Sail Away on your Private 55-foot Catamaran Charter

Turtles make this short sail special. From St. Thomas, you sail aboard the 55-foot Gold Coast to Buck Island Marine Sanctuary, then snorkel directly from the catamaran at Turtle Cove. I like the small, private setting and the chance to combine sailing, sea life, food, and drinks in one well-planned outing. I also like that the crew gives snorkeling instruction and helps point out turtles and fish.

The main consideration is the price: $1,895 per person is a serious splurge for about three and a half hours. Open-water snorkeling also demands decent fitness, and rough waves can make the ride uncomfortable for some people.

Key points at a glance

• A 45-minute sail to Buck Island gives you scenic time on the water rather than rushing straight to the snorkeling site.
• Turtle Cove is the main attraction, with sea turtles and fish seen directly from the boat.
• Shipwreck Cove may be added if time and conditions allow, usually for another 45 to 60 minutes of snorkeling.
• The open bar starts after swimming, with rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas.
• The boat has restrooms, and parking is available at the St. Thomas meeting point.
• The tour is aimed at active swimmers, with age, height, weight, and medical restrictions worth checking before you book.

Setting out from Yacht Haven Grande at 9:30

Your morning begins at R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande, at 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie. The listed start time is 9:30 am, and the tour returns to this same meeting point.

That central marina location is useful if you are already in Charlotte Amalie or can reach the harbor using nearby public transportation. Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. Parking is available at the meeting point, which helps if you have a rental car.

The first part of the outing is a roughly 45-minute sail toward Buck Island. That travel time matters. You are not simply being ferried to a swim stop. You get open-water views, music, sun, and the feel of a proper sailing trip before the snorkeling begins.

The exact sailing conditions will shape the mood. Calm water should make the ride restful, while wind and waves can make it more active. One account describes rough waves that caused some people to feel sick, while the same conditions felt exciting to others. If you are prone to seasickness, plan with care and do not assume the Caribbean will always be glassy.

Turtle Cove and snorkeling straight from the catamaran

The first water stop is Turtle Cove, in the protected waters around Buck Island Marine Sanctuary. The boat anchors, and the crew gives instructions before you enter the water. Snorkeling takes place directly off the catamaran in open water, not from a shallow beach.

That detail is important. You should be comfortable entering the sea from a boat, swimming away from the vessel, and returning to it. The crew can explain the equipment and safety rules, and the strongest praise for this outing centers on the crew’s care in the water. Rose, Reed, Ashley, Mandi, Coda, Brody, Collette, Judi, and other crew members are singled out in the feedback, though the exact team can vary by departure.

The appeal of Turtle Cove is clear: sea turtles are the main target, and the crew often helps locate them. Fish and other marine life add to the scene. You might also be able to hand a GoPro to a crew member for close-up footage, a helpful touch if you want pictures without trying to operate a camera while swimming.

Still, no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed. The excursion is built around a turtle area, and the record of praise suggests that turtles are commonly seen, but animals move freely. Water clarity, wind, clouds, and current can all affect what you see.

The snorkeling stop also requires more effort than a casual dip. The published requirements call for a strong physical fitness level, and the safety notice specifically names cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and other heart or respiratory conditions as reasons to take particular care. Anyone with a medical concern should decide with a qualified medical professional if open-water swimming is suitable.

Shipwreck Cove, if the clock and sea allow

If time permits, the crew takes you to a second cove called Shipwreck Cove. The planned snorkeling time there is about 45 to 60 minutes, which can make the second stop feel like a full part of the outing rather than a quick extra.

Shipwreck Cove gives you a change of setting after Turtle Cove. The first stop focuses on turtles and general marine life. The second offers another underwater area to explore, so you can compare the two spots and spend more time in the water.

The phrase if time permits matters. A private charter gives the crew some room to shape the day, but a three-and-a-half-hour schedule is still tight. The 45-minute sail out, both snorkeling stops, food service, and 45-minute sail back all compete for the same clock. Sea conditions, anchoring, and the pace of your group may determine if Shipwreck Cove happens.

The listed total duration is about three hours and 30 minutes, while the operating description allows roughly three hours and 30 to 45 minutes. I would treat this as a compact half-day outing, not an all-day boat charter. If the second cove is your main reason for booking, confirm how the crew handles time on the day.

A comfortable catamaran, not a resort boat

The Gold Coast is a 55-foot sailing catamaran. A catamaran generally gives you broad areas to sit and move about, and the description emphasizes a luxurious, sun-filled setting with music on the return sail. The boat also has restrooms, a practical feature when you are away from shore for several hours.

The strongest comments focus less on technical sailing details and more on the atmosphere created by the crew. The team is repeatedly praised for keeping the outing fun, safe, friendly, and organized. Safety instructions are explained clearly, and crew members check on people in the water and help with snorkeling.

The word private deserves a close look. The experience is presented as a private charter for your group, but the information also gives a maximum capacity of 50 people. That may reflect a broader operating limit or the provider’s vessel capacity. If having the whole catamaran to yourself is essential, confirm exactly what your booking includes before paying the high per-person rate.

Music is part of the ride back, and the tone appears to be social rather than silent or formal. You can relax in the sun, enjoy the views, and let the crew handle the return sail. This should suit a group that wants a lively boat day with room for conversation and drinks.

Fruit, cheese, salami, and rum punch after swimming

Food is simple but well chosen for a boat. You receive a platter of fresh fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers. It is not a full lunch, so eat accordingly if you expect to be hungry after two snorkeling sessions.

The open bar includes rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas. Alcohol is served only after swimming and snorkeling, a sensible safety rule. I like that the offering includes water and nonalcoholic drinks, since sun, salt water, and physical effort can leave you dehydrated quickly.

The timing also gives the outing a natural rhythm. You sail out, snorkel, possibly snorkel again, then eat and drink while heading back to St. Thomas. The return portion is designed for relaxation rather than another activity.

Keep your alcohol intake modest until you are safely back at the marina. The boat ride may feel easy after the water stops, but the sun and motion can make drinks feel stronger than expected.

Is $1,895 per person a fair price?

At $1,895 per person, this is not a value tour in the ordinary sense. It is a luxury private charter, and the price only begins to make sense if you are splitting the cost among a group and place a high value on privacy, personal attention, and control of the day.

For a private group, the math changes. You are paying for a large catamaran, captain and crew, fuel, sailing time, snorkeling equipment and instruction, food, drinks, and the ability to avoid a standard crowded excursion. The boat experience itself is a major part of what you are buying.

If you are a couple or a very small party, the cost is difficult to justify based on the three-and-a-half-hour length alone. A shared boat trip would likely offer similar access to Turtle Cove and marine life at a much lower cost, though it would not provide the same private atmosphere.

If your group has a special occasion, several families, or a strong desire to keep the boat experience personal, the price may feel more reasonable. Ask how many people your quoted rate covers, since the supplied price is shown per person while the tour is described as private. That point should be clear before booking.

The high satisfaction record is worth noting. The experience is listed at five out of five from 68 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it. The praise is especially strong for the crew, safety, turtle sightings, and relaxed mood. That does not erase the price concern, but it suggests the human service is a major part of the value.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter?

I would choose this for an active group that wants several Caribbean experiences in one short outing. You get a sail, open-water snorkeling, possible turtle sightings, a second cove, snacks, music, and drinks without spending a full day at sea.

It suits families with older children, too, since the minimum age is five and the minimum height is 36 inches. The maximum listed age is 80, but age alone is not the deciding factor. Swimming ability, balance, stamina, and medical history matter more.

The experience may also work well for people who want crew support. Several crew members are praised for helping with snorkeling, pointing out turtles, taking photos, and keeping people comfortable. If you are nervous about your first boat-based snorkeling trip, that kind of attention can make a real difference.

I would think twice if you dislike open water, have a serious health condition, or want a quiet nature trip with little social energy. The boat has music, an open bar, and a friendly group atmosphere. You should also reconsider if you expect a full meal, a long sailing day, or guaranteed access to both coves.

Practical details to settle before you go

You receive confirmation at booking, and the tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. Standard cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and the local St. Thomas cut-off time applies.

Bring a mindset suited to changing sea conditions. Even on a sunny day, wind, waves, current, and cloud cover can alter the ride and underwater visibility. The information does not list a full packing guide, so rely on the stated essentials: you will be swimming from the boat, spending time in the sun, and using provided snorkeling equipment under crew instruction.

The age, height, and weight limits are specific: participants must be at least five years old, at least 36 inches tall, and no more than 275 pounds. The maximum listed age is 80. The overall capacity is listed as 50 people, another reason to confirm how the private arrangement applies to your booking.

Should you book the Gold Coast?

Book it if you are splitting the cost with a group and want a polished private boat outing centered on turtles, snorkeling, and crew service. The combination of Turtle Cove, possible Shipwreck Cove, onboard snacks, drinks, music, and a 55-foot catamaran makes good use of a short St. Thomas visit.

Skip it if $1,895 per person feels uncomfortable, if you need a guaranteed second snorkeling stop, or if open-water swimming is not a good match for your fitness or medical needs. The best reason to choose this charter is not simply the boat. It is the chance to have an attentive crew shape a compact, active day around your group.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande, 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the charter last?

The charter lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes. The operating description allows about three hours and 30 to 45 minutes.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The first snorkeling stop is Turtle Cove at Buck Island Marine Sanctuary. If time permits, the boat may continue to Shipwreck Cove for another snorkeling session.

Is alcohol served during the whole trip?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available after swimming and snorkeling. The open bar includes rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas.

What are the age, height, and weight limits?

The minimum age is five. Participants must be at least 36 inches tall and no more than 275 pounds. The maximum listed age is 80.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.