Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

The best thing about this St. Thomas charter is control. You get a private 47-foot catamaran, your own captain and mate, and a day shaped around your group rather than a fixed boat schedule. You might snorkel with turtles and rays, stop at Honeymoon Beach, visit Shipwreck Cove, or simply stretch out on the deck with music and a rum punch.

I like the small private setting, especially for families or groups who do not want another crowded cruise excursion. I also like the flexible route. Captains such as AnneMarie, JP, Megan, Christian, Lindsey, and Darren have been praised for adjusting the day to match the group, including finding calmer coves and quieter swimming spots.

The main consideration is price. At $1,495 for up to 12 people, this is costly for two or three passengers, but it becomes a fairer deal when divided among a full group. Lunch is not included, and the boat does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 47-foot Leopard catamaran: S/Y Pisces has a salon, broad back deck, bow seating, bean bags, and two trampolines.
• Your captain helps plan the route: Possible stops include St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, and a quiet cay.
• Snorkeling gear and floats are included: You can look for turtles, rays, coral, and tropical fish without bringing your own equipment.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Bottled Virgin H2O, soda, beer, and the signature Seas the Day rum punch are provided.
• The price works best for a group: The $1,495 rate covers up to 12 people, not each individual.
• Lunch requires a separate plan: Bring or arrange food through one of the available shore locations, since lunch is not included.

A private day aboard S/Y Pisces

S/Y Pisces is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran designed for relaxed group time on the water. The salon opens onto a large back deck with comfortable seating, giving you shade and a place to settle in between swims.

The bow is the social area. Bean bag chairs make it easy to lounge, and two large trampolines give your group room to talk, sunbathe, or watch for turtles. These forward nets can be a great place to feel the breeze, though anyone uneasy with open water may prefer the more secure seating on the deck.

The boat has a JBL sound system with Bluetooth. You can connect your phone and play your own music, a small detail that matters on a seven-hour private outing. You control the mood, from quiet conversation to a family playlist.

A restroom is available onboard. That is useful during a full day at sea, especially with children or older family members. Snorkeling equipment and floats are also supplied, so you do not need to rent basic gear separately.

How the flexible itinerary works

This is not a sightseeing boat with a rigid list of timed stops. You and the captain decide how to use the day. The route can include harbors and islands around St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, and possibly a quieter cay.

That flexibility is valuable because conditions and crowd levels can affect the best place to swim. Captains have adjusted routes to avoid busy areas and have suggested stops based on what each group wanted most. If your priority is turtles, tell the captain early. If you want beach time, say so before the route is set. If your group mainly wants to relax on the boat, you do not need to pack the day with activities.

A full-day charter commonly starts at 9 a.m. and runs about seven hours. Starting times are more flexible for a private full-day trip, but all times use local island time. A half-day option is available for people with limited time or for cruise ship passengers who want a shorter outing.

Keep expectations sensible. The boat may visit several locations, but the final route depends on weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment. The advertised possibilities are not a guarantee that every island or cay will be visited.

Snorkeling for turtles, rays, and reef fish

Snorkeling is the central activity, and the supplied gear makes it simple to get in the water. Past outings have included multiple snorkeling locations, with sightings of sea turtles, stingrays, coral, and schools of fish.

Turtle watching has been a particular highlight. At some locations, turtles have been seen moving through seagrass, while rays and fish appeared around the reef areas. The crew may enter the water with you or point out places where marine life is likely to be found. Darren, one of the crew members named in the trip accounts, even filmed a sea turtle eating grass from roughly 25 to 30 feet below the surface.

The exact wildlife cannot be promised. Marine animals move freely, and visibility changes. Still, the private format gives you more freedom than a large group boat. You can spend longer at a place your group enjoys, or move on if the water is not giving you much to see.

Floats are included for people who want to rest in the water without snorkeling the entire time. This helps make the outing work for mixed groups, where some people want to search for fish and others prefer easy swimming.

Beaches, coves, and island stops

Honeymoon Beach on Water Island has been a popular stop for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. It offers a sandy break from the boat and gives children or less confident swimmers a change of setting.

Shipwreck Cove has also been included on some customized outings. A stop like this can add variety to the day, especially if your group wants more than one snorkeling area. Other itineraries have visited two islands and several swimming locations.

The phrase secret cay should be treated as a possibility, not a promise. The captain may know a quiet place suitable for the day’s conditions, but the route is not fixed. That is part of the appeal and also part of the uncertainty.

If you want substantial beach time, tell the captain when you meet. A day split between several snorkel stops, a beach, and time under sail can feel full without feeling rushed. If you prefer a long lunch and a slow afternoon, the captain can shape the schedule differently.

What the crew adds to the experience

The captain and first mate do more than steer the boat and hand out drinks. They help you choose stops, explain local history, assist with snorkeling, and keep an eye on the group.

Captain AnneMarie has been associated with several Pisces trips, often alongside crew members such as Lindsey, Darren, Liv, Ro, Alicia, Selena, Alex, and Coleman. Crew assignments can change, so you should not book expecting a particular person. The important point is the service model: the crew is there for your group rather than managing a large open boat.

Families have found the setup workable for a wide age range, from a two-year-old to adults in their seventies. One group of 10 appreciated having room to spread out after spending time on a packed cruise ship. That private space can make a major difference when your party includes children, grandparents, or people with different energy levels.

The crew has also helped with practical problems. In one case, Captain JP assisted when a taxi was delayed by a parade. That should not be treated as guaranteed transportation, but it shows why direct communication with the operator matters if your arrival plans change.

Drinks, music, and the rhythm of the day

The fare includes bottled water from Virgin H2O, soda, beer, and the signature Seas the Day rum punch. Lindsey and Kayli have received special praise for keeping the rum punch flowing, but drink service depends on your crew and the length of the outing.

The drinks help make the boat feel like a private floating lounge, but you should still plan for sun, salt water, and activity. If you are snorkeling several times, alternate drinks with water. Bring any personal snacks or special beverages your group requires, since the listed inclusions are limited.

Bluetooth music is another pleasant touch. You can bring a playlist that suits your group, though the best volume will depend on the captain and the mood of the people onboard. The boat is built for conversation as much as entertainment.

Lunch is the main extra cost

Lunch is not included in the $1,495 charter price. You may be able to buy food at a shore location, with Honeymoon Beach and Dinghy’s mentioned as possible stops in past itineraries.

This is worth planning before departure. A full day in the sun creates a real appetite, and a group of 12 needs more food than a couple does. Ask the operator what food options fit your planned route, or bring snacks your group can easily manage onboard if permitted.

The omission is not a deal breaker, but it affects the true cost. Add lunch, transportation if needed, and any gratuity you plan to provide when comparing this with other private charters. The crew has noted that gratuities supplement their income, so you should budget for one if service is good.

Is $1,495 a good value?

The $1,495 price covers the yacht for up to 12 people. It is not a per-person fare. With 12 passengers, the base cost works out to about $125 per person. With six people, it is about $249 per person. For two people, the price is difficult to justify unless privacy and a custom schedule matter more to you than keeping costs low.

The value improves when you have a large family or a group of friends. You receive the boat, captain, first mate, snorkeling equipment, floats, drinks, Bluetooth audio, and onboard restroom in one private booking. You also avoid sharing the route with strangers.

A large group should still discuss the cost honestly. The yacht may hold 12, but the experience is best when everyone agrees on the basic plan. If half the group wants a beach day and the other half wants nonstop snorkeling, the captain can help, but no itinerary will make every person happy every minute.

For cruise ship passengers, timing is especially important. The meeting point is at the WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight, near the R Bar drink kiosk by the Yacht Haven Grande welcome archway. Meet 15 minutes before departure.

If your ship arrives at Crown Bay Marina, allow about 15 minutes each way by taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. If you arrive at Havensight, you may not need a taxi at all. Confirm your ship’s docking location before booking, and allow extra time to return to the ship after the charter.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families who want a private boat and room for different ages
• Groups of friends who want music, drinks, swimming, and beach time
• Cruise ship passengers docking at Havensight with enough time for a half-day outing
• Snorkelers who want several locations rather than one scheduled stop
• People who dislike crowded group excursions
• Groups willing to divide the cost among several passengers

This is less suitable for a couple on a tight budget. It may also disappoint you if you expect a guaranteed trip to a particular island, a catered lunch, or a visit to the British Virgin Islands. The charter does not visit the BVI.

Service animals are allowed, and the operator states that most people can participate. The boat is near public transportation, but transportation from Crown Bay is your responsibility.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, using local island time as the cutoff.

Within 24 hours, cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. That policy matters if your cruise schedule is uncertain, so confirm your port and timing before the deadline.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a phone or camera that can handle water. The operator supplies water, soda, beer, rum punch, snorkeling equipment, and floats, but lunch remains your responsibility. Since the day is mostly outdoors, a hat and cover-up will make time between swims more comfortable.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The full-day charter lasts approximately seven hours. A half-day charter is also available, with the exact duration and departure time determined by the option you select.

How many people can join the charter?

The $1,495 price covers one private group of up to 12 people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande welcome archway at the WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight, St. Thomas. The meeting address is 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61.

What drinks and equipment are included?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled Virgin H2O, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch. A restroom is also available onboard.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, but food can be purchased at several locations during the day, depending on your planned route.

Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. This charter does not visit the BVI. Possible destinations include areas around St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, and possibly a quiet cay.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, while weather cancellations offer a different date or full refund.

Should you book S/Y Pisces?

Book this charter if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want your own day on the water. The private boat, flexible route, snorkeling gear, floats, drinks, and roomy deck create a far more personal outing than a standard group cruise.

I would be especially inclined to book it for a family reunion, a group of friends, or cruise passengers with a full day in Havensight. Confirm your dock, plan for lunch, and tell the captain what matters most before leaving the harbor. If you do that, the charter gives you a strong chance at a relaxed St. Thomas day built around your group rather than a timetable.