Sail Away on your Private 55-foot Catamaran Charter

Turtles, sails, and a rum punch. This private 55-foot catamaran charter pairs a scenic ride from St. Thomas with snorkeling at Buck Island Marine Sanctuary, making it a strong choice for a small group that wants time on the water without building its day around a crowded shore excursion. I especially like the 45-minute sail to Turtle Cove and the chance to snorkel in two separate coves if the schedule and sea conditions allow.

I also like the simple onboard setup: a crew-led safety briefing, snorkeling instruction, restrooms, music, and a snack platter with fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers. The main consideration is the price, listed at $1,895 per person, which makes this a major splurge unless privacy and a custom-feeling boat day matter more to you than keeping costs low. Open-water snorkeling and occasional rough waves also require real comfort in the sea.

Key Points at a Glance

• Buck Island is the main prize: The first 45-minute sail leads to Turtle Cove, where you snorkel directly from the boat.
• Shipwreck Cove may be added: If time permits, you get another 45 to 60 minutes in a second snorkeling area.
• The crew receives the strongest praise: Captains and crew members including Ashley, Rose, Reed, Brody, Coda, Mandi, and others are repeatedly described as attentive, fun, and safety-minded.
• The charter lasts about three and a half hours: Allow roughly 3.5 to 3.75 hours from departure to return.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fruit, cheese, salami, crackers, water, sodas, rum punch, and rum and cokes.
• It is active, not passive: You need to climb into open water from the boat and should have a strong fitness level.

Setting Sail from Yacht Haven Grande at 9:30 a.m.

Your morning begins at R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande, at 5316 Yacht Haven Grande Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie. The listed start time is 9:30 a.m., and the boat returns to this same meeting point.

That location matters if you are staying near Charlotte Amalie or arriving by public transportation. Parking is also available at the meeting point, and the activity is near public transportation. Private transportation to and from the marina is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

The charter is aboard the Gold Coast, a 55-foot sailing catamaran. A catamaran gives you more than a standard small powerboat: there are two hulls, broad outdoor areas, and room to spread out while the boat is under sail. The exact feel depends on the number of people booked, but the published maximum is 50 people.

That maximum is worth noting. The experience is described as private, meaning the boat is intended for you and your group, but the stated capacity reaches 50. If you are booking for a smaller party, confirm exactly how privacy is handled before paying. This is especially important given the high per-person price.

Once aboard, the crew provides snorkeling instructions and safety guidance. Several crew combinations have received warm praise, including Captain Ashley with Rose and Reed, Captain Mandi with Reed and Haley, and Brody with Coda. The staff names may change by departure, but the repeated pattern is clear: expect the crew to play a large part in the day.

The 45-Minute Sail to Buck Island

The first leg takes about 45 minutes. This is not wasted transit. You get time to settle into the boat, watch St. Thomas recede, and enjoy the movement of a sailing catamaran before the snorkeling begins.

The ride can be smooth and relaxing, but it is still a boat ride in open water. One account described rough waves that felt like a roller coaster, with some people becoming seasick. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew advises, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider your usual seasickness plan before departure.

The crew adds much of the atmosphere. Music plays during the trip, and the staff is praised for keeping the mood friendly without losing sight of safety. Reports describe crew members explaining procedures clearly, helping with snorkeling equipment, pointing out marine life, and offering to take photos.

You should not expect a silent nature cruise. This is a social outing with music, drinks after the water activities, and an upbeat crew. That is a plus for families and groups celebrating together. It may be less appealing if you want a quiet sail with little interaction.

Turtle Cove and Open-Water Snorkeling

The main stop is Turtle Cove in Buck Island Marine Sanctuary. The catamaran anchors, and you enter the water directly from the boat. There is no beach arrival listed, so you should be comfortable moving from the vessel into open water.

The crew gives full instruction before you begin. That support is useful if you have snorkeled before but want a clear orientation, and it is even more important for children or first-timers. Several accounts praise the staff for helping people with equipment, watching swimmers closely, and pointing out turtles and fish.

Sea turtles are the headline attraction. The crew knows where to look and may point them out as they pass through the area. You could also see fish and other marine life, although wildlife is never guaranteed and visibility can change with clouds, wind, and water conditions.

The snorkeling window is the heart of the trip. It gives you a chance to focus on the water instead of rushing through a long list of stops. Some of the strongest praise centers on this part of the outing, with the crew helping people get comfortable and directing attention toward turtles.

Still, the open-water format has limits. The water may be affected by wind, waves, or current. The operator specifically warns people with cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or respiratory problems, or other medical concerns to take particular care before booking.

You also need a strong physical fitness level. The listed limits are a minimum age of 5, a maximum age of 80, a minimum height of 36 inches, and a maximum weight of 275 pounds. These rules do not tell you how you will feel in the water, so think honestly about swimming ability, stamina, and comfort around a boat ladder or entry point.

Shipwreck Cove, If the Clock Allows

After Turtle Cove, the crew may head to Shipwreck Cove for another snorkeling session. The planned time is about 45 to 60 minutes, but this stop depends on the schedule, conditions, and how much time remains after the first cove.

That conditional wording is important. You should view Shipwreck Cove as a welcome extra, not a guaranteed second stop. If the first snorkeling session takes longer, the sea becomes rough, or the boat needs to adjust the route, you may spend less time there or skip it.

When the stop happens, the benefit is variety. A second cove gives you another setting and another chance to spot marine life. It also breaks up the day, so you are not simply repeating the same swim area.

The name suggests a particular point of interest, but the supplied details do not specify what wreck you will see, how close you will get, or whether the wreck is visible from the surface. Keep expectations practical. This is a snorkeling stop in a marine area, not a technical wreck expedition.

Fruit, Cheese, and Drinks After the Water

Once you are back on board, the experience shifts from active to easygoing. The included platter contains fresh fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers. It is not a full lunch, but it gives you something salty and light after swimming.

Drinks include water, sodas, rum punch, and rum and cokes from the open bar. Alcohol is available only after swimming and snorkeling, a sensible rule that keeps the water portion safer.

The timing also makes sense. You can enjoy the snacks while drying off and heading back toward St. Thomas. Music continues, and the return sail gives you a chance to sit in the sun, talk with your group, or simply watch the sea.

If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied information does not specify substitutions or special menus. Ask before booking rather than assuming the platter can be changed. The same applies to alcohol preferences and nonalcoholic options, although water and sodas are listed.

What the Crew Adds to the Day

The most praised feature is not a piece of equipment. It is the crew.

Names that appear repeatedly include Captain Ashley, Rose, Reed, Brody, Coda, Captain Mandi, Haley, Captain Judi, Collette, Taylor, Isaiah, Tina, Tyler, John, Sam, Nicole, and Louis. Different departures may have different staff, but the comments consistently point to the same qualities: clear safety instructions, friendly conversation, help in the water, and attention to small details.

Crew members have been praised for taking photos, helping with snorkeling gear, keeping drinks filled after the water activities, and spotting turtles and fish. One especially useful detail is that you can give your GoPro to the crew for close-up footage, according to the information provided. Treat that as a helpful possibility, not a guaranteed photography service.

Safety is another repeated strength. Captain Ashley, Rose, Reed, and other crew combinations are described as making people feel secure both in the water and aboard the boat. That matters because a relaxed snorkeling trip depends on knowing someone is watching the conditions and the swimmers.

The exact personality of your outing will vary. Some crews may be playful and high-energy, while others may be calmer. Still, the strong staff reputation is a real reason to consider this charter.

Is $1,895 Per Person a Good Value?

At $1,895 per person, this is not a casual add-on. It is a premium purchase, and you should judge it as a private boat experience rather than as a basic snorkel trip.

The price may make sense for a group that values privacy, a dedicated catamaran, a fixed departure time, onboard food and drinks, and direct attention from the crew. You are paying for more than the 45-minute sail and snorkeling stops. You are also paying for the boat, staff, open bar, equipment guidance, restrooms, music, and the convenience of returning to the same marina.

The value is harder to justify if your main goal is simply to see turtles at the lowest possible cost. The charter lasts only about three and a half hours, and Shipwreck Cove is not guaranteed. You should also compare the cost against the size of your group and confirm whether the booking is truly exclusive for your party.

Group discounts are listed, so ask how they apply before finalizing the reservation. Since the advertised price is per person, a discount could change the calculation for a larger party. Do not assume that a private boat automatically makes the experience economical. Its value depends on how much your group cares about control, space, and personal service.

Who Will Enjoy This Charter Most?

I would recommend it most for families, couples, and small groups who want a polished half-day on the water. Children can participate from age 5, provided they meet the height requirement and can handle the physical demands of open-water snorkeling.

It also suits people who want a mix of activity and downtime. You snorkel with turtles, possibly visit a second cove, then eat, drink, listen to music, and sail back. That balance is more appealing than an outing built around nonstop swimming.

The charter is less suitable for anyone with serious medical concerns that could be affected by swimming, current, waves, or exertion. It is also a poor match if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or want a guaranteed beach stop.

The stated age range ends at 80, the maximum weight is 275 pounds, and the minimum height is 36 inches. These rules are firm planning points. If anyone in your party falls near a limit or needs special assistance, confirm suitability directly before reserving.

Booking, Weather, and Cancellation Details

Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy matters here because wind, waves, and current affect both comfort and snorkeling safety.

Plan to reach R Bar with enough time to check in without rushing. Since transportation is not included, leave room in your schedule for getting to Yacht Haven Grande and returning afterward.

Should You Book It?

Book this charter if you want a short, polished boat day centered on Turtle Cove, with a real chance to see sea turtles and a crew that takes service and safety seriously. The combination of a 55-foot catamaran, open-water snorkeling, snacks, drinks, music, and a possible second cove creates a pleasant mix of action and comfort.

Think twice if the $1,895 per-person price strains your budget, if you need a guaranteed Shipwreck Cove stop, or if open-water swimming is not a good fit. Before paying, confirm the private-group arrangement, ask how the group discount works, and check which boat and crew will operate your date.

For the right group, this is a memorable St. Thomas splurge. For everyone else, the price deserves careful comparison.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start?

The tour starts at R Bar, 5316 Yacht Haven Grande Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts approximately three and a half hours, with the full experience sometimes running about 3.5 to 3.75 hours.

What boat is used?

The experience takes place aboard the Gold Coast, a 55-foot sailing catamaran.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The main snorkeling stop is Turtle Cove in Buck Island Marine Sanctuary. If time permits, the boat may also visit Shipwreck Cove.

Is Shipwreck Cove guaranteed?

No. The second snorkeling stop depends on available time and conditions.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The included food is a platter of fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers. Drinks include rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas. Alcohol is available after swimming and snorkeling.

Who can participate?

The listed requirements are a minimum age of 5, a maximum age of 80, a minimum height of 36 inches, and a maximum weight of 275 pounds. Participants should also have a strong physical fitness level.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.