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

The best island day may be offshore. This private St. Thomas charter gives your group a 32-foot power catamaran, local captain, snorkeling gear, beach time, turtle swims, and control over the day. It is designed for families and friends who want more freedom than a large boat tour can offer.

I like the boat’s wide, stable layout and the fact that nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded. I also like the flexible plan: you can chase coral reefs, stop at quiet beaches, look for turtles, or simply float with a cold drink. The main consideration is cost. At $1,050 per group of up to 10, it can be a strong deal for a full group, but expensive for only two or three people. Fuel, lunch, and alcohol cost extra.

The charter leaves from Sapphire Beach Marina and returns there after about six and a half hours for the listed full-day experience. Captain Mike, Captain Aaron, Captain Kirk, and Captain Tim have all led outings for this company, along with crew members such as Deb, Cindy, and Mike. Your exact captain depends on the date, but the service style is clear: friendly, flexible, and focused on giving your group a good day on the water.

Key Points Before You Book

• A private 32-foot power catamaran: You share the boat only with your own group, with room for as many as 10 people.
• A captain-led custom route: You can ask for snorkeling, beach hopping, turtle watching, sightseeing, or a relaxed mix of all four.
• Shaded seating matters: Nearly two-thirds of the deck is covered, with additional seats in full sun.
• Good value for larger groups: The $1,050 group price works out much better when split among eight to 10 people.
• Lunch is possible on a full-day trip: You pay separately, and the captain can help with the available choices.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Starting at Sapphire Beach Marina

Your day begins at Sapphire Beach Marina at 6720 Smith Bay Road in Smith Bay, St. Thomas. The charter ends at the same place, which keeps the day simple and avoids arranging a second pickup point.

Sapphire Beach is a practical base for a boat outing. The meeting point is near public transportation, though the information provided does not promise hotel pickup. I would confirm your arrival plan before booking, especially if you are coming from a cruise ship or staying on the other side of the island.

The boat is described as Shady Lady in the main description and Island Girl in the detailed trip information. That name mismatch is worth checking with Shades of Blue Charters before your outing. It should not affect the experience, but clear boat details help when you are standing at a busy marina.

The Boat: Stable, Shaded, and Made for Group Comfort

The 32-foot power catamaran is a sensible choice for the waters around St. Thomas. Its wide design gives you more stability than a narrow boat, which matters when you are moving around, helping children with gear, or settling in for a long ride between stops.

Nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded. That is one of the most useful details here. Caribbean sun can feel pleasant at first and tiring later, especially during a six-and-a-half-hour outing. You can still choose a sunny seat if you want to dry off or work on a tan, but you are not forced to sit in direct sun all day.

The boat also has a 2,000-watt stereo system. Your group can listen to music while moving between coves or relaxing at anchor. Since this is a private charter, your group controls the mood. Families can keep things calm, while a group of friends can make the boat feel more like a floating day party.

The tradeoff is that this is a boat day, not a resort. You will be outdoors for hours, moving between swimming and sitting. Bring practical sun protection and be ready for a moderate level of activity. The operator recommends a moderate physical fitness level.

A Flexible Day Around the Virgin Islands

The strongest part of this charter is the lack of a fixed sightseeing script. Your captain can suggest a route, but you call the shots. That gives you room to shape the day around your group’s interests and energy.

A typical full-day plan might combine:

• A scenic cruise with island landmarks and local context
• One or more snorkeling stops
• A turtle swim
• A beach stop
• Time to float on noodles or relax aboard
• A lunch stop

You may not fit every option into one day if your group wants long swims and slow beach time. That is not a flaw. A private charter works best when you resist the urge to collect stops and instead enjoy two or three places properly.

The crew has adjusted routes when weather affected a planned snorkeling site. That flexibility is important in the Virgin Islands, where conditions can change the comfort and safety of a particular cove. A substitute stop may even bring an unexpected sighting, such as nurse sharks, which one outing encountered after changing snorkeling locations.

Snorkeling on Coral Reefs

Snorkeling is a central part of the experience, and the crew supplies the equipment. Bottled water and ice in built-in coolers are also included, so you have the basics for a day in the water without packing bulky gear.

The captain chooses snorkeling areas based on conditions and what your group wants to see. The provided accounts describe coral, starfish, rays, nurse sharks, and large sea turtles. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the range of sightings gives you a good sense of what may be found in the area.

I like that the boat is not locked into one reef. If the water or weather makes a planned location less appealing, your captain can try another. That is more useful than a rigid schedule, especially for families with children or anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

You should still keep expectations sensible. Snorkeling quality depends on weather, water conditions, and timing. The charter includes equipment, but the information does not specify particular mask sizes, flotation devices, or children’s gear. If someone in your group needs special equipment, ask before departure.

Swimming With Turtles in Warm, Clear Water

Turtles are one of the biggest draws. The charter is designed to include a chance to swim with them in warm, clear water, and several outings also saw other sea life such as rays and starfish.

The appeal is not just checking a turtle off a list. You get to enter the water from a private boat and spend time in a less crowded setting than a large group excursion may provide. The captain can help position the boat in a good area, but wildlife remains unpredictable, so no one can promise a sighting.

Keep your distance and let the animals move freely. The best encounter is usually the calmest one. If your group includes children, discuss water comfort and supervision before the boat leaves. The activity calls for moderate physical fitness, and the operator does not present it as a guided swimming lesson.

Beach Hopping and Quiet Coves

Beach time gives the day a welcome change of pace. Instead of spending every hour in the water with a mask, you can step ashore, swim in shallow water, or simply sit on a white-sand beach.

The route may include more than one beach, with some quieter spots depending on conditions and the captain’s advice. That flexibility is useful if your group has mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can relax, and children can enjoy a beach stop without sitting in the boat the whole day.

Do not expect every beach to feel empty. Popular Caribbean beaches can change with weather, cruise schedules, and the time of day. The captain’s local knowledge helps, but secluded does not mean guaranteed solitude.

A beach stop also uses part of your limited charter time. If your main goal is snorkeling, you may prefer fewer shore stops. If your group wants a slower day, the beach hopping may be exactly what makes the charter worthwhile.

Lunch and the Full-Day Advantage

A full-day charter leaves room for a lunch stop. Lunch is not included, and the captain can help with the available options. One outing included a floating pizza stop, while another had lunch at Lovango.

These stops add personality to the day, but they also add cost. Ask your captain about the plan early, especially if you have food allergies, a fixed budget, or children who need to eat at a certain time. The supplied information does not list a set restaurant, menu, or lunch price.

For me, lunch is one reason to choose the full day instead of trying to cram everything into a shorter outing. You can snorkel, visit a beach, and still take a proper break. A half-day option may suit you better if you want a shorter water activity or have other plans, but the exact half-day duration and price should be confirmed when booking.

The Captains Make the Difference

The company’s captains are a major part of the appeal. Captain Mike has been praised for letting a group choose the day’s direction, while Captain Aaron has been especially good at mixing sightseeing, snorkeling, and family-friendly service. Captain Kirk has guided groups to several snorkeling sites and shared stories along the way.

Captain Tim has also handled outings for families with teenagers. Crew members Deb, Cindy, and Mike have joined larger groups, helping with the practical work aboard the boat.

You should not book this expecting a formal lecture or a tightly scripted tour. The style is more personal. Your captain points out landmarks, adds local context, watches conditions, and helps you decide what makes sense next.

That personal approach works well for groups with different ages. Teenagers can play their own music, adults can talk with the captain, and younger children can get help with the water activities. The private setup also means you do not have to worry about keeping strangers on schedule.

What the $1,050 Price Really Means

The price is $1,050 per group of up to 10 people. That is not a cheap casual boat ride, but the value improves sharply as your group gets larger.

At 10 people, the base price works out to $105 per person. At eight people, it is about $131 per person. At four people, it is $262.50 per person before fuel, lunch, or alcohol. For a family reunion or group of friends, a private boat can make good financial sense. For a couple, it is a premium experience.

The price includes the captain, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and ice in the built-in coolers. Larger groups may also have a mate aboard. Fuel is not included, and neither are lunch or alcoholic drinks. The company can obtain alcohol for an additional charge.

I would compare the cost with what your group would spend on several separate activities. You are paying for the boat, captain, route flexibility, private space, and a full day on the water. The most important value is control. You are not simply buying transportation to one beach.

The trip is booked an average of 94 days ahead, so I would not leave this until the last minute if your dates are fixed. The 100 percent recommendation rate and five-star rating from the available feedback also suggest strong demand, though the total number of ratings is small.

Who Should Book This Charter?

This is a good match for:

• Families who want a private boat and flexible pacing
• Groups of friends splitting the cost
• People who want snorkeling and beaches in one outing
• Visitors who prefer a local captain over a fixed group itinerary
• Cruise passengers with enough time for a full-day activity
• Groups celebrating a birthday or another special occasion

It may not be the best fit if you dislike being on a boat for several hours, want a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or plan to spend very little time in the water. It also may not offer good value for a very small group unless privacy is more important than price.

The moderate fitness recommendation matters. You should be comfortable getting into the water, snorkeling, and spending much of the day outdoors. The operator does not provide a detailed accessibility description, so ask specific questions if anyone in your party has mobility needs.

Booking, Weather, and Practical Details

You receive confirmation at booking, and the experience uses a mobile ticket. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The charter depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy protects you from losing the full price when weather makes the outing unsafe or unpleasant.

Pack lightly but thoughtfully. You will want swimwear, sun protection, and a way to keep personal items secure and dry. The boat supplies water and ice, but you are responsible for arranging lunch and any alcoholic drinks. Confirm fuel charges, the exact boat name, the half-day schedule, and the meeting instructions before you go.

Should You Book the St. Thomas Power Catamaran?

Book it if you want a private, captain-guided day where snorkeling, turtles, beaches, and music can all fit into one flexible plan. I especially like it for groups of six to 10, where the price becomes much easier to justify.

The best reason to choose this charter is not one particular beach. It is the freedom to adjust the day. Captain Aaron, Mike, Kirk, or Tim may suggest a better stop when weather shifts, a reef looks crowded, or your group simply wants more time to float.

Skip it if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. But if you can fill the boat and value privacy, shade, local guidance, and an unhurried day on the water, this has the ingredients of one of St. Thomas’s most memorable outings.

FAQ

Where does the private charter begin?

It begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the charter end?

The activity ends back at Sapphire Beach Marina, the same place where it begins.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately six hours and 30 minutes. Full-day and half-day options are available, but you should confirm the exact half-day schedule when booking.

How many people can join?

The private charter is priced for a group of up to 10 people. A mate may accompany the captain for larger groups.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the charter.

Are drinks provided?

Bottled water and ice in the built-in coolers are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but the company can obtain them for an additional charge.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. On a full-day charter, the captain can help arrange a lunch stop and explain the available choices.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is listed as an additional cost.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.