Bean bags on a yacht start the party. I love how this private 50′ catamaran turns St Thomas into your own moving beach club, with a captain who builds the day around your group. You get the open-air boat time (back deck seating, trampolines up front) and the water fun (snorkel gear plus floats) without sharing the boat with anyone else.

Two things make it especially good value. First, the boat itself is laid-back but roomy, with bean bag chairs on the bow that make everyone feel involved, even when you are underway. Second, the all-inclusive drinks and water keep the vibe easy: ice, soda, beer, and rum punch are included, plus bottled water from Virgin H2O. The one drawback to plan around: specific beach options can change based on access rules, so your captain may swap stops (Trunk Bay is a real example that can shift).

Key Highlights You’ll Care About on the Water

• Private charter up to 12 people for one fixed group price
• Snorkeling gear and floats included, so you can get in the water fast
• All-inclusive drinks (soda, beer, rum punch) plus water and ice
• Bow bean bags and trampolines make the boat feel like a lounge
• Captain-designed itinerary with guidance on how long to spend at each stop
• St Thomas + St John + cays in one outing, with an optional Cruz Bay pickup request

A 50′ Catamaran That Feels Spacious, Not Stuffed

This is the kind of boat day where you can actually spread out. The SY Sirena is a 50-foot luxury catamaran with a salon inside, but the real magic is outside: an expansive back deck for sitting and eating, and a front area with relaxing seating plus bean bag chairs and large trampolines. That bow setup matters more than you might think. It makes it easy for groups to chat, watch the sea, and switch between snorkeling breaks and chill time without constantly crowding into one small area.

If your group includes people who don’t want to snorkel the whole time, you’ll still feel like you’re doing something. You can lounge, watch for sea turtles and dolphins, or just enjoy the ride while the swimmers go gear up. Multiple crew stories also highlight how they keep everyone moving smoothly from deck to water, which is a big deal when you want the day to feel relaxed instead of chaotic.

Price and Value: What $1,595 Actually Buys You

The headline number is $1,595 per group (up to 12). That can feel steep if you are thinking per person. But you are not paying per head for a seat on a crowded boat. You are paying for the whole charter experience: a dedicated captain, a private catamaran, and a bundle of included perks that would add up fast if you had to purchase them separately.

What makes the price feel more reasonable is the set of inclusions:

• Snorkeling equipment and floats
• Soda/pop, beer, and rum punch
• Bottled water (Virgin H2O) and ice
• Restroom on board
• A crew that works with your group’s interests

Lunch is not included, but you can often buy food at locations along the route. And yes, you will still want to plan for tips for the captain and crew (15–20% customary) since that is not built into the package price.

The Half-Day vs Full-Day Choice (and Why It Changes the Mood)

You can choose a half-day or full-day charter. The trip length is approximately 4 to 7 hours, depending on your selection. This matters because island days can go two ways:

• If you go half-day, you usually want fewer stops with more time at each one so you do not feel rushed.
• If you go full-day, you get more freedom to bounce between bays and beaches and still come back for a relaxed final stretch.

The captain will design the itinerary for your group, but there is also smart guidance that helps you plan. A good rule is at least 1.5 hours at each stop so you are not spending most of the day in transit. For snorkeling-focused groups, that extra time can be the difference between one quick dip and a truly satisfying swim session.

Where You Start: Red Hook Basics and a St John Pickup Option

Most trips depart from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook (St Thomas). If you are staying on St John, there is a pickup option: a pickup from Cruz Bay, St John can be arranged with an advance request after booking. That can save you time and hassle, especially if you do not want to backtrack to Red Hook.

The meeting point is listed clearly, and the tour uses a mobile ticket, so you can keep everything on your phone. Also, service animals are allowed, and the experience is described as something most people can participate in, which is helpful if you are balancing different comfort levels in your group.

How the Captain Builds Your Day Across St Thomas, St John, and Cays

The format is simple: you pick a half or full day, then your captain shapes the route around your interests. The list of potential stops is broad, including well-known bays and more local-feeling beach areas across St Thomas, St John, and surrounding cays.

One practical point: even when a location is listed, the actual day can shift due to access. One example that came up is Trunk Bay, which may be restricted from commercial charters even if it appears on options. Translation for you: keep an open mind. A good captain will swap stops thoughtfully so you still get great water time and good snorkeling.

Here’s what your day can look like if you follow the captain’s stop pacing (with enough time to actually enjoy each place).

Your Stop-by-Stop Water Time: From Secret Harbour to Scott Bay

I like how this itinerary is flexible. You can usually spend as long as you want at each stop, but the guidance of about 1.5 hours per stop helps you avoid the common mistake of treating snorkeling like a quick errand.

Secret Harbour

A solid first stop if you want calm, early water time. With a private charter, you can linger instead of racing everyone through a set schedule.

Brewer’s Bay

Great for a second beach moment where you can split the group by mood: some swim, some snorkel, some just watch the water from the deck.

Magens Bay

A classic island beach option that works well for your first longer break. If someone in your group is feeling nervous about snorkeling, this is a good place to build confidence before the next water session.

Sapphire Beach

Another beach stop that fits well in a half-day itinerary when you want multiple chances to get in the water without committing to one location for hours.

Coki Point Beach

A popular-feeling stop that tends to suit snorkeling-focused groups. Plan to use your time well: gear up, swim with intention, then rotate back to the boat for breaks.

Lindqvist Beach

This one is a great “second wind” stop—ideal when you want variety without the day feeling frantic.

Honeymoon Beach

Works nicely as a romantic, slower-feeling stop if your group wants that softer pacing for photos and relaxed swimming.

Francis Bay

A good transition stop that keeps the day moving while still giving you enough time to actually enjoy the water.

Trunk Bay Beach

This is where you need to stay flexible. If access restrictions block this stop, your captain should redirect you to a different bay so you still get meaningful beach time.

Maho Bay Beach

A strong choice for a mid-day swim and snorkeling window, especially if you want to keep your itinerary flowing rather than stopping and starting too much.

Waterlemon Cay

A cay stop that can add a “less crowded” feeling compared with bigger beaches. It’s also a nice moment to reset after snorkeling and regroup on the boat.

Scott Bay Beach

A beach stop that fits well late in the itinerary when you want one more solid round of swim time.

Hansen Bay Beach

A final bay option that gives the day a natural close: people who want one last dip can do it, and everyone else can relax on deck as you head back.

Snorkeling, Sea Life, and What to Expect Underwater

Snorkeling gear and floats are included, and the crew helps with the equipment and timing so you can spend more time in the water and less time figuring things out. From the experience pattern, you can reasonably expect that snorkeling stops are chosen for wildlife viewing, including sea turtles, sting rays, and plenty of fish. Some swim stories also mention octopus sightings, which tells you the captain is paying attention to where the water life is active.

Motion sickness happens. One family reported sea sickness toward the end of the day, and that is common on boats when the ride changes or when you snorkel in choppier conditions. My practical advice: bring whatever you personally use for motion, and keep communication clear with the crew. If someone needs extra time to recover, a private charter makes it easier for the captain to work around that.

The Boat Experience Onboard: Drinks, Cleanliness, and “Bow Time”

The onboard vibe is part of the value. You are not just getting transported to beaches. You are cruising on a spacious, social deck layout.

Key onboard perks:

• Restroom on board (huge for a multi-hour outing)
• Soda/pop, beer, and rum punch included
• Bottled water and ice
• Water toys like floats, plus snorkeling equipment
• Eco-friendly habits, with water provided by Virgin H2O
• A boat that is described as clean and spacious in multiple accounts

There is also a small but telling detail: the bean bags on the bow show up again and again in positive feedback. That space is great for photos, conversation, and even catching quick naps when conditions are calm. When you are on a catamaran, that natural “sitting up high” feeling helps people see more and get less seasick than if you are stuck below deck.

COVID and Safety: Testing and Sanitizing Without Making It Weird

This operator emphasizes a healthy routine. Captains and crew are tested monthly, and they use bracelets to indicate this status. Vessels are sanitized after each trip using established CDC and WHO guidelines. Masks are not required because it is primarily outdoor time, but you can wear one if that makes you feel better.

If you have anyone in your group who is particular about health protocols, this is worth noting. It signals a consistent approach without turning your day into a classroom.

A Few Practical Tips That Make the Day Easier

• Ask for what you care about early. The captain can shape the day, so tell them if your priority is snorkeling, beaches, sea turtles, or just relaxing.
• Be on time. One difficult story involved a late arrival and the day not being extended. With a private charter, schedules still matter for crew and boat operations.
• Plan for lunch decisions. Lunch is excluded, but it can often be purchased at locations along the route.
• Bring sun protection and water-friendly clothes. You will be out in the sun for hours, and you’ll want to be comfortable jumping in and out.
• Consider sea sickness prevention if you’ve had it before. It can hit mid-to-late day, especially when you’re bouncing between stops.

Who This Charter Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This fits best for:

• Families who want privacy and flexibility rather than a crowded cruise schedule
• Couples or friend groups who want a “boat day” with real comfort and included drinks
• People who care about snorkeling and wildlife, because the crew tends to focus on swim time and equipment support

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want a guaranteed sequence of specific beaches no matter what. Access and conditions can change, and your captain has to adapt.
• You want a very structured, set-time itinerary. This is more “your day,” built around your group.

Should You Book the 50′ Luxury Catamaran Charter?

If your goal is a private, comfortable catamaran day with snorkeling gear, floats, and included drinks, this is a strong choice. The price makes more sense when you compare it to the cost of renting a boat privately and then adding the extras they include: snorkeling equipment, water toys, and that easy all-inclusive beverage setup.

Book it when you value flexibility and good crew service. The captain-and-first-mate teams highlighted in different accounts tend to focus on attention, smooth boarding-to-water flow, and customizing the day to what the group wants to see. If you book, do two things: tell the captain your priorities (snorkeling and wildlife, or slower beach pacing) and stay flexible on specific stops if access changes, like the potential for Trunk Bay.

FAQ

How many people can I bring, and what does the price include?

The price is $1,595 per group for up to 12 guests. It includes the yacht charter, snorkeling equipment, floats, soda, beer and rum punch, ice, and bottled water, plus a restroom on board.

Is this half-day or full-day?

You can choose a half-day or full-day charter. The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 7 hours, depending on the option you select.

What snorkeling and drinks are included?

You get use of snorkeling equipment and use of floats. Drinks included are soda/pop, beer, rum punch, and bottled water, with ice also provided.

Where do we meet, and can we get picked up in St John?

Departures are from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook. A pickup from Cruz Bay, St John is possible with an advance request after booking.

Can we visit the British Virgin Islands?

This vessel does not offer a BVI visit. If you want BVI, it can be booked separately under product codes 111649P24 or 111649P25.

What if the weather is bad?

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

If I cancel, do I get my money back?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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