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

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is control. You get a private 32-foot power catamaran, a local captain, and a day built around your group rather than a fixed route. Turtle snorkeling and quiet beaches are the main draws, with time to swim, float, listen to music, or cruise between the islands.

I like the wide, stable boat and the large shaded area, especially for a long day in the Caribbean sun. I also like the captain-led planning: Aaron, Mike, Kirk, Tim, and others can adjust the route when weather changes or a better snorkeling spot makes more sense. The main drawback is cost. At $1,050 per group of up to 10, it is good value for a full group but expensive for only two or three people, and fuel, lunch, and alcohol cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 10 people: You spend the day with your own group and captain, not on a crowded shared excursion.
• Sapphire Beach Marina departure: The boat leaves from 6720 Smith Bay Road and returns there at the end.
• Shady Lady is built for comfort: The 32-foot power catamaran is wide and stable, with about two-thirds of the deck shaded.
• Turtles are a major attraction: Snorkeling may include sea turtles, coral, starfish, rays, and other marine life.
• The route can change: Your captain may switch snorkeling spots when weather or water conditions call for it.
• Full-day charters allow a lunch stop: Lunch is not included, but the captain can help you choose an option.

A private boat day from Sapphire Beach Marina

You meet at Sapphire Beach Marina in Smith Bay, on the east side of St. Thomas. The activity begins and ends at the same point, which keeps the logistics simple if you are staying near Sapphire Beach or can arrange your own ride there.

Once aboard, you meet your captain and talk through the day. You can arrive with a wish list, such as turtle snorkeling, beach hopping, or a lunch stop, or let the captain shape the route. That flexibility is the point of booking a private charter.

The company’s boat description refers to the 32-foot power catamaran as Shady Lady. Another part of the description calls the vessel Island Girl, so I would confirm the boat name when you book. The important practical details are clear: it is a power catamaran with plenty of seating, a broad deck, and substantial shade.

The boat carries up to 10 people. A mate may join for larger groups. That capacity makes the price easier to justify for a family reunion, two couples, or a group of friends. It also gives you room to spread out instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder on a small center-console boat.

Why the power catamaran matters

A catamaran has two hulls, which creates a broader platform than many small charter boats. This boat is described as wide and very stable, a useful feature when you are moving around with snorkeling gear, helping children into the water, or simply trying to enjoy a drink without bracing yourself at every turn.

About two-thirds of the deck is shaded. That is a real benefit in the Virgin Islands, where several hours on the water can leave you sunburned before you feel it happening. You still have sunny seating if you want it, but you are not forced to sit in direct sun all day.

The boat also has a 2,000-watt stereo system. You can listen to your own music and set the mood for the ride, though the tone of the day still depends on your group and the captain. Bottled water and ice in built-in coolers are included. Bring any other drinks you want, or ask the company to arrange alcoholic beverages for an extra charge.

Fuel is not included. That matters because a private charter price is not always the final price. Ask how fuel is handled for the specific route you want, especially if you hope to cover a lot of ground or visit the British Virgin Islands. The supplied details describe USVI and Virgin Islands National Park outings, while one group used the company to reach the BVI, so confirm that destination and its extra costs before paying.

How the day can unfold

There is no single required itinerary, but the charter can combine several elements.

You might begin with a cruise along the St. Thomas shoreline, with the captain pointing out landmarks and giving you local background. This part is easy to overlook, but it helps you understand the islands as you move among them rather than simply stopping at isolated beaches.

Next comes snorkeling. The captain can choose from several reef areas depending on weather, water conditions, and what your group wants to see. The water is warm and clear, with many shades of blue. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack a mask, snorkel, or fins unless you prefer your own.

The company’s outings have included turtles, coral, starfish, rays, nurse sharks, and other wildlife. None of these sightings is guaranteed, and nature does not follow a schedule. Still, the captain’s ability to change sites is useful. One group encountered two nurse sharks after weather forced a change of snorkeling location. A flexible route can turn an inconvenience into the best part of the day.

After snorkeling, you can beach hop. The captain may take you to several coves, including quieter beaches, so you can compare different stretches of sand and water rather than spending the entire charter in one place. Some stops are better for swimming, some for snorkeling, and some simply for getting ashore and taking a break.

You can also skip the busy schedule. Floating on noodles with a cold drink is a perfectly good use of a private boat. That is especially appealing for families with mixed interests, since strong swimmers can snorkel while others stay aboard or wade near shore.

Turtle snorkeling and what to expect in the water

The promise of swimming with turtles is one of the strongest reasons to book this charter. Turtle sightings are common enough to be a central part of the experience, but you should treat them as a possibility rather than a guarantee.

The snorkeling stops are meant to show you coral reefs and clear water in the USVI. You may see turtles, rays, starfish, or fish around the reef. The crew provides the basic gear, and the captain can help you choose a site that matches your group’s comfort and interests.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. This is not a passive sightseeing cruise from a covered cabin. You will be climbing in and out of the water, swimming or floating, and moving around a boat. If some members of your group are less confident in the water, tell the captain at the start so the day can be planned sensibly.

Weather matters. Rain and changing conditions can alter the route, and the captain may move you to a different snorkeling site. The company can cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund. If you are visiting for only a short time, keep the cancellation rule in mind and avoid scheduling this as your one nonrefundable plan right before flying home.

Beaches, lunch, and time to slow down

A full-day charter gives you enough time to mix activity with rest. You can swim at one beach, snorkel at another, and still have time to cruise without watching the clock every few minutes.

Lunch is possible on a full-day trip, but it is not included. The captain can help with the choices. One outing included a lunch stop at Lovango, while another group visited a floating pizza place. Those examples show the range of the day, but you should confirm the exact restaurant, location, cost, and reservation needs when planning.

A lunch stop adds local flavor and breaks up the time on the boat. It also adds expense and travel time, so it may not be the best choice if your group wants as much swimming and snorkeling as possible. I would decide this before departure, while leaving some room for the captain to adjust the timing.

The beach stops are also flexible. Some beaches may be quiet, but no private charter can guarantee that a particular beach will be empty. Weather, boat traffic, and the day’s timing all affect how secluded a place feels. The benefit is that your captain can look for a better option instead of keeping you at a stop that does not suit your group.

The captains make the difference

A private charter is only as good as the person at the helm. The captains named in the available information include Mike, Aaron, Kirk, and Tim, with Cindy and Deb also serving on some outings.

Captain Mike is especially associated with thoughtful planning and a strong knowledge of the local waters. Captain Aaron has handled families, teenagers, and younger children, and has been praised for keeping the day easy and engaging. Captain Kirk has led shorter trips and helped groups adjust after rain interrupted an earlier booking. Tim has also handled full-day outings for families with teenagers.

You should not expect a formal lecture. The style is more conversational, with landmarks, local background, and suggestions about where to stop. The captain can act as a guide, driver, snorkeling planner, and practical problem solver all in one.

That personal approach is valuable for families. One family with two teenagers found that the boat’s music and changing stops kept everyone interested. Another family with young children appreciated the captain’s attention to the youngest member of the group. For adults, the same flexibility can mean a quieter day with fewer scheduled stops.

Is $1,050 a good value?

The listed price is $1,050 per group of up to 10 people. At the maximum capacity, that works out to $105 per person before fuel, lunch, and any paid drinks. For a group of six, it is $175 per person. For four people, it is $262.50 per person. For two people, the private format becomes a luxury purchase.

The value improves if you want privacy and control. You can choose the pace, decide how long to snorkel, play your own music, and avoid spending the day with strangers. You also have room for different interests within the same group.

A shared boat may cost less per person, but it will usually give you less control over the route and the timing. This charter makes the most sense for a family or friend group that can fill much of the boat and wants the day to feel like its own event.

Budget for the extras. Fuel is excluded. Lunch is excluded. Alcohol is excluded, though the company can obtain it for an additional charge. Bottled water, ice, snorkeling equipment, the captain, and a mate for larger groups are included.

Who should book this charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to groups of four to 10 people who care about privacy, swimming, snorkeling, and time on the water. It also suits families with teenagers because the boat offers music, movement, and several kinds of stops rather than one long stretch at a beach.

It can work well for a birthday, family celebration, or reunion. The crew has handled special occasions, including a birthday outing with turtles, starfish, rays, white sand beaches, and lunch. That does not mean every charter will follow the same route, but the format gives you room to build a day around an occasion.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, are uncomfortable getting in and out of the water, or want a strict sightseeing schedule. This is an active outing with weather-dependent plans. It is also less attractive for a tiny group on a tight budget.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if your plans might change. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation inside that window is not refundable, and changes are not accepted then. The activity is mobile-ticketed, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Should you book Shades of Blue Charters?

Book this private St. Thomas power-catamaran charter if you want the freedom to set the pace and can share the $1,050 cost across a sizable group. The stable boat, shaded deck, included snorkeling gear, local captains, and strong chance of turtle sightings make it a well-rounded day on the water.

I would choose the full-day option for a group that wants several snorkeling and beach stops, a lunch break, and time to relax. Choose a shorter option if your group tires easily or you mainly want a taste of the water. Confirm the boat name, fuel charge, exact duration, and lunch plan before booking. If those details fit your budget, this is the kind of outing that can become the main event of a St. Thomas vacation rather than just another excursion.

FAQ

Where does the charter begin?

It begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The charter ends back at Sapphire Beach Marina, the same place where it begins.

How long is the charter?

The listed duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The experience is described as offering full-day or half-day options, so confirm the exact length of your selected option when booking.

How many people can join?

The private boat can accommodate up to 10 people in one group.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group and the captain participate. A mate may join larger groups.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the charter price.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water and ice in the boat’s built-in coolers are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. On a full-day charter, the captain can help you plan a lunch stop.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included. The company can obtain them for an additional charge.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.