Private Power Catamaran. Secluded Beaches, Snorkeling, Turtles for Full/Half Day

A private power catamaran is one of the best ways to see the quieter side of St. Thomas. With only your group aboard, you can spend the day snorkeling coral reefs, swimming with turtles, stopping at white-sand beaches, or simply floating in warm water while Captain Aaron, Mike, Kirk, or another local captain guides the route. I especially like the flexible itinerary and the wide, stable 32-foot catamaran, which makes a long day on the water more comfortable.

The boat has shade over nearly two-thirds of the deck, plus seating in the sun, and the built-in coolers hold ice and bottled water. The main drawback is cost: $1,050 per group is a serious outlay for a small party, and fuel, lunch, and alcohol cost extra. Weather can also force a change of plans.

Key points to know

• Private boat for up to 10: You spend the day with your own family or friends rather than sharing a boat with a large crowd.
• Sapphire Beach departure: The charter begins and ends at Sapphire Beach Marina on Smith Bay Road.
• Captain-led but flexible: You can suggest your own plan, or let the captain choose reefs, beaches, and swimming spots based on the day.
• Good turtle and reef time: Stops may include clear-water turtle swims, coral reefs, starfish, rays, and nurse sharks.
• Comfortable power catamaran: The boat is wide, stable, and shaded, with seating in both shade and sun.
• Full-day lunch option: A longer charter can include a lunch stop, with the captain helping you choose among available options.

Starting at Sapphire Beach Marina

Your day begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, at 6720 Smith Bay Road in Smith Bay, St. Thomas. The same spot serves as your return point, which keeps the plan simple. There is public transportation nearby, but the supplied details do not specify hotel pickup, so you should arrange your own way to the marina.

The boat is described as a 32-foot power catamaran called Shady Lady. The booking information also refers to the boat as Island Girl, so I would confirm the vessel name when you reserve. That small naming point is worth clearing up, especially if you are meeting the crew at a busy marina.

The catamaran design matters. A wide boat tends to feel steadier than a narrow single-hull vessel, and that extra stability can make a big difference during a six-hour-plus outing. You still need a moderate level of physical fitness, since the day involves boarding, moving around the boat, swimming, and using snorkeling gear.

Nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded. You can sit out in the sun if you want to dry off or work on a tan, but you are not forced to spend the entire day exposed to it. Bring sun protection anyway. The water may feel cool and refreshing, while the Caribbean sun remains strong.

A private itinerary that follows your group

The strongest feature here is control. You can ask for snorkeling, beach hopping, turtle swimming, or a relaxed day with more time spent floating and listening to music. If you do not know the area well, the captain can suggest a route and adjust it as conditions change.

That flexibility is more useful than it sounds. A reef may have poor visibility on one day, or a beach may feel crowded at a certain hour. The crew has room to switch plans. One group changed snorkeling spots because of weather and ended up seeing two nurse sharks. That is a good reminder that the best day on the water is not always the one that follows a fixed schedule.

You will also get passing views of St. Thomas and nearby islands, along with local landmarks and historical context from the captain. This is not a formal sightseeing lecture, so the amount of commentary may depend on your captain and your questions. Still, the boat ride itself becomes part of the outing rather than just transportation between stops.

The private format suits families and groups with different energy levels. One person can snorkel while another stays aboard in the shade. Teenagers can choose the music and swim between stops. A young child can remain close to the adults instead of being lost in a large excursion group. A private charter also gives you more room to mark a birthday or another special day without having to fit into somebody else’s timetable.

Snorkeling reefs, turtles, and clear water

Snorkeling is a central part of the outing. Equipment is included, along with bottled water and ice in the built-in coolers, so you do not need to pack your own mask, fins, or a separate cooler unless you have personal preferences.

The water around the Virgin Islands is warm and clear, with changing shades of blue. The exact reef depends on the captain, weather, and sea conditions, but the day may include coral, sea turtles, starfish, rays, and nurse sharks. Those encounters are never guaranteed, and wildlife should always be treated as wild, but the charter gives you time to look rather than rushing through a single short stop.

I would think of the snorkeling as a series of chances rather than one promised animal encounter. If turtles appear at the first spot, you may have a memorable swim right away. If conditions are not right, the captain can try another location. That ability to shift the plan is a real benefit of booking privately.

You should be comfortable in the water before choosing this charter. The information calls for moderate physical fitness, and there is no claim that the crew provides a dedicated swim instructor or flotation support beyond the boat’s equipment. If someone in your group is a weak swimmer, ask the operator what assistance is available before booking.

The boat’s stability helps when you are putting on gear or climbing back aboard, but you should still expect a real day at sea. Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sun protection, a hat that fits securely, and a dry bag for phones or cameras. The supplied details confirm bottled water and ice, but not meals or personal snacks.

Beach hopping and quiet coves

A full or half-day charter can include several beach stops. Many are described as secluded, though the exact beaches depend on your chosen route. You may spend a short time at one cove, linger at a favorite beach, or replace a beach stop with more snorkeling.

White sand, warm water, and quiet coves are the appeal here. Beach hopping gives you more variety than staying at one resort beach all day, and arriving by boat lets you see the shoreline from a different angle. It also makes the day feel less programmed. You can swim, float on the provided noodles, or stay aboard with a cold drink.

There is a tradeoff. A private boat does not guarantee that every beach will be empty, particularly during busy periods. Conditions, boat traffic, and the time of day can affect how peaceful a stop feels. The captain can help you avoid the most crowded options, but you should not expect complete solitude at every beach.

The charter has enough flexibility for a group to settle into its own rhythm. You may want two energetic snorkeling stops early, followed by a slow beach visit. Or you may prefer a scenic cruise, one swim with turtles, and plenty of time doing nothing. Tell the captain what kind of day you want at the start, then speak up if the pace feels too fast or too slow.

The boat’s shade, seating, and sound system

The catamaran is set up for both activity and downtime. The shade over much of the deck is valuable during the hottest part of the day, while sunny seating gives you a place to dry off after swimming. The boat also has a 2,000-watt stereo system, and the crew can play music as you cruise between stops.

That sound system will appeal to a group that wants a party atmosphere, but it may not suit everyone. If your group includes people hoping for quiet bird watching or a calm conversation, ask the captain to keep the volume at a comfortable level. Since the boat is private, you have a better chance of setting the mood to suit your group.

The built-in coolers come with ice, and bottled water is included. Alcohol is not included, but the operator can obtain it for an added charge. You may bring questions about what is allowed aboard, since the supplied information does not spell out a personal beverage policy.

The power catamaran is designed for the waters of the US Virgin Islands, and the wide layout should help you move around. Still, a boat is not a flat sidewalk. Wear secure footwear for the marina and use care on wet surfaces after swimming.

Full-day timing and the lunch question

The advertised duration is about 6 hours and 30 minutes. The experience is also described as available as a full-day or half-day private charter, so confirm the exact option and timing when booking. The $1,050 price is listed per group of up to 10, but the supplied details do not provide separate half-day pricing.

A full day gives you enough time to combine several activities without feeling rushed. You can cruise, stop at a reef, visit a beach, take another swim, and still have time to relax aboard. The captain can also plan a lunch stop and help you choose among the available options.

Lunch is not included in the price. The same applies to fuel and alcohol. Fuel being separate is particularly important when you are comparing this charter with other private boats, since the final cost may be higher than the base rate. Ask for the expected fuel charge and any drink fees before you commit.

For a group of 10, the arithmetic is more appealing: the base price works out to $105 per person before extras. For two or three people, the per-person cost becomes much higher. I see the best value for a family group, two couples traveling together, or friends who would otherwise book several separate activities.

The charter is booked an average of 94 days in advance, which suggests that you should not leave it until the last part of your trip if the date matters. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience ends back at Sapphire Beach Marina.

Captains who shape the day

The company is locally operated, and the captains are presented as people who live in the Virgin Islands and enjoy showing visitors their home waters. Names associated with the experience include Mike, Aaron, Kirk, and Tim, with Cindy and Deb also part of some larger crews. Your assigned captain may be different.

Captain Aaron appears especially suited to groups with children or teenagers. He has handled family groups with young children, kept older teens entertained, and adjusted the day around what the group wanted to see. Captain Mike has also been praised for clear communication before the trip and for helping families build a memorable day.

Captain Kirk has led outings that included snorkeling, island sightseeing, and wildlife encounters. He also worked with a shortened three-hour version when rain disrupted an original booking. These details suggest a crew willing to adjust, but they do not mean every captain will offer the same personality or route.

For larger groups, a mate may join the captain. The inclusion of a mate is specifically noted for larger parties, though the exact group size that triggers one is not provided. Up to 10 people can book the charter as one private group.

What weather can change

This is a weather-dependent experience. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it cannot rescue a single open day in a tightly planned cruise schedule if the water conditions do not cooperate.

Weather may also change the route without canceling the charter. A captain might move snorkeling to a more sheltered location, shorten a swim, or replace one stop with another. That flexibility is one reason I would avoid planning a must-see list of five exact beaches.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Cutoff times use local time in St. Thomas, so check the clock carefully if you are arranging the trip from another time zone.

Who gets the most from this charter

I would choose this experience for a group that values privacy and control more than the lowest possible price. It works particularly well for families, groups of friends, birthday outings, and people who want both active snorkeling and lazy time on the water.

It is also a strong choice for teenagers. They can help shape the music, spend time swimming, and avoid the rigid schedule of a large shared excursion. The private setting also helps if your group has mixed swimming ability or different ideas about how much time to spend on a beach.

A small party can still have a wonderful day, but the price deserves a hard look. Two people paying $1,050 before fuel and lunch are paying for space, privacy, and control, not simply transportation. If your main goal is a short snorkel stop at the lowest cost, a shared boat may make more sense.

This charter is less suitable if you want a guaranteed wildlife sighting, a formal naturalist presentation, or an all-inclusive price. The itinerary is flexible, but the precise stops and animals depend on conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Should you book the Shades of Blue charter?

Book it if your ideal St. Thomas day means your own boat, a local captain, several possible swim stops, turtle watching, quiet beaches, and plenty of time to set the pace. The stable catamaran, large shaded area, flexible route, and strong record of attentive captains give the experience real appeal.

Before paying, confirm four things: the exact charter length, the boat name, the fuel charge, and the plan for lunch or alcohol. If you have a full group of six to 10, the price can be reasonable for a private day. If you have only one or two people, compare the per-person cost with shared excursions.

I would also reserve early, especially for a specific date. Go in with an open route, trust the captain to respond to the water conditions, and judge the value by the freedom you gain. For the right group, this is not just a boat ride. It is a full day built around your own idea of a good island outing.

FAQ

Where does the private charter begin?

The charter begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the experience end?

The charter ends back at Sapphire Beach Marina, the same location where it begins.

How long does the charter last?

The listed duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The experience is also described as available as a full-day or half-day charter, so confirm the exact option when booking.

How many people can join?

The listed price covers one private group of up to 10 people.

Is this a shared boat tour?

No. This is a private activity, so only your group participates with the captain. A mate may join larger groups.

What boat will we use?

The boat is described as a 32-foot power catamaran called Shady Lady. The booking information also uses the name Island Girl, so confirm the vessel name with Shades of Blue Charters.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the charter.

Are water and ice provided?

Yes. Bottled water and ice in the boat’s built-in coolers are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. On a full-day charter, the captain can help plan a lunch stop and discuss available options.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, though the operator can obtain them for an additional charge.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation deadline?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.