Private Luxury Charter Aboard New Multi-Deck Lagoon Catamaran

Turtles make this boat day special. This private St. Thomas charter combines small-group sailing with snorkeling, beach time, and a comfortable Lagoon 420 catamaran. I especially like the choice of itinerary and the chance to see turtles, rays, squid, and reef fish without joining a crowded boat.

The crew also earns strong praise, especially captains Hillary, Vic, Alex, Sammy, Mike, and Wallens. Cold drinks, shade, sun, and an onboard restroom make the seven-hour outing easy to enjoy. The main caution is that snorkeling depends on weather and water clarity, and one disappointing trip became mostly a boat ride after several rainy days.

Key things to know before booking

• Maximum of 12 people: This feels far more personal than a large excursion boat, with room to spread out and time for questions.
• Your route is flexible: The captain works with your group on stops around St. Thomas, St. John, Buck Island, Water Island, St. James, or nearby cays.
• Turtle sightings are a major draw: Maho Bay and other protected waters can offer close views of turtles, along with rays, squid, coral, and tropical fish.
• Two-stop days are common: A snorkeling site is often paired with a beach such as Honeymoon Beach, Lindbergh Bay, or Brewers Bay.
• Drinks are included: Beer, soda, water, and the boat’s rum punch are provided, though you should bring sunscreen and towels.
• Private pricing can be good value: At $1,615.50 for up to 12 people, the cost works out much better when shared by a full family or friend group.

Setting sail from Havensight in Charlotte Amalie

The boat leaves from WICO/Havensight in Charlotte Amalie, a useful departure point if you are staying near the harbor or arriving by cruise ship. The activity returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from a beach or another island.

The vessel is described as a new Lagoon 420 multi-deck catamaran, or a comparable boat if availability requires a change. That matters because a catamaran gives you more than one way to spend the day. You can sit in the shade, stretch out in the sun, relax on the forward nets, or use the swim platform when it is time to enter the water.

The boat has a restroom, which is a small but important comfort during a full day at sea. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and the equipment has been praised as clean and in good condition. You can also expect water, soda, beer, and rum punch onboard.

The boat holds up to 12 people. That is not the same as having a tiny private sailboat, but it is small enough for the captain and first mate to keep an eye on the group. Several outings had around 10 people, a useful size for couples, families, and friends who want company without the packed feel of a large harbor cruise.

How the captain shapes your seven-hour route

This is not a fixed sightseeing loop. Your captain and crew work with your group ahead of time to shape the day, then adjust for wind, rain, water clarity, and local conditions.

One route may head toward Buck Island and its protected marine waters. Another may focus on St. John, with a turtle stop around Maho Bay and a reef visit near Lovango Cay. You might instead spend more time near St. Thomas, Water Island, or St. James.

That flexibility is one of the best reasons to book a private charter. If your group has strong interests, tell the company before departure. You may want more snorkeling, a quieter beach, a longer lunch stop, or a route with less time in rough water. A private charter gives you a better chance of shaping the day than a tour with a set schedule.

Still, flexibility is not a promise that every named location will be visited. Wind, rain, waves, boat traffic, and water conditions affect the captain’s decisions. You should treat Buck Island, Maho Bay, Honeymoon Beach, and the other locations as possible stops, not guaranteed stops.

Captains add another layer to the experience. Hillary is praised for helping first-time snorkelers feel comfortable and for finding turtles. Vic is known for sharing local facts while keeping an eye out for sea life. Alex received praise for handling a short-staffed trip with good humor, although that outing also exposed a few service details that were not perfect.

The crew’s strongest role is not simply steering the boat. They point out animals, explain what you are seeing, help with gear, and keep drinks moving between water stops. That personal attention is a big part of the value.

Snorkeling with turtles, rays, squid, and reef fish

Snorkeling is the heart of this charter, and the possible sightings are impressive. Turtles are the star attraction, particularly around Maho Bay and other calm areas near St. John. You may also see stingrays, schools of tropical fish, coral, and even Caribbean reef squid.

The best days combine different kinds of water. One stop may be a reef area filled with fish and coral. Another may be a turtle habitat where the bottom looks less like a traditional reef and more like a quiet feeding area. That variety keeps the day from feeling like the same swim repeated twice.

Several outings included two or three water stops, with enough time to enjoy each one rather than rushing back aboard. The exact length depends on the route and conditions. If snorkeling is your main goal, say so clearly when planning the charter.

You should also set realistic expectations. The Virgin Islands can have excellent visibility, but rain and rough water can turn clear water cloudy. One outing after several days of rain produced disappointing snorkeling, even though the captain and boat ride were well received. This is the main risk of booking any reef trip, not a problem unique to this operator.

Waves can also make turtles harder to see. A turtle may be nearby but difficult to spot when the surface is moving. The crew can improve your odds by choosing a sheltered site, but no captain can order perfect water conditions.

If you are new to snorkeling, the crew can help. Hillary received specific praise for helping two people become comfortable in the water. Equipment is included, but bring your own sunscreen and towels. The tour information does not promise flotation devices or wetsuits, so ask the company if anyone in your group needs special equipment.

Beach time at Honeymoon Beach and beyond

After snorkeling, the catamaran may head to a beach. Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is a likely choice, along with Lindbergh Bay or Brewers Bay near St. Thomas. The appeal is simple: white sand, calm blue water, and time to stop turning your head to look for fish.

At Honeymoon Beach, you may have time for swimming, beach games, or paddleboarding in the shallows. Dinghy’s Beach Cafe is another possible stop, and the LimeOut floating taco bar may be included if the route and timing allow. These stops give the day a more relaxed island feel, but they are not guaranteed parts of every outing.

The beach portion is especially useful for mixed groups. Strong snorkelers can spend more time in the water, while anyone who prefers a break can stay aboard or enjoy the sand. Families and groups with different energy levels may find this easier than a trip focused only on swimming.

The tradeoff is time. Every beach stop means less time at a reef or another bay. If your group wants to visit a particular beach, tell the captain before setting out. One person specifically wished the boat had reached Honeymoon Beach, while the operator explained that a private charter could be planned around preferred beaches on a future trip.

Life aboard the Lagoon 420 catamaran

The boat itself is part of the attraction. A multi-deck catamaran gives you open views, a broad deck, and the option to move around during the sail. The forward lounge nets are a favorite spot when the water is calm, while shaded seating matters during a long day under the Caribbean sun.

Between stops, you can watch the islands pass by with a beer or rum punch. The crew also serves soda and bottled water, so you are not limited to alcoholic drinks. The rum punch receives frequent praise, though one outing raised concerns about the cooler needing more ice and the punch not being as fresh as expected.

That criticism is worth keeping in proportion. Most of the service comments are very positive, but a private charter at this price should deliver careful attention to supplies. Bring extra water if your group drinks heavily, and confirm any special requests before departure.

The boat is cleaned after each trip under stated CDC and WHO procedures. The company also describes regular crew health testing and provides Covid Free bracelets. Those measures may be less central to your decision now than they once were, but they show attention to sanitation on a vessel where people share equipment and seating.

The captains make the difference

A good captain can turn a pleasant boat ride into the best day of your island stay. This experience has received especially strong praise for its crew, with repeated mention of patience, local stories, friendliness, and the ability to find sea life.

Hillary is a strong choice for first-time snorkelers or anyone who wants a captain who stays engaged with the group. She has been praised for turtle sightings, reef stops, and helping hesitant swimmers succeed.

Vic brings local knowledge and a sharp eye for turtles. Mike has been praised for explaining the islands and finding several strong snorkeling locations around St. John. Sammy also receives warm comments for making the day feel easy and welcoming.

Alex drew praise for working hard under difficult staffing conditions. Wallens was also praised for waiting patiently when a cruise taxi ran late and for finding three attractive water stops. These details suggest a crew culture that values personal service, although staffing and service can vary by date.

The repeated captain praise helps explain the high overall score of 4.7 out of 5 from 115 ratings, with 91 percent recommending the experience. That is a strong record, but not a guarantee of perfect conditions or identical service every time.

Is $1,615.50 a fair price?

The advertised price is $1,615.50 for a private group of up to 12 people. At full capacity, that is about $135 per person before gratuity. For eight people, it is about $202 per person, and for four people, about $404 per person.

That makes the group size crucial. A family reunion, wedding party, or group of friends can get good value from the private arrangement. If only two people are booking, the same price becomes a much more serious splurge.

The price includes the boat, captain and crew, snorkeling gear, restroom access, water, soda, and beer. A rum punch is also included. You are paying for privacy, a flexible route, and a full day on the water, not just transportation to a reef.

A 15 to 20 percent tip for the captain and crew is customary for exceptional service. Add that to your planning budget. Sunscreen and towels are not included, so bring both.

The seven-hour duration offers enough time for a sail, multiple water stops, and a beach visit. A half-day option is also described, which may suit you if you want a shorter outing or need time for another island activity. Confirm the exact departure length and price when booking, since the available schedule may vary.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter?

I would recommend it most strongly for a group that values privacy and flexibility. It fits families, couples traveling with friends, cruise groups, and anyone who wants snorkeling without joining a large tour boat.

It is also a good match if your group includes mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can stay on the deck, and everyone can meet at the beach or enjoy the sail between stops. The onboard restroom and drink service make the long day easier.

First-time snorkelers may appreciate the crew’s help. Experienced snorkelers may like the chance to request multiple reef areas and spend more time in the water.

I would hesitate if your budget is tight, your group has only two people, or your main goal is guaranteed perfect visibility. Weather controls the quality of the snorkeling. Even a skilled captain cannot make cloudy water clear.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if you need to cancel without losing your money. Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund, but changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you want a comfortable, flexible day with a small group, strong crew service, and a real chance to see turtles in the waters around St. Thomas and St. John. The best version of the trip includes two excellent snorkel stops, a beach visit, cold drinks, and a captain who adds local color along the way.

Think twice if you are paying for the group alone or if you need a fixed list of guaranteed stops. The value improves sharply with 8 to 12 people, and the route always depends on sea and weather conditions.

For the right group, this is a good way to turn one vacation day into a private island outing rather than another crowded excursion.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The charter departs from Seas the Day Charters and Tours at WICO/Havensight in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private charter allows up to 12 people in your group. Only your group participates in the private activity.

What is included in the price?

The price includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, beer, other alcoholic beverages, and access to the onboard restroom. Sunscreen and towels are not included.

How long does the charter last?

The advertised experience lasts about seven hours. A half-day option is also described, so confirm the exact duration when arranging your trip.

Will we definitely see turtles?

Turtles are frequently seen at snorkeling locations around St. Thomas and St. John, but sightings are not guaranteed. Weather, waves, and water clarity can affect what you see.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.