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

Your own yacht changes the whole day. This private St. Thomas charter gives your group a 47-foot Leopard catamaran, a captain-planned route, snorkeling gear, floats, beer, rum punch, and room to spread out. I especially like the freedom to shape the day around your group, plus the chance to visit spots around St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, and possibly a quiet cay.

The boat itself is another strong point. The open back deck, forward bean bags, trampolines, Bluetooth sound system, and onboard restroom make the seven-hour outing feel comfortable rather than like a basic boat transfer. The main drawback is cost: $1,495 per group is attractive for a larger party, but expensive for a small one, and lunch is not included.

Key points at a glance

• Private 47-foot Leopard catamaran: S/Y Pisces is reserved for your group, with room for up to 12 people.
• Your captain helps set the route: You can focus on snorkeling, beach time, sailing, swimming, or simply staying aboard.
• Strong snorkeling setup: Equipment and floats are included, and stops may bring turtles, stingrays, coral, and colorful fish.
• Drinks are covered: Bottled Virgin H2O, soda, beer, and the operator’s Seas the Day Signature Rum Punch are included.
• Good for mixed-age groups: Families have used the boat with children as young as two and adults into their seventies.
• Important port detail: The meeting point is at Havensight, not Crown Bay, and this charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

Starting at Havensight with less guesswork

You meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway, at WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight. The listed meeting address is 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure. The captain meets you at the kiosk and walks your group to Pisces, which keeps the start fairly simple once you are at the right marina.

The port matters if you are arriving by cruise ship. Ships docking at Havensight can reach the meeting point without a taxi, but ships using Crown Bay Marina need a cab to Yacht Haven Grande. Allow about 15 minutes each way for that ride, and leave extra time for port traffic and ship security procedures.

If you are on a cruise, check your ship’s actual docking location before booking. One family sailing on Norwegian Aqua found the Havensight setup especially convenient and arranged to return about 15 minutes early. That kind of timing conversation is worth having with the captain before you leave the dock.

Full-day charters commonly begin around 9 a.m., but the group can determine the starting time for a full day. All departure times use local island time. That sounds obvious, but cruise schedules and island time can create confusion, so check both carefully.

A catamaran built for a long day outside

Pisces is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with several distinct places to sit. The spacious salon opens onto a large aft deck, where you can sit in the shade or gather around the table. At the bow, bean bags and two trampolines give you a breezier place to stretch out, talk, tan, or watch for turtles.

That layout matters. On a crowded excursion boat, your group can feel packed together after a few hours. Here, some people can sit in the sun while others stay under cover. Children can move between the seating areas, though an adult should keep watch around the bow and trampolines.

The boat has a JBL sound system with Bluetooth, so you can play your own music. This is a small feature, but it helps make the charter feel like your group’s day rather than a fixed sightseeing program. Keep the volume considerate around other boats and quiet anchorages.

A restroom is available onboard. Snorkeling equipment and floats are also provided, so you do not need to bring a full set of water gear. I would still pack reef-safe sunscreen, towels, a hat, sunglasses, a dry bag, and any medication you need during the day.

The operator says the water provided onboard comes in Virgin H2O bottles as part of its eco-friendly habits. Soda, beer, and signature rum punch are included as well. Alcohol is a pleasant extra, but pace yourself carefully in the sun, especially if you plan to snorkel several times.

Letting the captain shape the route

The best feature of a private charter is control. You and the captain decide how to use the day, based on your interests and the sea conditions. You can request snorkeling, a beach stop, island views, swimming, or more time relaxing on the boat.

The possible route includes St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, and perhaps a secret cay. The exact plan is not fixed, which is useful because weather, water conditions, and crowd levels can change. Captain Christian, Captain AnneMarie, Captain Alex, Captain JP, and other crew members have been praised for listening carefully and adjusting the day to suit each group.

That does not mean every named island or stop is guaranteed. Think of the locations as options, not promises. If a certain beach or snorkeling site matters most to you, say so when you board. A private boat works best when you tell the captain what your group wants instead of waiting for a standard route.

Some outings have combined three snorkeling areas with a beach stop and time on the boat. Others have focused on two islands, one especially good place to swim, or a cove away from larger crowds. The freedom to change pace is valuable for families and mixed groups.

Snorkeling with turtles, rays, and reef fish

Snorkeling is the heart of this charter. Equipment is included, and the crew can guide you toward sites where people have seen coral, turtles, stingrays, and many kinds of fish.

Honeymoon Beach on Water Island has appeared often in the day plans. It offers a sandy beach stop along with opportunities to swim and snorkel. Shipwreck Cove has also been included on some routes, while other groups have visited quieter reef areas selected by the captain.

The wildlife is never guaranteed, but the experiences described from this boat include sea turtles moving through seagrass, stingrays near the bottom, coral reefs, and schools of small fish under the catamaran. One crew member even went down roughly 25 to 30 feet to capture a video of a turtle eating grass for a group. That is an unusual personal touch, though you should not assume the same action will happen on every trip.

The crew’s role adds real value here. A captain or first mate can point out where to look, help less confident swimmers, and keep an eye on the group. Captain AnneMarie and crew members such as Lindsey, Megan, Darren, Alex, and JP have received especially warm praise for their attention and good humor.

If your party includes children, tell the crew about swimming ability and comfort in the water. Families with children, including a two-year-old, have enjoyed the boat, but the supplied information does not promise child-sized flotation equipment or childcare. You remain responsible for supervising children.

Beach time, swimming, and the Pisces Plunge

You are not required to spend the whole day snorkeling. The itinerary can include beach time, swimming, or a relaxed stop at anchor. Honeymoon Beach has been a favorite for groups seeking sand and a slower pace after time in the water.

The boat itself is also part of the entertainment. Floats are included, and some groups have enjoyed the informal Pisces Plunge, a jump or swim from the catamaran. The exact setup and timing depend on the captain and conditions, so ask before anyone enters the water.

For a group with different energy levels, this flexibility is useful. Strong swimmers can snorkel while others float or sit on deck. A family can alternate active stops with quiet time. Older adults who do not want to snorkel at every location can still enjoy the scenery, music, drinks, and fresh air.

A seven-hour full-day charter can feel long if everyone expects nonstop activity. Build in quiet stretches. The bow seating and open deck are ideal for that, and the boat has enough room for people to find their own corner.

Lunch is the main extra expense

Lunch is not included. You can purchase it at several locations, and some outings have stopped at places such as Dinghy’s or Honeymoon Beach for a meal. The supplied information does not guarantee a restaurant reservation, a particular menu, or a meal stop, so discuss lunch plans with the captain before departure.

This is one area where you should plan ahead. A full day on the water, with swimming and alcohol in the sun, can leave people hungry quickly. Ask if the route will allow time to buy lunch, and confirm whether your preferred stop fits the day’s plan. Bring any snacks your group needs, but check with the operator about food rules before packing a large cooler.

Because lunch costs extra, include it when calculating the real price. The charter includes drinks and water, which helps, but the day is not fully all-inclusive in the resort sense.

Is $1,495 good value for 12 people?

The listed price is $1,495 per group, for up to 12 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $125 per person before lunch and any tip. For a group of 10, it is about $150 per person. For four people, the same charter costs about $374 per person.

That makes the trip much better value for larger families, wedding groups, reunions, and groups of friends. A private boat also avoids the compromises of a large shared excursion, such as a fixed route, limited seating, and strangers choosing the pace.

For a small party, the price requires more thought. You are paying for the boat, captain, crew, privacy, equipment, and flexibility, not only for transportation or snorkeling. If you mainly want a short swim and a beach visit, a less expensive shared trip may suit you better.

The price also needs to be checked against the selected charter length. The experience is described as a half-day or full-day option, while the stated duration is approximately seven hours. Confirm the exact half-day price, departure time, and return time before paying.

Service, crew, and the human side of the day

The strongest pattern across the supplied comments is praise for the crew’s friendliness, flexibility, and attention. Captain AnneMarie appears frequently, often with Lindsey, Darren, Alex, Megan, or another first mate. Captain JP and Captain Alex have also been singled out for making the day personal and fun.

That matters on a private charter. You are spending many hours with the captain and first mate, so a warm, capable crew can make the difference between a pleasant boat ride and a memorable day. The crew has helped groups avoid crowded areas, suggested snorkeling spots, shared local history, arranged alternate pickup help during a taxi delay, and adjusted return timing when cruise schedules required it.

There is one warning worth noting. One booking failed because the reservation was not properly submitted to the charter company, leaving a group without the boat it expected. The operator said it tried to find an alternative and blamed the booking agent’s error. To protect yourself, confirm the reservation directly with Seas the Day Charters and Tours, especially if your booking is made through a third-party site.

Tipping is not included in the listed price. The operator notes that crew members rely on gratuities to supplement their income. If you receive attentive service, budget for a tip and clarify any payment expectations before the trip.

Who will enjoy Pisces most?

I would recommend this charter for:

• Families who want control over swimming and beach time
• Groups of friends who value music, drinks, and privacy
• Cruise passengers docking at Havensight
• Groups of up to 12 who can share the cost
• Mixed-age parties that need both active and quiet options
• Snorkelers hoping to see turtles, rays, fish, and coral

It may be less suitable if your party is very small and focused only on saving money. It also may not work well for anyone expecting a guaranteed visit to a particular island, a guaranteed wildlife sighting, or a British Virgin Islands itinerary. This charter does not visit the BVI.

The operator permits service animals, and most people can participate. The boat is mainly an outdoor activity, and the operator says masks are optional. Ask the company directly about any mobility needs not covered by the supplied information.

Weather, cancellation, and practical timing

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, based on local island time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

That 24-hour rule is important for cruise schedules and changing plans. If your ship’s itinerary changes, contact the operator as soon as you know. Do not wait until the morning of the charter.

The activity ends back at the R Bar meeting point. If you have a ship to catch, build in time for the walk back through the marina or the taxi ride to Crown Bay. Tell the captain your required return time at the beginning of the day, not near the end.

Should you book this St. Thomas catamaran?

Book it if you have a larger group, want a private boat, and care more about freedom than the lowest possible price. The combination of a roomy catamaran, flexible route, snorkeling gear, floats, drinks, and an attentive captain gives you a full day that can suit both active swimmers and people who simply want to sit in the sun.

I would be especially inclined to book for eight to 12 people, for a family celebration, or for a cruise stop at Havensight. Confirm the port, lunch plan, charter length, return time, and reservation directly before departure. If you do that, Pisces offers a strong way to see the waters around St. Thomas at your own pace.

FAQ

Where does the St. Thomas catamaran charter start?

You meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight, St. Thomas.

How early should I arrive?

You should meet the captain 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers a private group of up to 12 people.

How long does the charter last?

The full-day experience is listed as approximately seven hours. A half-day option is also available, but you should confirm its exact duration and price when booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though it can be purchased at several locations during the outing.

What drinks are included?

The charter includes Virgin H2O bottled water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day Signature Rum Punch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. This charter does not visit the BVI.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the charter is canceled because of poor weather. You can also receive a full refund when canceling at least 24 hours before the start time.