Private sail beats the beach crowd. This private Lagoon catamaran day pairs two multi-deck yachts with a real onboard bathroom, plus snorkeling gear and drinks that keep the day feeling effortless. You get the breeze where you want it, then you can settle into shaded lounging without losing the party to crowded decks.

Captain JW and Captain Anne Marie (with mate Kahlia in the mix on some trips) run the experience with a calm, confident rhythm. The main catch is price: it’s $4,995 per group (up to 15), so the value really shines when you fill the boat with your people and split the cost.

Quick highlights that matter

• Two late-model Lagoon multi-deck catamarans (SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana) for private group time
• Bow sun + shaded cockpit lounging with open-air seating
• Private full bathroom plus a Bluetooth sound system for your music
• All-inclusive crew costs and drinks (water/ice/soda/beer and signature rum punch for 18+)
• Snorkeling gear included, with your captain choosing great spots for conditions
• Easy cruise logistics from Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight, close to the WICO dock

Why this private St. Thomas sail feels different than a “boat tour”

St. Thomas has a way of doing the same things over and over: crowded harbors, short swim stops, and a guide trying to herd people fast. This trip changes the pace by going private and keeping you on the water for about 7 hours, with the space to actually relax.

I like the fact that it’s built around comfort first. You’re not just standing near the rail hoping for a view. You can lounge in the sun at the bow, or retreat to the shaded cockpit with open-air seating. That simple choice matters a lot when the day is bright.

Another big win is the onboard private bathroom. On many day sails, you trade comfort for logistics. Here, the comfort is part of the deal, so you can stay out longer and keep the mood easy.

The catamarans are also modern and practical. You get a Bluetooth sound system, and you can steer the vibe with your own playlists while you’re sailing and when you’re getting ready to swim. That music element sounds small until you’re on a boat and realize everyone is happier with a soundtrack they control.

The catamarans: space, sun, shade, and the kind of comfort you notice fast

This is a tandem setup using two Lagoon multi-deck sailing yachts: SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana. That matters because it spreads your group across two boats rather than cramming everyone onto one deck. The capacity is up to 24 guests across the vessels, so the experience works well for groups who want to stay together but still move around.

On the water, St. Thomas can be hot and sunny. The layout gives you real options. If you want maximum sun, the bow is made for lounging with the breeze on your face. If you want to cool down, the cockpit offers shade with open-air seating, so you’re not stuck below deck.

Then there’s the practical stuff. The trip includes a private full bathroom, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade for a day that runs most of the morning into the afternoon. You’ll feel it most if you’re traveling with kids, teens, or anyone who hates the thought of a cramped shared setup.

Where you board and how the timing works with cruises

The boat departs from Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight. It’s within easy walking distance from the WICO cruise ship dock, which is great if you’re on a ship schedule and don’t want to battle a long transfer.

Start time is 9:00 am local St. Thomas time, and all charters follow local time. If you’re coming from a cruise, double-check your ship’s time zone so you don’t get that awkward early-or-late moment. Using the mobile ticket helps too, since you’re not digging through paper.

The day ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated return. That keeps the itinerary stress low, especially if you’re trying to line up with ship departure times.

Crew matters: Captain JW and Captain Anne Marie set the tone

Private sailing lives or dies on the crew. Here, you’re paying for the captain and first-mate team as part of the experience, and that shows in how the day flows.

The captains you might encounter include Captain JW and Captain Anne Marie, and mate Kahlia also appears on the crew line-up. In plain terms, they’re focused on safety and on finding the best conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

One of the strongest signals from the experience details is that you’re not just being shown a route. You’re being guided to strong snorkeling spots. On a day like this, the best views are great, but the best underwater time depends on conditions, timing, and where the water is clear.

The crew also helps keep the day fun. If you’re traveling with a mix of ages, it’s useful to have someone who can tell stories, keep the mood up, and keep things moving. One family situation included both teens and a 7-year-old, and the day worked because the captain stayed entertaining while still managing the boat like a pro.

Snorkeling gear included: how to get the most out of your swim time

You don’t have to pack snorkeling gear. The trip includes snorkeling equipment, so you can show up, get fitted, and spend more time in the water and less time shopping for gear.

Because you’re on a private charter, the snorkeling experience has more flexibility than standard group trips. Your captain can choose snorkeling spots based on the day’s conditions, and that typically leads to a better experience than a one-size-fits-all schedule.

Here’s how to make it work in real life:

• Go in when you’re comfortable with the water temperature.
• Use the included gear first so you don’t spend the day fiddling.
• If you get tired, switch to floating and taking photos rather than forcing a long swim.

Also, remember you’re on a sailboat. The day includes movement, sun, and wind. If you’re prone to getting seasick, your best tool is planning: stay hydrated, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and avoid arriving hungry. (Even with smooth seas, boats can still feel different from land.)

Drinks, rum punch, and the lunch reality check

Food and drink are part of what makes this day feel like a luxury outing, not a rushed excursion.

Included refreshments include water and ice, soda/pop, beer, and Seas the Day Rum Punch / signature rum punch. Alcohol is listed for guests 18+, so keep that in mind if you’re bringing teens who want the full experience.

What’s not included is lunch. That’s an important detail for budgeting, because a 7-hour day can easily turn into a hunger situation at the wrong time.

The smartest approach is to plan for lunch in one of two ways:

• Eat before you board, then snack lightly until you’re ready to grab lunch on your own.
• Or, budget for a lunch stop during the day and coordinate with the crew if you want guidance on where to eat nearby.

Because lunch isn’t included, the value question becomes: are you getting enough time on the water to make the boat cost worth it? For most people who book this style of private sail, the answer is yes, because you’re paying for space, comfort, crew attention, and a day that feels tailored to your group’s pace.

Price and value: when $4,995 per group makes sense

At $4,995 per group (up to 15), this is not an economy move. It’s a splurge. But it can also be a good value if your group sizes up the way the boat is designed to work.

Think about what you’re buying:

• A private experience (only your group participates)
• Captain and first-mate fees included
• Drinks included (water/ice, soda/pop, beer, and signature rum punch for 18+)
• Snorkeling gear included
• A modern, comfortable boat setup with a private bathroom

Now compare that to the real cost of doing a “cheaper” group boat plus buying drinks plus paying for gear plus losing time to crowding. A cheaper tour can start feeling expensive once you add everything. Here, you’re getting the essentials handled upfront.

This charter also works best when you’re not trying to squeeze in strangers. If you’re booking for a family celebration, a group of friends, or a multi-generation crew, you’ll likely appreciate how the private format changes everything from pacing to comfort.

One more thing to confirm when you book: the advertised capacity can reach 24 guests across two catamarans, but the listed price is per group up to 15. If you’re traveling with more people, ask how the boats will be allocated so you know everyone gets the experience you’re planning for.

Weather and seas: how to plan without stressing

This trip requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right kind of policy for a sail day, because wind and sea state can change quickly around the islands.

Even when the weather is good, St. Thomas is still ocean. If you’re sensitive, take the usual precautions: hydrate, keep your eyes steady, and don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach. The included beer and rum punch are a nice touch, but you’ll enjoy them more if you treat them like part of a long day, not the start of it.

The good news is that the experience is set up for comfort. With space on deck, shaded seating, and a bathroom onboard, you’re not stuck suffering through the day if conditions make the boat rock a bit.

Who should book this private catamaran day

This works especially well if you want:

• A private day on the water without waiting for a big group
• Comfort perks like shaded seating and a private bathroom
• Included snorkeling gear and drinks
• A crew that keeps things safe while still making the day fun

It can also be a smart choice for mixed-age groups. A captain who can tell stories and keep the vibe going helps teens and kids handle the long day more easily.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you mainly want a quick snorkel, you might find the price hard to justify. In that case, you might prefer a shared tour or a shorter activity with fewer included perks. But if your group wants the full luxury day experience, this is built for that.

Should you book this charter?

Book it if your group wants a real private day with room to lounge, easy snorkeling with gear provided, and a crew that focuses on safety and good island time. The included drinks and crew fees also help the math feel less painful than it first looks.

Skip or rethink it if you’re booking for a small party and you’re expecting a low-cost option. This is priced for groups, and the value is strongest when you fill the space and actually use what’s included: the comfort, the bathroom, the snorkeling, and the captain-led routing.

One last tip: if you care about timing for swimming and photos, tell your group up front to plan where they’ll spend time onboard. With bow sun and shaded cockpit options, you can create a day that feels like two trips at once without fighting for space.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran trip?

The trip lasts about 7 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight. It is described as being within easy walking distance from the WICO cruise ship dock.

What time does the trip start?

Start time is 9:00 am local St. Thomas time.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What is included in the price?

Included items listed are soda/pop, beer and Argo’s signature rum punch for guests 18+, and snorkeling equipment. The all-inclusive package also covers captain and first-mate fees.

Is the experience private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can go on the catamarans?

The two Lagoon catamarans together can accommodate up to 24 guests.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes. The yachts include a private full bathroom.

What if the weather is poor?

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

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

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