Full Day Private Charter on Luxury Catamaran Sailing.

The best part of this private sailing charter is control. You are not following a fixed crowd from one stop to the next. Your group can choose among places such as Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove, then spend the day swimming, snorkeling, paddling, or simply stretching out on the catamaran’s trampoline.

I like the relaxed setup, with lunch, snorkel equipment, paddle boards, hammock chairs, water, soda, beer, and rum punch included. I also like that the crew, including Ivy and TL, has been praised for warm hosting and flexible planning. The main consideration is the price: $250 per person is fair for a private boat and a full day, but it makes the most sense when your group can share the experience and use the included gear.

Key points to know before you book

• Choose your own water stops: Plan for 2 to 3 snorkeling locations, with options including Maho, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove.
• Second Chance is a private catamaran: Only your group takes part, which gives you more say over the pace and stops.
• The day lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes: Departure is at 8:30 a.m. from Red Hook, with the boat returning to the same dock.
• Meals and drinks are covered: You get fruit and pastries in the morning, wraps and chips for lunch, water, soda, a gallon of rum punch or painkiller, and a 12-pack of light beer.
• You are not limited to snorkeling: Paddle boards, hammock swings, bean bags, and trampoline space give you several ways to enjoy time on the boat.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund, while cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead qualify for a full refund.

Setting out from Red Hook at 8:30 a.m.

Your day begins at Beach Charters VI, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 St. Thomas, 201 Red Hook Road. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the charter ends back at the same location, which keeps the logistics simple.

The 8:30 a.m. start gives you a full day on the water rather than a short morning cruise. Bring enough time to arrive before departure, especially if you are staying elsewhere on St. Thomas. The supplied details do not include hotel pickup, so plan your own way to Red Hook.

A private outing changes the feel immediately. Instead of joining a large boat with a fixed schedule, your group has room to discuss the day with the crew. A birthday group of nine, a family group of six, and larger celebrations have all used the boat for special occasions. The charter is also suitable for a quieter group that wants to set its own rhythm.

The boat is named Second Chance, a sailing catamaran designed for a smooth ride. Catamarans are a good fit for a long day at sea because they offer several separate areas rather than one narrow deck. You can sit on the bean bags above the trampolines, use one of the hammock chairs hanging off the stern, or move around when you want a different view.

Choosing between Maho, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove

The advertised plan calls for 2 to 3 snorkeling stops, but the exact route is not locked. You choose the locations with the crew, and the possible stops include Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, Christmas Cove, and other options.

Maho on St. John is especially appealing if swimming with sea turtles is high on your list. The chance to see turtles is one of the main reasons to choose this charter, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You should treat it as a strong possibility, not a promise.

Lovango Cay offers another kind of island setting. The appeal here is the feeling of being out among smaller islands and open water, with time to swim and snorkel away from the main St. Thomas harbor area. The supplied details do not promise a particular reef, animal sighting, or water condition at any stop, so the crew’s judgment and the day’s weather matter.

Christmas Cove gives the itinerary another possible reef location. It is useful to have several choices because the best stop can depend on wind, sea conditions, visibility, and what your group wants to do. One group may prefer more snorkeling. Another may want a quick swim followed by paddle boarding and a long lunch.

This flexibility is a real advantage, but it comes with a small tradeoff. You do not receive a guaranteed list of exact stops before departure. If you need a rigid schedule, a fixed sightseeing cruise may feel easier. If you want to adjust the day as it unfolds, private planning is the better fit.

Snorkeling, turtles, and time off the boat

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a separate set for the day. The boat is set up for repeated water stops, not just one quick swim. That matters because getting comfortable in the water can take a few minutes, especially for children or anyone who does not snorkel often.

The focus is on beautiful reefs and marine life. You may see sea turtles, colorful reef areas, and other sea life, but the exact experience depends on conditions. The charter description says most groups visit 2 to 3 snorkeling spots, giving you more than one chance to find clear water and a good swim.

Paddle boards are also included. They give you a calmer option after snorkeling, or something to do if not everyone in your group wants to use a mask and fins. The hammock swings at the back of the boat are another thoughtful touch. You can sit close to the water, watch the group swim, and still feel part of the action.

The trampolines and bean bags are made for the in-between moments. You can stretch out in the sun, watch the islands pass, or take a break from the water. Bring the sun protection you normally need for a full day outside. The supplied information confirms water and soda are available, but it does not list sunscreen or towels, so do not count on those being provided.

What lunch and drinks actually include

Food is handled in a practical, low-fuss way. The day begins with a fruit and pastry tray, followed by freshly sliced turkey, cheese, and veggie wraps with chips. Water and soda are available during the trip.

This is not described as a restaurant-style meal, and that is fine for a boat day. Wraps are easy to eat between swims, and the morning fruit and pastries give you something before the first stop. If anyone in your group has allergies or strict dietary needs, ask Beach Charters VI before booking because the provided information does not list substitutions.

The alcohol package includes one gallon of rum punch or painkiller, based on your group’s choice, plus a 12-pack of light beer. Alcohol is only for people age 18 and older. Since you are spending the day in the sun and water, pace yourself and keep drinking water as well.

The included food and drinks add real value to the $250 price. A private boat day can become expensive once you add lunch, beverages, equipment rental, and water gear. Here, those basics are bundled into the charter, so the price is easier to judge as a complete day rather than just a boat rental.

Why the private format matters

A private charter is most valuable when the group has different interests. One person can snorkel while another uses a paddle board. Someone else can stay aboard in a hammock chair. A fixed group cruise often has to move everyone together, but this format lets your party talk through the choices with the crew.

It also suits celebrations. Birthday groups have used the boat for a full day together, and one party arranged a special outing around a wedding celebration. The crew’s warm hosting is part of the experience. Ivy and TL are associated with the charter, and Captain Justin has also been named as a captain who helped make a day welcoming and easygoing.

The social side can be as important as the sightseeing. A group can turn the trampoline area into a place to relax, set up a friendly family jumping contest, or simply enjoy the view. You are not buying a formal lecture-heavy cruise. You are buying time, space, and a crew that can help shape the day.

The flip side is that the experience depends on your group getting along. A private boat gives you privacy, but it also means your group sets the mood. If some people want nonstop snorkeling and others want to lounge, discuss that before departure so the captain has a clear sense of what you want.

The price: strong value for the right group

At $250 per person, this is not a budget beach excursion. It is a full-day private sailing experience with food, drinks, equipment, and several ways to use the boat.

The value improves when everyone plans to take part. If your group uses the snorkel gear, paddle boards, water stops, lunch, and drinks, you are receiving much more than a basic ride. The private setting also matters for groups celebrating a birthday, anniversary, reunion, or family milestone.

For a group that only wants a quick swim and a short boat ride, seven and a half hours may be more than needed. In that case, the cost and length may feel excessive. But if you want a full day on the water and would otherwise book separate rentals, meals, and activities, the package is easier to justify.

The charter is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking time of about 98 days. That is useful planning information for peak vacation periods and celebrations. At the same time, one group was able to book about 12 hours before departure, so last-minute space can sometimes appear. I would not rely on that option for a birthday or a fixed vacation date.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

The charter requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is an important safeguard for a full day on the sea.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local St. Thomas time.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity has a mobile ticket. Most people can take part, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Alcohol is restricted to people 18 and older.

Parking is not listed as part of the charter price. One group arranged all-day marina parking for an additional $30, so ask about current parking arrangements if you plan to drive. Since fees and availability can change, confirm that detail before the morning of your trip.

Who will enjoy Second Chance most

I would choose this charter for a group that wants one major water day rather than several small activities. It works especially well for families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and anyone who likes having options instead of sitting in one assigned place.

It is also a good pick for mixed-age groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, casual swimmers can paddle, and anyone who wants a quieter hour can use the hammock chair or bean bags. The crew can help shape the stops, but you should still be comfortable with a day centered on sun, water, and boat time.

You may want another option if you need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, a highly structured sightseeing schedule, or a short trip. The route is flexible, and sea conditions affect what you see. The day is also not designed around a formal meal service, so people with special food needs should check in advance.

Should you book this St. Thomas catamaran charter?

Book it if your group values privacy, a long day on the water, and the freedom to mix snorkeling with paddle boarding and downtime. The combination of a sailing catamaran, flexible stops, included lunch and drinks, and a warm crew makes the price reasonable for a full private outing.

I would be especially inclined to book for a birthday or family celebration, when the boat becomes both an activity and a shared place to spend the day. Choose a different experience if your priority is a guaranteed turtle encounter or a strict list of sightseeing stops. For everyone else, Second Chance offers a relaxed and useful way to see the islands from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter begin?

It begins at Beach Charters VI, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 St. Thomas, 201 Red Hook Road, USVI.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 a.m.

Where does the activity end?

The charter returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private charter.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

A typical day includes 2 to 3 snorkeling stops, with possible locations including Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove.

Can the group choose the snorkeling locations?

Yes. The trip is private, and your group can choose the locations with the crew.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

You receive morning fruit and pastries, turkey, cheese, and veggie wraps with chips, plus water and soda. The package also includes one gallon of rum punch or painkiller and a 12-pack of light beer.

Is alcohol included for everyone?

Alcohol is included for the charter, but only people age 18 and older may consume it.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

How late can I cancel for a full refund?

You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.