Days End Sunset Sail from the Westin at Frenchman’s Reef

The Flying Frenchman turns sunset into the main event. You sail from The Westin at Frenchman’s Reef aboard a new, spacious catamaran, with an open bar, chef-selected snacks, and a clear view of the sky changing over St. Thomas. I especially like the smooth, easygoing pace and the chance to move around the boat rather than sit in one fixed seat.

I also like that this works for a wide age range. Families have enjoyed it with children and older relatives, while couples can settle in with a drink and let the evening unfold. The main caution is the mood: this is a quiet sunset sail, not a party boat, and a few people found the food modest and the tipping request uncomfortable.

At a glance

• A new luxury catamaran: The Flying Frenchman entered service in February 2024, according to the crew.
• Ninety minutes on the water: The trip starts and ends at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa.
• Open bar included: Drinks are part of the $99 price, along with chef-selected hors d’oeuvres.
• Barefoot sailing: You need to leave your shoes at the dock.
• A calm rather than rowdy atmosphere: Music plays, but the focus is scenery, drinks, and relaxation.
• Small practical catch: Outside visitors pay $10 per vehicle for parking at the hotel front desk.

Setting sail from Frenchman’s Reef

You meet at The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa, at 5 Estate Bakkeroe. The boat returns to this same point, which keeps the evening simple. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back from a distant marina or guess where the tour ends.

The setting matters here. Frenchman’s Reef gives you a resort departure point with access to public transportation, though anyone arriving by car should budget another $10 for parking. That fee applies to outside visitors and is paid at the hotel front desk. I would handle parking early, since the last thing you want is to rush through a resort lobby while the crew is preparing to leave.

The boat has a no-shoes policy. You leave your footwear at the dock, so wear something comfortable and easy to remove. This small rule helps keep the deck clean and adds to the relaxed, barefoot feel, but it is worth knowing before you arrive.

Confirmation comes at booking, and the mobile ticket makes the process straightforward. The maximum group size is 80 people. That is not an intimate private cruise, but the catamaran has enough room for people to spread out rather than crowd around one rail.

The Flying Frenchman and the first minutes aboard

The Flying Frenchman is the heart of this experience. It is described as a newly designed, state-of-the-art luxury sailing catamaran, and the crew has said it went into operation in February 2024. That newer construction shows up in the feel of the boat: clean lines, a spotless interior, and generous open space.

You can expect to find room to wander around the deck, take photos, and choose a place that suits you. Some people enjoy sitting quietly near the main deck, especially if they are sensitive to motion. One person with a tendency toward seasickness had no trouble there during the sail.

The crew sets the tone quickly. Service is friendly and attentive, with drinks brought around the deck. Elijah received a special mention for making the outing memorable, and some people have enjoyed time near the captain’s bridge. The crew also shares information about the area, though the emphasis is not on a formal lecture. You are there to watch the water and sky, not sit through a long classroom talk.

The catamaran is also a good choice if different people in your group want different things. One person can take photos, another can chat over a drink, and someone else can simply sit in the breeze. That freedom is more useful than it sounds on a short cruise.

What the 90-minute sail feels like

The advertised duration is about one hour and 30 minutes. Since no detailed route or named viewing stops are provided, you should think of this as a continuous sail rather than a series of shore excursions. The special moment is the changing view from the water, not a stop at a particular island or landmark.

The boat moves at a comfortable pace, with time to settle in. You may see the shoreline and nearby islands from a different angle, and you will have plenty of chances to take pictures. The water can be calm, though conditions vary. Wind and clouds may change the look of the sunset, but an overcast evening can still produce strong colors behind the clouds.

That weather point is important. A sunset cruise cannot promise a clear orange sun dropping into the sea. Even on a cloudy evening, the sky may turn pink, gold, or purple, but you should book this for the sail itself, the open bar, and the setting, not only for one perfect sunset photograph.

The trip has a relaxed rhythm. Music plays, and the playlist has been described as varied enough to encourage a little foot tapping or even dancing. Still, this is not a high-energy party cruise. If you want loud music, a crowded dance floor, and a late-night bar mood, this is probably the wrong boat. If you want a cold drink, a breeze, and time to watch the sky, the pace fits well.

Drinks and the open bar

The open bar is one of the clearest reasons the $99 price can make sense. Alcoholic drinks are included, so you are not paying for every cocktail once you board. Drinks are served around the deck, which means you can stay with your group or your preferred view instead of standing at a crowded counter.

That does not mean the experience is built around drinking. You can enjoy the scenery without making the open bar the center of the evening. I would pace yourself, especially on a moving boat and during a short trip where it is easy to accept one drink after another.

The open bar also helps this sail compare well with a basic sightseeing cruise. You are paying for the boat, crew, sunset setting, and beverages in one package. The value is strongest if you plan to have a drink or two and would otherwise buy refreshments separately.

One point deserves clear attention: gratuity. A few people felt pressured during the closing comments to leave a tip, including one person who said a specific amount was suggested. The crew explains that gratuity is customary, and a credit card tip is available if you do not have cash. Still, tipping should feel voluntary. I recommend deciding in advance what you consider fair and asking about the process if it is not clear.

Hors d’oeuvres: a useful but modest extra

Chef-selected hors d’oeuvres come with the sail. These are best viewed as snacks, not a full dinner. Food served has included sandwiches, hummus, potato salad, chicken salad, crackers, and other small bites.

Some people found the snacks tasty and a welcome touch with the drinks. Others expected something closer to a wine-tasting spread, such as cheese and charcuterie, and found the food underwhelming. That difference comes down to expectations. If you arrive after a full meal and want something to nibble with your drink, the food should do the job. If you are replacing dinner, you may be disappointed.

I would eat beforehand if you are hungry. Then you can treat the hors d’oeuvres as part of the hospitality rather than relying on them to fill you up. The quality and selection may vary, so do not book this as a food-focused cruise.

The open bar receives more consistent praise than the food. That is not a criticism of the entire experience, but it is a useful value distinction. You are paying for the sail and atmosphere first, with drinks and snacks included.

The views and photo opportunities

The best reason to book is the view from the water. From the deck, St. Thomas and the surrounding islands take on a different shape than they do from land. You can look back toward the coast, watch the light spread across the water, and frame the boat, sky, and islands in one photograph.

The boat offers plenty of room to move, which helps with photography. You are not limited to one seat or one narrow rail. I would bring a phone or camera with a secure grip, since wind and movement can make handling small equipment awkward.

Sunset light changes fast. Take a few photos early, then put the camera away for a while. The best part may be the minutes after the sun drops, when the sky still holds color and the water begins to darken.

Clouds are not automatically bad news. They can block the sun itself, but they may also catch the last light and create layered colors. The sail remains worthwhile on a less-than-perfect evening, though nobody can promise a dramatic sunset every time.

Who will enjoy this sail most

This trip suits couples looking for an easy evening, families who want an activity that does not demand much physical effort, and anyone who prefers scenery to constant entertainment. It has worked for groups ranging from eight to 72 years old, which gives you a good sense of its broad appeal.

I would also recommend it for someone who wants a gentle introduction to sailing. You get the feel of being under sail without committing to a long day on the water. The short length keeps the outing manageable, and the return to the same departure point makes the evening easy to plan.

People with motion concerns may prefer the main deck, where one person had no problem despite being susceptible to seasickness. The experience still depends on sea and wind conditions, so nobody should assume complete calm. If you are especially sensitive, consider your usual comfort on boats before booking.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a full dinner, a wine-tasting menu, or a loud party. The music can add energy, and you may see people dancing, but the basic character remains calm and scenic.

Is $99 a fair price?

At $99 per person, the value depends on how you use the inclusions. You receive about 90 minutes aboard a new catamaran, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, crew service, and sunset views from the water. For a special evening, that is a reasonable all-in price, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for drinks and a boat outing.

The price feels less attractive if you care mainly about a substantial meal or a party atmosphere. The snacks are not meant to replace dinner, and the sail does not promise a nightclub setting. I would compare it with the cost of a standard sightseeing cruise plus drinks, rather than with a restaurant dinner or a full-day sailing charter.

You should also add parking if you are driving from outside the resort. At $10 per vehicle, it is not a major charge, but it belongs in your budget. Public transportation is available nearby, which may help if your group does not want to park.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted.

The cruise requires suitable weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached. That policy gives you some protection, but keep your plans flexible if the forecast looks uncertain.

Most people can participate, and the maximum group size is 80. Specific accessibility details are not provided, so you should contact Cruz Bay Watersports before booking if you have mobility needs or questions about boarding.

Should you book the Days End Sunset Sail?

Book it if you want a comfortable, scenic 90-minute outing with drinks, light snacks, and a new catamaran as your setting. The crew service, open space, barefoot policy, and smooth main-deck ride make it easy to enjoy without much planning.

Skip it if you want a full meal, a formal tasting menu, or a loud party. Eat before you go, decide how you feel about tipping, and bring a camera that is easy to handle in the wind. For couples, families, and calm-minded sailors, this is a pleasant way to close a day in St. Thomas.

FAQ

How long is the Days End Sunset Sail?

The sail lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the sail depart and return?

It departs from The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa at 5 Estate Bakkeroe and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the $99 price?

The price includes chef-selected hors d’oeuvres and an open bar with alcoholic beverages.

Is parking included?

No. Outside visitors can park at the hotel for $10 per vehicle. The parking fee is paid at the hotel front desk.

Do I need to wear shoes on the boat?

No. The boat has a barefoot policy, so you need to leave your shoes at the dock.

How many people can join the sail?

The maximum group size is 80 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the sail?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.