 hours

The route spans multiple shorelines around St Thomas and St John, and that’s helpful when conditions shift. Reviews mention that even during a windy week, the crew found calmer areas to visit. Translation: you don’t have to assume every stop is rough-water chaos.

Timing matters. If you’re doing a half-day, you’ll likely feel the route faster, so choose what you want most—snorkeling, turtles, scenic beach time, or simply relaxing together. For a full day, you get more breathing room, which usually makes it easier to do multiple swims and still enjoy the deck.

Also, pay attention to how the crew runs the flow. Some captains send clear info in advance (one group mentions a text 24 hours before so they knew what to expect). That kind of heads-up helps your first hour feel relaxed instead of chaotic.

Health checks and sanitation: what you’re told to expect

This operator emphasizes a healthy routine. Crew members are tested monthly and you may see them wearing Covid Free bracelets. Vessels are sanitized after each trip using established CDC and WHO guidelines.

For most people, this is mostly peace of mind. Since the whole experience is outdoors, masks aren’t required, though you can choose to wear one if that’s your preference.

If you’re sensitive to cleanliness or want a straightforward safety approach, this is the type of info that should put you at ease.

Price and value: $1,595 per group up to 12

At $1,595 per group for up to 12 guests, the math only looks “expensive” if you’re traveling as a small party. Filled with 12 people, that’s roughly $133 per person for a private 50′ yacht day with drinks, snorkel gear, floats, and restroom access.

It’s also value-rich because you’re not paying extra for the core water fun. Many charters like this nickel-and-dime you for equipment, basic beverages, or add-ons. Here, the essentials are included: snorkeling gear, floats, soda/pop, beer, rum punch, ice, and bottled water.

If your group is fewer than 12, the price can rise quickly per person. In that case, I’d ask yourself one question: do you want privacy and a captain-driven day, or do you just want a standard snorkeling boat with less flexibility?

Meeting point and adding a Cruz Bay pickup

The day starts at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St Thomas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

If you’re staying over on St John, pickup from Cruz Bay is possible with an advance request. If you want that, don’t wait until the last minute; build it into your planning early.

Mobile ticketing is used, and the meeting area is near public transportation, which can be handy if you’re mixing this trip with other plans in the islands.

Should you book this private catamaran charter?

Book it if you want a private sailing day where you can actually steer the experience. The mix of included snorkeling gear, floats, real drink service, and a boat designed for group hanging out is a strong package for families, friend groups, and anyone who wants turtles, rays, and fish without organizing beach chairs and rentals.

Skip it or stay flexible if you need guaranteed access to specific beaches like Trunk Bay, since rule-based restrictions can change what’s possible. Also, if you’re traveling as just two or four people, the per-person cost will feel high unless you can justify paying for privacy and a boat that runs on your schedule.

If your idea of a great day is simple: get on the water, snorkel, lounge, and let a professional crew keep the flow going, this is a very practical choice.

FAQ

What’s the price and group size for this private yacht experience?

The price is $1,595 per group, with capacity up to 12 guests.

What’s included in the charter?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled water, soda/pop, beer, Seas the Day Signature Rum Punch, restroom on board, and eco-friendly practices aboard the vessel.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, though lunch can be purchased at many locations during the day.

Can this vessel visit the British Virgin Islands (BVI)?

No. The BVI is not available on this vessel, but a BVI visit can be booked under the provided product codes.

What if Trunk Bay isn’t accessible?

Access can be affected by restrictions for commercial charters. If Trunk Bay isn’t available, your captain may swap to other options during your day.

Do I need good weather for the trip?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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