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

The best part of this private five-hour sail is the small scale. Your group of up to four has room to relax, take the helm, or snorkel without being packed onto a large boat. I especially like the calm National Park waters and the all-inclusive setup, with lunch, snorkeling gear, fuel, fees, and a very open bar covered.

I also like the personal touch from Captain Mike, who teaches basic sailing instead of simply steering the boat. The main consideration is price: the supplied details show both $1,346.67 per group and an all-inclusive price of $755, so confirm the current total before booking.

Key Points

• Private 40-foot sailboat: Only your group participates, with space for up to four people.
• Two water stops: Expect time for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and beach time in protected bays or near nearby cays.
• Sea turtles are a daily possibility: The trip specifically includes snorkeling areas where you can look for turtles and other sea life.
• Captain Mike can teach you to sail: You may take the helm and learn basic sailing skills during the cruise.
• All-inclusive food and drinks: Lunch, snacks, water, soda, juices, cocktails, mocktails, fuel, and taxes are included.
• Back in Cruz Bay after about five hours: The schedule leaves room for happy hour or more time on St. John.

A Private Sail From Cruz Bay

Cruz Bay is the natural starting point for a day on St. John’s western shore. The meeting point is the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, and the boat returns there at the end of the outing. Pickup is offered, though you should confirm the exact arrangement when you book.

This is a private activity, not a shared excursion. That matters more than it may sound. With only your own group aboard, you can settle into a quiet morning, ask Captain Mike to explain what he is doing, or spend extra time in the water without working around a boatload of strangers.

The sailboat is 40 feet long, large enough for a comfortable day on the water but still intimate. The plan is relaxed rather than rigid. You might sit back with a drink, sunbathe, watch the shoreline, or take the helm under the captain’s guidance.

The protected waters around St. John are a good fit for this kind of outing. The western shoreline and nearby cays offer calmer conditions than exposed ocean waters, though all boat trips remain dependent on weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What the First Stop Is Like

After leaving Cruz Bay, the boat heads toward a protected bay near one of the surrounding cays. The captain chooses from several possible destinations, so the exact stop can vary with conditions and the day’s plan.

At the first anchorage, you receive snorkeling equipment and get time to explore the water. The equipment is included, which saves you from renting gear separately or bringing your own. The outing is designed for a range of snorkeling abilities, so you can keep things easy and close to the boat if you are not a confident swimmer.

The main attraction is the chance to see sea turtles. The trip promotes turtle sightings as part of its regular snorkeling program, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You may also encounter other sea life as you move through the water.

I like that this stop is not treated as a quick photo break. You have time to snorkel, swim, float, or stay aboard and enjoy the sun. That flexibility helps a mixed group. One person can explore the water while another rests on deck without feeling rushed.

If you want to try sailing, ask Captain Mike about taking the helm. One of the strongest features of this outing is his willingness to explain the fundamentals rather than keep the sailing process mysterious. You will still have a qualified captain in charge, but you can gain a feel for how the boat responds.

A Second Bay, More Swimming, and Beach Time

The second stop adds variety. Instead of spending the whole day at one anchorage, the boat moves to another place for more swimming and time near a white sandy beach.

The exact beach or bay is not fixed in the supplied plan, which is useful in one sense. The captain can choose a sheltered location and shape the day around weather and water conditions. The tradeoff is that you cannot plan around one guaranteed beach or snorkeling site.

This stop is a good chance to slow down. You might swim, look for more sea life, walk along the sand, or simply sit aboard with lunch. The setting is the kind of Caribbean scene most people picture before arriving in the Virgin Islands: clear water, pale sand, and a quiet anchorage reached by boat.

Because the cruise lasts about five hours, the two-stop format gives the day a comfortable rhythm. You are not spending the entire time in transit, yet you still see more than one part of the coast. The schedule is also designed to get you back to Cruz Bay in time for more island plans.

Lunch, Drinks, and the All-Inclusive Setup

A full gourmet deli lunch is included. You make your selection before sailing, so this is more than a few packaged snacks tossed into a cooler. Snacks are also provided, along with bottled water, soda, juices, and other nonalcoholic drinks.

The open bar is unusually broad for a half-day private charter. It includes island cocktails, mocktails, standard bar options, soda, juices, and water. If you want alcoholic drinks, you can enjoy them aboard, but remember to pace yourself. Sun, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

Fuel, captain fees, taxes, and other listed fees are included as well. The package stays in US Virgin Islands waters, so there are no added customs or immigration charges for this itinerary. That keeps the final cost easier to understand, provided the booking price is confirmed in advance.

Towels are not included. Bring your own, along with a swimsuit and anything else you need for a few hours around the water. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer to bring personal gear if you have a favorite mask or snorkel.

How the Price Works for a Group of Four

The advertised group price is the detail I would clarify first. The tour summary lists $1,346.67 for a private group of up to four, while the description also gives an all-inclusive price of $755. Those figures do not match, and the difference is too large to ignore.

Ask Morningstar Sailing and Power Charters to confirm the current price for your date, the maximum number of people covered, and whether the amount shown includes every listed fee. Do this before making nonrefundable plans.

Once the price is clear, judge the value as a private charter rather than as four individual tickets. Your group receives a boat, captain, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, fuel, and taxes for about five hours. For a family or small group that values privacy, the cost may compare well with booking separate activities and paying for meals, drinks, and equipment on top.

For a solo visitor or couple, the value is harder to assess because the full group rate applies. The private format is the reason to book, not the cheapest way to get on the water. If your main goal is simply a short swim, a shared boat may cost less, but this experience offers more control and a quieter day.

Captain Mike, Bridget, and the Personal Touch

Captain Mike is central to the character of the outing. He is described as accommodating, fun, and willing to teach the basics of sailing. That combination suits people who want more than transportation between snorkeling spots.

Bridget is also part of the crew, and the pair work together to make the day comfortable. A family group has even sailed with Captain Mike, Bridget, and their young son on an adventure that included the British Virgin Islands. That account reflects the flexible, family-run feel of the company, though you should not assume that this specific St. John package includes a BVI crossing.

The local knowledge is another useful benefit. St. John has many coves, beaches, and cays, and a captain who knows the area can choose a better stop for the conditions than a fixed route can. At the same time, local knowledge does not eliminate weather limits or guarantee a particular animal sighting.

If you enjoy asking questions, this is the kind of charter where you should speak up. Ask about sailing, the route, the National Park waters, or the next anchorage. The boat is private, so the captain can adjust the conversation and pace to your group.

Who Will Like This Sail Most

This outing fits a small family, two couples, or a group of friends who want a private day on the water. It is especially appealing if you like a mix of activities: sailing, snorkeling, swimming, beach time, lunch, and drinks.

It also works well for a group with different energy levels. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while others can sunbathe or remain on the boat. The itinerary does not require everyone to do the same thing at every stop.

The private format is useful for people who dislike crowded excursions. You are not sharing the boat with a large party, and you have a better chance to set the tone for the day. If you want a quiet cruise with a little instruction and plenty of open water, this is a good match.

It may be less suitable if you want a fixed sightseeing route, guaranteed turtle encounters, or a full-day voyage. The tour lasts about five hours and uses a flexible destination plan. Also, anyone who is uncomfortable with boat travel should consider that even protected water can feel active at times.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying around Cruz Bay or arriving by ferry.

Timing Your Day in Cruz Bay

The return to Cruz Bay is one of the practical strengths of this schedule. You finish with time for an afternoon happy hour or more island exploring instead of giving up the entire day.

I would avoid booking a tight appointment immediately afterward. Boat timing can shift with weather, snorkeling conditions, and the pace your group chooses. Still, the planned five-hour length gives you a useful framework for building the rest of your day.

Starting at the ferry terminal also makes the outing easy to pair with a Cruz Bay stay. If you are coming from elsewhere, confirm pickup details and allow enough time to reach the meeting point. The supplied information does not specify a pickup schedule or transfer route.

Booking and Cancellation Details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since this is a private charter with a limited capacity, I would book only after checking the date, total price, meeting instructions, and lunch selection process.

The booking is nonrefundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. That is a serious condition, especially for an expensive private outing.

The weather exception is more reasonable. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of required participants is not met, with the choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should You Book Morningstar’s St. John Day Sail?

Book it if you want a private Caribbean sailing day with a small group, two water stops, included snorkeling gear, lunch, and an open bar. The chance to see sea turtles and learn some sailing from Captain Mike adds more character than a basic boat transfer.

I would be cautious if you are price-sensitive, booking for fewer than four people, or expecting a fixed route. First resolve the conflicting $755 and $1,346.67 prices. Once the total is confirmed, this is a strong choice for people who value privacy, flexibility, and personal attention more than the lowest possible fare.

FAQ

How long is the St. John day sail?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Cruz Bay.

How many people can join the private sail?

The private group price covers up to four passengers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the outing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full gourmet deli lunch menu is available, and you select your lunch before sailing.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic beverages, cocktails, mocktails, soda, juices, bottled water, and other listed drinks.

Are customs or immigration fees charged?

No additional customs or immigration fees apply because this trip stays in US Virgin Islands waters.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is nonrefundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met, you can receive another date or a full refund.