Caribbean Blue Charters – Full Day Boat Charter – 35′ Marlin Power Boat

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is the freedom to set the day around your group. You can ask Captain Nate, Kyle, Brendan, Anthony, or Spence to focus on sea turtles, quiet beaches, several snorkel stops, or a relaxed lunch at Lime Out. I like the private boat and the flexible route, since you are not tied to a fixed group schedule.

You also get snorkel gear, floats, music, a full-size cooler with ice, and hotel pickup. The main catch is cost: the advertised $875 covers the boat for up to six people, but fuel, the captain fee, and gratuity are extra. Ask for the full price before you go.

Key points to know before you book

• A real private charter: Only your party joins the boat, with space for up to six people according to the tour details.
• A captain-shaped day: You can request beaches, swimming areas, snorkeling, island views, or a lunch stop such as Lime Out.
• Several strong snorkel areas: The route may include Lovango Cay, Maho Bay, Whistling Cay, Flanagan Island, Booby Rock, or the Ledges of Little St. James.
• Useful gear is already aboard: Snorkels, masks, floats, music, and an ice-filled cooler are included.
• Hotel pickup is offered: The listed departure point is Oasis Cove Marina on Route 32 in St. Thomas.
• Extra charges matter: Fuel, the captain fee, and the captain’s gratuity are not included in the $875 price.

A private day from Oasis Cove Marina

Your day begins at Oasis Cove Marina, 6186 Estate Frydenhoj Route 32, St. Thomas. Hotel pickup is offered, which can save you the trouble of arranging a separate ride to the marina. The listed operating hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the outing lasts about seven and a half hours.

That timing gives you a full day on the water without turning the trip into an endurance test. Still, build in time for boarding, moving between coves, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. One common feeling after a good day on this boat is that seven hours goes quickly.

The boat is a 35-foot Marlin powerboat. That is a useful size for a private outing: large enough to carry the basic equipment and cooler, but still suited to moving between bays and small coastal stops. The official capacity is up to six people, so plan around that number even though some online comments refer to larger parties. Confirm capacity directly if your group exceeds six.

The freedom to shape your own route

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a rigid list of stops. You and your captain can decide how to use the day. You might want a string of snorkel locations, a quiet beach, a stop for lunch, or a mix of all three.

That flexibility matters in the Virgin Islands. Conditions can affect which side of a cay feels best for swimming, and your group may not agree on how much time to spend in the water. One person may want turtles, another may want a secluded beach, and someone else may prefer music, shade, and a slow lunch. A private boat lets you adjust instead of accepting the pace of a large group.

Be clear at the start. Tell the captain what matters most, such as sea turtles, calm water, beach time, snorkeling, or food. Then let the captain use local experience to arrange the order. Captain Nate, in particular, is repeatedly praised for asking what people wanted and adapting the day to fit families, birthday groups, and strong snorkelers.

Lovango Cay and Maho Bay

Lovango Cay is one of the suggested stops and a natural fit for a boat-based day. You get the pleasure of approaching by water, then choosing between a swim, a snorkel, or time simply enjoying the coast. It is the kind of place where a private boat earns its keep, since you are not trying to coordinate your stop with a large excursion group.

Maho Bay is another named destination and is especially appealing if seeing turtles is high on your list. The exact wildlife you see can never be promised, but several outings have included sea turtles, along with fish and other sea life. Keep your expectations sensible: the captain can take you to places where turtles are often found, but nature sets the schedule.

The useful question is not how many stops you can collect. It is how much time you want at each one. Five quick snorkel stops may suit an active family, while two longer swims may be better for a group with mixed comfort in the water.

Snorkeling at Whistling Cay, Flanagan Island, and Booby Rock

The charter can also reach more adventurous snorkel areas around St. John and nearby islands. Whistling Cay, Flanagan Island, Booby Rock, and the Ledges of Little St. James have all been used as stops on customized days.

Booby Rock is a good example of why a private captain helps. It has been used for a full-island snorkel, with sightings that included a nurse shark. The Ledges of Little St. James produced barracuda and a sea turtle on one particularly active outing. These are exciting possibilities, but they are not guaranteed sights or fixed parts of every route.

If your group includes confident swimmers who want to spend much of the day in the water, tell the captain. If you have children or anyone who is uneasy in open water, say that too. Captain Spence has been praised for finding sea life and secluded beaches, while Captain Anthony has handled mixed-age family groups. The best itinerary depends on honest information from you.

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you strongly prefer familiar gear. Floats are also provided. Use them as comfort aids, not as a replacement for basic water confidence and attention to the captain’s instructions.

Secluded beaches and the view from the sea

Some of the most worthwhile stops are not famous landmarks. They are beaches and coves that are awkward or impossible to reach from land. A boat allows you to pull into places where you can swim ashore, float near the beach, or enjoy a quieter stretch of coast.

The view also changes when you leave St. Thomas behind. From the water, you see the shoreline as a series of bays, rocky points, and small islands rather than as roads and hotel districts. That change of angle is one of the strongest reasons to choose a charter instead of spending the whole day on land.

Do not expect every beach stop to feel deserted. Popular islands and coves can change from quiet to busy depending on the day. The advantage here is that your captain can adjust the plan instead of keeping you at a crowded spot for a set amount of time.

Lunch at Lime Out

Lime Out, a floating taco bar, is one of the memorable options mentioned for the route. It is only reached by water, so lunch becomes part of the outing rather than a return to shore. You can stop for food, enjoy the novelty of eating on the water, and then continue to another swim or snorkel location.

Food is not listed as included, so plan to pay separately. It is also wise to discuss the lunch plan before departure. A meal stop uses part of your seven and a half hours, which may be exactly what you want or may cut into snorkeling time.

This is where the private format helps again. You can choose Lime Out for a social lunch, skip it for more time in the water, or ask for another arrangement that suits your group. The boat is best when you treat the itinerary as a conversation, not a promise of every possible stop.

Captains Nate, Kyle, Brendan, Anthony, and Spence

The captain can make or break a private boat day. You are spending many hours in a small space, relying on one person for navigation, local judgment, safety, and the tone of the outing.

Captain Nate is the name most often associated with this charter. He has taken groups around St. Thomas and St. John, found turtle spots, arranged several snorkel stops, and adjusted plans for children and adults. He is also praised for taking photos and videos on some outings, though you should confirm that directly if it matters to you.

Captain Kyle has led relaxed private trips for couples and families, with stops at scenic places and help creating photos and videos. Brendan has taken groups between islands for snorkeling, including turtle sightings. Captain Anthony has worked with families that included several children and built an itinerary without needing a detailed plan from the group.

Captain Spence has been credited with locating sea life, beautiful places, and beaches that are hard to reach from land. You may not be assigned a particular captain, so ask about availability if you have a strong preference. The company operates the charter, but the person at the helm will shape your day.

What the $875 price really means

The listed price is $875 per group, not per person, for up to six people. At the full six-person capacity, that is about $146 per person before the extra charges. For two people, the same boat price works out to $437.50 per person before fuel, captain fees, and gratuity.

That makes this a strong value for a full group that wants privacy and flexibility. It is less attractive for a couple unless you place a high value on having your own boat, your own pace, and a captain focused only on you.

The price includes the boat experience, snorkel equipment, floats, music, a cooler with ice, and hotel pickup. It does not include fuel, the captain’s fee, or the captain’s gratuity. The amount of those charges is not provided here, so get a complete quote before committing.

Also ask how gratuity is calculated. One family found the extra charges less clear than expected and advised budgeting a tip based on the total cost, not only the captain fee. That is practical advice. Ask for the final expected amount in writing, then decide what tip fits the service you receive.

What to bring for a comfortable day

The boat provides the key water equipment, but you still need to prepare for a long day outdoors. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a secure way to protect your phone. The cooler has ice, but no food or drinks are listed as included, so bring supplies or plan a food stop.

Wear clothing that can handle spray and sun. Keep loose items in a small bag rather than bringing bulky luggage. You may want a light cover-up for the boat ride between stops, especially after swimming.

If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. The provided information does not specify the boat’s motion in different conditions, so ask the operator what to expect on your date. The charter depends on good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This outing suits a family or friend group that wants to spend most of a day outside and does not want to share a boat with strangers. It is especially good for people who have clear priorities, such as turtle sightings, active snorkeling, quiet beaches, or a floating lunch.

It also works well for a birthday or another special day. Captain Nate has helped create birthday outings, and the private setup gives you room to celebrate without fitting into a stranger’s schedule.

You may want something else if you prefer a fixed sightseeing route, dislike open-water travel, or want every cost included in one upfront price. This is also not the simplest pick for a large party, since the stated capacity is six. Ask before booking if your group is bigger.

Booking, pickup, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are available. The marina is near public transportation, and hotel pickup is offered, though you should confirm the pickup area and time when you reserve.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip requires good weather, a cancellation by the operator for poor conditions brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book Caribbean Blue Charters?

I would book this charter if your group has six or fewer people, wants a private day, and values the ability to change plans as the day unfolds. The combination of a 35-foot boat, included snorkel gear, floats, cooler, music, and hotel pickup removes much of the usual friction.

The strongest reason to choose it is the captain-led flexibility. You can ask for turtles, several snorkel areas, secluded beaches, St. John views, or Lime Out, then let the skipper balance your wishes with conditions on the water.

Before paying, confirm the actual passenger count, pickup details, captain assignment, fuel charge, captain fee, gratuity expectations, and likely route. If those numbers fit your budget, this can be the most personal way to spend a full day around St. Thomas and St. John.

FAQ

Where does the boat charter begin?

The listed meeting point is Oasis Cove Marina, 6186 Estate Frydenhoj Route 32, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The charter ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

What are the operating hours?

The listed operating hours are Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How many people can join?

The tour details state that the private charter is for up to six people.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is offered, but confirm the pickup location and timing when you book.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floats.

Is a cooler provided?

Yes. A full-size cooler with ice is available on board.

Are fuel and captain charges included?

No. Fuel, the captain’s fee, and the captain’s gratuity are additional charges.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.