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

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is control. You get a private 47-foot Leopard catamaran for your own group, then work with the captain to shape the day around snorkeling, beach time, swimming, or simply sailing with a drink in hand. Captains such as AnneMarie, Alex, and Christian have taken groups to turtle spots, Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, and quieter coves.

I like the spacious deck and the useful extras: Bluetooth music, floats, snorkeling gear, and a restroom. I also like that the crew can adjust the plan for a family with young children, a group of friends, or a mixed-age party. The main catch is lunch. It is not included, and the boat does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

Key things to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 12 people: The $1,495 price is per group, not per person, making the cost far more reasonable when shared by a full party.
• Your captain helps plan the route: Possible stops include Water Island, Buck Island, St. Thomas harbors, Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, and less crowded coves.
• S/Y Pisces is built for comfort: The catamaran has a salon, covered back deck, bow seating, bean bags, and two trampolines.
• Snorkeling is central to the day: Equipment and floats are included, with the chance to see turtles, rays, stingrays, coral, and tropical fish.
• Drinks are included, lunch is not: Beer, signature rum punch, soda, and Virgin H2O bottled water are provided.
• Cruise ship timing matters: Meet 15 minutes early at the R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande, and confirm that your ship uses Havensight rather than Crown Bay.

A private day aboard S/Y Pisces

This is a good choice if you want a boat day without sharing space with a large excursion group. The catamaran is reserved for your party, up to 12 people, so you can set the mood and pace. You are not tied to a fixed list of stops or a rigid schedule.

A full-day charter lasts about seven hours. The starting time can be chosen by your group, with 9 a.m. being a common departure. A half-day option is also available, though the exact length should be confirmed when you book.

S/Y Pisces is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran. The layout gives you several ways to spend the day. The salon opens onto a wide back deck with seating. At the front, bean bags and two large trampolines offer a breezy place to stretch out, talk, or watch for turtles.

The boat is also set up for a social group. You can connect your phone to the JBL sound system by Bluetooth and play your own music. That small detail matters more than it may sound. A private charter works best when the day feels like your group’s day, not a standard excursion with someone else’s schedule and soundtrack.

Choosing your route around St. Thomas

There is no single guaranteed itinerary. You and the captain decide what fits the weather, sea conditions, and your interests. That flexibility is the main reason to choose a private charter rather than a standard island cruise.

Possible areas include St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, and nearby coves. The crew may also find a quieter cay or beach, depending on conditions and the time available. The British Virgin Islands are not part of this charter, so do not book it expecting a trip to Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, or Virgin Gorda.

The route can also change based on your group. A family with children may want shorter water stops and more time on a beach. Strong swimmers may prefer several snorkel sites. A group celebrating something may care more about deck time, music, drinks, and scenery.

The crew has also helped groups avoid crowded areas. Captain Christian and first mate Megan, for example, were praised for suggesting locations away from the busiest spots. That is one of the real advantages of a private boat: you can ask for a quieter day instead of accepting the most obvious stop.

Snorkeling with turtles, rays, and reef fish

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this experience. Equipment is included, along with floats, so you do not need to bring a full set of gear. The crew can guide you toward suitable locations and may point out turtles, rays, stingrays, coral, and fish.

Several outings have included sea turtles in seagrass areas, as well as rays and large schools of small fish beneath the boat. One group saw turtles, stingrays, and plenty of reef life at multiple stops. Another found more turtles and rays than expected at a single snorkel location.

Conditions in the water are never guaranteed. Visibility, wind, and marine life can change from one day to the next. Still, the itinerary can usually be adjusted, which gives you a better chance of finding a pleasant place to swim than a fixed route would.

You should be comfortable spending time in the water if snorkeling is your main goal. The trip also works for people who prefer to stay aboard, since the boat has room to relax, listen to music, and enjoy the view. Families have taken children as young as two, and groups ranging from children to people in their seventies have found ways to enjoy the boat.

Beach time at Honeymoon Beach and Shipwreck Cove

Beach stops add variety to the day. Honeymoon Beach on Water Island has been a favorite stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a break on shore. It can be a good choice if your group wants sand and water rather than several hours of snorkeling.

Shipwreck Cove has also been included in custom itineraries. The name may sound dramatic, but the value is simply that it gives you another setting and another chance to get in the water. Your captain can decide if it fits the day’s conditions and your group’s wishes.

The beach portion is not a formal guided tour. You have time to swim, walk, relax, or play beach games. The boat carries floats and beach games, so the day is not dependent on everyone wanting the same activity.

Lunch planning requires attention. Lunch is not included, although you can purchase it at various locations. Past itineraries have included lunch at Honeymoon Beach and Dinghy’s, but the exact option depends on your route and timing. Ask the operator what can be arranged before departure, especially if you are traveling with children or anyone with dietary needs.

What is included on the catamaran

The price includes more than transportation. You get the boat, captain, crew, snorkeling equipment, floats, a restroom, and drinks. Beer and the Seas the Day signature rum punch are included, along with soda and Virgin H2O bottled water.

The eco-friendly water detail is worth noting. Water is supplied by Virgin H2O rather than through a large collection of individual plastic bottles. It is a small step, but useful on a boat day where water consumption can add up.

The restroom is another practical advantage. It means you do not need to plan the entire day around finding a marina or beach facility. On a full-day charter, that makes the boat more comfortable for mixed-age groups.

The crew also provides local information during the trip. Past outings have included explanations of the area’s history and marine environment. The tone can vary by captain, but the crew is expected to be both attentive and involved rather than simply steering the boat from one stop to another.

Is $1,495 a good value?

The listed price is $1,495 per group of up to 12 people. That works out to about $125 per person if you fill the boat, before any tip or extra lunch cost. For six people, it is roughly $249 per person. For a couple or a very small group, the price becomes much harder to justify.

The value comes from privacy and flexibility. You are paying for the entire boat, not individual seats. A full group can spread out, choose its own music, request a route, and avoid the fixed pace of a large excursion.

Drinks and water are included, which helps, but lunch is an added cost. You should also budget for crew gratuity if the service meets your expectations. The crew has noted that gratuities help supplement their income.

The half-day option may make more sense if your group has limited time or does not want seven hours on the water. A full day is the better value if you want several snorkeling stops, a beach visit, lunch ashore, and time to relax aboard.

Meeting at Havensight

The meeting point is the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at the WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The captain will escort you to the boat.

This location is especially convenient for ships docking at Havensight. Some cruise groups have walked from their ship to the marina and avoided a separate taxi. If your ship arrives at Crown Bay Marina, you need a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande and should allow about 15 minutes each way.

That timing matters. A full-day private charter can usually be planned around your ship’s schedule, but you still need enough time to return to the dock and get back aboard. Confirm your ship’s docking location before booking. The excursion ends back at the same meeting point.

All departure times use local island time. That is easy to overlook when arranging a private pickup or coordinating with a cruise schedule.

Weather, comfort, and practical limits

This is an outdoor boating experience, so weather matters. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The boat is sanitized after each trip under established CDC and WHO guidelines. Masks are not required because most of the activity is outdoors, but you may wear one if you prefer. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation.

You should expect sun, wind, salt water, and movement underfoot. Bring the usual boat-day basics, though the supplied information does not specify a packing list. Confirm any special needs with the operator before you go, particularly if someone in your party has mobility concerns or does not swim.

The catamaran’s several seating areas help people spread out. That is useful when some people want conversation and music while others want a quiet spot at the bow.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would choose this for a group that values time together and wants more say in the day. It suits families, couples traveling with friends, multigenerational groups, and cruise passengers who want a private alternative to a crowded ship excursion.

It is especially appealing if your group has mixed interests. Swimmers can snorkel, beach lovers can go ashore, and people who prefer not to get wet can stay on the deck with a drink and music.

It is less compelling for one or two people unless privacy is worth the higher cost. It is also not the right booking if your priority is visiting the British Virgin Islands. This charter remains in the St. Thomas area and nearby islands.

The crew names vary by departure, but AnneMarie appears often in the supplied trip details, along with first mates such as Megan, Lindsey, Alex, Darren, and others. You can expect the crew assignment to depend on the date rather than choosing a specific captain unless the operator confirms it.

Should you book the S/Y Pisces charter?

Book it if you have enough people to share the cost and want a flexible day built around your own group. The boat is comfortable, the included drinks and gear simplify planning, and the chance to adjust the route is a real benefit in St. Thomas.

I would be especially inclined to book the full day for six to 12 people who want snorkeling, a beach stop, lunch ashore, and relaxed time on deck. Choose the half-day if you are on a tight cruise schedule or prefer a shorter outing.

Before paying, confirm your departure point, the half-day duration, lunch options, and whether any particular captain is assigned. If those details line up, this is a strong private boating choice for seeing the waters around St. Thomas at your own pace.

FAQ

How much does the private catamaran charter cost?

The listed price is $1,495 per group of up to 12 people. It is not priced per person.

How long does the charter last?

The full-day charter lasts approximately seven hours. A half-day option is also available, but the exact duration should be confirmed when booking.

Where do I meet the boat?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should meet the captain 15 minutes before departure.

What happens if my cruise ship docks at Crown Bay?

You will need to take a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Allow about 15 minutes each way for the taxi trip.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, though it can be purchased at several locations during the outing.

Are drinks included?

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

Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. The charter does not visit the BVI.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.