Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

A private boat day changes the pace.

This 47-foot Leopard catamaran gives your group room to spread out, choose the route, and enjoy St. Thomas without a large excursion crowd. I especially like the flexible itinerary and the attentive crew, with captains such as AnneMarie, Christian, Alex, and JP praised for shaping the day around snorkeling, beaches, turtles, and quiet coves. The main drawback is cost: at $1,495 per group of up to 12, this makes the most financial sense when you fill much of the boat.

The yacht has comfortable seating, a restroom, snorkeling gear, floats, bottled water, soda, beer, and signature rum punch. Lunch costs extra, and the boat does not visit the British Virgin Islands, so you should book this for a relaxed St. Thomas and nearby-island day, not a BVI excursion.

Key details before you book

• A private 47-foot catamaran: Only your group participates, with space in the salon, on the back deck, and across the forward trampolines.
• Your captain helps plan the route: Possible stops include St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, and other coves or small cays.
• Snorkeling is a major highlight: You may see sea turtles, stingrays, coral, and schools of fish, depending on conditions and the chosen anchorage.
• Drinks are included: Bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day rum punch come with the charter.
• Lunch is not included: You can purchase lunch at various locations, including spots mentioned by the crew such as Honeymoon Beach, Dinghy’s, and other waterfront restaurants.
• The boat leaves from Havensight: Meet at the R Bar near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway, 15 minutes before departure.

Why the private format matters on Pisces

The best reason to book this charter is control. You are not following a fixed bus schedule or waiting for a large group to finish snorkeling. You and the captain can talk through what your group wants, then adjust the day as it unfolds.

That matters in a place like St. Thomas. One group may want several snorkeling stops. Another may prefer a beach, a long lunch, and plenty of time relaxing on deck. Families with children may want a shorter swim and more time on the floats, while confident snorkelers may ask for additional reef time.

The private setup also works well for a mixed-age group. One reported party ranged from 8 to 76, and everyone found a way to enjoy the boat. Some people can snorkel while others stay aboard, listen to music, enjoy a drink, or watch for turtles from the bow.

At $1,495 per group of up to 12, the price works out to about $125 per person if the boat is full. That is a much stronger value than booking with only two or three people. For a large family, wedding party, or group of friends, the privacy and flexible route can justify the cost. For a small party, compare the total price with a shared excursion before committing.

The full-day charter is approximately seven hours. Half-day departures are also available, but the information provided does not give a separate half-day price, so confirm that rate before booking.

Boarding at Havensight and setting the day’s plan

Your meeting point is the R Bar drink kiosk at WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight. It sits near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The captain escorts you from the meeting point to Pisces, which keeps the boarding process simple. If you are arriving by cruise ship, check your docking location carefully. Ships using Havensight can be close to the charter dock, while passengers arriving at Crown Bay Marina need a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Allow roughly 15 minutes each way for that ride.

For a full-day charter, 9 a.m. is a common start time, but your group can determine the departure time. This flexibility is useful for cruise passengers, though you should leave enough time to return to the ship and handle any traffic or taxi delays.

Once aboard, the captain will ask what you want from the day. Be direct. Say if turtles matter more than beach time, if you want several snorkeling areas, or if your group needs a calm and easy schedule. Captains including AnneMarie and her first mates have been praised for offering options instead of forcing one standard route.

The boat: open-air comfort with room to spread out

Pisces is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with a spacious salon opening onto a large rear deck. The layout gives you several ways to enjoy the ride.

The back deck is the social center. It has comfortable seating for talking, eating, and staying in the shade while the boat moves between stops. The salon offers an indoor retreat, though the appeal of this charter is clearly the outdoor space.

Up front, two large trampolines and beanbag chairs create the most relaxed area on the boat. You can stretch out there, talk with the group, feel the breeze, or watch the water. The forward trampolines are also a good place to keep an eye out for turtles, though conditions may make one part of the boat more comfortable than another.

The sound system is a JBL setup with Bluetooth capability. You can play your own music, which adds a personal touch to a private day. Keep the volume considerate, especially when your group is sharing the boat with crew members for seven hours.

A restroom is available aboard. That simple feature matters during a full-day outing and saves you from needing to return to shore between stops.

Snorkeling for turtles, rays, and reef fish

Snorkeling is the heart of this experience. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring masks, snorkels, or fins unless you prefer using your own gear.

The exact sites depend on weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment. The route may include several places around St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, or nearby coves. Some groups have stopped at two or three snorkeling areas, while others have combined one strong reef stop with beach time.

The marine life can be impressive. You might see sea turtles in shallow grass beds, stingrays, coral, and schools of fish. One especially memorable outing involved a crew member recording a turtle eating grass at a depth of roughly 25 to 30 feet. That does not mean you should expect a guaranteed turtle sighting, but it shows the kind of encounter that can happen when the crew knows where to look.

The crew may also enter the water to help locate sea life or guide you toward a good viewing area. That is valuable for first-time snorkelers and families, since you get more than a quick drop-off and a general direction toward the reef.

You should still keep expectations realistic. Marine life is wild, visibility changes, and no captain can promise a particular animal. If the sea is rough, the captain may choose a more sheltered location rather than chase a famous site.

Water Island, Buck Island, and beach time

The possible route includes Water Island and Buck Island, along with St. Thomas harbors and smaller cays. These names describe options, not guaranteed stops. Your captain chooses the final route according to conditions and your group’s wishes.

Water Island is associated with beach and snorkeling time, and Honeymoon Beach has become a favorite stop for some groups. Its appeal is simple: time on the sand breaks up the hours aboard and gives you a chance to swim, relax, or enjoy lunch ashore.

Shipwreck Cove has also been used as a snorkeling stop. A private charter is especially useful here because the captain can decide how long to stay rather than moving everyone along on a strict timetable.

Some groups may visit a quiet cove or a less crowded cay. That is one of the strongest benefits of a private boat day. You can ask the captain to avoid busy areas when conditions allow, though the crew cannot control how many other boats are in a popular location.

Beach stops are not only for swimmers. They give non-snorkelers a change of scenery, and children may prefer shallow water and sand to extended time on a reef. If your party has different energy levels, tell the captain early so the route includes a sensible mix.

Lunch, rum punch, and what is actually included

The charter includes bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch. Floats and beach games are also available, adding easy entertainment between snorkeling sessions.

The rum punch receives plenty of praise, with crew members such as Lindsay singled out for making it well. The practical point is that drinks are part of the package, so you do not need to organize a separate cooler for the main beverages.

Lunch is not included. You can purchase food at various locations, and some outings have stopped for lunch at Honeymoon Beach or Dinghy’s. If a restaurant meal is important to your group, discuss it with the captain while planning the route. A long lunch stop will reduce time available for snorkeling and sailing, but it can be the right choice for a family group or anyone who prefers a slower day.

You should also think about snacks. The supplied details confirm drinks and water, but not a full meal or snack menu. Ask what you may bring or purchase before departure, especially if children need regular food.

Half-day or full-day: choosing the right length

A full day gives you the best chance to combine several activities. You can snorkel at more than one spot, visit a beach, stop for lunch, and still have time to enjoy the catamaran itself.

The seven-hour format is also less rushed for larger groups. Twelve people take longer to get ready for the water, return aboard, collect gear, and settle in again. If you fill the boat, a full day gives everyone breathing room.

A half-day charter suits you if snorkeling is the main goal or if your group has other plans in St. Thomas. It can work well for cruise passengers with a firm return deadline, families with young children, or anyone who wants a shorter outing.

One cruise group requested an earlier return and the crew accommodated it, but do not assume every schedule can be changed at the last minute. Tell the operator your ship’s departure time before booking and allow a safety margin for the trip back to the port.

Crew service and the feel of the day

The crew is a major part of this experience. Names that appear repeatedly in connection with strong outings include AnneMarie, Lindsay, Alex, JP, Megan, Christian, Darren, Eduardo, Alicia, Coleman, Selena, and others.

The praised qualities are consistent: friendly service, humor, local information, attention to children, and a willingness to adjust the plan. AnneMarie and Lindsay, for example, have been recognized for planning routes around turtle watching, Shipwreck Cove, Honeymoon Beach, and lunch. JP once helped rearrange transportation after a taxi delay caused by a parade.

That kind of flexibility is useful, but you should remember that gratuities are not included in the stated price. The operator notes that crew members rely on gratuity to supplement their income. If the crew provides strong service, plan for a tip.

The operator also describes regular vessel sanitation and monthly COVID-19 testing for captains and crew. Masks are not required because the activity is mainly outdoors, but guests may wear them if they prefer. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

Important limits and booking details

This is a private activity, not a shared tour. Only your group participates, which is ideal for families and friends who want their own music, conversation, and pace.

The charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands. If you want a BVI itinerary, this is the wrong boat trip. Ask about the route before you pay, since the advertised area is St. Thomas and nearby islands such as Water Island and Buck Island.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Who should book this St. Thomas catamaran?

I would choose Pisces for a group that values privacy more than the lowest possible price. It is particularly well suited to families, groups of friends, cruise passengers using Havensight, and mixed-age parties that need several ways to enjoy the day.

It is also a good choice if your priorities are snorkeling, turtles, relaxed beach time, music, and a flexible route. You get equipment, floats, drinks, a restroom, and crew support without having to organize each part yourself.

I would hesitate if you have only one or two people, need a fixed low budget, or specifically want to visit the British Virgin Islands. I would also think twice if your group dislikes being on the water for several hours or expects lunch to be included.

Should you book the Pisces charter?

Book it if you can fill much of the boat and want a private day built around your group. The strongest value comes from the combination of space, included drinks and gear, flexible stops, and crew attention.

Before booking, confirm the half-day or full-day price, your cruise ship’s docking port, the planned departure time, and whether your preferred lunch stop is possible. If your group wants turtles, beach time, and a comfortable boat rather than a rigid sightseeing schedule, this is a persuasive way to spend a day around St. Thomas.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter depart?

The meeting point is the R Bar drink kiosk at WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight, near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway in St. Thomas.

How early should I arrive?

You should meet the captain 15 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the private charter?

The listed price covers one group of up to 12 people.

How long does the charter last?

The full-day charter lasts approximately seven hours. A half-day option is also available.

Can I choose the departure time?

For a full-day private cruise, your group can determine the starting time. 9 a.m. is a common departure time.

Are snorkeling equipment and floats included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included, along with beach games.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, but you can purchase it at various locations during the outing.

Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. The charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

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.