Private Luxury Charter Aboard New Multi-Deck Lagoon Catamaran

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is the freedom to enjoy a private catamaran without being packed onto a large excursion boat. Your captain can shape the day around snorkeling, swimming, beach time, or a mix of all three, with stops around St. Thomas, St. John, Water Island, St. James, or nearby cays.

I like the small maximum of 12 people, which makes it easier to get help in the water and find a comfortable seat on the Lagoon 420’s wide decks. I also like the combination of reef snorkeling and beach time, plus cold drinks and rum punch between stops.

The main caution is that sea conditions control the quality of the snorkeling. Rain, wind, or murky water can reduce visibility, and one reported trip felt more like a boat ride than a snorkeling outing. The seven-hour option also requires a full day of sun, swimming, and motion.

Key points to know before booking

• Small private group: Your party has the boat to itself, with a maximum of 12 people.
• Flexible island route: The captain works with you ahead of time and may visit Buck Island, Maho Bay, Lovango Cay, St. John, Honeymoon Beach, or other nearby spots.
• Strong turtle sightings: Sea turtles are a major highlight, along with rays, squid, coral, and tropical fish.
• Comfortable catamaran setup: Expect open decks, shaded areas, lounge nets, a swim platform, and a restroom.
• Drinks are included: Beer, soda, water, and Seas the Day rum punch are provided after snorkeling and during the ride.
• Good value for a full group: The $1,615.50 price covers up to 12 people, making the per-person cost much better when your party is large.

A private boat day from Havensight

Seas the Day Charters departs from the WICO and Havensight area in Charlotte Amalie, a practical location if you are staying on St. Thomas or arriving by cruise ship. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second marina pickup.

The boat is described as a new Lagoon 420 multi-deck catamaran, or a comparable vessel if availability changes. That matters because a catamaran gives you more room to spread out than a small powerboat. You can sit in the shade, claim a sunny spot, stretch out on the forward nets, or stay near the swim platform when it is time to get in the water.

The boat also has an onboard restroom. That is a small feature until you are several hours from shore. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks. Bring your own sunscreen and towels, since those are not provided.

The private format is the real selling point. You are not simply joining a fixed sightseeing run with strangers. The captain and crew can adjust the day to your group’s interests and comfort, within the limits of weather, water conditions, and operating time.

How the seven-hour route usually unfolds

The route is not locked to one sequence, which is useful in the Virgin Islands. Your captain works with you in advance to shape the plan. A day might include a protected reef near Buck Island, a snorkeling stop near St. John, a beach at Water Island, or several shorter stops around the cays.

A full-day trip gives you time to combine activities without rushing. You might spend the first part sailing toward a reef, get in the water for an extended snorkeling session, then pause for drinks before moving to a beach. A half-day option is also offered, and it may suit couples or families who want water time without giving up the whole day.

The exact timing matters. Some of the most favorable stops are around St. John and nearby islands, so a longer outing gives the boat more time to reach them. If you mainly want a quick swim and a beach visit, a shorter charter may be enough. If your group wants several snorkeling areas, a relaxed sail, and a proper beach stop, the full day makes more sense.

Captains named in the available feedback include Hillary, Vic, Alex, Mike, Sammy, Wallens, Pogan, and others. The repeated strength is the crew’s ability to point out island sights, explain local details, and help people feel comfortable in the water. Captain Hillary receives especially strong praise for helping first-time snorkelers and for finding turtles.

Snorkeling with turtles, rays, and reef fish

The snorkeling is the heart of the outing, but it is also the part most affected by weather. On a clear day, you might see sea turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, coral, and even Caribbean reef squid. Several outings included more than one snorkeling stop, giving you a chance to see both reef habitat and turtle areas.

Maho Bay in the St. John National Park area is one route mentioned for turtle sightings. Lovango Cay is another possible stop, with reef scenery and tropical fish. Buck Island is described as a protected marine sanctuary option. These places are not interchangeable. A turtle area may offer memorable wildlife encounters, while a reef stop may provide better coral and fish viewing.

You should set your expectations carefully. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and turtles can be hard to see if waves are rolling through. One outing still produced good sea life but found the water difficult for viewing turtles. Another had disappointing visibility after several days of rain. The captain can choose a better site, but no operator can control clouds, runoff, wind, or the animals.

The crew’s help is important if you are new to snorkeling. You can use the supplied equipment, and the crew can help you get comfortable before you move away from the boat. That support makes this more suitable for mixed groups than an outing that assumes everyone already knows how to swim with a mask and snorkel.

Still, this is a water activity. You should be comfortable entering the sea and following crew instructions. If only one or two people in your party want to snorkel, the others can enjoy the boat, music, drinks, scenery, or beach portions, but they will still be along for the full boat day.

Beach time at Honeymoon, Lindbergh, or Brewers Bay

After snorkeling, the boat may head for Honeymoon Beach at Water Island, Lindbergh Bay, or Brewers Bay. Honeymoon Beach is also described as a possible stop for paddleboarding, beach games, and swimming in calm shallows.

This change of pace is valuable. A snorkeling trip can become tiring after repeated time in the water, especially in strong sun. A beach stop lets you dry off, walk on white sand, and enjoy a more relaxed stretch of the day.

You may also have the option to visit Dinghy’s Beach Cafe or LimeOut, the floating taco bar. These stops are appealing if your group wants food or a Pain Killer cocktail, but they are not included in the charter price. Plan for those purchases separately, and remember that the captain’s route and timing determine whether a particular venue fits the day.

One point to clarify before departure is which beach you most want to visit. A past outing did not reach Honeymoon Beach, even though the group enjoyed the rest of the trip. The company indicates that a private charter can be planned around requested beaches, but weather, sea conditions, and time still matter. Tell the crew your priorities in advance rather than assuming every named location will be included.

Life aboard the Lagoon 420

The Lagoon 420 is set up for a long day on the water. You get several deck levels, seating in sun and shade, forward lounge nets, a swim deck, and a restroom. The layout lets active swimmers and quiet sightseers enjoy the same charter without crowding each other.

The catamaran is also a good choice for a group that does not want to spend seven hours standing or sitting in one narrow row. You can move around during the sail, watch the islands pass, and find a spot that suits the weather.

The crew provides beer, soda, water, and the company’s rum punch. Drinks are a welcome touch after snorkeling, and the rum punch is repeatedly singled out as a favorite. You should still bring sunscreen and a towel. Reapply sunscreen often, especially after getting in and out of the water, and consider a long-sleeved sun shirt if you burn easily.

The boat generally receives high marks for cleanliness and comfort. One account did note that the cooler needed more ice and that the rum punch seemed to have been prepared earlier. That appears to have been an isolated service problem, but it is fair to say that drink service can vary with the crew, the day, and the supplies on board.

How much value do you get for $1,615.50?

The listed price is $1,615.50 per group of up to 12 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $135 per person. With 10 people, it is about $162 each. With six people, the cost rises to roughly $269 per person.

That pricing structure favors families, wedding groups, friend groups, and cruise companions who can fill most of the boat. For a group of 10 to 12, you receive a private vessel, captain, crew, snorkeling gear, drinks, a restroom, and roughly seven hours on the water. Compared with booking several smaller outings or paying individual rates on a crowded boat, the charter can be a strong value.

For only two or three people, the price is harder to justify unless privacy is your top concern. A shared excursion may cost less, although it will not give you the same say in the route or the same control over the group around you.

The price also includes flexibility, but not every extra. Food and drinks bought at beach bars are separate. Tips for the captain and crew are not included, with 15 to 20 percent customary for exceptional service. For this price level, I would budget the tip before you go, especially if the crew helps first-time snorkelers, adjusts the route well, and keeps the day running smoothly.

What can affect the quality of the day

Weather is the biggest variable. The charter requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled date or a full refund. Even when the trip runs, rain or recent storms can make the water cloudy and reduce the appeal of a reef stop.

The captain also has a major effect on the experience. The strongest outings feature crew members who explain the islands, point out wildlife, help people with equipment, and keep the mood easy. Captain Hillary is particularly well regarded for her calm help in the water and her ability to locate turtles. Captain Vic is praised for local stories and turtle sightings, while Alex is credited with making the most of a short-staffed trip.

There have been a few practical complaints. One trip returned about 25 minutes late, and another had a late cruise taxi and difficult transportation after returning to a resort property. Since this charter returns to Havensight, those resort-specific problems may not apply to every departure, but you should still leave a buffer before a flight, ship departure, or fixed dinner reservation.

If you are arriving from a cruise ship, confirm the walking route and allow time to find the meeting point. The operator is near public transportation, but transportation to the marina is not included in the charter.

Who will enjoy this St. Thomas charter most?

I would choose this for a group that wants a full day built around the sea rather than a quick photo stop. It works especially well for:

• Families with a mix of swimmers and beach loungers
• Couples traveling with friends
• Small celebrations and reunions
• First-time snorkelers who want crew support
• Strong swimmers who want several reef and turtle stops
• Cruise passengers with enough port time for a seven-hour outing

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, get uncomfortable in direct sun, or want guaranteed calm water and guaranteed wildlife. It is also a poor match for anyone who needs a tightly scheduled return with no room for delays.

The group size deserves emphasis. A maximum of 12 is small enough to feel personal, but large enough to keep the per-person price reasonable. A group of 10 has already found the sweet spot. If you have only two people, ask yourself whether the private route and quiet boat are worth the higher cost.

Booking details that matter

You receive confirmation at booking, and the ticket is mobile. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded, and the cutoff follows local St. Thomas time.

The trip is designed for most people who can participate in a boat and snorkeling activity. Bring sunscreen and towels, and plan to tip 15 to 20 percent for exceptional service. Masks are not required for this primarily outdoor activity, although you may wear one if you prefer.

The company also states that vessels are sanitized after each trip and that captains and crew follow its health procedures. Those details may be less important than the route and weather, but they add practical reassurance for a long day shared with a group.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you can gather a sizeable group and want a flexible day with turtles, reefs, beaches, and drinks in one package. The strongest reasons to go are the private format, spacious catamaran, helpful crew, and the chance to combine St. Thomas or St. John snorkeling with a proper beach stop.

I would be more cautious with a small party, a tight cruise schedule, or a group that wants guaranteed clear water. Ask about the planned route, confirm your preferred beach, and check the weather before setting your expectations. For 10 to 12 people, this is a particularly appealing way to turn the Virgin Islands’ water into your own day trip.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter depart?

It departs from Seas the Day Charters and Tours at WICO/Havensight in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private charter accepts up to 12 people. Only your group participates.

How long does the charter last?

The listed experience lasts approximately seven hours. A half-day option is also available.

What is included in the price?

The charter includes beer, soda, water, rum punch, bottled water, a restroom on board, and snorkeling equipment.

Should I bring sunscreen and towels?

Yes. Sunscreen and towels are not included, so bring both with you.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.