Private Power Catamaran. Secluded Beaches, Snorkeling, Turtles for Full/Half Day

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is that you control the day. Captain Mike, Aaron, Kirk, or Tim can suggest good snorkeling spots, quiet beaches, and lunch stops, but your group decides how long to stay. I like the stable 32-foot power catamaran and its generous shaded deck. I also like the chance to set your own music on the powerful stereo instead of following a fixed group schedule.

The main drawback is cost. At $1,050 per group of up to 10, this makes the most sense for a full family or friend group. You will also need to pay for fuel, lunch, and any alcoholic drinks, and the best itinerary depends on the weather.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to 10 people: You spend the day only with your own group, the captain, and possibly a mate for larger parties.
• A stable 32-foot power catamaran: Shady Lady has a wide hull and about two-thirds of the deck is shaded, with sunny seating as well.
• Turtles and coral reefs: Snorkeling stops may include clear, warm water, sea turtles, rays, starfish, and nurse sharks when conditions allow.
• A flexible St. Thomas itinerary: You can combine beach stops, snorkeling, sightseeing, swimming, and a full-day lunch break.
• Helpful local captains: Mike, Aaron, Kirk, Tim, and others are praised for friendly service, island stories, and adapting plans when weather changes.
• Simple inclusions: Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and ice are included. Fuel, lunch, and alcohol cost extra.

Why a private power catamaran works so well here

St. Thomas is beautiful from shore, but the best way to understand the US Virgin Islands is to get out on the water. A private boat lets you see the coves, beaches, reefs, and neighboring islands without spending your day waiting for a large group to load, unload, or vote on the next stop.

I like the sense of control here. You might want two serious snorkeling stops and little beach time. Your group might prefer a slow cruise, a long swim, and music on the shaded deck. The captain can help shape the route, but you are not locked into a printed list of stops.

This is also a friendly format for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel while others stay aboard or relax in the shade. Teenagers can choose the music, younger children can swim when conditions suit them, and older family members can enjoy the ride without having to walk from one attraction to another.

The boat is described as a 32-foot power catamaran called Shady Lady, though the activity details also refer to the boat as Island Girl. If the exact vessel matters to you, confirm the name when you book. Either way, the key point is the catamaran design. The wide platform should feel steadier than a narrow runabout, and the covered area is useful in the strong Caribbean sun.

Leaving from Sapphire Beach Marina

You meet at Sapphire Beach Marina on Smith Bay Road in St. Thomas. The trip returns to the same place, which keeps the day simple. The marina is near public transportation, though you should still allow enough time to arrive before departure and find the meeting point.

The opening cruise is part of the appeal. Instead of rushing straight to a swim stop, your captain can point out landmarks and explain some of the history of the islands as you move across the water. I would use this first stretch to settle into the boat, ask about the plan, and tell the captain what your group most wants to see.

The private format helps here. If you have a first-time snorkeler, someone who dislikes rough water, or a family member who wants a quieter afternoon, say so early. The crew can guide the day around your interests, though the final route will always depend on wind, rain, and sea conditions.

Snorkeling reefs, turtles, and changing conditions

Snorkeling is the central activity, and the water around the US Virgin Islands offers the right setting: warm, clear water with several shades of blue and coral reefs full of sea life. Equipment is included, so you do not need to pack masks, snorkels, or fins unless you prefer your own.

You may see sea turtles, rays, starfish, and colorful coral. One outing also produced two nurse sharks after weather forced the captain to change snorkeling locations. That is a useful reminder that the exact wildlife and reef conditions cannot be promised. A flexible captain can turn a change of plan into a better stop, but nature still sets the rules.

I would ask the captain about the safest and clearest site for the day rather than insisting on one famous location. Water clarity, wind, boat traffic, and recent rain can all affect the quality of a stop. Your captain can also help decide how much time to spend in the water and when it makes sense to move on.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness for this trip. Getting into and out of the water, swimming with snorkeling gear, and moving around a boat require some effort. The private setting helps because you can set a slower pace, but this is still an active day on the water, not a sightseeing cruise where you remain seated.

Beach hopping around the Virgin Islands

The captain can take you from one beach to another, including quieter beaches that are harder to reach by land. This is where a private charter has a clear advantage over a fixed excursion. You can stay longer at a beach your group likes, skip one that feels too busy, or stop simply to float in warm water with a drink.

I would not expect every beach to feel deserted. Conditions, timing, and the day’s boat traffic matter. Still, arriving by private boat gives you a better chance to enjoy a cove without having to follow the same road and parking limits as everyone on shore.

Beach stops also give non-snorkelers a reason to enjoy the trip. You can swim, sit in the sun, relax on the boat, or use the shaded deck. The crew provides noodles for floating, according to the activity description, though you should confirm what is available on your sailing if that matters to you.

The boat has both shade and sun seating. That sounds like a small detail, but it matters on a six-and-a-half-hour outing. I would spend some time under cover, use sunscreen often, and bring a hat or light shirt. The sunny seats are useful for warming up after a swim, but few people want to sit in direct sun all day.

A full-day rhythm with room for lunch

The advertised full-day outing lasts about six hours and 30 minutes. That gives you enough time to combine cruising, snorkeling, beach stops, and a meal without treating every stop like a timed checklist.

A sensible day might begin with a cruise and island orientation, followed by a first snorkeling stop. You could then move to a beach for swimming and a break, have lunch, and finish with another reef or scenic cruise. That is only a sample. Your captain can help design a route based on your priorities.

Lunch is not included, but the captain can help with the options for a full-day charter. One group stopped for lunch at Lovongo, while another included a floating pizza place in its day. These details show the value of asking about current choices before departure. A lunch stop can also be a welcome break if some people in your group need time away from the water.

Bring your own preferred snacks if you want them, but remember that the included provisions are bottled water and ice in built-in coolers. Alcohol is not included. The operator can obtain alcoholic drinks for an additional charge, so ask about that ahead of time rather than assuming the cooler will be stocked.

Fuel is also extra. That makes the $1,050 headline price less than the final price, especially if you choose a longer route. Ask what fuel will cost for your intended itinerary, then divide the total among your group. For 10 people, the base price works out to $105 per person before extras. For four people, the same boat is much harder to justify financially.

The captains make the difference

The captains are a major part of the experience. Mike is praised for being responsive before the trip and for letting a group trust his judgment on the day. Aaron is described as friendly and attentive, with a knack for keeping both adults and children engaged. Kirk has guided groups through changing weather and shorter outings, while Tim has kept teenagers entertained on full-day charters.

You should expect local context as you cruise, not a formal lecture. The captains point out landmarks, share island stories, and adjust the route when conditions change. That informal approach suits a private boat. You can ask questions as they come up, rather than waiting for a scheduled narration.

The crew also appears comfortable with special occasions and family needs. A birthday outing included snorkeling with turtles, starfish, and rays before lunch. Another captain handled a day with a seven-year-old child well. These details suggest a broad range of groups can enjoy the charter, but you should still explain your group’s ages, swimming abilities, and needs before setting out.

For larger groups, a mate may join the captain. That extra crew member can help with equipment, drinks, and getting people safely in and out of the water. The boat’s maximum capacity is 10 people, so this is not the right choice for a large wedding party or a big cruise-ship excursion.

Music, shade, and the parts between stops

The boat includes a 2,000-watt stereo system. That may sound like a party detail, but it changes the feel of the trip. You can create a playlist for your group and enjoy music while cruising or relaxing between swims.

I would use the stereo with some restraint. A quiet cove, the sound of the water, and a good conversation can be just as enjoyable as loud music. Since the boat is private, your group can find its own balance without worrying about strangers nearby.

The covered deck is another practical advantage. About two-thirds of the deck is shaded, while sunny seating remains available. This arrangement lets you move around during the day, which is especially helpful after snorkeling or during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Do not treat the boat as a luxury yacht with a full galley and hotel-style service. The included provisions are basic: water and ice. The value comes from the private crew, flexible route, stable catamaran, and access to places that are difficult to string together on your own.

What the $1,050 group price really buys

The $1,050 rate covers up to 10 people, not 10 individual tickets. That can be strong value for a full family or friend group. A group of eight pays about $131.25 per person before fuel and other extras. A group of four pays $262.50 per person before those additions.

For a large group, the private boat can compare well with buying several separate excursions. You also get more control over the day and do not have to repeat the same route on a crowded vessel. For a small group, the price is a premium for privacy, and you should decide if that freedom matters enough to justify it.

The full-day format improves the value because you have time to use the boat for several purposes. If your main goal is one short turtle swim, a shorter charter may make more sense. The supplied details include a three-hour outing as a shorter option, but the main product described here is the approximately six-and-a-half-hour charter, so confirm the length and price you want before booking.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter

I would recommend it most for families or friends who want a full day outside and can fill a private boat. It is especially well suited to groups with different interests, since some people can snorkel while others swim, sunbathe, listen to music, or stay in the shade.

It also works well for birthdays and other special days. The crew has experience making personal occasions feel thoughtful without turning the trip into a staged event.

I would think twice if your group dislikes boats, has limited mobility, or wants a fully planned sightseeing program with guaranteed stops. You should also avoid booking around a tight return schedule if missing the water time would cause trouble. Weather can cancel or alter the trip, and sea conditions may change the route.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If bad weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. Less than 24 hours before departure, refunds and changes are not accepted.

Should you book Shades of Blue Charters?

Book this private St. Thomas power catamaran if you have enough people to share the price and want the freedom to build your own day. The strongest reasons are the stable shaded boat, local captains, turtle and reef snorkeling, and the ability to mix quiet beaches with lunch and sightseeing.

I would book it early, especially since it averages about 94 days ahead. Before paying, confirm the exact boat name, fuel charge, departure time, available lunch choices, and whether your preferred captain is working that day.

If your group can fill the boat and values privacy, this has the ingredients for a memorable day on the water. If you are traveling as only two or three people, compare the total cost with a smaller shared excursion before committing.

FAQ

Where does the charter depart?

The meeting point is Sapphire Beach Marina at 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St. Thomas. The trip returns to the same location.

How long does the charter last?

The main experience lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes. A shorter three-hour outing has also been offered, so confirm the exact duration when booking.

How many people can join?

The private boat accommodates up to 10 people. A mate may join the captain for larger groups.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the charter.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water and ice are included. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included. Alcohol can be obtained for an additional charge, and the captain can help with lunch options on a full-day trip.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is an additional cost, so ask for the fuel charge based on your planned route.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. Your group can choose among snorkeling, beach hopping, swimming with turtles, relaxing on the boat, sightseeing, and a lunch stop on a full-day charter. The captain can help plan the route.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund for your own cancellation.