SPECIAL – (Up to 4 Passengers) All Inclusive Day Sail

Sea turtles, sail power, and a very small group. Morningstar’s private day sail from Cruz Bay gives up to four people five relaxed hours on the protected waters around St John, with snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and time to enjoy a 40-foot sailboat. I especially like the private group setting, which keeps the day calm and personal, and the all-inclusive format, which covers fuel, food, equipment, fees, and an open bar. The main point to check is the price: the advertised group price is $1,346.67, while another description lists $755, so confirm the current total before paying.

Captain Mike is praised for his easygoing manner and willingness to teach the basics of sailing, not just steer the boat while you sit back. You may also spot sea turtles during the snorkeling stops, though wildlife is never guaranteed. The schedule is gentle rather than packed, and you return to Cruz Bay with time left for an afternoon drink or more island exploring.

Key points to know before you book

• Private sailing for up to four people: Your group has the boat to itself, making this a good fit for families, couples, or close friends.
• A 40-foot sailboat: You may relax in the sun, enjoy the water, or take the helm with guidance from the captain.
• Two water-focused stops: The plan includes snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and chances to see sea turtles and other marine life.
• Lunch and an open bar are included: A gourmet deli lunch is selected before sailing, with cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, juices, water, and snacks available.
• No customs stop on the standard local route: The outing stays in US Virgin Islands waters, so customs and immigration charges are not added.
• Five hours from Cruz Bay: The timing leaves room for a happy hour or further sightseeing after the boat returns.

Setting out from Cruz Bay on a 40-foot sailboat

The meeting point is the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, St John. Pickup is offered, but the listed start point is still the ferry terminal, so you should confirm the pickup arrangement when booking rather than assume transportation is included from every address.

Cruz Bay is a practical starting point for a sailing day. From here, the boat can reach the protected western shoreline of St John and nearby cays without turning the outing into a long open-water passage. That matters because you spend more of your five hours enjoying the water and less time simply getting to it.

This is not a large party cruise. The booking is private for your group, with a maximum of four passengers. For a couple, this creates plenty of room and privacy. For a family or four friends, it avoids the usual problem of trying to agree on plans with a boatload of strangers.

The 40-foot sailboat also gives the experience a different feel from a simple motorboat excursion. You can sunbathe, sit back, and let the boat move under sail when conditions allow. If you are curious about sailing, Captain Mike has been praised for explaining the fundamentals and allowing people to take the helm. I would see that as a real benefit for first-time sailors, since you get a taste of the skill involved without signing up for a formal lesson.

The exact sailing conditions and route depend on the day. The protected waters around St John are generally suited to a relaxed outing, but wind and weather still shape the schedule. This is a day for enjoying the pace of the sea, not for demanding a fixed list of bays or a guaranteed sailing speed.

The first anchorage: snorkeling with room to relax

After leaving Cruz Bay, the boat heads toward a protected bay near one of the surrounding cays. The first stop is used for fitting snorkeling equipment and getting into the water.

That order makes sense. You can settle into the boat, hear the plan from the crew, and receive the gear before swimming. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask, snorkel, or related items. The outing is described as suitable for different snorkeling skill levels, which is helpful if one person in your group is comfortable in the water and another is still learning.

The emphasis here is not only on snorkeling. You can swim, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the quiet anchorage. That slower pace is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Many boat outings try to squeeze in too many stops. Morningstar’s plan gives you time to enjoy each place instead of treating the sea as a series of quick photo stops.

Sea turtles are a regular hope for this outing, and one passenger specifically saw a turtle while snorkeling. Still, you should treat turtles and other sea life as a fortunate possibility, not a promise. Wildlife moves on its own schedule. The quality of the stop does not depend entirely on spotting one animal.

If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew about the snorkeling conditions before entering the water. The description says options are available for all skill levels, but it does not provide details about flotation devices, lifeguard service, or the exact depth at each stop. Bring a calm attitude, listen to the captain, and do not feel pressured to stay in the water longer than you want.

Towels are not included. Pack one for the ride home, along with swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need after getting wet. Bottled water, snacks, soda, juices, and other drinks are supplied, so you do not need to fill your bag with beverages.

The second stop brings beach time and more sea life

The itinerary continues to a second location where you can swim, see more marine life, and explore white sandy beaches. This gives the day some variety. The first stop is centered on snorkeling and a peaceful anchorage, while the second adds shoreline time.

I like this combination because it works for mixed interests. One person can spend more time in the water, while another can enjoy the beach or remain aboard. You are not locked into one activity for the entire afternoon.

The wording allows for several possible destinations, so the exact beach and bay are not fixed. That is a useful feature in changing weather, but it also means you should not book this expecting a named beach every time. The captain’s choice can reflect wind, sea conditions, and what makes the most sense that day.

The second stop is also where the full lunch fits naturally into the rhythm of the outing. A gourmet deli menu is provided for you to select before sailing. This is better than relying on a vague promise of snacks, since you can make a real meal part of your plan. The menu itself is not provided, so check what choices are available and tell the operator about any food needs before departure.

Lunch, cocktails, and the value of all-inclusive sailing

The price includes a full lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and an open bar with island cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks. Fuel, captain fees, taxes, and other listed fees are also included.

That coverage is important in the Virgin Islands, where a seemingly reasonable boat price can rise once fuel, crew charges, food, and drinks are added. Here, you can plan the day without keeping a running tab for every bottle of water or rum cocktail.

The open bar is a pleasant extra, but it should not define your expectations. The best value comes from combining a private boat, captain, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a five-hour route for a small group. If four people share the cost, the per-person figure becomes easier to compare with a private charter. If only two people book, the price per person is much higher, though the privacy may still be worth it for a special occasion.

There is a clear price issue to resolve. The tour summary lists $1,346.67 per group of up to four, while the description also calls the all-inclusive price $755. Those figures are far apart. Prices may change, or one figure may refer to an older offer, but you should not guess. Ask for the exact total, what currency is used, and whether the displayed amount covers all four passengers before finalizing the reservation.

Gratuity is not included. If Captain Mike and the crew provide a safe, friendly, and flexible day, plan for a tip as an additional cost. Since the boat is private, you are tipping for the service given to your own group rather than splitting a general crew tip among many passengers.

Captain Mike’s role makes the trip more personal

Captain Mike receives the strongest praise in the available feedback. He is described as accommodating, fun, and willing to teach sailing fundamentals. His local knowledge is also singled out as a reason the day works well.

That combination matters. A captain can be technically capable but distant, or friendly but poor at managing a boat and schedule. The comments here point to someone who tries to include the group in the experience. If you want to learn how the boat works, ask questions. If you would rather lie back and watch the water, the relaxed itinerary allows that too.

Bridget is also named as part of the crew on one outing. Her role may vary by departure, so I would not assume the same crew lineup every time. One account also describes Captain Mike, Bridget, and their young son on a longer adventure that included the British Virgin Islands, Foxy’s, and Soggy Dollar. That is different from the standard local route described here, which stays in US Virgin Islands waters, so treat it as evidence of the operator’s broader charter ability rather than a promise for this five-hour sail.

The best use of the crew’s local knowledge is to ask about the day’s conditions and route. Since the itinerary allows several destination choices, the captain can help your group understand why one bay or beach makes more sense than another.

Timing, meeting point, and what to bring

The sail lasts about five hours and ends back at the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay. The schedule is designed to finish with enough time for afternoon happy hour or more island exploring.

That return time is useful if you are building a full day around Cruz Bay. You can keep dinner plans, walk through town, or continue sightseeing without giving the whole evening to the boat. Still, allow some flexibility. Weather, anchoring, and water conditions can affect timing, so avoid scheduling an important connection immediately after the stated return.

Bring a towel, since towels are excluded. You should also pack swimwear, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. Food, water, snacks, soda, juices, alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling equipment are supplied, so those items do not need to take up much space in your day bag.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The boat is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. The experience is described as suitable for most people, but the supplied information does not give detailed physical-access notes for boarding, swimming, or beach landings. If anyone in your group has mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking.

Who will get the most from this private day sail

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a small group that values privacy and a calm pace. Four people sharing the cost can get a particularly good mix of comfort, food, drinks, snorkeling, and personal attention.

It also suits first-time sailors. Captain Mike’s willingness to teach makes the boat more than a floating restaurant. You can learn a little, try the helm, and still enjoy a carefree vacation day.

Families may like the ability to adjust the pace. A child or less confident swimmer can stay aboard while stronger swimmers snorkel. Couples may appreciate the quiet setting and open bar. Friends who want a private celebration can use the lunch and drinks as part of the occasion.

This is less ideal if you want a tightly scripted tour with guaranteed stops. The route changes among nearby bays and cays, and sea turtles cannot be promised. It is also not the right choice if you are trying to find the lowest-cost way to get on the water. The private format carries a premium, especially if fewer than four people share the booking.

Cancellation and weather considerations

The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason once paid. That is a serious condition for a vacation activity, so I would avoid reserving it before your dates and group are firm.

Bad weather is handled differently. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met and the operator cancels. That protection helps, but it does not remove the risk of losing the payment if you cancel for your own reasons.

Because the trip depends on weather, keep your plans flexible and do not place it on the final day of your vacation if a cancellation would leave you disappointed. Booking earlier in your stay gives you more room to reschedule if conditions turn poor.

Should you book Morningstar’s private St John sail?

Book it if you want a small, personal day on the water rather than a crowded cruise. The combination of a 40-foot sailboat, two water stops, snorkeling gear, sea turtle possibilities, lunch, an open bar, and a captain who enjoys teaching creates a well-rounded outing.

Before you book, get the current price in writing. The $1,346.67 group total and the separate $755 figure need clarification. Also confirm the pickup plan, lunch choices, expected route, and crew for your date.

With those details settled, this is a strong choice for up to four people who value comfort, flexibility, and time to enjoy St John at sea. If your budget is tight or you need a guaranteed beach and wildlife itinerary, choose a less expensive or more structured option instead.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip begin?

The listed meeting point is the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, St John, USVI.

Where does the sailing trip end?

The activity ends back at the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay.

How long does the day sail last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private booking is for up to four passengers, and only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. A full gourmet deli lunch is available for selection before the sail. The package also includes snacks, bottled water, soda, juices, mocktails, and alcoholic beverages from an open bar.

Are customs and fuel fees included?

Yes. The trip stays in US Virgin Islands waters, so there are no additional customs or immigration fees listed. Fuel, captain fees, taxes, and other listed fees are included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The experience itself is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking.