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 catamaran, your own captain, and a day shaped around your group rather than a fixed boatload of strangers. Captains such as AnneMarie, Christian, Alex, and JP have taken groups to turtle-filled water, Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, and quiet coves.

I like the large, comfortable Pisces, with bean bags, trampolines, shaded seating, and room for 12. I also like the practical inclusions: snorkeling gear, floats, water, soda, beer, rum punch, and a restroom. The main drawback is lunch. It is not included, and a full-day charter can feel expensive if your group is small or not everyone plans to swim.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 12: You share the catamaran only with your own group, with a captain and first mate handling the day.
• A flexible seven-hour outing: You can help choose the timing and stops, with 9 a.m. a common full-day departure.
• Turtles and reef time: Snorkeling may include sea turtles, rays, fish, coral, and several different sites.
• Drinks are included: Bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch are provided.
• Lunch costs extra: You can buy lunch at shore locations such as Honeymoon Beach or nearby restaurants.
• Havensight departure: Meet at the R Bar near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway 15 minutes before departure.

A private catamaran day from Havensight

You meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight. This is a useful detail, since Yacht Haven Grande has several shops, docks, and entrances. Arrive early enough to find the archway and meet the captain 15 minutes before departure.

From there, your captain escorts you to S/Y Pisces, advertised as a 47-foot Leopard catamaran. The boat has an open, social design. The salon opens to a wide back deck, while the bow has bean bags and two trampolines. The trampolines are especially handy for a group that wants to sit forward, feel the breeze, or watch for turtles between swimming stops.

The boat also has a JBL Bluetooth sound system. You can bring your own playlist and create the soundtrack for the day, though I would keep the volume friendly to conversation and the natural sound of the water. The large layout gives different personalities their own space. Some people can sit in the shade, some can stretch out on the bow, and others can prepare for the next swim.

A restroom is on board, which matters on a seven-hour trip. You are not tied to a marina every time someone needs a break.

How your captain shapes the day

This is not a rigid sightseeing cruise. You and the captain discuss what matters most, then build the day around swimming, snorkeling, beach time, sailing, or simply relaxing on the boat.

The possible areas include St. Thomas, Buck Island, Water Island, nearby harbors, and perhaps a quieter cay. The exact route depends on weather, sea conditions, and what your group wants. That flexibility is a major reason to book this instead of a standard group excursion.

If your priority is snorkeling, say so clearly at the start. Captains AnneMarie, Christian, Alex, JP, and others have been praised for suggesting stops that fit the group rather than taking everyone to the same crowded place. One full-day plan included several snorkeling sites, Shipwreck Cove, and Honeymoon Beach. Another focused on turtle watching and quiet coves.

The captain and first mate are not just there to steer and serve drinks. They can accompany you toward snorkeling areas, point out marine life, and share local history. A first mate named Darren even filmed a sea turtle feeding in seagrass after swimming down to it. That kind of help can make the difference between spotting a turtle briefly and getting a memorable look at its behavior.

Do not expect a guaranteed list of stops. The sea sets the schedule. A place that sounds ideal on paper may be less pleasant in wind or rough water, while another cove may offer calmer swimming that day.

Snorkeling for turtles, rays, and reef fish

The strongest part of this experience is the water time. Past outings have included coral, rays, large schools of small fish, stingrays, and sea turtles. One family saw turtles at several locations, while another group found a reef where they saw more turtles and rays than on earlier snorkeling trips.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floats. That keeps the day simple, especially for a mixed-age group. You do not need to rent masks and fins separately or fill the boat with bulky equipment.

The boat works well for a group with different comfort levels in the water. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while children or cautious swimmers can use floats and stay near the boat. A family with children as young as two reported having a good time, and another group ranged from age eight to 76. Still, you should be comfortable with a water-focused outing. This is not a sightseeing cruise where you can remain dry all day and see the main sights from the rail.

The crew can help you look for wildlife, but no captain can promise turtles or rays. Marine life is one of the pleasures of the day because it is not fully predictable. Your best approach is to treat wildlife sightings as a bonus, while enjoying the reefs and clear water even if an animal stays out of view.

Beaches, coves, and shore stops

Honeymoon Beach on Water Island appears often in the day plans and is a good choice if you want sand and swimming along with snorkeling. It gives you a change from the boat and a chance to walk, relax, or buy lunch nearby.

Shipwreck Cove offers a different feel, with the appeal of exploring a snorkeling site rather than settling in for a long beach break. Buck Island and other nearby waters may also enter the plan, depending on conditions and the captain’s judgment.

You should discuss shore time before leaving the dock. A group that wants a long beach lunch may not want three separate snorkeling stops. A group of enthusiastic swimmers may prefer fewer shore breaks and more time in the water. The private format lets you make that choice.

Lunch is not included in the charter price. You can purchase it at several locations, and past plans have included lunch at Honeymoon Beach and Dinghy’s. Budget for that meal separately, and tell the captain early if lunch matters to your group. Otherwise, you may find that the day becomes more food-focused or less flexible than expected.

What is included, and what is not

The $1,495 price is listed per group of up to 12 people, not per person. That makes the arithmetic attractive for a full group. Split among 12 people, the boat portion works out to about $125 per person before lunch and any gratuity. For six people, it is about $249 per person, and a smaller group pays more for the same private setting.

You are paying for privacy, space, a captain and crew, equipment, and flexibility. A large family or group of friends can get better value than it might from buying separate premium seats on a shared boat. You also avoid spending the day around people you do not know.

Included items are:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Floats
• Bottled Virgin H2O water
• Soda
• Beer
• Seas the Day signature rum punch
• Restroom access
• Bluetooth music system on the boat

Lunch is extra. The charter also does not visit the British Virgin Islands. If your main goal is a BVI day trip, this is the wrong booking. The focus here is St. Thomas and nearby waters, including Water Island and Buck Island.

The price listed is for the group, but confirm whether your selected half-day or full-day option carries the same rate before paying. The experience is offered in both formats, and the seven-hour description refers to the approximate full-day version.

Full day or half day?

A full day gives the captain room to mix several activities without making every stop feel rushed. You can snorkel at more than one site, spend time on a beach, eat lunch ashore, and still enjoy the boat itself. For a group of 10 or 12, the full-day charter is the clearest value because the cost spreads across more people.

A half-day works well for cruise passengers, families with young children, or anyone who wants a focused water outing. You might choose one or two snorkeling areas, a beach stop, and some time on the catamaran without committing the entire day.

Timing matters for cruise passengers. The meeting point is at Havensight, but ships using Crown Bay Marina require a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Allow roughly 15 minutes each way for that ride, and leave extra time for port traffic and returning to the ship. If you are sailing on Norwegian Aqua or another ship that docks at Havensight, the meeting point may be much easier to reach, but confirm your ship’s port in advance.

For a full-day charter, 9 a.m. is a common starting time. All times use local island time.

The crew makes a big difference

The boat is attractive, but the crew determines how personal the day feels. Names that appear repeatedly in the experience include Captain AnneMarie, Captain Christian, Captain Alex, JP, Lindsay, Megan, Darren, Eduardo, Alicia, Selena, Coleman, Liv, and Ro. Crews change, so you should not book expecting one particular captain unless the operator confirms that person.

AnneMarie is noted for combining humor with professional care, while JP has helped solve transportation problems and offered local advice. Lindsay is particularly associated with the signature rum punch. Several crew members have adjusted the route, arranged an earlier return, or helped families with different ages and swimming abilities.

That flexibility matters on a private charter. You are not simply buying a boat ride. You are also paying for someone to help turn a general wish, such as we want turtles and a quiet beach, into a workable day.

The crew relies on gratuity to supplement income. It is not listed as included, so plan for a tip if the service meets your expectations.

Health, comfort, and practical details

The operator says vessels are sanitized after each trip using CDC and WHO guidelines. Captains and crew are tested for COVID-19 each month, and masks are optional because most of the activity takes place outdoors.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should consider your own comfort with boarding, swimming, sun, and boat movement. The supplied information does not give detailed accessibility specifications, so ask before booking if someone in your party needs particular assistance.

The charter requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Normal cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside 24 hours, refunds are not offered and changes are not accepted.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter?

I would recommend it most strongly for families, wedding groups, birthday groups, and friends who can fill at least half the boat. It is also a good choice if privacy matters more to you than getting the lowest possible price.

You will get the most from it if your group agrees on a few priorities before departure. Decide if you want more snorkeling, more beach time, a shore lunch, or a relaxed day on deck with music and drinks. The captain can help, but the clearer you are, the better the day can fit your group.

This is less suitable for someone who dislikes boats, does not want to swim, or wants a fixed tour of famous sights. It is also not the right choice if you specifically want the British Virgin Islands.

Should you book the Pisces charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day built around your interests. The combination of a roomy catamaran, flexible routing, included drinks, snorkeling gear, floats, and a capable crew gives you more control than a standard excursion.

I would choose the full day for a group that wants turtles, several snorkeling stops, beach time, and lunch ashore. I would choose the half day if you are fitting the trip around a cruise schedule or want a shorter taste of the water.

Before booking, confirm the exact charter length, assigned vessel, departure port, and meeting time. The main offering is S/Y Pisces, but the operator uses more than one vessel, and some past outings refer to a Lagoon 420. With those details settled, this is a strong pick for a relaxed, private day around St. Thomas.

FAQ

How many people can join the private catamaran charter?

The listed price covers one private group of up to 12 people. Only your group participates in the charter, along with the captain and crew.

How long does the full-day charter last?

The full-day experience lasts approximately seven hours. A half-day option is also available, but the supplied details do not state its exact duration.

What drinks are included?

Bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, but you can purchase it at several locations during the day, including places near beach stops.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight, St. Thomas. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. The charter does not visit the BVI. Its route focuses on St. Thomas and nearby areas such as Water Island, Buck Island, harbors, and possible quiet cays.