SPECIAL – (Up to 4 Passengers) All Inclusive Day Sail

St John’s best scenery is often found from the water, and this private 40-foot sailing trip gives your group a peaceful way to see it. You’ll leave Cruz Bay, set a course along the protected western shore, and stop at quiet bays and beaches for snorkeling, swimming, lunch, and sun.

I like two things right away: the group size is limited to four, and nearly everything is included. Fuel, lunch, snorkeling gear, drinks, taxes, and captain fees are covered. The main consideration is the price, which is high for a five-hour outing, and the supplied details show both a group price of $1,346.67 and a separate $755 price, so confirm the amount before booking.

Key points to know before you sail

• Private sailing for up to four: Your party has the boat to itself, with no larger crowd competing for deck space or snorkel time.
• Two water stops: The plan includes a first protected bay for snorkeling and a second stop for more sea life, swimming, and beach time.
• Sea turtles are a daily possibility: The crew specifically aims to swim with turtles, though wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
• A real sailing option: You may relax in the sun or take the helm while Captain Mike teaches basic sailing.
• All-inclusive drinks and lunch: The package covers a full deli lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, mocktails, and an open bar.
• Back in Cruz Bay after about five hours: The schedule leaves room for an afternoon drink or more time exploring St John.

Leaving Cruz Bay for a quieter side of St John

The day begins at the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay. This is a useful meeting point because Cruz Bay is the island’s main arrival and activity center, and the boat returns there at the end of the trip.

Once underway, the setting changes quickly. The western shoreline of St John is protected, so the route is planned around calmer water rather than an ambitious open-ocean crossing. That matters if you want a relaxed day of swimming and sailing instead of a rough ride packed with constant movement.

You can stretch out, sunbathe, or simply watch the coast from the deck. If you have always wanted to try sailing, Captain Mike may let you take the helm and explain the basics. One of the strongest personal touches in the available feedback is his willingness to teach, not just steer the boat and pour drinks.

This is a private activity, so the pace can feel more personal than a standard catamaran excursion. Your group can spend more time in the water if conditions and the captain’s schedule allow, or stay aboard if someone prefers to enjoy the view without snorkeling.

The first anchorage, snorkeling without pressure

The first stop is planned at a protected bay near one of the surrounding cays. The crew fits you with snorkeling equipment before you enter the water, which is helpful if you do not travel with your own mask, snorkel, or related gear.

The outing is described as suitable for different snorkeling skill levels. That does not mean every part of the water will feel identical for every swimmer, but the protected setting and crew assistance should make this a more approachable option than an exposed reef trip.

The main attraction is the chance to see tropical sea life in clear Caribbean water. Sea turtles are a central part of the promise here, and the crew says they encounter them daily. One account describes seeing a turtle while snorkeling, which gives you a realistic idea of what can happen. Still, treat turtles as a welcome possibility rather than a guarantee. They are wild animals, and water conditions can change.

If one person in your group is a strong swimmer and another is cautious, the private format helps. A confident snorkeler can spend time in the water while someone else stays aboard, swims near the boat, or enjoys the sun. Since the boat is reserved for your party, you are not forced to match the pace of a large group.

The second stop, more swimming and a sandy shoreline

After the first water stop, the boat continues to a second location. The plan is to give you another chance to swim with sea life and explore a white sandy beach.

That second stop adds variety. Five hours can feel repetitive if you remain in one bay, but two anchorages let you see different stretches of the coast and break up the day. You might spend the first stop focused on snorkeling, then use the second for a longer swim, beach time, or a slower lunch break.

The wording around the exact bays and cays is flexible. The captain chooses among several nearby options, which is useful because the best stop depends on wind, sea conditions, and the day’s route. It also means you should not book this expecting a fixed list of named beaches.

The beach time is a strong fit for anyone who wants a mix of activity and rest. You can get in the water, look for marine life, walk along the sand, or stay aboard. Towels are not supplied, so bring your own. That small detail matters on a day built around swimming.

Lunch and an open bar, with most costs covered

A full gourmet deli lunch is included, with selections made before the sail. This is more practical than stopping at a restaurant mid-day, since your time stays focused on the water and the route does not depend on finding a place open at a particular hour.

The meal is paired with snacks, bottled water, soda, juice, mocktails, and a full open bar with island cocktails. Fuel, taxes, other listed fees, and captain fees are also included. You do not need to calculate a fuel surcharge or customs payment on the published local US Virgin Islands route.

The open bar can make the trip feel like a private celebration, but I would treat it as an option rather than the point of the day. The strongest parts of the outing are the quiet anchorages, swimming, and time with the captain. If you plan to drink alcohol, remember that the boat still involves swimming and movement on deck. Pace yourself and keep water nearby.

The lunch arrangement requires attention before departure. You are asked to select from the deli menu ahead of time, so complete that step carefully. The supplied information does not list the menu, dietary choices, or the exact lunch format, so ask the operator if your group has allergies or special food needs.

Captain Mike, Bridget, and the value of a small crew

Captain Mike is the named captain associated with the trip, and Bridget is also part of the operating team. The available feedback gives Captain Mike particular credit for being accommodating, fun, and willing to teach sailing fundamentals. His local knowledge is another reason this trip can feel more personal than a simple boat transfer.

That human element matters. A private sail can be expensive, but the captain’s role is not limited to getting you from one bay to another. You are paying for route choices, local judgment, boat handling, safety oversight, equipment, meals, and hospitality in a small setting.

One account also describes a longer outing with Captain Mike, Bridget, and their young son that included the British Virgin Islands, Foxy’s, and Soggy Dollar. Do not assume that route is part of this five-hour package. The published plan here stays in US Virgin Islands waters, with no customs or immigration fees, and is designed to return to Cruz Bay in time for the afternoon. If visiting the British Virgin Islands is important to you, ask directly before booking because that would involve a different route and likely different timing.

What the $1,346.67 price means for your group

The stated price is $1,346.67 per group of up to four. Divided evenly, that works out to about $337 per person for four people. That is a lot for a half-day, but it includes private use of the boat rather than four individual seats on a larger cruise.

Fuel, the captain, taxes, lunch, snacks, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included. There are also no additional customs or immigration charges on the local USVI plan. Those inclusions reduce the surprise costs that can appear on boating days.

However, the supplied details also describe the all-inclusive price as $755. That conflicts with the stated booking price of $1,346.67. Prices can change, and the two figures may refer to different arrangements, but you should not guess. Confirm the total group price, what date it applies to, and whether any booking fees appear at checkout.

The value is strongest when four people share the boat and want privacy. For a couple, the same group price is harder to justify unless the private setting, open bar, and flexible pace are especially important. If you mainly want a quick snorkel and beach stop at the lowest cost, a larger shared excursion may suit you better.

Timing, swimming, and practical comfort

The trip lasts about five hours and returns to Cruz Bay. The schedule is deliberately relaxed, yet it is arranged to finish with time for an afternoon happy hour or further island exploring.

That timing works well if you are staying on St John and want to combine sailing with dinner, shopping, or a second activity. It also gives you a clear stopping point rather than committing your whole day to the boat.

You should be comfortable around water, although the activity states that most people can participate and offers snorkeling for different skill levels. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Pickup is offered, but confirm the exact pickup area and timing when you book.

Bring a towel, since towels are not included. You will also want practical swimwear, sun protection, and a dry place for anything you do not want splashed. Those last items are common sense for a sail, but they matter more here because the itinerary centers on two water stops.

The boat is a 40-foot sailboat, not a floating resort. Space is private but still limited, so pack lightly. If someone in your group dislikes sun, wind, or time on the water, discuss that before paying for a private charter.

Who will get the most from this private sail

I would recommend this trip for a family or group of friends who want the boat to themselves and value a slower pace. It is also a good match for people who want a first taste of sailing, since Captain Mike may explain the fundamentals and allow you to take the helm.

Snorkelers of mixed ability should appreciate the choice between active water time and relaxing aboard. The possibility of seeing turtles adds excitement without making the entire outing depend on a single wildlife sighting.

This is less suitable if your main goal is a long sailing passage, a guaranteed visit to a named beach, or a full-day trip to the British Virgin Islands. It is also not the obvious bargain for only one or two people, unless you place a high value on privacy and the all-inclusive setup.

The private format can work well for a special occasion, but the boat’s small scale means you should be honest about your group’s comfort. A quiet private sail is wonderful when everyone likes the water. It is less rewarding when one person wants a high-energy party and another wants to stay dry.

Booking details that deserve a close look

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so check your dates carefully before paying.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The activity returns to the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay. Since pickup is offered, clarify whether it applies to your lodging area and how the meeting arrangement works. The published start and end point is the ferry terminal.

Should you book Morningstar Sailing and Power Charters?

Book it if you want a private, small-group day on the water with two snorkel stops, a chance to see sea turtles, a full lunch, and an open bar. Captain Mike’s hands-on sailing instruction and local route knowledge add real value for anyone who wants more than a basic boat ride.

Think twice if you are price-sensitive, traveling as only one or two people, or hoping for a guaranteed British Virgin Islands itinerary. Before booking, resolve the conflicting $755 and $1,346.67 prices, ask about the lunch menu, confirm pickup, and make sure your group is comfortable with the strict no-refund rule.

For four people who want privacy and a calm St John sailing day, this can be a very appealing splurge. Just treat the exact route, wildlife sightings, and weather as flexible parts of the adventure.

FAQ

Where does the sailing start?

The listed meeting point is the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, St John, USVI.

Where does the sailing end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Cruz Bay.

How long does the trip last?

The sailing lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private sail?

The listed special price covers a private group of up to four passengers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full gourmet deli lunch is included, and you choose your selection before the sail.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes an open bar with island cocktails, mocktails, soda, juices, bottled water, and other drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the trip offers snorkeling options for different skill levels.