Private Power Catamaran. Secluded Beaches, Snorkeling, Turtles for Full/Half Day

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is control. You get a private 32-foot power catamaran for your own group, then work with the captain to shape the day around snorkeling, beaches, turtles, or simple time on the water. Captain Mike, Aaron, Tim, or Kirk may be at the helm.

I like the boat’s wide, steady design and its large shaded area. I also like the flexible stops: you can look for turtles, shift snorkeling spots if weather changes, or settle into a quiet cove with a cold drink. The main drawback is cost. At $1,050 for up to 10 people, it is good value for a full group, but less so for only two or three people. Fuel, lunch, and alcohol cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat from Sapphire Beach Marina: Your group shares the boat only with the captain, plus a mate for larger groups.
• A 32-foot power catamaran: The wide hull gives you a steadier ride, with about two-thirds of the deck shaded.
• Your day can change with conditions: The captain can shift snorkeling locations when weather or water conditions call for it.
• Turtles and reef snorkeling: The planned style of the outing includes clear, warm water, coral reefs, and chances to swim near sea turtles.
• Full-day lunch option: A longer charter leaves time for a restaurant or other lunch stop, with the captain helping explain the choices.
• Bring the right budget: Water, ice, snorkeling gear, the captain, and a mate for larger groups are included. Fuel, lunch, and alcohol are not.

Starting at Sapphire Beach Marina

Your day begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, at 6720 Smith Bay Road in Smith Bay, St. Thomas. The charter returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup from another harbor at the end.

That marina location matters. Sapphire Beach is a useful base for reaching the surrounding waters, and the boat can get you away from the busy parts of the island quickly. The marina is also near public transportation, though you should still allow enough time to arrive without rushing. A boat day starts better when you are at the dock early and ready to go.

The outing lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes for the listed full-day version. A half-day or shorter option may be available, but confirm the exact length and price when booking. The information provided describes both a full and half-day charter, while the main duration is listed as approximately six and a half hours.

What the power catamaran means for your day

The boat is described as a 32-foot power catamaran called Shady Lady. Another part of the operating information refers to the boat as Island Girl, so I would confirm the boat name when you book. The useful part is the design: a catamaran has two hulls and a broad beam, giving you more room and usually a steadier feel than a narrow monohull.

About two-thirds of the deck is shaded. That is a major plus in the Caribbean sun, especially on a charter lasting most of the day. You can sit out in the sun when you want a warm-up after swimming, then move under cover when the heat catches up with you.

The shaded space also makes the boat more practical for mixed groups. One person can relax with a drink while another snorkels, and children or older family members can spend part of the day out of direct sun. Still, this is a boat outing, not a lounge chair beside a pool. You should be comfortable boarding, moving around the deck, and getting in and out of the water. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

The built-in coolers hold ice, and bottled water is included. You may bring up the music on the boat’s 2,000-watt stereo system, which gives the charter a more personal feel than a standard sightseeing cruise. If you prefer quiet water and island sounds, you can also ask the captain to keep the music low.

Letting the captain shape the route

The charter is private, so you are not locked into a fixed route with a boatload of strangers. You can tell the captain what matters most, and the captain can help build a sensible plan from there.

That flexibility is especially useful in the Virgin Islands. Wind, clouds, rain, boat traffic, and water conditions can change the best place to snorkel from one day to the next. One group’s planned snorkeling stop changed because of weather, and the new location produced an unexpected sighting of two nurse sharks. That is a good reason to avoid treating your itinerary as a rigid checklist.

Captains Mike, Aaron, Tim, and Kirk are all connected with the charter operation. The information provided also names Deb and Cindy as crew members on particular outings. Captain Aaron received repeated praise for being helpful with both adults and children, while Captain Kirk was singled out for interesting stories and for adjusting a shorter three-hour outing after rain disrupted the original date.

You can ask for a day centered on snorkeling, beach hopping, wildlife, or a slower cruise. You can also combine all four, though a full day still has limits. The more stops you request, the more time you spend motoring between them and getting people in and out of the water. I would choose two or three priorities rather than trying to see every possible beach.

Snorkeling reefs, turtles, and changing conditions

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to book this boat. Equipment is supplied, along with water and ice, so you do not need to rent basic gear separately. The advertised plan focuses on clear, warm water, coral reefs, and the chance to swim with turtles.

The reef stops are not presented as a guaranteed wildlife show. That is important. Turtles, rays, starfish, and nurse sharks have appeared on different outings, but marine life is wild and conditions can change. The captain can suggest another site if a first stop is affected by weather or water conditions.

Several specific sightings add color to what you might encounter: large sea turtles, starfish, rays, and two nurse sharks. One outing also included a goat resting on the rocks, a reminder that the day is not limited to what lies below the surface.

Plan your energy carefully. Snorkeling is active, and repeated swims can tire you out faster than expected in the sun. If your group includes mixed swimming abilities, tell the captain early. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, but the supplied information does not describe flotation vests, so ask what safety gear is available if anyone is not a confident swimmer.

Beach hopping and quiet coves

The captain can take you from one attractive beach to another, including beaches that feel quieter than the island’s main public spots. The appeal is not only the sand. A private boat lets you see the shoreline from the water and choose how long to stay at each stop.

You might spend one stop swimming, another snorkeling, and another simply floating on the provided noodles with a cold drink. That rhythm works well for a family group because not everyone has to be active at the same time.

The tradeoff is that the exact beaches are not promised in advance. The route depends on your wishes and on the day’s conditions. If there is one beach you have your heart set on, mention it during booking and again when you meet the captain. Otherwise, give the captain room to select the best available combination.

This is also where the private format earns its price. On a shared boat, you follow the group’s timetable. Here, you can leave a stop when you are ready or stay longer if everyone is enjoying the water. For a group of eight or ten, that control can feel worth more than a small difference in the base fare.

The full-day lunch stop

A full-day charter leaves time for lunch. The meal is not included, but the captain can help you choose among the available options and build the stop into the route.

That arrangement is practical because you do not need to pack a complicated meal for a long boat day. It also means you should budget for the restaurant or food stop in addition to the $1,050 charter price. Alcohol is also extra. The operator can obtain alcoholic drinks for an additional charge, but they are not part of the standard package.

Ask about lunch plans before departure. You will want to know whether your group prefers a sit-down stop or a quicker meal, and how much time you want to give up from the water. One outing included a floating pizza place, while another stopped for lunch at Lovongo. Those examples show that lunch can become part of the fun rather than simply a break from it.

A half-day charter is less suited to a full lunch stop. If food is a priority, choose the longer option and confirm the schedule.

Music, shade, and the social side of the boat

The boat’s sound system is part of the atmosphere. Your group can play its own music while motoring between stops, which can make the outing feel like a private celebration rather than a standard excursion.

This works particularly well for families with older children and teenagers. Two teenagers on one outing kept their own music going, and several families described the boat day as the high point of their St. Thomas visit. The captain can also keep the mood calmer if your group wants conversation and scenery.

The crew’s role is not limited to steering. Captain Aaron was especially good with a seven-year-old child on a sunset cruise, while Captain Mike helped another group plan a day after they simply let him choose the route. Captain Kirk handled a shortened charter with a full sightseeing program and shared stories along the way.

Do not expect a formal lecture at every stop. The style is more personal and conversational, with the captain pointing out landmarks and adding local context as you cruise.

Price, group size, and real value

The price is $1,050 per group of up to 10 people. For ten people, that works out to $105 per person before fuel, food, or drinks. For six people, it is $175 each. For two people, the same private rate is a much bigger commitment.

That is why this charter makes the most financial sense for a family reunion, a group of friends, or a cruise group that wants the boat to itself. The privacy, flexible route, captain, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and ice are all part of the package. A mate is included for larger groups, which can help with equipment and general support.

Fuel is extra, and the supplied details do not state the fuel charge. Ask for the expected amount before you commit. Lunch and alcohol are also outside the base price, so the final cost can be noticeably higher than the headline figure.

The charter is booked an average of 94 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill early. I would reserve well before your trip, especially if your group needs a particular day or if you are visiting from a cruise ship with limited time.

Weather, cancellation, and practical limits

This outing requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The policy is fair for a weather-dependent boat trip, but it makes timing important. Keep an eye on the forecast and avoid waiting until the last moment to change plans if your schedule is flexible.

The activity ends back at Sapphire Beach Marina. Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation is provided when you book. Since only your group participates, the captain can adapt the pace to your interests, but you still need to be ready for sun, salt water, boat movement, and several hours outdoors.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter

I would recommend this charter most strongly to groups of five to ten people who want a private day and can agree on a loose plan. It suits families, groups celebrating a birthday, and people who care more about swimming and shoreline time than a formal sightseeing program.

It is also a strong pick for groups with teenagers. The music, room to move, snorkeling, beaches, and ability to choose the stops give younger passengers more ownership of the day. Families with younger children may appreciate the shade and the captain’s ability to adjust the pace, but should ask about available flotation and boarding arrangements.

You should think twice if you dislike swimming, want a low-cost shared cruise, or need an exact list of guaranteed stops. You should also confirm the boat name, half-day duration, fuel cost, and lunch choices before booking, since those details affect the final value.

Should you book it?

Book this private power catamaran if you want the freedom to build your own St. Thomas day around reefs, turtles, beaches, and warm water. The strongest reasons are the private setting, steady catamaran, large shaded deck, and captains who can adjust plans when weather changes.

For a full group, the price is reasonable for a six-and-a-half-hour charter with gear, water, ice, and crew included. For a small group, the same rate is harder to justify. If you book, reserve early, settle on your top priorities, and ask about fuel and lunch costs before you go. That preparation leaves you free to enjoy the part that matters most: a day shaped by your group instead of a timetable.

FAQ

Where does the private charter begin?

The charter begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The charter ends back at Sapphire Beach Marina, the same place where it begins.

How long does the charter last?

The listed duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Full-day and half-day options are described, so confirm the exact duration of your selected option when booking.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to 10 people.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. Only your own family or friends participate, along with the captain and, for larger groups, a mate.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and ice in the built-in coolers are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. A full-day charter can include a lunch stop, and the captain can help with the available choices.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, though the operator can obtain them for an additional charge.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the charter to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.