Sail Away on your Private 55-foot Catamaran Charter

Buck Island is the star here. You sail from St. Thomas to a protected marine area, slip into open water at Turtle Cove, and look for sea turtles and fish with the islands spread around you. I like the 45-minute sail because it gives you time to settle into the boat, and I like the chance to visit Shipwreck Cove if the day’s timing and sea conditions cooperate.

The private format gives your group more control than a standard shared boat trip. The crew receives strong praise for safety help, good humor, and pointing out turtles. The catch is price: at $1,895 per person, this only makes financial sense for a group that values a private boat and can share the cost. Snorkeling is also directly from the catamaran in open water, so rough seas and medical concerns deserve serious thought.

Key points to know before you book

• Turtle Cove is the main stop: Expect a guided snorkel from the catamaran in Buck Island Marine Sanctuary, with sea turtles and fish as the main prize.
• Shipwreck Cove depends on time: A second snorkel stop usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes if the schedule allows.
• The boat is private for your group: You get the Gold Coast, a 55-foot sailing catamaran, rather than joining a standard public excursion.
• The crew shapes the day: Crew members named in the tour feedback include Captain Ashley, Rose, Reed, Brody, Coda, Judi, Mandi, and others. The exact team may vary.
• Drinks come after swimming: Rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas are available, with alcohol served after snorkeling.
• Open-water ability matters: You need good physical fitness, and the tour sets age, height, and weight limits.

Sailing from Yacht Haven Grande to Buck Island

Your morning begins at 9:30 a.m. at R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande, 5316 Yacht Haven Grande Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, and parking is available there. Public transportation is nearby, but private transportation to the marina is not included.

The trip out takes about 45 minutes. That is long enough to make the ride feel like part of the outing rather than a quick transfer to the snorkeling site. You can sit back, listen to music, and take in the St. Thomas coastline while the crew prepares you for the water.

The Gold Coast is described as a 55-foot sailing catamaran. A catamaran gives you two hulls, broad deck space, and room to move around while under sail or power. It also means the boat itself is part of the attraction. You are not simply being delivered to a beach, you are spending the morning on the water.

The tour information also says the private charter can carry up to 50 people. That is worth clarifying when you book. Private means the boat is reserved for your group, but it does not automatically mean a small boat with only a few people. If your party is large, ask how many people will be aboard and how the snorkeling groups are managed.

Turtle Cove and the first open-water snorkel

The first main stop is Turtle Cove in Buck Island Marine Sanctuary. The catamaran anchors in the cove, and the crew gives instruction before you enter the water. Snorkeling takes place directly from the boat, not from a shallow beach.

That detail shapes the experience. You avoid a long swim from shore, but you also need to be comfortable entering open water and climbing back aboard. The crew’s role matters here. The strongest part of this operation is the attention given to safety, water support, and helping people spot wildlife.

Sea turtles are the main draw. You may also see fish and other marine life in the cove. The crew can point out turtles that are easy to miss when you are scanning the water on your own. Several crew combinations receive praise for keeping the activity safe and fun, including Captain Ashley with Rose and Reed, Captain Mandi with Reed and Haley, and Brody with Coda and Collette.

Crew names vary because this appears to be an operation with several boats and rotating teams. Some outings refer to the Gold Coast, while other comments mention Castaway Girl III and Castaway Girl IV. I would confirm the boat name and crew arrangement before arrival if that matters to your group.

The snorkeling itself is not a slow, shallow-water beach activity. You should be ready for waves, current, and changing visibility. One account describes rougher water that made a few people seasick, while the same conditions felt exciting to others. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring the medication you normally use and discuss the conditions with the operator before departure.

Shipwreck Cove if the clock and sea allow

After Turtle Cove, the crew may take you to Shipwreck Cove for another snorkel lasting roughly 45 to 60 minutes. The wording matters: this stop is not guaranteed. Sea conditions, timing, and the group’s pace can affect the plan.

Shipwreck Cove adds variety to the trip. Instead of spending the entire water portion in one location, you may get a second view of the marine area and another chance to spot fish. If you love snorkeling, this extra stop can make the short charter feel much fuller.

The tradeoff is time. The whole outing lasts about three and a half hours, or up to roughly three hours and 45 minutes according to the tour details. That includes sailing, safety instructions, snorkeling, food, drinks, and the return trip. A second cove cannot be promised without cutting into another part of the schedule.

Keep your expectations flexible. This is a compact sailing and snorkeling charter, not a full-day marine expedition. If Shipwreck Cove is especially important to you, ask the crew at the start of the trip how likely it is given the day’s sea state and schedule.

Food, rum punch, and the ride home

After the swimming portion, the crew serves a platter of fresh fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers. It is simple boat food, but it is exactly the kind of snack that works after salt water and sun. You get something savory, something fresh, and enough to take the edge off before returning to St. Thomas.

The open bar includes rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas. Alcoholic drinks are available after swimming and snorkeling, not before. That rule is sensible on an open-water outing, and you should plan to hydrate with water during the active part of the trip.

Music plays during the return sail. This changes the mood from active to social and relaxed. You can dry off, eat, take in the views, and enjoy the catamaran without needing to fit in another scheduled stop.

The tour information says restrooms are available aboard. That is a useful comfort on a boat outing lasting several hours, especially for families and older adults. Still, you should use the facilities at the marina before departure whenever possible.

The crew is a major part of the value

The boat and snorkeling sites matter, but the crew appears to carry much of the experience. Names that come up across the operation include Captain Ashley, Rose, Reed, Brody, Coda, Judi, Mandi, Haley, Collette, Chloe, Jess, Alicia, Victor, Taylor, Isaiah, Tina, Tyler, John, Sam, Nicole, and Louis.

You should not expect one fixed crew every day. The important point is the pattern of service: clear safety instructions, help with snorkeling gear, attention in the water, and a willingness to point out turtles and fish. The crew may also help with photographs. One especially useful tip is to ask whether they can take close-up footage if you bring a GoPro.

The best crew behavior for this type of trip is practical rather than theatrical. You want someone watching the water, someone helping less confident swimmers, and someone keeping track of the group. The strongest feedback highlights exactly that division of responsibility, with crew members assisting in the water while the captain manages the boat.

That support does not remove the need for personal caution. You remain responsible for judging your own swimming ability and medical fitness. If you have a cardiac condition, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or another heart or respiratory concern, the supplied safety information urges particular care before choosing a swimming and snorkeling activity.

What the $1,895 price means

The listed price is $1,895 per person. That is a high price for a three-and-a-half-hour outing, even in St. Thomas. The value rests almost entirely on the private charter format, not on the length of the tour.

For a large group splitting the cost of a boat, the calculation may work differently. You are paying for privacy, a dedicated crew, a sailing catamaran, access to Buck Island, snorkeling instruction, food, and drinks. A private boat can also be worthwhile when your group has mixed interests and wants a more personal setting than a standard shared excursion.

For a couple or a very small group paying the full per-person amount, I would compare carefully. The tour does not include transportation, and Shipwreck Cove is conditional rather than guaranteed. You should ask whether group discounts apply, how the final price is calculated, and how many people the private charter is designed to carry.

The price may make sense for a milestone outing, family celebration, or cruise group that wants the boat to itself. It is harder to justify if your main goal is simply to snorkel with turtles at the lowest possible cost.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most

This outing suits people who want several elements in one short package: a sail, open-water snorkeling, marine life, music, snacks, and drinks. It is especially appealing if you prefer a boat-based experience over a long beach day.

Families can participate if children meet the age and height rules. The minimum age is 5, the minimum height is 36 inches, and the maximum age is 80. The maximum weight is 275 pounds. Those limits should be checked before booking, especially for a mixed-age group.

You need a strong level of physical fitness. You will be on a moving boat, enter the sea from the vessel, swim in open water, and climb back aboard. This is not the right choice for someone who wants calm, shallow water with an easy walk-in entry.

The trip can also work for less experienced snorkelers because the crew provides instruction and assistance. Still, instruction is not a substitute for comfort in open water. If you are nervous, tell the crew before entering and stay within the area they recommend.

Practical details that can affect your morning

Plan to arrive at the R Bar meeting point with enough time to find the marina and get organized. The start time is 9:30 a.m., and the return is to the same location. Private transportation is not included, so arrange your own ride if you are staying away from Yacht Haven Grande.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and any personal medication you need for motion sickness or medical conditions. The provided information does not list a towel or personal snorkeling gear policy, so ask what is supplied and what you should bring.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted.

The activity can accept mobile tickets, and confirmation is provided at booking. Those details are convenient, but the more important call is the weather and water check. A sunny day does not always mean calm water, so ask about wind and sea conditions if anyone in your group is a hesitant swimmer.

Should you book the Gold Coast charter?

Book it if you want the boat to be the experience, not just the transport. The combination of a 55-foot catamaran, Buck Island snorkeling, a possible second cove, helpful crew, food, music, and an open bar gives a private group a lot to pack into one morning.

I would be more cautious if you are paying for only one or two people, dislike open-water swimming, or need a guaranteed visit to Shipwreck Cove. At $1,895 per person, the price demands careful comparison and a clear understanding of what private means for your group size.

For a celebration, family outing, or large group that wants privacy and a polished boat day, this is a strong candidate. Confirm the vessel, crew, group size, discount, and weather policy before paying. If those details fit your plans, Turtle Cove and the crew’s water support are the reasons to make the booking.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at R Bar, Yacht Haven Grande, 5316 Yacht Haven Grande Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802, USVI.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande.

How long does the charter last?

The charter lasts about three and a half hours. The full experience may run approximately three hours and 45 minutes.

What boat is used for the private charter?

The tour is described as taking place aboard the 55-foot sailing catamaran Gold Coast.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place directly from the boat in open water at Turtle Cove in Buck Island Marine Sanctuary. If time permits, the group may also visit Shipwreck Cove.

Is Shipwreck Cove guaranteed?

No. The second snorkeling stop is offered if time permits, so it depends on the schedule and conditions.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes fresh fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers. Drinks include rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas from the onboard open bar.

Can children participate?

Children must be at least 5 years old and at least 36 inches tall. The listed maximum age is 80, and the maximum weight is 275 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.