50′ Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is control. You get the whole 50-foot SY Sirena for your group, then work with the captain to shape the day around snorkeling, beaches, sea turtles, lunch, or simply time on the water. The boat has a broad back deck, a shaded salon, and bean bags on the bow, so you are not packed onto a small excursion boat.

I especially like the private group format and the included drinks, floats, snorkeling gear, restroom, and water. The crew has also handled family groups well, including young children and weaker swimmers. The main consideration is that advertised beach choices can change, and Trunk Bay may not be available to commercial charters.

I also like the easy access from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook and the option to request pickup from Cruz Bay on St. John. At $1,595 for up to 12 people, this makes the most sense when you fill the boat, since a small family pays the same group rate as a larger party.

Key points to know before you book

• A private 50-foot catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with room on the bow, back deck, and salon.
• A flexible St. Thomas and St. John route: The captain can adjust the day for snorkeling, beaches, lunch, sightseeing, or calmer water.
• Strong snorkeling potential: Past outings have included sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, tropical fish, and a sunken ship.
• Drinks and water toys included: Expect bottled water, soda, beer, rum punch, floats, and snorkeling equipment.
• Good for mixed-age groups: Crew members have helped families with infants, toddlers, teenagers, and weaker swimmers.
• Check beach access before departure: Trunk Bay and some other locations may be restricted for commercial charters.

A private catamaran day from Red Hook

You meet at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, on the east side of St. Thomas. The boat returns there at the end of the trip. Pickup from Cruz Bay on St. John can be requested in advance after booking, which may save you a separate ferry ride if you are staying on St. John.

The charter lasts about four to seven hours. The shorter option works well if you want a taste of the water, one or two snorkel stops, and time to relax. The full-day option gives you room to travel toward St. John, stop for lunch, and spend longer in the water without rushing.

The boat is priced at $1,595 per group of up to 12 people. With 12 passengers, that works out to about $133 per person. With six people, it is about $266 per person, and with four, roughly $399 per person. That is not a bargain for a small party, but it can be fair for a reunion, wedding group, cruise group, or large family that wants privacy instead of sharing a boat with strangers.

Your captain and first mate handle the boat, drinks, snorkeling setup, and general flow of the day. Captains and crew members named in the trip feedback include Maddy, JW, Alex, Dave, Vic, Glen, Coleman, Olivia, Ro, Dylan, Celina, Kahlia, and others. The strongest pattern is a hands-on crew that helps with masks and fins, keeps drinks filled, explains the islands, and adjusts the plan to suit the group.

What the SY Sirena gives you on the water

A 50-foot catamaran is a useful size for this kind of day. You get more room than on a small center-console boat, but the experience still feels personal because only your party takes part.

The salon opens onto a large aft deck with seating and dining space. This is useful when someone wants shade, a dry place to sit, or a break from the sun. The bow has bean bag chairs and trampolines, which are ideal for stretching out while the boat is moving. Several people specifically enjoyed the bean bags, and families can spread out rather than keeping everyone in one tight row.

There is a restroom on board, an important detail on a four to seven hour outing. Snorkeling equipment and floats are supplied, so you do not need to rent basic gear separately. Water is provided in bottles from Virgin H2O, and the boat also carries soda, beer, and the signature Seas the Day rum punch.

Lunch is not included. You can bring food, or ask the captain about buying lunch at a location that fits the route. Past outings have included stops at Lovango for lunch, and one family arranged pizza from the Pizza Boat. These examples show why a full-day charter can work well for a group with specific food plans, but you should discuss lunch before leaving rather than assume it is part of the package.

How the captain shapes your day

The listed places are possibilities, not a promise that you will visit all of them. Even a seven-hour trip cannot sensibly include every beach and bay on a 13-stop menu while still allowing enough time to swim and snorkel.

A good approach is to tell the captain what matters most. If your teenagers want sea turtles, say so. If someone gets seasick, ask for calmer water and a route with less time underway. If your group has small children, explain how comfortable they are in the water. The crew has helped families with children as young as four months and with youngsters who do not swim well, though parents remain responsible for supervision.

The crew can also respond to wind. One family had a windy week, but the captain found calmer spots on the sheltered sides of the islands and in quiet coves. That flexibility is one of the main reasons to choose a private charter instead of a fixed public boat route.

You should still arrive on time. The boat leaves from a scheduled marina, and a late start can reduce your water time. One poor experience centered on arriving 25 minutes late and expecting the crew to extend the trip. The practical lesson is simple: get to American Yacht Harbor early and treat the booked departure time as firm.

Snorkeling at Secret Harbour and Brewer’s Bay

Secret Harbour is a sensible first stop for a private group. The bay offers a chance to get masks adjusted, test the water, and settle into the boat’s rhythm without spending the whole morning traveling. Plan on about 90 minutes if conditions are good.

Brewer’s Bay, on St. Thomas, is another possible swimming and snorkeling stop. Its location can make it useful when the wind affects other parts of the island. The exact quality of the water will depend on the day, so let the captain decide if another cove offers better visibility.

The crew has helped passengers find sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, and schools of tropical fish. One outing also included a sunken ship. These sightings are never guaranteed, but the crew’s familiarity with the water can improve your chances and help you avoid wasting time in a poor snorkeling spot.

Beaches on St. Thomas: Magens, Sapphire, Coki, and Lindqvist

Magens Bay is one of the best-known beaches on St. Thomas and can be a good choice if your group wants a classic beach stop. It is better suited to a group that wants to swim, float, and relax rather than race through several snorkel sites.

Sapphire Beach may appeal to a group that wants an easy swim with attractive coastal views. Coki Point is another possible stop and can work for passengers who want more time in the water. Lindqvist Beach offers a quieter feel than some of the island’s better-known beaches, depending on conditions and access.

A private boat gives you the ability to spend 20 minutes at a place you do not like, or stay much longer at the one that suits your group. The suggested minimum is about 1.5 hours per stop. That is sensible advice: time is needed to anchor, get organized, swim, dry off, and return to the boat.

Do not expect to visit all four St. Thomas beaches in one half-day. For a shorter charter, choose one beach plus one snorkel site. A full day gives you more room, but the captain may still favor fewer stops with better water conditions.

St. John’s bays and the changing beach list

The St. John options are the strongest reason to book the full-day version. Honeymoon Beach, Francis Bay, Maho Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Scott Bay, Hansen Bay, and Trunk Bay are all listed as possible locations.

Maho Bay is particularly appealing for a group hoping to see sea turtles, though wildlife sightings are not assured. Francis Bay and Hansen Bay can be useful choices when your group wants a calmer swim. Waterlemon Cay is a natural pick for snorkeling, but the captain will need to consider weather, currents, travel time, and the ability of everyone aboard.

Trunk Bay is the important exception. It may be restricted for commercial charters, even though it appears among the possible destinations. One passenger was told the boat could not stop there because of this restriction. Ask about current access before you build your day around Trunk Bay.

The same principle applies to every named beach: these are planning ideas, not guaranteed scheduled stops. A private captain can suggest a substitute when a beach is closed, crowded, windy, or unsuitable for the boat’s commercial access rules.

What the crew does well, and where expectations matter

The most consistent strength is personal service. Captains such as Maddy, JW, Alex, Dave, Vic, and Glen have been praised for asking what the group wants, explaining island history, helping with snorkeling equipment, and keeping the day moving without making it feel rigid.

First mates including Olivia, Ro, Coleman, Celina, Kahlia, and Dylan have received particular credit for helping people in and out of the water and keeping drinks available. That matters when your group includes children, older adults, or anyone who is not confident in the water.

The crew has also helped passengers who felt seasick and has found calmer locations during windy weather. Still, this is a boat trip. You should be comfortable with time on open water, sun exposure, and changing sea conditions. The crew can adapt the route, but it cannot guarantee calm water or perfect visibility.

The one serious negative account involved complaints about service, life jackets, lack of customization, and a late departure. The operator disputed those claims and said the boat carried enough life jackets. I would not ignore the complaint, but the broader pattern points to a more practical concern: arrive on time, communicate your priorities clearly, and ask direct questions before departure.

Half day or full day?

Choose the half-day charter if you want a four-hour outing with a limited plan. A good half-day could include one snorkeling stop, one beach or turtle-searching location, and time to enjoy the catamaran itself.

The half-day also suits families with young children who may tire quickly. Several outings with small children went well, but a shorter trip reduces the chance of boredom, sun fatigue, or seasickness.

Choose the full day if your group wants St. John, a lunch stop, several swims, or a slower pace. Seven hours gives the captain more options when wind or access rules force a change. It also lets you stop for lunch without giving up the main snorkeling time.

Do not book the full day simply because you feel you should get your money’s worth. If half your party wants to be back on land after four hours, the shorter option will be more comfortable.

Practical details that affect your decision

The activity is private, and only your group participates. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The boat is sanitized after each trip, and masks are optional because the activity is mainly outdoors.

Bring any lunch your group needs unless you have arranged a purchase stop. You should also tell the company about children, weaker swimmers, dietary needs, or a strong preference for beaches over snorkeling.

Tips are not included. For excellent service, 15 to 20 percent is customary, so include that in your budget. Weather can cancel the trip, in which case 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, but cancellations or changes inside that window are not refundable.

Should you book this St. Thomas catamaran?

I would book it for a group of eight to 12 people that values privacy, flexible timing, and a comfortable boat. The price becomes much more reasonable when divided among a full group, and the ability to seek calmer water or change the route is useful in the Virgin Islands.

I would choose the half-day version for young families or a group unsure about spending all day at sea. I would choose the full day for strong swimmers who want St. John, lunch, multiple snorkeling stops, and time to enjoy the catamaran between activities.

Before paying, confirm the departure time, pickup point, preferred stops, lunch plan, and current access to Trunk Bay. If you want a fixed route, a guaranteed beach, or a low-cost shared trip, this is not the right fit. If you want your own boat, helpful crew, good snorkeling possibilities, and the freedom to shape the day, it is a strong St. Thomas choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The charter begins and ends at American Yacht Harbor, 84GX+24H, Smith Bay Road, Red Hook, St. Thomas.

Can I request pickup from St. John?

Yes. Pickup from Cruz Bay on St. John may be possible with an advance request after booking.

How long is the charter?

The experience lasts approximately four to seven hours, depending on whether you choose a half-day or full-day charter.

How many people can join?

The $1,595 price covers the private yacht for up to 12 people.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity for your group only.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but food can be purchased at some locations. Past plans have included lunch at Lovango and pizza from the Pizza Boat.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

Can the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. The British Virgin Islands are not available on this vessel. A separate booking is required for a BVI trip.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable. If poor weather cancels the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund.