Full Day Private Charter on Luxury Catamaran Sailing.

The best seat is on the water. This seven-and-a-half-hour private charter pairs a smooth sailing catamaran with flexible snorkeling stops, so your group can shape the day around places such as Maho Bay, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove. I like the generous setup, including lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, paddle boards, and hammock chairs, and I like having the whole boat to your group. The main consideration is weather: rough conditions can cancel the trip, and a full day at sea may feel long if not everyone enjoys swimming or sun.

You meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Beach Charters VI dock in Red Hook, then return to the same spot around seven and a half hours later. The reported rating is 4.9 from 91 reviews, with 98 percent recommending the experience. That fits the strongest praise: friendly hosting from Ivy and TL, a clean boat, thoughtful food, beautiful views, and a relaxed mix of adventure and lounging.

Key points to know before booking

• Your group controls the route: You can choose among two or three snorkeling stops and other possible locations around St. Thomas and St. John.
• The day includes more than snorkeling: Paddle boards, hammock swings, bean bags, and trampoline seating give you several ways to enjoy the boat.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect fruit and pastries in the morning, wraps and chips for lunch, soda, water, rum punch or Painkiller, and a 12-pack of light beer.
• The boat is fully private: Only your party participates, which makes this a strong choice for birthdays, weddings, families, and reunions.
• The price rewards a full group: At $250 per person, the value improves when you fill the boat and make use of the full day, gear, food, and bar service.
• Plan around the 8:30 a.m. start: You need to reach Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 Red Hook Road, St. Thomas.

Setting out from Red Hook at 8:30 a.m.

Red Hook is a practical launch point for a day on the water. You check in at the Beach Charters VI dock, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 Red Hook Road. The charter ends back at this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup from another marina.

The early start matters. A 7-hour, 30-minute outing gives the crew time to reach several anchorages without squeezing each stop into a rushed schedule. You can settle in with the morning fruit and pastry tray, get acquainted with the crew, and decide how active you want the day to be.

Past bookings have praised Ivy and TL for making people feel welcome, while Captain Justin has also received special praise for his handling of the boat. Crew assignments can change, so treat those names as useful context rather than a guarantee of who will be aboard.

If you need parking, ask the operator about the reported all-day marina option. One booking note put that cost at $30. It is separate from the charter price, so include it in your planning if you arrive by car.

Sailing Second Chance in comfort

Second Chance is a sailing catamaran, and the design gives you a pleasant choice between movement and rest. You can sit on bean bags over the forward trampolines, watch the islands slide by, or use the original Beach Charters VI hammock chairs hanging off the stern.

That range of seating is one reason this works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head for the water, while someone who wants a quiet morning can stay aboard with a drink and a view. Children can move between the paddle boards and the boat, though an adult should keep watch around the water.

A catamaran also offers a smoother ride than many smaller boats, which can matter during a long day at sea. Still, smooth is not the same as motionless. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use, though the tour details do not specify that supplies are provided.

The boat itself has earned praise for being clean and ready at departure. That basic preparation makes a big difference. You do not want to spend the first hour sorting gear, hunting for drinks, or waiting for lunch while the best morning light slips away.

Choosing two or three snorkeling stops

The usual plan includes two or three snorkeling stops, but the route is not fixed. Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove are listed as examples, along with other possible locations. The final choice belongs to your group and crew.

That flexibility is more valuable than a rigid sightseeing route. Water conditions, wind, visibility, and the group’s energy can all affect the best stop. A calm cove may suit children or first-time snorkelers, while a reef stop may appeal more to confident swimmers.

Maho on St. John

Maho is associated with clear water and sea turtle sightings, making it a natural choice if turtles are high on your list. The chance to see turtles is a major draw, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You should think of it as a good possibility, not a promise.

The setting also gives you a look at St. John from the water. That island view is part of the pleasure of a private charter, since you get both time in the water and changing scenery between stops.

Lovango Cay

Lovango Cay offers another possible place to snorkel and enjoy the islands around St. Thomas. The appeal here is the variety. Instead of spending the entire day at one beach, you can see several corners of the area and decide how long to remain at each.

Your crew can help judge whether the conditions suit your group. That is especially useful when one person wants a vigorous swim and another would rather float, paddle, or stay aboard.

Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove is another named option for the day. The exact order of stops is not stated, and the captain may adjust the plan. That is sensible on a sailing trip, since the best route depends on the day’s conditions.

With two or three stops, you get variety without turning the outing into a race. You can snorkel, return to the boat, eat, rest, and go back into the water when you feel ready.

What you get in the water

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to rent masks, fins, or related gear separately. The charter is designed around swimming with sea turtles and exploring reefs, but you should remember that marine life and water clarity can vary.

Paddle boards are also included. They give you a second way to enjoy a cove when you want a break from snorkeling. The hammock swings at the back of the catamaran offer an even easier option: sit low above the water, dry off in the sun, and watch the group’s antics from the stern.

The boat’s trampoline area and bean bags create another pleasant pause between stops. You might find that your group spends less time actively snorkeling than expected, especially after lunch. That is not a problem, but it is worth knowing. This is a full day of boating with snorkeling, not a nonstop reef session.

If your group includes people who do not swim, ask about the day’s plan before departure. The private format lets you set a comfortable pace, but the central activity remains time on the water.

Lunch, rum punch, and a sensible amount of supplies

The food is simple and suitable for a day outdoors. You receive a morning tray with fruit and pastries, followed by freshly sliced turkey, cheese, and vegetable wraps with chips. Soda and water are available throughout the day.

That arrangement removes one common nuisance from boat outings: deciding where to stop for lunch. You can eat aboard and keep the day moving, or take a break between water activities. The menu is not presented as a restaurant meal, so anyone with strict dietary needs should check with Beach Charters VI before booking.

The included drinks add real value. The charter provides one gallon of rum punch or Painkiller, depending on your group’s choice, plus a 12-pack of light beer. Water and soda are also available.

You must be at least 18 to consume alcohol. Since the day involves swimming and paddle boarding, use good judgment with the rum punch and beer. The crew provides the drinks, but you remain responsible for pacing yourself.

Why the private format matters

Private boating costs more than joining a shared excursion, but it changes the feel of the day. You do not have to match the schedule of strangers, wait for another group to finish snorkeling, or defend the best hammock chair.

At $250 per person, the price is significant. It becomes easier to justify when you have enough people to fill the private charter and would otherwise spend money on separate snorkel rental, lunch, drinks, and paddle board use.

The strongest value comes from time. Seven and a half hours is long enough to make several stops, enjoy a proper lunch, and still have unhurried time aboard. A short boat trip can leave you feeling as if you have only just learned the layout of the vessel. This one gives you a full day to settle into it.

The private setup also suits celebrations. Groups have used the charter for birthdays, family days, and a wedding-related outing. One group of nine praised the crew and views during a birthday celebration, while another group described the boat as feeling like a shared home for the day. That points to the real benefit: a relaxed atmosphere shaped around your own group.

The human side of the charter

The boat and scenery may get you to Red Hook, but the crew shapes your memories. Ivy and TL have been praised for friendly hosting, clear help, and a welcoming approach. Captain Justin has also been singled out for making the day feel safe and well managed.

Those details matter on a private charter because you spend many hours with the crew. You want people who can balance conversation with space, fun with practical care, and your wishes with the realities of wind and water.

The most enthusiastic responses describe the day as a highlight of a US Virgin Islands vacation. One family said children enjoyed it more than anything else during a 12-day trip. Another group planned to book again after a day split between snorkeling, paddle boarding, hammock time, and watching family members hold an informal jumping contest.

That pattern tells you what this outing does best. It is not only a sightseeing ride. It is a flexible day where your group can be active, silly, social, or quiet without needing to choose just one style.

Who should book this St. Thomas sailing day?

I would recommend it most strongly for families, couples traveling with friends, and groups marking an occasion. The private boat gives you room to celebrate without making the entire day about a formal event.

It also suits mixed-ability groups. A confident swimmer can snorkel, a casual swimmer can use a paddle board, and someone who prefers dry land can relax in a hammock chair or on the bean bags. The boat offers enough variety to keep different personalities happy.

You should think twice if your group dislikes long outings, sun, or time on open water. The 8:30 a.m. start and 7-hour, 30-minute duration require a real commitment. You also should not book it solely for a guaranteed turtle sighting, since the route and marine life can change.

Most travelers can participate, according to the activity information, but anyone with personal mobility, medical, or water-safety concerns should confirm details with the operator before paying. The tour is near public transportation, which helps if you do not have a car.

Weather, cancellations, and small practical details

This charter depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

A cancellation less than 24 hours before departure is not refundable, and changes made inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off follows local St. Thomas time, so do not leave the decision until the last minute.

Confirmation arrives when you book, and the ticket is mobile. Bring the booking details on your phone and arrive ready for the 8:30 a.m. departure at Dock B, slip 19.

The only stated extra is gratuity. Parking may cost extra if you use the marina option, so ask about that before arrival.

Should you book Second Chance?

Book it if you want a full, private day rather than a quick boat ride. The combination of flexible stops, sea turtle possibilities, included gear, lunch, drinks, paddle boards, hammock chairs, and comfortable catamaran seating gives you plenty to do without adding small costs all day.

I would especially choose it for a group that values time together. Birthdays, family reunions, wedding celebrations, and friend groups can set their own pace and enjoy the water without a shared-boat schedule.

Skip it if you want a short, tightly structured snorkeling tour or if the $250 price does not work for your group size. For everyone else, this is one of the better ways to turn a St. Thomas day into a shared memory, with enough freedom to make the trip feel like your own.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start?

The charter starts at Beach Charters VI, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 Red Hook Road, St. Thomas, USVI.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the charter last?

The outing lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

A typical day includes two or three snorkeling stops. Possible locations include Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, Christmas Cove, and other areas selected for the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a morning fruit and pastry tray, turkey, cheese and vegetable wraps, chips, water, and soda. The charter also includes one gallon of rum punch or Painkiller and a 12-pack of light beer.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather cancellations offer either another date or a full refund.