Learn to Sail – Sailing Lessons All Inclusive

The best part of this St. John outing is that you do not have to choose between a sailing lesson and a lazy day on the water. You can take the helm under a captain’s guidance, then hand it back and stretch out on deck while the boat follows the protected western shore. I like the private format and the fact that your group can set the pace.

I also like the practical extras: snorkeling equipment, a full deli lunch, snacks, and a broad drink selection are included. Captain Mike is specifically praised for tailoring the trip to a family and creating a lasting memory for a daughter. The main drawback is the fixed cost, which is easier to justify for six people than for a couple, along with the strict no-refund policy unless weather cancels the trip.

Key points to know before you book

• A 40-foot sailboat gives you room to learn: You can try the helm with instruction or let the captain handle the boat.
• The western shore keeps the day flexible: Your captain can suggest snorkeling and swimming locations based on conditions.
• Two water stops are possible: Expect time for snorkeling, swimming, beach views, and wildlife watching.
• The price covers much more than the boat: Lunch, snacks, fuel, taxes, snorkeling gear, and drinks are included.
• A private group of up to six changes the value: The cost works out best when shared among family or friends.
• Cruz Bay is both the start and finish: Meet at the ferry dock at 10:00 a.m., then return there after about five hours.

Taking the helm off St. John

This is not a standard ride where you sit in one place while someone else handles everything. Morningstar Sailing and Power Charters places your group aboard a 40-foot sailboat and gives you a choice: learn the basics, steer for part of the outing, or simply enjoy the boat and the sea.

That flexibility matters. A first-time sailor may want only a short turn at the helm, with the captain handling the technical work. Someone with more confidence may want more instruction. You are not locked into a classroom-style lesson for five hours, and you are not required to sail if you would rather swim, snorkel, eat lunch, and relax.

The boat follows St. John’s protected western shoreline, which provides a calmer setting for a day on the water. Conditions can still affect the ride, of course, but the route gives the captain room to choose among several possible destinations. Your captain can guide you toward a snorkeling site or keep the day focused on sailing.

Captain Mike is the only captain named in the available information, and his approach is worth noting. He tailored one family’s outing to their needs and was especially good with their daughter. That suggests a useful quality to look for here: a private charter can adjust to the people on board instead of forcing everyone into the same pace.

From Cruz Bay ferry dock to open water

Your meeting point is the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock on Prince Street, at 86J3+GRC St. John, USVI. The scheduled start is 10:00 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

That location is practical if you arrive in Cruz Bay by ferry or are staying nearby. Pickup is offered, though the exact pickup arrangements should be confirmed when you book. The tour is also near public transportation, which helps if you do not have your own vehicle.

Plan to arrive ready for a full half-day on the water. Towels are not included, so bring your own. You should also think about sun protection, though the supplied information does not specify what shade or sun coverings are available on the boat.

Once aboard, your captain can explain the basic sailing controls and give you a chance to take the helm. The instruction is designed to be as extensive as your group wants. If one person is eager to learn while another prefers to sit back, both can enjoy the same outing.

Sailing lessons that fit your group

The word lesson can make some people picture a formal course. That is not how this outing is presented. Your captain will offer the level of guidance needed for you to steer toward a snorkeling destination, or you can let the captain handle the boat for most of the day.

For a first-time sailor, that is a sensible arrangement. You can learn how the boat responds without worrying that you must perform perfectly. You also get the pleasure of being involved, which makes the ride feel more personal than a sightseeing cruise.

The private setup is especially helpful for families. Children can have a turn at the helm with close supervision, while adults can decide how much technical instruction they want. The personal attention given to one daughter by Captain Mike is a strong sign that this format can work well for a mixed-age group.

The same setup suits friends with different interests. One person may want to watch for sea life, another may want a cocktail, and another may want to learn sailing. Since only your group participates, you can switch between those activities without having to match the habits of a large boatload of strangers.

The first swim and snorkeling stop

If you choose to snorkel, the captain will recommend a destination and provide the equipment. The western shoreline of St. John offers a good setting for this part of the day, with clear Caribbean water and access to sea life from the boat or near shore.

The exact location is not fixed, which is useful. Your captain can choose from multiple options instead of taking every group to one predetermined site. Conditions, visibility, and the day’s preferred pace can all shape the recommendation.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately. The supplied details do not specify the range of sizes or the exact gear available, so you may want to ask about fit if someone in your group has unusual equipment needs.

This stop is also a good break from sailing instruction. You can leave the helm behind, get into the water, and look for local wildlife. Keep expectations sensible: no particular animal sighting is promised. The pleasure comes from having time in the water and the chance to see what is active at the chosen site.

After snorkeling, you can swim, sunbathe, or stay on deck with a drink and a snack. The boat’s flexibility means you are not pushed immediately from one activity to the next.

Lunch, drinks, and time on deck

Food is one of the stronger practical features of this charter. A full gourmet deli menu is included, along with chips, granola, and other light snacks. The available details do not list the specific sandwich choices, so check the menu and any dietary options when arranging your trip.

Drinks are also covered. The package includes bottled water, soda, juice, beer, sparkling wine, and a full bar with hand-crafted cocktails. Mocktails are available as well, which is important for anyone who does not drink alcohol or for families with children.

This open-bar setup changes the value of the price. You are not paying for a boat and then adding lunch, snorkeling gear, and drinks one item at a time. Fuel, taxes, and fees are also included. Gratuity is not included, so budget separately for a tip if the crew provides good service.

A word of caution: an open bar is pleasant on a sunny boat, but water and sensible pacing matter. You have a long afternoon ahead, and the sea, sun, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. The inclusion of water and nonalcoholic drinks makes it easy to keep your group balanced.

The second stop and the St. John shoreline

After the first swim or snorkeling period, the boat heads toward a second stop. Here you can swim with more sea life, explore a white sandy beach, or remain aboard and take in the shoreline.

The two-stop plan gives the day a useful rhythm. You are not expected to spend five hours doing one thing. Sailing, snorkeling, swimming, beach time, food, and conversation all have a place in the schedule.

The second stop may be the highlight for people who prefer a beach over a reef. You can get ashore, comb the sand, and enjoy the setting without giving up the option of more time in the water. The precise beach is not named, so you should think of this as a captain-selected stop rather than a guaranteed visit to one particular beach.

The captain can also return the helm to you after the swim. That is a nice detail for anyone who wants to build confidence as the day goes on. You can start with a short turn, take a break for snorkeling, then try again later.

What the $1,395 group price really means

The listed price is $1,395 per group of up to six people. At a full group of six, that comes to $232.50 per person. For two people, the same charter works out to $697.50 per person, so the value depends heavily on how many people share the boat.

For six friends or a family group, the price is easier to defend because it covers:

• A private five-hour charter
• Sailing instruction
• A 40-foot sailboat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch and snacks
• Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• Fuel
• Fees and taxes
• Possible swimming, snorkeling, and beach stops

You are paying for privacy as much as for transportation. A lower-cost shared boat might work better if you only want a basic ride or a short snorkeling outing. This charter makes more sense if your group values control over the pace, personal sailing instruction, and the ability to mix active time with relaxation.

For a couple, the price is a serious consideration. You may appreciate having the boat to yourselves, but you are also carrying the full group rate. For a family or group of friends already planning a special day on St. John, the calculation looks better.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most

I would recommend this outing to people who want more than a passive boat trip. It fits first-time sailors, families, small groups of friends, and anyone who likes having several ways to spend the same day.

It is particularly useful for groups with mixed interests. The person who wants instruction can take the helm. The person who wants to snorkel can use the supplied equipment. The person who prefers to relax can stay on deck with lunch and a drink.

Families should pay attention to the private format. Captain Mike’s ability to work well with a daughter was a specific strength, and a private boat gives the captain more room to respond to a child’s comfort level. The available information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

This may not be the best choice if you want a tightly timed list of famous sites or a guaranteed snorkeling location. The destination choices are flexible, which is helpful for adapting the day but less useful if you have one exact beach or reef in mind.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The trip lasts about five hours and begins at 10:00 a.m. It ends back at the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, making it easier to plan the rest of your day on St. John, though you should leave some breathing room in case the return runs later than expected.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That is the main protection in an otherwise strict policy.

If you cancel or request a change for another reason, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not treat a tentative request as a final reservation until it is confirmed.

Is this private St. John sailing charter worth booking?

Book it if you can fill most of the six seats and want a personal day that combines sailing instruction, swimming, snorkeling, beach time, food, and drinks. The private boat and flexible pace are the real advantages, while the included lunch, gear, fuel, and bar make the all-in price easier to understand.

Think twice if you are traveling as only one or two people, dislike strict cancellation terms, or want a fixed sightseeing route. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for a special day on St. John, especially if someone in your group has always wanted to take the helm.

FAQ

Where does the sailing lesson begin?

The activity begins at the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock on Prince Street in Cruz Bay, St. John. Pickup is offered, and the tour is near public transportation.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m. The outing lasts about five hours.

Does the experience return to Cruz Bay?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point at the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock.

Is the sailing lesson private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates. The boat accommodates up to six people.

Are snorkeling equipment and food included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a full gourmet deli lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, juice, beer, sparkling wine, and bar drinks are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking.