Days End Sunset Sail from the Westin at Frenchman’s Reef

The best part of this sail is the setting: you leave The Westin at Frenchman’s Reef, settle onto a large catamaran, and watch St. Thomas turn gold as the sun drops. The Flying Frenchman is new and spacious, with room to move around, find a view, and take photos.

I like the smooth ride and the easy all-inclusive feel. Drinks, snacks, and sunset views are built into the 90-minute outing, so you can relax instead of watching the clock. Crew members are friendly and attentive, and Elijah earns special praise for making the ride memorable.

The main consideration is the mood. This is a peaceful sunset sail, not a loud party boat. The food is simple hors d’oeuvres rather than a wine-tasting spread, and the barefoot boat policy means you’ll leave your shoes at the dock.

Key points to know before you book

• New catamaran: The Flying Frenchman entered service in 2024 and is described as spotless, spacious, and luxurious.
• Calm sunset setting: The sail is designed for quiet views, conversation, photos, and a gentle Caribbean breeze.
• Open bar included: Alcoholic drinks are part of the price, with crew service on deck.
• Food is casual: Expect chef-selected snacks, sandwiches, hummus, potato salad, and similar light bites, not a full dinner.
• Barefoot boat: Shoes must be left at the dock, so wear something easy to remove.
• Good for mixed ages: Families ranging from children to older adults have enjoyed the experience, with a maximum of 80 people.

Leaving Frenchman’s Reef as the light softens

The sail begins at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa, at 5 Estate Bakkeroe. This location makes the cruise especially handy if you are staying at the resort, but it also works for visitors coming from elsewhere on the island.

Outside visitors can park at the hotel for $10 per vehicle. You purchase parking at the front desk, a small but important detail to handle before heading down to the boat. The meeting point and return point are the same, which keeps the evening simple.

Once aboard, you’ll notice the barefoot policy. Leave your shoes at the dock and enjoy the boat as intended. This is useful to know before you arrive, especially if you are wearing elaborate sandals, high heels, or shoes you would rather not leave behind.

The Flying Frenchman is a luxury sailing catamaran, not a small open skiff. That matters in two ways. First, a catamaran gives you a broad deck and several places to stand or sit. Second, the two hulls generally make for a steady ride, though you are still on the sea and should be ready for some motion.

The boat can carry up to 80 people. That is a fairly large group for a sunset outing, so do not expect a private cruise. The wide design helps prevent the boat from feeling cramped, but your ideal seat or photo position may not be available if you arrive late.

A 90-minute route built around the sunset

The exact sailing route is not spelled out, so you should think of this as a scenic cruise rather than a stop-by-stop island tour. The point is the changing view from the water, the sunset, and the relaxed time aboard.

During the first part of the trip, the crew gets drinks and snacks moving while the boat leaves Frenchman’s Reef. You can get settled, look back toward the resort and St. Thomas, and take in the island from a different angle.

As the catamaran reaches open water, the experience becomes less about the departure point and more about the horizon. You may find yourself wandering from one side of the boat to the other, looking for the clearest view. One particularly useful detail from the experience is the amount of room available on deck, which makes it easier to switch sides for photographs or simply find a quieter place to sit.

The sunset itself is never guaranteed to be a clear orange ball dropping into the sea. Clouds and wind can alter the show. That is not necessarily bad. Cloud cover can produce layers of pink, purple, and gold, and one outing still offered a beautiful sky despite clouds interrupting the direct sunset view.

You may also see wildlife. Turtles were spotted during one sail, but wildlife sightings are not promised. Bring your camera, but keep your expectations sensible. The boat provides the setting, not a guaranteed nature tour.

The final part of the cruise brings you back to The Westin. Since the entire outing lasts about an hour and a half, it fits neatly before dinner or after a day at the beach. You return to the same meeting point rather than arranging a second pickup.

The Flying Frenchman gives you room to relax

The boat is a major part of the value here. It is described as a new, state-of-the-art catamaran that went into operation in February 2024. A clean, modern boat can make a short cruise feel special, and the large layout gives you more freedom than a basic sightseeing vessel.

I would not choose this trip if you want a small, intimate sailing yacht with only a handful of people. But if you want space, stable footing, and a boat that feels polished, the Flying Frenchman is a strong fit.

The ride has also worked well for people prone to motion sickness. One passenger with that concern had no trouble on the main deck. You should still use your own judgment, since sea conditions change, but staying on the main deck appears to be a sensible choice if you are sensitive to movement.

The crew adds much of the warmth. They are described as friendly, attentive, and eager to help. You may receive drinks at your seat, and the crew keeps an eye on the deck rather than leaving you to manage everything yourself.

The atmosphere includes music, with a playlist described as varied enough to encourage some foot tapping and even casual dancing. Still, the tone remains laid-back. If you want loud music, a party crowd, or a night built around dancing and drinking, you may find this cruise too quiet.

Open bar and snacks: know what $99 buys

The price is $99 per person. For that amount, you get the 90-minute sailing experience, alcoholic beverages from an open bar, and chef-selected hors d’oeuvres.

The drinks are one of the clearest strengths of the package. You can order during the sail, and the crew provides deck-side service. If you plan to have several drinks, the price may compare well with paying separately for a boat ride and beverages.

The snacks require a more careful explanation. They are meant to keep you comfortable during a short sunset sail, not replace dinner. Food served on different outings has included sandwiches, hummus, potato salad, crackers, and chicken salad. Some people found the appetizers tasty and generous enough for the occasion. Others expected cheese, charcuterie, or a more polished wine-tasting menu and felt let down.

That distinction is important. Book this as an open-bar sunset cruise with light food, not as a culinary sailing. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or plan dinner afterward. The 90-minute duration makes that easy.

There was also a complaint about limits on crackers and another concern about how gratuity was presented at the end. The operator says gratuity is customary and noted on booking confirmations, but you should still know that a tipping request may come up during the closing remarks. If you dislike surprises around tips, bring that possibility into your budget and ask questions before sailing.

The sunset is the star, even on cloudy evenings

Clear weather helps, but a perfect sunset is not required for a worthwhile ride. Cloudy skies can soften the light and spread color across the horizon. The water, breeze, and changing sky can still create a beautiful evening even when the sun itself disappears behind clouds.

This is one reason I like the format. You are not locked into a single viewpoint on land. On the water, you get a wider view of St. Thomas and the surrounding Caribbean, with fewer visual distractions. The island looks different from the deck of a sailing catamaran, especially as daylight fades.

Photo opportunities are plentiful. Take pictures early, while there is enough light for clear shots of the boat and island. Then put the camera away for a few minutes during the sunset itself. The deck, drinks, colorful sky, and silhouettes make good subjects, but you will enjoy the evening more if you are not watching the screen the entire time.

Wind can also change the feel of the cruise. A gentle breeze adds to the pleasure, while stronger wind may make the ride livelier. One outing had cloud cover and wind but still offered smooth sailing. Conditions are never fully within the operator’s control, which is why the weather policy allows a new date or full refund if poor weather forces cancellation.

This is a family-friendly sail, not a nightlife cruise

The age range can be broad. A family with members from eight to 72 years old had a good time, and the steady catamaran layout suits people who want a comfortable outing rather than an athletic water activity.

Couples will find the timing useful for a sunset date, especially if you are staying at Frenchman’s Reef. You get a scenic hour and a half without committing to a full evening at sea. The open bar adds a festive touch, but the setting remains calm enough for conversation.

Families should appreciate the simple plan: board, sail, snack, drink, take photos, and return to the same place. There is no complicated series of stops. Children may enjoy the boat and the views, but the experience is not built around games or active entertainment.

Solo visitors and small groups can also enjoy it, though the maximum capacity of 80 means the boat may feel social rather than secluded. Your experience will depend partly on the crowd and partly on how much you choose to move around the deck.

If you are looking for a party, choose something else. One person found the cruise too relaxed and wanted stronger music and more energy. That is a fair warning. The crew may keep the mood upbeat, but this is still a scenic sail first.

Practical details that affect your evening

You receive confirmation at booking, and the tour offers a mobile ticket. The activity is near public transportation, though no specific route or schedule is provided. Most people can participate, but the information does not promise wheelchair access or describe accommodations for particular mobility needs, so ask the operator if that matters for your group.

Wear clothing suited to a breeze and bring a light layer if you tend to get cool after sunset. Since shoes stay at the dock, choose comfortable clothes that work well barefoot. A camera or phone is worth bringing, along with a secure way to carry it.

Arrive with enough time to handle parking and the barefoot check-in. Outside parking costs $10 per vehicle and is paid at the hotel front desk. Staying at the resort makes the meeting point easier, but you still need to allow time to reach the dock.

The booking policy is fairly flexible if plans change. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Who should book the Days End Sunset Sail?

I would book this for a couple wanting an easy sunset outing, a family seeking a low-effort activity, or anyone who values a new boat, open bar, and broad island views. The $99 price makes the most sense when you plan to use the drinks and want the convenience of snacks included.

I would skip it if your main goal is a full meal, a formal wine tasting, a private sail, or a high-energy party. The food is modest, the group can be large, and the music is not the main event.

For the best fit, think of the cruise as a comfortable floating lounge with sails, not a nightclub or dinner boat. If that sounds like your kind of evening, the Flying Frenchman offers a pleasant way to close out a day in St. Thomas.

FAQ

Where does the Days End Sunset Sail depart?

The sail departs from The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa at 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa.

How long does the sunset sail last?

The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What is included in the $99 price?

The price includes chef-selected hors d’oeuvres and an open bar with alcoholic beverages.

Is parking included?

No. Outside visitors can park at the hotel for $10 per vehicle. Parking must be purchased at the hotel front desk.

Do I need to wear shoes on the boat?

No. This is a barefoot boat, so you must leave your shoes at the dock.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.