Private Fast Power Catamaran. Full or Half Day for Beach Hopping, Snorkel & Swim

The best island days happen offshore. This private St. Thomas charter gives your group its own 36-foot TwinVee power catamaran, captain, snorkel gear, drinks, and a flexible plan for beaches and swimming around St. Thomas and St. John. I especially like the boat’s speed and steady ride, plus the chance to shape the day around turtles, reefs, quiet beaches, or a waterfront lunch.

I also like that the price covers the whole boat for up to 12 people, not twelve separate tickets. Captains such as Holly, Amanda, Wallens, Aaron, Bryan, Glen, and Mike are praised for their island knowledge, safety focus, humor, and ability to adjust the day to suit a family or small group. The main caution is cost: the $895.50 charter price is only part of the bill because fuel and gratuity are extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 12 people: Your group does not share the MV Poseidon with a crowd.
• A fast, stable 36-foot TwinVee: The power cat covers more water than a slow sailboat while giving you a steadier ride than a small single-hull boat.
• Custom stops instead of a fixed route: You and the captain decide whether to focus on snorkeling, beaches, sightseeing, or a mix.
• Turtles and reef life are real possibilities: Past outings have included sea turtles, tropical fish, stingrays, starfish, an octopus, and even a lemon shark, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Half-day or full-day timing: The shorter option suits families and first-time snorkelers, while a full day gives you more room for St. John and longer beach stops.
• Fuel is billed separately: Plan on about 15 to 25 gallons for a half day or 30 to 45 gallons for a full day, charged at $8 per gallon.

What the MV Poseidon gives you on the water

MV Poseidon is a 36-foot TwinVee Ocean Cat built for moving around the Virgin Islands without giving up comfort. Its twin-hull design helps it feel stable, and the boat is described as keeping passengers dry in normal conditions. That matters when you are carrying children, older family members, or anyone who does not love a small, bouncy boat.

The boat can carry up to 12 people, though the experience may feel especially spacious with a smaller party. One family of four found the boat larger than necessary, but also appreciated having far more room than a shared excursion with 30 or more people. That is the central tradeoff: you pay for privacy and space, not just a seat on a boat.

A low draft lets the captain approach close to beaches, and the transom ladder makes getting in and out of the water easier. You will still need to climb a ladder after snorkeling, so anyone with limited mobility should consider that before booking. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

The boat carries new snorkel equipment, bottled water, soda, ice, and beer. A Fusion stereo is available for your music, which helps set the mood during longer runs between islands. You should not mistake this for a silent nature trip. It is part sightseeing cruise, part swim day, and part private floating picnic.

Leaving American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook

The meeting point is American Yacht Harbor on Smith Bay Road in Red Hook, St. Thomas. The trip returns to the same location, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from another beach or marina.

Arrive early. One half-day group lost some of its already limited time after arriving late and needing to complete paperwork. Getting there about 15 minutes before departure is a practical move, especially if your group includes children or you need time to organize bags and sunscreen.

After a safety briefing, your captain asks what you want from the day. This is an important part of the charter. You are not simply handed a route and told to follow it. Captain Glen, for example, was praised for building the day around the group’s wishes while explaining island history. Captain Aaron and Captain Wallens also received strong praise for reading the group and changing the plan when needed.

The captain’s role matters more here than on a basic boat transfer. A good captain can help you decide where to snorkel, where to stop for a beach break, and how much time to spend at each place. Captains Amanda and Holly are especially praised for combining a warm, fun manner with a serious approach to safety.

How to use the half-day option

The shorter charter lasts about four hours. That may sound like plenty, but time disappears quickly once you include the departure, boat rides, swimming, beach access, and return to Red Hook.

A half day works well if you want two or three main stops. Families with young children have used the time for several snorkeling beaches, with children as young as five and seven getting into the water. Another family appreciated that the captain found a beach close enough for a toddler to play while the rest of the group enjoyed the boat and water.

You can also use a half day for a focused trip to St. John. A four-person group requested snorkeling around St. John and described the underwater view as similar to an aquarium. Another group combined turtle snorkeling with lunch and drinks at Lovango.

Do not try to check off every beach in the sample route during four hours. You will enjoy the day more if you choose a theme:

• Turtle snorkeling and one beach
• Several reef stops around St. John
• A relaxed ride with one swim and one lunch stop
• Beach time for children, plus a short snorkel session
• Sightseeing and swimming without a packed schedule

The half-day format is also a good test for anyone unsure about a private boat charter. You get the comfort and personal service without committing to a full day on the water.

Why the full-day charter earns its keep

A full day gives you more freedom, but it does not mean you can realistically visit every place listed in the sample itinerary. The Virgin Islands cover a wide area, and water conditions affect how fast the boat can move. One full-day group reached only three stops because the water was rough.

That is not necessarily a flaw. Three well-chosen stops can be better than eight rushed ones. Still, you should speak clearly with the captain at the start. Tell the captain which matters most: turtles, coral, a quiet beach, lunch, a certain island, or simply time in the water.

A full day makes the most sense for a group with different interests. Some people can snorkel while others relax on board. You can spend more time at a beach bar, stop for lunch at a waterfront location, and still leave room for another swim.

It also gives you a better chance to reach St. John and explore more than one side of the island. Visiting the British Virgin Islands is not included in this charter and requires a separate booking under a different product code. If BVI waters are your priority, confirm that arrangement before booking this experience.

What to expect at the eight possible stops

The listed route includes Water Island, Little Buck Island, Secret Harbour, Honeymoon Beach, Trunk Bay Beach, Scott Bay Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Magens Bay Beach. Think of these as possible destinations, not a promise that all eight will fit into your day.

Water Island

Water Island is a natural early choice for a short boat outing from St. Thomas. Its inclusion gives the captain an option for a nearby stop rather than spending the whole half day racing across the islands. You might use it for swimming, a first look at the water, or a gentle start before heading farther out.

Little Buck Island

Little Buck Island adds another possibility for clear-water swimming and snorkeling. It is listed with admission included, while the charter also covers U.S. park fees and mooring permits. Ask the captain what conditions are like that day, since a reef stop is only worthwhile when visibility and sea conditions cooperate.

Secret Harbour

Secret Harbour can work well for a group that wants a sheltered-feeling beach setting and time close to shore. It is one of the possible stops where the low draft and rear ladder become useful. You can get off the boat more easily than from a high-sided vessel, though you should still expect a wet entry or exit.

Honeymoon Beach

Honeymoon Beach is particularly useful for mixed-age groups. The captain may be able to bring the boat close enough for children to reach the beach, while stronger swimmers enjoy the water nearby. One family specifically valued having a beach option for a toddler.

Trunk Bay Beach

Trunk Bay is one of St. John’s best-known beach destinations and a strong choice for groups that want scenery along with a swim. It is not simply another quick photo stop. If you want time on shore, say so at the beginning, because reaching St. John and returning to St. Thomas takes time.

Scott Bay Beach

Scott Bay offers another beach option on St. John. It may suit a group seeking a less structured stop, but the exact experience will depend on weather, water traffic, and the captain’s judgment that day. The benefit of a private charter is that you can ask to stay longer if the place suits your group.

Maho Bay Beach

Maho Bay is the clearest turtle-focused possibility in the route. Several outings around St. John have included sea turtles here, and one family member who was nervous about open water felt comfortable enough to get in. Turtles are wild animals, so sightings cannot be demanded, but this is one of the better places to ask about if turtles are high on your list.

Magens Bay Beach

Magens Bay gives the charter another famous St. Thomas beach option. It can be a good final swim or scenic stop, but including it may limit time elsewhere. If you want a slow beach afternoon, choose fewer stops rather than trying to add Magens Bay to a long route.

Snorkeling, turtles, and the limits of wildlife

The snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this boat. The supplied equipment is included, and several outings have produced turtles, tropical fish, healthy coral, starfish, stingrays, and an octopus. One group even saw a lemon shark, though that is an unusual bonus rather than something to expect.

The most useful advice is to set your expectations correctly. You may see turtles and fish, but the captain cannot control visibility, current, weather, or animal behavior. One outing produced turtles but fewer colorful fish than hoped. That is normal in the sea, not a failure of the boat.

If you are new to snorkeling, tell the captain. Captains Wallens, Amanda, Holly, and Bryan are repeatedly praised for helping people feel safe in the water. That personal support is a major advantage over a large group boat where one guide must watch many swimmers at once.

Beach bars, lunch, and island stops

This charter is not limited to swimming. The boat can approach close to shore for stops at places such as Dinghy’s, Margaritaville, Lime Out, or Lovango. Lunch and drinks are not included as part of the charter’s listed supplies, so plan to pay separately when you stop at a restaurant or beach bar.

Lovango was a popular choice for lunch and drinks. It gives you a break from the boat and a chance to use land-based facilities. A short stop at a beach bar can also be useful for anyone who does not want to snorkel all day.

You should decide how much of your time belongs on land. A restaurant stop can be enjoyable, but it uses valuable charter time. If your top goal is snorkeling, a packed lunch plan or fewer shore stops may give you more time in the water.

The real price, including fuel and tip

The advertised price is $895.50 for the entire boat, with up to 12 people. Divide that among 12 and the base cost is reasonable for a private charter. For four people, it becomes a much more expensive day, though you are buying privacy, room, a dedicated captain, and a custom plan.

Fuel is extra at $8 per gallon. A half day usually uses 15 to 25 gallons, adding roughly $120 to $200. A full day usually uses 30 to 45 gallons, adding about $240 to $360. The recommended tip is 15 to 20 percent, also not included.

That means a full-day group should budget well above the headline price. The charter is strongest value when you can fill the boat with family or friends who want the same kind of day. For a small party on a tight budget, a shared excursion may cost less, but it will not provide the same privacy or flexibility.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend MV Poseidon to:

• Families who want a private boat and a captain who can adjust the pace
• Groups with mixed swimming ability
• Friends who want snorkeling, music, drinks, and beach time in one outing
• People who dislike crowded group boats
• Repeat visitors who want to choose specific parts of St. Thomas or St. John
• Groups of eight to twelve who can share the cost

I would think twice if you want a fixed, guaranteed list of every beach, have little tolerance for changing weather, or are counting on a particular animal sighting. You should also reconsider if the extra fuel charge would create stress at the end of the day.

The charter has a 4.9 rating from 207 reviews, with 97 percent recommending it. That strong record matches the most consistent praise: clean, well-stocked boats; excellent captains; strong island knowledge; thoughtful safety briefings; and the freedom to create a day around your group.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted or refunded. The activity is private, ends back at American Yacht Harbor, and is near public transportation.

Should you book MV Poseidon?

Book it if you want the freedom to build your own island day and can share the cost with a group. The combination of a roomy, stable power cat, personal captain, snorkel gear, beach access, and included water, soda, beer, ice, park fees, and mooring permits makes this a strong choice for families and friend groups.

Choose the half day for a focused turtle and snorkeling trip, especially with young children. Choose the full day if you want St. John, lunch, several swims, and a slower pace. Just budget for fuel and tip, arrive early, and treat the eight-stop route as a menu of choices, not a checklist.

FAQ

How many people can ride on MV Poseidon?

The private boat can accommodate up to 12 people. Only your group participates in the charter.

Where does the charter begin and end?

The charter begins at American Yacht Harbor, 84GX+24H Smith Bay Road in Red Hook, St. Thomas. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The charter lasts approximately four to seven hours, depending on whether you choose the half-day or full-day option.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, ice, and beer are included.

Are fuel and gratuity included?

No. Fuel is charged at $8 per gallon. A half day generally uses 15 to 25 gallons, and a full day generally uses 30 to 45 gallons. A 15 to 20 percent tip is recommended but not included.

Can the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No, visiting the BVI is not included in this experience. It can be booked separately under product code 111649P25.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can select a different date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.