Private Full Day Boat Charter around St Thomas and St John

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is the freedom to shape the day as you go. Your captain can steer you toward beaches around St. Thomas and St. John, quiet snorkeling spots, or a floating meal at Lime Out or Pizza Pi. You are not following a fixed sightseeing schedule.

I like the private boat and the simple all-in setup: fuel, water, ice, snorkeling gear, floats, and a Bluetooth stereo are included. I also like that the boat can carry up to 12 people, making the $1,500 price far more sensible for a full group than for just two or three people.

The main drawback is that the itinerary is intentionally open-ended. If you want a precise list of stops guaranteed in advance, this may feel too loose. Weather also matters, since the trip can be canceled or moved if conditions are poor.

Key points at a glance

• Your group controls the route: Choose beaches, snorkeling areas, and a possible floating-restaurant stop with the captain.
• Captain RJ has a strong personal mention: One recent outing included turtle snorkeling and a relaxed, memorable day around St. Thomas.
• The charter runs about seven hours: The 9:00 a.m. start gives you most of the daylight for swimming and exploring.
• The $1,500 rate covers up to 12 people: A full group pays about $125 per person before any restaurant purchases.
• Snorkeling gear and fuel are included: You do not need to arrange those basics separately.
• You return to Compass Point Marina: The trip starts and ends at the same St. Thomas meeting point.

A private boat day instead of a fixed tour

This is the sort of outing that works best when your group wants room to make decisions. You begin at Compass Point Marina in Estate Bovoni at 9:00 a.m., meet your USCG-certified captain, and discuss the possibilities before setting off.

That conversation matters. The supplied plan does not lock you into a rigid sequence of stops, so the captain can help you decide how to use the seven hours. You might give priority to swimming, spend more time snorkeling, visit beaches on both St. Thomas and St. John, or work in a food stop.

I like this format for families and groups of friends because people rarely want the same boat day. One person wants a swim, another wants photos, someone else wants lunch, and a fourth person wants music and a comfortable ride. A private charter lets you negotiate that mix within your own group instead of asking strangers to agree.

The tradeoff is that the day depends on communication. Tell the captain what matters to you early. If everyone wants a long restaurant stop, you will have less time for beaches and snorkeling. If you want to see several areas, keep meal time short.

What the seven-hour route can include

The only listed stop is the broader St. Thomas and St. John area, rather than one named beach or cove. That is useful to understand before booking. You are paying for access, time on the water, and a flexible route, not for a guaranteed checklist of exact locations.

The captain can take you to beaches surrounding St. Thomas and St. John. From the boat, a beach stop gives you a chance to swim, relax, and see the islands from the water. Since you choose the pace, you can linger at a place your group likes rather than leaving because a schedule says it is time to go.

You can also ask to snorkel at spots that are accessible by boat. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose a charter over a land-based beach plan. You are not limited to areas beside a road or a busy public access point.

Still, the information does not promise a particular reef, wildlife sighting, or water condition. The favorable mention of snorkeling with turtles on a trip with Captain RJ is encouraging, but turtles and other marine life are never something I would treat as guaranteed. Bring the right expectations: the captain can take you to good places, but nature sets the final schedule.

Snorkeling with the supplied gear

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floats. That saves you from renting basic gear before the boat leaves, and it makes spontaneous swim stops easier. Bottled water is also supplied, while the cooler comes filled with ice.

The included equipment is most valuable when your group has mixed interests. Strong swimmers can use the snorkel gear, while others can float or stay aboard. You do not have to build the whole day around one activity.

I would still confirm the practical details at the start. The supplied information does not specify the number or sizes of masks, fins, or flotation devices, so tell the captain what your group needs. The boat has room for up to 12 people, but the comfort of that number depends on how many people bring personal items and how much time everyone wants in the water.

The report of turtle snorkeling with Captain RJ gives this charter a memorable possibility. If seeing turtles is important to you, mention it before departure, but keep it as a hope rather than a promise. The best approach is to let the captain balance wildlife chances with safe water and the day’s conditions.

St. Thomas, St. John, and the value of seeing both by water

A boat changes your sense of distance between the islands. Instead of treating St. Thomas and St. John as separate land excursions, you can experience the water between them as part of the day.

That makes the charter particularly useful if your group wants variety. You can spend part of the day near St. Thomas, then ask to visit an area around St. John, depending on the captain’s route and the conditions. You get a broader view of the US Virgin Islands than you would from one beach.

I also like the fact that the boat itself is part of the sightseeing. The Bluetooth stereo lets you provide music for your group, and the cooler with ice means cold drinks can remain close at hand. Bottled water is included, but you should clarify what other drinks and food you may bring if that matters to your plans.

Do not confuse flexibility with unlimited time. Seven hours sounds generous, but a morning departure, several swimming stops, a restaurant visit, and travel between islands can use the day quickly. Pick two or three priorities before you arrive.

Making sense of Lime Out and Pizza Pi

You can add a stop at a floating restaurant such as Lime Out or Pizza Pi. This is a fun option because lunch becomes part of the boat day rather than a separate land transfer.

A restaurant stop can also give non-swimmers a welcome change of pace. Someone who is less interested in snorkeling can enjoy a meal, music, and the view while the group takes a break from the water.

The practical issue is time and cost. The $1,500 charter price includes fuel, water, ice, gear, and the captain, but it does not say that restaurant food is included. Plan to pay separately for any meal or drinks, and remember that a longer lunch leaves less time for exploring.

I would decide this with the group before departure. If lunch is central to the day, tell the captain early. If snorkeling is the priority, you may prefer a shorter stop or no restaurant stop at all.

The $1,500 price and who gets good value

The listed price is $1,500 per group of up to 12 people. At full capacity, that works out to $125 per person. For six people, it becomes $250 each. For two people, the same charter is a much more expensive $750 per person.

That math tells you exactly who should book. This is a strong value for a family reunion, birthday group, wedding party, or group of friends who can fill most of the available places. It is harder to justify for a couple unless privacy and control are worth more to you than the lower cost of a shared outing.

Fuel is included, which is important for a boat day that may cover water around two islands. The captain, snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled water, cooler, ice, and Bluetooth stereo are also included. Those details reduce the number of extras you need to arrange.

You should still budget for personal food and drinks if you want more than the supplied bottled water, plus any purchases at Lime Out or Pizza Pi. The price gives you a private day on the water, not an all-inclusive meal plan.

Why the captain matters on an open itinerary

An open route puts more responsibility on the captain. You need someone who can listen to your priorities, explain the choices, and adjust the plan as the day develops.

Captain RJ is specifically associated with an enjoyable outing that included turtle snorkeling. The description also emphasizes a relaxed manner and strong local know-how. I would treat that as a reason to ask for Captain RJ when booking, though the supplied information does not guarantee that he will operate every departure.

The captain is USCG certified, another practical point in favor of the charter. Certification does not promise perfect weather or a particular marine sighting, but it tells you the boat is operated by a qualified professional rather than an informal guide.

Use the opening discussion well. Tell the captain whether your group cares most about beaches, snorkeling, food, music, or seeing both St. Thomas and St. John. A clear wish list will help turn a loose plan into a satisfying day.

Timing, meeting point, and comfort

The boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Compass Point Marina, St. Thomas, in Estate Bovoni. The activity lasts about seven hours and ends back at the same marina.

A start at 9:00 a.m. gives you a full daytime outing, but it also means you should plan ahead for getting to the marina. The supplied details do not include hotel pickup, so do not assume transportation from your accommodation is included. Treat Compass Point Marina as your responsibility for arrival.

The return to the starting point keeps the day straightforward. You are not left arranging a second pickup at another island or beach. That is especially helpful for a group with luggage, children, or different plans after the boat trip.

The charter is private, so only your group participates. That gives you control over music, pace, stops, and conversation. The boat can hold up to 12 people, but larger groups should think honestly about personal space and how many people will want to swim at once.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Good weather is required for this outing. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted and are not refunded, so keep the local cutoff in mind.

The confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity accepts service animals, and the supplied information says most people can participate. It does not provide detailed mobility or boat-access information, so anyone with specific access needs should ask the operator before reserving.

For your own comfort, I would plan a simple priority list, bring any personal snacks or drinks you want beyond bottled water, and avoid overloading the day with too many stops. The best private charters usually leave enough room for an unexpected good swim or a longer look at a place your group enjoys.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to groups of six to 12 people who want privacy and can share the cost. Families benefit from the flexible pace, while friends can combine swimming, snorkeling, music, sightseeing, and lunch without splitting up.

It also suits people who have already seen the main beaches and want a day built around the water. The ability to reach boat-accessible snorkeling areas is a real advantage when you want something less tied to roads and crowded shore access.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as a couple, need a fixed itinerary, or want a tour with every stop and meal predetermined. The high group price and open route make it less efficient for a small party seeking a simple, scheduled excursion.

FAQ

How much does the private boat charter cost?

The charter costs $1,500 per group, with up to 12 people allowed.

How long is the boat trip?

The activity lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the charter start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the charter depart?

The boat departs from Compass Point Marina in Estate Bovoni, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the trip finish?

The activity ends back at Compass Point Marina, the same place where it begins.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled water, fuel, and a cooler with ice are included.

Can the charter visit a floating restaurant?

Yes. You can ask to include a stop at a floating restaurant such as Lime Out or Pizza Pi in your itinerary.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you can fill much of the 12-person capacity and want your day to revolve around your group’s interests. The private route, included fuel and gear, access to St. Thomas and St. John, and the chance to snorkel with turtles make it a strong choice for a shared celebration or family boat day.

For a small group, compare the per-person cost carefully. If you value privacy, flexible stops, and time on the water, $1,500 may feel worthwhile. If you mainly want a short swim and a fixed sightseeing route, a less expensive shared trip could be the better fit.