Snorkel off St John from a private boat. This St Thomas private power catamaran day lets you team up with your captain in the morning to choose stops, then cruise St John’s coast with easy in-water access. I like two things most: the swim-ladder setup (you’re not scrambling like a rookie) and the way the day stays flexible around what you want to see—sea turtles, calm beaches, or a slow lunch.

There is one catch to plan for: fuel isn’t included. You’ll pay $8 per gallon based on actual usage at the end of the day, and it can add a meaningful chunk to the total.

Comfort is the other big theme. The boat is a 36′ power catamaran with room to spread out—nets on the bow, shade at the stern, and a marine head plus fresh-water shower/changing area. One past group noted a problem with the front netting and another mentioned soda that tasted off, so I’d still do a quick check when you first step aboard and speak up right away.

Key things worth knowing before you book

• Private charter, up to 12 people: You control the pace, not a herd of strangers.
• Snorkeling gear and floats/noodles included: You can show up light and go straight to the water.
• Captain-led stop choices: You might aim for sea turtles, a calm beach, or an easy lunch plan.
• St John and nearby cays route: Lovango Cay, Honeymoon Beach, Maho Bay, and Christmas Cove are the core stops.
• Drinks included, lunch planned: Water, soda, beer, and alcohol are on board, with lunch either onboard or at a beach spot.
• Fuel billed at $8/gallon: Budget for actual usage at the end of your day.

A 36′ power catamaran with real room (and real bathroom space)

This is not a cramped “get-on and hope” boat day. You’re on a 36-foot power catamaran designed for a smooth ride, and the space matters once you’re out on the water. The bow has nets for hanging out and the stern has shade if you want to cool down between swims.

Getting in and out of the water is the practical win here. The catamaran comes with long swim ladders, so you’re not dealing with a steep scramble every time you want to snorkel or just float. That matters a lot if you’re bringing kids, older relatives, or anyone who hates the idea of slipping and sliding in saltwater.

And yes, there’s a marine head (toilet). It’s one of those “why is this not standard everywhere?” perks that can make or break a long day at sea. Add a fresh-water shower and a changing area, and you’ll feel human again before you head back to Red Hook.

The itinerary you’ll actually care about: Lovango Cay to Christmas Cove

A big part of the value is that you don’t have to force your interests into someone else’s script. On the morning of your charter, you customize your itinerary with your captain. That can mean shifting snorkeling spots, or building in a lunch stop that fits your group’s energy.

The 7-hour day typically looks like this:

Lovango Cay: private-island vibes and easy snorkel time

Lovango Cay is your first “drop anchor, get in the water” moment. It’s set up for both snorkeling and relaxing, so you can split your time between watching reefs and kicking back on the beach club-style atmosphere.

If your group is turtle-focused, this is also a good early stop to start looking. Even if turtles aren’t guaranteed, this is the sort of place where marine life tends to show up when conditions are right.

Honeymoon Beach: calm water for swimming and paddle time

Next up is St John’s north shore area, with Honeymoon Beach as the calm-water option. The water is described as calm enough for swimming and paddleboarding, which is a nice change of pace if everyone is done with aggressive “find-the-coral” snorkeling.

Practical tip: calm water usually means less effort. That’s when I’d plan on letting non-snorkelers enjoy the day too—no one has to feel like they’re missing something.

Maho Bay: sea turtles in shallow feeding grounds

Maho Bay is built around sea turtles. The key detail is that turtles feed in shallow seagrass beds, and that makes it ideal for snorkeling right from the boat.

This is the stop that can turn a good day into a great one. If you’ve ever pictured what “snorkeling success” feels like, this is where that mental photo comes closest to real life. You’re not just hoping; you’re going where the food is.

Christmas Cove off St James Island: reefs plus a lunch classic

After St John’s coastline, you cruise to Christmas Cove off St. James Island. It’s known for calm anchorage and colorful reefs, so it’s a strong pick for another snorkel session.

Lunch can be a highlight here because you might end up at the floating restaurant Pizza Pi, with pizza served directly to your boat. If your group is more “sit and enjoy” than “run to the next stop,” this kind of lunch plan can feel like the whole point of the day.

One more lunch possibility I’ve seen tied to this kind of route: Lime Out. If your captain thinks it fits your group, it can be a fun change from the onboard routine.

Snorkeling on this boat: what gear you get and what to look for

You get snorkeling equipment included—plus floats/noodles and top-tier snorkel gear. That’s a big deal because good gear affects comfort, fit, and how long people stick with snorkeling.

The onboard setup also makes a difference. With ladders and an easy water rhythm, you’re more likely to do more than one short swim. And with the itinerary built around reefs and seagrass feeding areas, you’re not just “wasting time in the water.”

From real day experiences tied to this operator, I’ve heard about sightings such as sea turtles, sting rays, eels, barracudas, sea urchins, and lots of colorful fish. That list is a reminder: even on a private boat, the day can still feel like nature class, just with better snacks.

If you want the best odds at seeing wildlife, I’d pay attention to your captain’s timing and the way they position the boat for the stop. Where you float matters as much as the location.

Drinks and lunch: the fun part that’s actually practical

Food and drinks are handled in a way that keeps the day moving. Complimentary drinks include bottled water and soda/pop, along with beer and alcoholic beverages. That means you can relax without feeling like you’ll pay for every five minutes.

Lunch is planned with a view. Depending on the stop and what fits your group, you might eat onboard or at a beachside eatery. Pizza Pi is one option at Christmas Cove, and Lime Out is another lunch spot people may work into the day.

If you care about taste, pacing, and not having to think about logistics every time you’re hungry, this is a smart arrangement. You get to spend your mental energy on the water and the scenery instead of hunting down a place to eat.

Price and the fuel note: where value really changes

The base price is $995 per group for up to 12 people. Since it’s private, that grouping math matters: the “per person” cost drops fast when you fill the boat.

Now the part you must plan for: fuel. Fuel is not included, and it’s billed at $8 per gallon based on actual usage at the end of the day. Fuel averages 20–30 gallons per day.

Do the quick math so you’re not surprised:

• At 20 gallons: fuel would be about $160
• At 30 gallons: fuel would be about $240

So your total day budget is basically $995 plus roughly $160–$240, before gratuity.

Gratuity is not included either. 18–20% is customary for the captain. With a private charter, tipping is part of the fairness equation—your captain is personalizing your stops and keeping the day running smoothly.

Getting there: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook

You start and finish at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas (84GX+24H, Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas 00802, USVI). From a planning standpoint, this is helpful because you’re not shuttling across multiple docks.

Also, the full day is about 7 hours. Plan your other activities loosely around that. If you’re coming from a cruise schedule, I’d be extra careful about timing, since weather can affect day-of progress.

Weather matters: what good conditions mean for your day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be rescheduled or you’ll get a full refund.

That’s not a fine print footnote—it’s the reality of sailing and anchoring around reefs and beaches. If you’re traveling at a time when conditions are less stable, I’d keep other plans flexible.

Who should book this private catamaran day?

This is a great fit for groups who want control without the work. Think families, multi-generational groups, and friend groups who want to snorkel and still have time to relax.

It’s also a strong choice if you want the captain to tailor the day around the group’s interests. People have shared that captains like Aaron, Chris, Sammy, and Hillary listen to what the day should focus on—then line up snorkel stops and lunch accordingly.

If you like the idea of being able to change gears mid-day—turtles one moment, calmer swimming the next—that’s exactly what you’re paying for.

Should you book this private power catamaran day?

Yes, if you want a St Thomas to St John water day that’s comfortable, flexible, and built for snorkeling. The value comes from the private setup, the included gear and drinks, and the way the route targets both wildlife and beach time.

I’d hesitate only if your budget can’t handle the fuel add-on and you hate tipping. Also, because boat conditions can vary, do a quick scan when you board—especially the deck areas you’ll use to relax between swims.

If you’re the kind of person who wants one great day on the water instead of ten half-plans around the island, this is a solid way to do it.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private charter?

The catamaran is certified for up to 12 passengers, and children count toward the total guest count.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas (84GX+24H, Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas 00802, USVI).

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get snorkeling equipment, plus floats/noodles and top-of-the-line snorkel gear.

Are drinks and beer included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda/pop, alcoholic beverages, and beer are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is part of the day’s plan, with a stop for lunch either onboard or at a beachside eatery, depending on your captain’s choices.

What about fuel costs?

Fuel is not included. It’s billed at $8 per gallon for actual usage at the end of the charter (fuel averages 20–30 gallons per day).

Do I need to tip the captain?

Gratuity for the captain is not included. 18–20% is customary.

What if weather is bad?

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

If you want, tell me your group size and whether you’re aiming mainly for turtles, beach time, or a mix—I can suggest how to think about stop priorities for a full-day charter.

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