Private Luxury Charter Aboard New Multi-Deck Lagoon Catamaran

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is the freedom to make a full day on the water feel personal. Your group of up to 12 sails aboard a new multi-deck Lagoon 420, stopping at reef sites and beaches chosen with your captain. Sea turtles and stingrays are regular stars, though water clarity and weather can change the show.

I like the generous space, with sun, shade, lounge nets, and a swim platform, and I like the crew’s local touch. Captains such as Hillary, Vic, Mike, and Alex have earned praise for pointing out island landmarks, sharing local facts, and helping first-time snorkelers. The main caution is simple: this is not a guaranteed turtle encounter or fixed beach schedule. Rough water, rain, or murky conditions can affect the snorkeling, and one trip returned about 25 minutes late.

Key points to know before booking

• Private group of up to 12: You avoid the crowded feel of a large excursion boat and can shape the day with your captain.
• Lagoon 420 catamaran: Expect several decks, lounge nets, shade, a restroom, and an easy swim platform, or a comparable vessel if needed.
• Two-part day on the water: Most outings pair a reef stop for fish and turtles with a beach stop for swimming and relaxing.
• Flexible Virgin Islands route: Possible areas include Buck Island, St. John, Water Island, St. James, Maho Bay, Lovango Cay, and Honeymoon Beach.
• Drinks and snorkeling gear included: Beer, soda, water, rum punch, and equipment are provided. Bring your own towel and sunscreen.
• Strong but not perfect record: The experience holds a 4.7 rating from 115 ratings, with 91 percent recommending it.

What the $1,615.50 charter really buys you

The price is $1,615.50 per group, with up to 12 people aboard. That works out to about $135 per person if you fill every place, though the value changes sharply with a smaller party. For six people, the effective cost is roughly $269 each. The charter lasts about seven hours when booked as the full-day option, and half-day choices are also available.

I would look at this as a boat rental with a captain, crew service, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and route planning included. That is a different proposition from buying a seat on a standard snorkeling boat. Your group gets the boat to itself, and the captain can discuss your preferred balance of reef time, beach time, swimming, and sailing.

For a family reunion, couples traveling together, or a group already planning to spend heavily on a private day, the price can make sense. If you are only two people looking for a basic snorkel outing, the cost is harder to justify. The strongest value comes when you fill most of the 12 places and want privacy.

The vessel is described as a new Lagoon 420 multi-deck catamaran, or a comparable boat if the named vessel is not available. That wording matters. You should expect the same general style of comfortable catamaran service, but confirm the vessel if the exact boat is important to you.

Leaving Havensight for a private day

The meeting point is Seas the Day Charters and Tours at WICO/Havensight in Charlotte Amalie. This is useful if you are staying near the cruise port or can reach the waterfront by public transportation. The trip returns to the same meeting point.

Once aboard, the catamaran gives you room to spread out. You can sit in the shade, claim a sunny spot, or use the forward nets as the boat moves between stops. The restroom is a practical advantage on a day that may keep you away from land for several hours.

Your captain and crew work with you in advance on the route. That does not mean every request can override sea conditions, but it does give the day more flexibility than a fixed group excursion. You might spend more time near St. John, remain around St. Thomas and nearby cays, or visit Water Island and St. James.

The boat itself is part of the experience. You are not simply being ferried to a reef. You get the open-water views, the quiet rhythm of a catamaran under sail, and the chance to move around between stops. Island music, cold drinks, and the wide view from the decks help fill the time when you are not in the water.

The first snorkel stop: reefs, turtles, and changing conditions

The first water stop may be near Buck Island, St. John, Water Island, St. James, or another site chosen by the captain. Specific locations vary, so you should think of the route as a guided search for good conditions rather than a promise of one named reef.

The most praised snorkeling scenes involve sea turtles, stingrays, reef fish, coral, and, on one especially lucky outing, Caribbean reef squid. Maho Bay in the national park area has been used for turtle sightings, while a reef near Lovango Cay has offered fish and coral. Other trips stopped at several sites around St. John.

The crew supplies masks, snorkels, and related equipment. The gear has been described as being in good condition, and the swim platform makes getting in and out easier than climbing over a high boat side. If you are new to snorkeling, tell the crew before entering the water. Captain Hillary has been singled out for helping first-time snorkelers become comfortable.

Allow yourself time to look slowly. Turtles may be near the bottom, and rays can pass quietly through the shallows. Captains such as Vic, Mike, Wallens, and Hillary have been praised for spotting animals and explaining what you are seeing. That local attention can turn a quick swim into a better nature experience.

Still, the water is not always clear. One outing near St. John became more of a boat ride than a satisfying snorkel trip after several days of rain. Another group found waves made turtle viewing difficult. This is not a fault that any captain can fully control. Rain, wind, swell, and visibility change the quality of a reef stop.

If snorkeling is the only reason you are booking, set your expectations carefully. The captain can choose the best available site, but no operator can guarantee calm water, clear visibility, or a particular animal. The better reason to book is the combination of snorkeling, sailing, swimming, and beach time.

The second stop: Honeymoon Beach and other island shores

After the reef, the route may turn toward Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, Lindbergh Bay, Brewers Bay, or another attractive shore. Honeymoon Beach is known for white sand and clear water, with calmer shallows suited to swimming and paddleboarding.

This stop changes the pace. The first part of the outing is active and equipment-focused. Here, you can sit on the sand, swim without a mask, play beach games, or simply cool off in the water. If your group includes people who do not want to snorkel for hours, this beach break keeps the day enjoyable for everyone.

Some routes may include Dinghy’s Beach Cafe or LimeOut, the floating taco bar. These are appealing possibilities, not fixed promises for every departure. Ask your captain what can fit the route and conditions on your date. A beach stop with food and drinks ashore can add interest, but it can also reduce time spent swimming or snorkeling.

One group specifically wished it had reached Honeymoon Beach, while another enjoyed visiting it along with St. John and Cruz Bay. That contrast points to the main tradeoff of a flexible charter: you gain choice, but the final route depends on timing, sea conditions, and the preferences discussed with your captain.

The captains make a real difference

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this charter. Captain Hillary is frequently praised for her relaxed manner, island knowledge, and ability to find turtles. Captain Vic has been credited with explaining local sights and creating a fun day. Captain Mike has led groups to several strong snorkel sites around St. John.

Captain Alex has also received warm praise, including from a group whose first mate was reportedly absent. He worked alone and still kept the outing moving, though that account also noted a cooler that needed more ice and rum punch left from the previous day. It is a useful reminder that service can vary by crew and by day.

Other named crew members include Wallens, Pogan, Sammy, Aaron, Cornelius, Osay, Caroline, Jason, Hope, Vali, and Splash. Their roles and pairings can change, so you cannot request a specific person unless the company confirms it. The recurring strength is the crew’s willingness to share facts about the islands, point out marine life, and help people enjoy the boat.

One group also reported a late return of about 25 minutes. If you have a firm dinner, airport transfer, or cruise departure after the charter, leave a buffer. A day on the water is subject to wind, waves, docking, and the needs of the group.

Drinks, comfort, and what to bring

Included drinks are beer, soda, bottled water, and the company’s Seas the Day rum punch. Several outings also received praise for the drinks, particularly the rum punch. You can expect refreshments between water stops and during the ride back, but do not treat the onboard selection as a full meal service.

The catamaran provides sun and shade, lounge space, a restroom, and a swim platform. Those details matter over seven hours. A boat with no shade can make a beautiful day tiring, while a difficult swim ladder can discourage less confident swimmers. The multi-deck design gives you choices.

Bring your own sunscreen and towel. The provided information does not promise food, so ask ahead if you need lunch or plan to use a beach cafe or floating taco bar. Secure loose items before the boat moves, and keep a dry change of clothes handy if you plan to spend much of the day in the water.

Sunscreen is especially important on a catamaran. The breeze can make the sun feel mild, while the reflection from the sea adds to your exposure. Apply it before boarding and again after swimming, using a reef-conscious product if available.

Who will get the most from this charter

This is a good fit for a group that wants privacy and can share the cost. Families can split the day between swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and relaxing on deck. Couples traveling with friends can enjoy a more social setting without being packed onto a large boat.

It also suits first-time snorkelers. The crew has helped beginners with equipment and water confidence, and the swim platform makes entry simpler. You should still be comfortable around open water, or clearly tell the crew what support you need.

The experience is less ideal if you want a tightly timed sightseeing program or a guaranteed visit to one particular beach. The route is flexible, and that flexibility is both the benefit and the limitation. It is also not the best value for a very small party unless privacy and a private captain matter more than price.

Most people can participate, but the activity requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Cancellation by you is free up to 24 hours before the start time. A 15 to 20 percent tip for excellent captain and crew service is customary, so include that in your budget.

Is the seven-hour day worth it?

I think the full-day option is worthwhile when your group wants a broad taste of the islands rather than a single snorkel stop. Seven hours gives the captain time to reach more than one location, allow proper water time, and include a beach break without rushing every transition.

The day can become tiring. Swimming, sun, wind, and boat movement take energy, and one group described the outing as fun but exhausting. If your party includes young children, older family members, or people new to boats, the half-day option may be the smarter choice.

The half-day trip also works well for a first taste of the area. One couple found that length ideal, with enough time for beaches, views, drinks, and snorkeling without spending the entire day aboard. A half-day gives you room for an evening meal or another St. Thomas activity.

Final call: book it for the boat, not only the turtles

I would book this charter if you want a private St. Thomas day with a flexible route, room to relax, and a strong chance of seeing turtles and reef fish. The most appealing combination is the small group size, comfortable Lagoon catamaran, capable local captains, and choice between active snorkeling and easy beach time.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a guaranteed turtle encounter or if you are comparing the price with a basic shared snorkel trip. Weather can reduce visibility, and the final stops can change. For the best value, bring close to 12 people, choose the full day, and discuss your preferred balance of St. John, Water Island, reef time, and beach time before departure.

FAQ

Where does the private charter depart from?

It departs from Seas the Day Charters and Tours at WICO/Havensight in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private charter allows up to 12 people from your group.

How long does the experience last?

The full-day experience lasts approximately seven hours. Half-day options are also available.

Which boat will be used?

The experience uses a new multi-deck Lagoon 420 catamaran, or a comparable vessel subject to availability.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, beer, soda, bottled water, and rum punch are included. A restroom is also available aboard.

Which places might the charter visit?

Possible stops include reef areas near St. Thomas, St. John, Buck Island, Water Island, St. James, Maho Bay, Lovango Cay, Honeymoon Beach, Lindbergh Bay, and Brewers Bay. The captain chooses the final route with your group and according to conditions.

Should I bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so bring both.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.