Private Fast Power Catamaran. Full or Half Day for Beach Hopping, Snorkel & Swim

The best part of this St. Thomas boat trip is control. You get the whole 36-foot MV Poseidon for your own group, then work with the captain to choose your stops, swim time, snorkeling spots, and beach breaks. The boat’s twin hulls give you a steadier ride than a small runabout, while its speed lets you cover more water.

I like two things right away: the boat takes up to 12 people, so the cost can make sense for a family or friend group, and the captain can bring you close to shore with the boat’s low draft and stern ladder. I also like that snorkel gear, water, soda, beer, ice, mooring permits, and U.S. park fees are included.

The main catch is the extra fuel charge, billed at $8 per gallon, plus a recommended 15 to 20 percent tip. Also, the long list of possible beaches is a menu, not a promise that you will reach every one in a single half-day or full-day trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 12: You are not sharing MV Poseidon with a large tour crowd.
• Four to seven hours on the water: Pick a half-day outing or a longer full-day charter.
• Your captain shapes the route: Captains such as Holly, Amanda, Glen, Wallens, Bryan, and Aaron help match the plan to your group.
• Strong snorkeling potential: Turtles, tropical fish, coral, stingrays, starfish, an octopus, and even a lemon shark have been seen on past outings, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Fuel costs extra: Plan for roughly 15 to 25 gallons on a half-day and 30 to 45 gallons on a full day.
• Departure from Red Hook: The boat leaves from American Yacht Harbor and returns there.

Why a private boat works so well in St. Thomas

St. Thomas and nearby St. John are made for seeing from the water. Many beaches are easier to reach by boat than by road, and a private charter gives you an option that regular beach tours cannot: you can adjust the day as you go.

Tell the captain if snorkeling matters most. Prefer long swims and quiet coves? Say so. Want to put your feet on a beach, listen to music, and stop for a drink? That can shape the route too. The captain is not simply driving from point to point. The plan is built around your group’s interests and the conditions on the day.

That flexibility matters for families. A group with young children may want shorter water stops and a beach break. A group of strong swimmers may prefer more time at several snorkel sites. One family with children ages 5 to 7 managed three snorkeling beaches during a half-day trip, while another group with children ages 6 to 13 used a full day for a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and beach time.

You should also expect the captain to put safety first. The outing begins with a safety briefing, and captains such as Amanda, Holly, Glen, Mike, Wallens, and Bryan are repeatedly praised for explaining the area, helping nervous swimmers, and adjusting the plan to the group.

MV Poseidon and the ride from Red Hook

MV Poseidon is described as a 36-foot TwinVee Ocean Cat, built as a power catamaran rather than a sailboat. Its twin hulls help with stability, and its speed is useful when you want to visit several parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands in one day.

The boat is set up for a private charter of up to 12 people. That does not mean you should automatically fill every seat. A group of four may appreciate the extra room, but the value improves sharply when you split the full boat price among eight to 12 people.

The boat includes a transom ladder, which makes getting back aboard easier after a swim. Its low draft lets the captain approach close to some beaches, though the exact landing point will depend on water depth, beach conditions, and local rules. You can also use the Fusion stereo for your own music while moving between stops.

The meeting point is American Yacht Harbor at 84GX+24H, Smith Bay Road, in Red Hook. You return to the same place at the end. Arrive early enough to complete the paperwork and boarding process. One half-day outing lost some usable time because the group arrived late, and the operator recommends arriving 15 minutes before departure.

Water Island and Little Buck Island

Water Island is one possible early stop. Its position near St. Thomas makes it a practical place to begin a private outing, especially if your group wants a gentle start with swimming, views, or a short beach visit. The listed stop is 30 minutes, but your captain may alter the timing.

Little Buck Island is another possible stop and is listed with admission included. Its appeal is the water rather than a long land visit. You might use the stop for snorkeling or a quick swim before moving on.

Do not treat the 30-minute entries as fixed promises. They describe possible points on a sample route. A full itinerary covering all eight listed locations would not be realistic, especially in rough water. On one full-day trip, the group reached three stops, which is a useful guide for setting expectations.

Secret Harbour and Honeymoon Beach

Secret Harbour gives you another chance to combine water time with a shoreline stop. It can suit a group that wants a shorter swim or snorkel session without spending the whole day at one beach.

Honeymoon Beach is especially useful for mixed-age groups. The stern ladder and low draft can make it easier to get close to shore, and one family used the stop so a toddler could play on the beach while older family members enjoyed the boat and water.

If your group includes a young child, an older parent, or someone uneasy about open water, tell the captain early. You may get more from a route that includes a beach break than from one packed with snorkel sites. The captain can also help a nervous swimmer ease into the water, though each person should decide what feels safe.

Trunk Bay, Scott Bay, and Maho Bay

Trunk Bay Beach is one possible St. John stop. The water around St. John is a major reason to choose this charter, especially if snorkeling ranks high on your list. A family of four used a St. John route to see turtles, starfish, stingrays, tropical fish, and a sunken sailboat.

Scott Bay Beach offers another possible beach and swimming stop. The advantage of a private boat is that you do not have to choose a single famous beach for the entire day. Your captain can consider the group’s interests and current conditions, then decide how long to stay.

Maho Bay is particularly associated with sea turtles. Several outings reported turtle sightings there, and one parent who did not feel comfortable in the water still joined the swim. That said, turtles and fish are wild animals. The captain can take you to places where sightings are more likely, but nobody can guarantee what will appear.

Snorkeling quality can also change from day to day. One outing produced a wide mix of fish and healthy coral, while another saw turtles but fewer colorful fish. Wind, visibility, boat traffic, and the number of swimmers in the water all affect what you see.

Magens Bay and beach bar stops

Magens Bay is a possible final stop on the sample route. Its value is the classic St. Thomas beach setting, with time for a swim or a look from the water. If your priority is a famous beach rather than a long snorkel session, ask the captain to build the day around that kind of stop.

The boat can also take you close to places such as Dinghy’s, Margaritaville, Lime Out, or other beach bars, subject to the day’s route and conditions. Some outings have included a stop at Lovango for lunch and drinks. Lovango is not listed as one of the eight sample stops, so treat it as an example of the kind of custom addition you can discuss, not as a guaranteed part of every booking.

These food and drink stops can break up a long day on the water. They also add time and may reduce the number of beaches or snorkel locations you reach. If your main goal is underwater time, say that before departure. If you want a relaxed lunch stop, build that into the plan rather than trying to squeeze it in at the end.

What the snorkeling can be like

The strongest reason to book this boat is the chance to reach several snorkel areas in one outing. The equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or fins. Water, soda, beer, and ice are also included.

Past outings have included sea turtles, coral beds, tropical fish, stingrays, starfish, an octopus, a lemon shark, and a sunken sailboat. One group described the water as being like an aquarium, while another had a less colorful fish experience. Both outcomes are possible.

I would choose this trip for the chance to see marine life, not for a guaranteed wildlife checklist. If you are hoping to see turtles, listen closely to the captain’s advice and be ready to enter the water at the recommended spots. Move calmly, avoid chasing animals, and remember that the conditions may change.

A private boat also helps if your group has different swimming abilities. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water while others stay aboard or use a beach. Still, the boat is not a substitute for swimming ability. Pay attention to the safety briefing and tell the captain about any concerns.

Half day or full day?

The half-day option lasts about four hours. It is a sensible choice for families with young children, first-time snorkelers, or anyone who wants a major water activity without giving up the entire day.

You can still pack a lot into four hours. One family visited three snorkeling beaches during a half-day trip, and another group combined turtle snorkeling with a beach and lunch stop. The tradeoff is simple: every beach, meal, and swim uses part of your limited time.

The full-day option lasts about seven hours. It suits people who want a slower pace, more swimming, several locations, or a lunch stop. It also gives the captain more room to adjust if one site is too rough or crowded.

Do not assume a full day means all eight listed beaches. The islands cover a broad area, and rough water can slow the ride. Pick your top two or three priorities before boarding. That way, you get the experiences you care about even if the route changes.

Is the $895.50 price good value?

The listed price is $895.50 for the entire boat, up to 12 people. That is expensive for two people, but the math changes with a larger group. Split among 12 people, the base price is about $75 per person. Split among six, it is about $149 per person before fuel and gratuity.

You also need to add fuel. The stated average is 15 to 25 gallons for a half-day and 30 to 45 gallons for a full day, billed at $8 per gallon. That works out to roughly $120 to $200 for a half-day or $240 to $360 for a full day. A 15 to 20 percent tip is recommended for the captain.

The price includes snorkel equipment, water, soda, beer, ice, U.S. park fees, and mooring permits. You are also paying for privacy, a private captain, and the ability to shape the itinerary. For a large family or group of friends, that can be better value than buying many individual seats on a crowded boat.

For a small group, compare carefully. A shared tour may cost less per person, though it will not give you the same control over timing, music, beach stops, or snorkeling locations.

Captains and the human side of the trip

The captains are central to this experience. Holly is praised for her island knowledge, interaction, and upbeat manner. Amanda is noted for explaining island geography, history, and sea life while keeping safety in focus.

Glen is a good fit for groups that want context about the islands, while Wallens is often singled out for finding strong snorkel locations and making families feel secure. Bryan is praised for helping families with young children, and Aaron is known for shaping a fun day around beach hopping, sightseeing, and snorkeling.

Other captains include Mike, Hillary, Kyle, and Valley. Hillary’s outing included turtles, fish, an octopus, and a lemon shark. Valley helped one swimmer become more comfortable in deep water. These details matter because a private charter depends on communication. Tell the captain what you want, then listen when local conditions call for a change.

Practical details, weather, and cancellations

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is private, service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. It is near public transportation, but you are responsible for getting to American Yacht Harbor.

Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the trip, 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 inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and anything your group needs for several hours around water. The supplied information confirms water, soda, beer, and ice, but it does not specify meals, towels, or other personal supplies, so plan accordingly.

Should you book MV Poseidon?

Book this private catamaran if you have a medium or large group, want a flexible day, and care about mixing snorkeling with beaches and swimming. It is particularly good for families because the captain can adjust the pace and include easy shoreline stops.

I would choose the half-day trip if you have young children or want a focused snorkel outing. Choose the full day if you want St. John, several swims, a beach bar or lunch stop, and time to slow down.

Skip it if your group is very small and price is the main concern, or if you expect to visit every beach named in the sample route. Also budget for fuel and gratuity. With those points clear, MV Poseidon offers one of the more personal ways to see St. Thomas and nearby St. John from the water.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran tour begin?

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

Where does the boat return?

The activity ends back at American Yacht Harbor, the same place where it begins.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts approximately four to seven hours. The half-day option is about four hours, and the full-day option is about seven hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

MV Poseidon accommodates up to 12 people, and the price applies to the entire boat rather than to each individual passenger.

Is a captain included?

Yes. A captain is included. Gratuity is not included, and 15 to 20 percent is recommended.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks are included?

Bottled water, soda, beer, and ice are included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is billed separately at $8 per gallon. The stated average is 15 to 25 gallons for a half-day and 30 to 45 gallons for a full day.

Can the tour visit the British Virgin Islands?

A British Virgin Islands visit is not included in this booking. It can be arranged under a separate product code.

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 accepted or refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.