Private Sunset Sail, Open Bar, 12 Guests, Amazing Island Views

The best part of this St. Thomas outing is the setting: a private 55-foot sailing yacht carries your group toward Great St. James, where you anchor in Christmas Cove as the sun drops over St. Thomas. It is a calm, scenic way to finish the day, with room for up to 12 people and no strangers sharing your boat.

I like the freedom of a private charter, especially since the crew may adjust the course to suit your interests. I also like the thoughtful touches, from front-deck bean bags to a steady supply of drinks, snacks, and cocktails such as Painkillers. The main consideration is price: at $1,345 per person, this is a major splurge, so it makes the most sense for a special occasion or a group that values privacy.

Key points to know before you book

• Christmas Cove sunset: Anchor near Great St. James for views across the southern coast of St. Thomas.
• Private setting: Only your own group takes part, with space for up to 12 people.
• Open bar included: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, local brews, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres are part of the experience.
• 55-foot daysail yacht: The boat offers a proper sailing setting, with front bean bags noted as a comfortable place to settle in.
• Flexible crew: Tommy, Jay, Ward, Racheal, Zack, and St Camille are among the crew names associated with the charter.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Setting sail from Sapphire Beach Resort Marina

Your afternoon or evening begins at 6720 Smith Bay Road, at Sapphire Beach Resort Marina in Smith Bay. The activity ends at the same place, which keeps the plan simple and avoids arranging a second pickup point after dark.

The marina is near public transportation, a useful detail if you are not driving. Still, you will want to allow enough time to find the marina and board without rushing. The exact boarding routine is not described, so confirm any arrival instructions with Blue Dream Charters after booking.

The boat is a 55-foot daysail yacht with room for a maximum of 12 people. That size gives you more than a basic harbor ride, yet it remains small enough for the crew to keep the mood personal. Since this is a private activity, you can talk with your own group, choose where to sit, and enjoy the evening without being folded into a larger tour crowd.

I would choose this outing for a birthday, anniversary, reunion, or a final night in St. Thomas. It also suits a family or friend group that wants one polished shared experience rather than several separate dinners or bar stops.

The sail toward Great St. James

Once underway, the boat heads toward Great St. James, a remote island just off St. Thomas. The point is not to race from one attraction to another. The pleasure comes from the changing view, the open water, and the gradual shift from daylight to sunset.

The crew can respond to your interests to some degree. Tommy and Jay, for example, adjusted the course after talking with the group about what they wanted to see. That does not mean the route is completely open-ended, since weather, timing, and safe sailing still control the evening. It does mean you can speak up if your group has a particular preference.

You can settle on the front bean bags, a detail that matters more than it may sound. A sunset sail involves a fair amount of sitting and watching, so a comfortable place to stretch out can make the ride feel far more relaxed. If you prefer a social perch, you can stay near the drinks and food instead.

The sailing experience itself may vary with the weather and the captain’s decisions. Some departures could feature more sailing, while others may rely more on the yacht’s motor if conditions are not right. The core plan remains the same: travel out from Sapphire Beach, reach the Great St. James area, and anchor at Christmas Cove.

Christmas Cove and the sunset view

The yacht anchors in Christmas Cove, where you watch the sun set over the southern coast of St. Thomas. This is the visual centerpiece of the trip, and the timing gives the evening a natural rhythm: cruise out, settle at anchor, eat and drink, then watch the sky change.

I like this choice of anchorage because it gives you a fixed point for the sunset rather than trying to watch it while constantly moving. At anchor, your group can pay attention to the view, take photos, and enjoy the food without the motion of a full-speed cruise.

The cove is also a remote island setting, which gives the evening a quieter feel than a restaurant terrace or a crowded public boat. The tradeoff is that the experience is centered on scenery and company, not on a long list of land stops. You will not be touring several islands in two hours.

Sunset timing changes throughout the year, so the exact balance between sailing time and time at anchor can vary. Since the entire outing lasts about two hours, this is a compact evening cruise rather than a full-day charter. I would book it when you want a strong sunset moment, not when you want hours for swimming, snorkeling, or a broad island tour.

An open bar with local touches

The open bar is one of the practical strengths of this charter. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks are included, so you do not need to plan a separate drink stop before or after the sail.

The food is described as hors d’oeuvres rather than a full dinner. Plan accordingly. I would eat a proper meal earlier if your group tends to get hungry, then treat the boat service as light food to enjoy with the sunset. That approach also leaves room for the drinks without expecting the charter to replace dinner.

The crew has served Painkiller cocktails and local brews, giving the bar a Caribbean feel without making the experience depend on a single signature drink. Tommy and Jay were especially attentive about keeping glasses filled, while Ward and Racheal created a welcoming atmosphere during a departure that began with some rain.

That rain detail is useful. A little unsettled weather does not always ruin the evening, since conditions can clear. But the trip does require good weather, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor. You will be offered another date or a full refund in that case.

Because this is a sailing trip, drink responsibly. The boat is a social setting, but the best part of the evening is still the view and the time with your group.

Crew service and the private format

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names connected with different departures include Tommy, Jay, Ward, Racheal, Zack, and St Camille, so you may not have the same people on every date. Their reported strengths include friendly service, flexible routing, and attention to drinks and appetizers.

Zack and St Camille are associated with the Painkiller cocktails and local beers. Tommy and Jay were willing to alter the course after discussing the group’s interests. Ward and Racheal handled a rainy start with an upbeat welcome. Those details suggest a crew that pays attention to the small things that shape a private charter.

The private format is even more important than the staff names. Since only your group participates, the tone can match your plans. You can make the cruise quiet and romantic, keep it lively for a birthday, or use the time for an easy family gathering.

There is one limit to keep in mind: private does not mean fully custom in every detail. The trip still has a fixed two-hour length, a planned destination, and a weather requirement. If your group wants an elaborate route or several water activities, ask about those options before paying.

Is $1,345 per person a good value?

The listed price is $1,345 per person, which places this firmly in the luxury category. For one or two people, I would consider it difficult to justify unless the occasion is very important. For a full group of up to 12, the private boat, crew service, drinks, food, and exclusive use may make more sense, but you should confirm exactly how the displayed price is calculated.

The value comes from several things at once:

• You are paying for private use rather than a seat on a shared cruise.
• The yacht is a substantial 55-foot sailing vessel.
• The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Hors d’oeuvres are included.
• The crew can provide a more personal experience than a large public excursion.
• The route offers a sunset at Christmas Cove and views of Great St. James and St. Thomas.

I would compare the total cost with other private charters before booking, especially if your group is not close to the 12-person limit. Ask whether the quoted amount is the final per-person charge, how group discounts work, and what is included beyond the stated drinks and snacks.

The price is easier to defend for an anniversary or milestone celebration, when privacy and ease matter more than finding the cheapest boat ride. It is less attractive if you mainly want a quick look at the coast or a basic sunset photo. St. Thomas offers many ways to see the water, and this one charges for comfort, service, and exclusivity.

Who will enjoy this sunset sail most

I think the experience suits:

• Couples celebrating an anniversary with friends or family
• Groups of up to 12 who want the boat to themselves
• Visitors who prefer a polished evening over a busy beach bar
• People who value drinks and light food being handled for them
• Anyone looking for a short sunset outing near St. Thomas

I would be more cautious if you need a full meal, a long sailing day, or guaranteed clear skies. Two hours passes quickly, and the focus is sunset viewing rather than a packed schedule of activities.

The boat may also be a good fit for different ages because the plan is simple: board, sail, anchor, eat, drink, and watch the sun go down. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed mobility information. If anyone in your party has specific access needs, ask Blue Dream Charters before booking.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking. The start and end point are both at Sapphire Beach Resort Marina, and the activity is near public transportation.

Free cancellation applies if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted. The cut-off follows local St. Thomas time.

Weather is the important exception. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. I would avoid scheduling this as the only possible highlight of a tightly timed trip, especially during a period when weather may change quickly.

Should you book Blue Dream Charters?

Book this sail if your priority is a private, easygoing sunset with a small group, a well-stocked bar, light food, and a memorable setting near Great St. James. The front bean bags, flexible course, attentive drink service, and Christmas Cove anchorage add useful comfort to what could otherwise be a simple boat ride.

Skip it if the $1,345 per-person price feels out of proportion to a two-hour outing, or if you want snorkeling, swimming, a full dinner, or a longer coastal tour. For the right group and occasion, this is less about covering ground and more about giving one evening a beautiful ending.

FAQ

Where does the sunset sail begin?

It begins at Sapphire Beach Resort Marina, located at 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St. Thomas 00802, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The sail ends back at the same meeting point at Sapphire Beach Resort Marina.

How long is the private sunset cruise?

The activity lasts approximately two hours.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The 55-foot daysail yacht can accommodate a private group of up to 12 people.

What is included with the open bar?

Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks or hors d’oeuvres are included.

Is the cruise canceled in bad weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.

What is the cancellation policy?

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