Full Day Private Charter on Luxury Catamaran Sailing.

The best part of this private catamaran charter is control. You are not following a fixed boatload schedule. Your group can shape the day around sea turtles, reef snorkeling, beaches, swimming, or simply a slow sail among the islands. A typical outing includes two or three stops, with Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove among the possible choices.

I like the relaxed feel of Second Chance, especially the hammock chairs hanging off the stern and the bean bags stretched across the front trampolines. I also like the useful all-in package: lunch, snorkel gear, paddle boards, soft drinks, water, rum punch, and beer are provided.

The main consideration is the price, $250 per person, which makes the most sense for a group that will use the boat for the full seven and a half hours. Your route also depends on weather and sea conditions, so the exact stops are not guaranteed.

Key details at a glance

• Private route: Your group chooses the day’s snorkeling and swimming locations instead of following a standard public excursion.
• Three ways to enjoy the boat: Snorkel the reefs, paddle board around a stop, or stretch out on the trampoline bean bags and hammock chairs.
• Food and drinks included: Start with fruit and pastries, then have turkey, cheese, and vegetable wraps with chips, soda, water, rum punch, and light beer.
• Possible island stops: Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, Christmas Cove, and other locations may fit the day’s conditions.
• Long sailing day: The charter leaves at 8:30 a.m. from Red Hook and returns to the same marina after about seven hours and thirty minutes.
• Strong choice for celebrations: Birthday groups, families, and wedding parties have used the boat for a full day together on the water.

Why a private catamaran changes the day

A private charter gives you something a standard boat trip cannot: room to set the pace. If your group wants more snorkeling, you can spend longer in the water. If some people prefer to sit in the sun, use a paddle board, or relax in the stern hammock chairs, they can do that without holding up strangers.

That flexibility matters on a seven-and-a-half-hour outing. A public excursion often needs to keep a strict schedule. Here, you can ask about two or three snorkeling stops and choose from several possible areas, depending on conditions and what your group wants to see.

The catamaran format helps, too. Two hulls give the boat a broad, steady feel, while the open front trampolines provide a place to sit above the water as the boat sails. You can catch the sun on the bean bags, then move aft to the hammock chairs when you want shade from the motion and a lower perch.

This is not only a ride from one snorkeling site to another. The sailing time is part of the outing. You get views of St. Thomas, St. John, and nearby islands while moving between stops, with time to talk, eat, and enjoy the boat itself.

Leaving Red Hook at 8:30 a.m.

The day begins at Beach Charters VI, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 Red Hook Road in St. Thomas. The listed start time is 8:30 a.m., and the charter returns to this same meeting point.

Red Hook is a practical departure area for a boat day, and the meeting point is near public transportation. If you are driving, one important cost detail came up from a past booking: all-day marina parking was available for an additional $30. That fee is not included in the $250 tour price, so ask about current parking arrangements if you need a space.

The boat is named Second Chance. The crew members connected with the charter include Ivy and TL, and Captain Justin is also mentioned in connection with the catamaran. You may hear other crew names depending on the booking, but the personal welcome is part of the appeal. One birthday group of nine was greeted by Ivy and the crew, while another group described the hosts as making the boat feel much like a shared home for the day.

You should arrive ready for a full day outside. The charter provides the water equipment and food, but you will still want the usual sun protection and a swimsuit. The supplied details do not specify a dress code or a list of personal items, so it is sensible to confirm any special needs before departure.

Choosing your snorkeling stops

The route is flexible rather than fixed. A usual day has two or three snorkeling stops, but the crew can discuss other possibilities with your group. Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove are named examples.

Maho gives you the chance to combine St. John scenery with time in the water. It is one of the possible stops for groups hoping to see sea turtles, though wildlife sightings can never be promised. If turtles are high on your list, tell the crew early so they can help shape the day around suitable conditions.

Lovango Cay offers another kind of setting, with the appeal of getting away from the main St. Thomas waterfront for a while. Christmas Cove is also a possible stop and gives the day another reef and swimming option. The exact order and duration are not fixed, which is useful if your group has mixed interests.

I would treat the snorkeling stops as flexible opportunities rather than a checklist. Sea conditions, wind, and the crew’s judgment may affect the route. That is a fair trade for a private day, but it means you should not book with one exact beach or reef as the sole reason for going.

Snorkel equipment is included. You can also use the paddle boards at suitable stops, giving non-snorkelers something active to do while others explore the reef. This makes the boat a better fit for families and mixed-age groups than an outing focused only on time in the water.

Sea turtles, reefs, and time away from the boat

The main water activity is snorkeling over beautiful reefs, with sea turtles as a hoped-for highlight. The charter does not promise turtle sightings, and conditions can change, but the route is built around access to several possible snorkeling areas rather than one single site.

That variety is useful. If the water is not ideal at one stop, the group has other options. You can also split your time between snorkeling and simply swimming near the boat, rather than spending the whole day in one place.

The paddle boards add another layer. They are included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental. You can take one out during a stop, then return to the boat for lunch or a rest. The hammock swings offer an even quieter option. They hang off the back of the catamaran, letting you sit close to the water without needing to swim.

The front trampolines are best for sun and views. Bean bags make them more comfortable than a plain deck, but they are exposed to the sun. I would plan on rotating between the trampolines, shaded areas, the hammock chairs, and the water instead of staying in one spot all day.

What you eat and drink onboard

Food is included, and the day starts with a morning fruit and pastry tray. Later, lunch consists of freshly sliced turkey, cheese, and vegetable wraps with chips. Soda and water are available throughout the day.

That menu is simple and practical for a boat. Wraps are easier to eat than a plated meal, and the fruit and pastries give you something available soon after departure. The information provided does not identify specific pastry choices or accommodate special diets, so you should ask ahead if anyone in your group has allergies or dietary restrictions.

The drink package includes one gallon of rum punch or painkiller, depending on the group’s choice, plus a 12-pack of light beer. Water and soda are also provided. Anyone drinking alcohol must be at least 18 years old.

This is a generous inclusion at a $250 price point, especially for a private charter. You are not paying extra each time someone wants a bottle of water or a soft drink, and you do not need to organize a separate lunch stop. Gratuity is the one stated extra.

The value of $250 per person

At first glance, $250 per person is a serious price for a day on the water. The value improves when you consider what the fare covers: a private boat, about seven and a half hours, the crew, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, hammock swings, lunch, water, soda, beer, and rum punch.

For a group of six to nine people, the cost buys a full day that can work for several different personalities. A birthday group of nine used the boat for a celebration, and groups of six have enjoyed the mix of snorkeling and relaxing. A family can share one private space instead of managing different activity schedules on a public boat.

The price is less compelling if only one or two people in your party want a full day at sea, or if your group prefers a quick snorkeling trip. In that case, compare the cost with shorter outings before committing.

I would also budget for the tip and possibly the $30 marina parking charge. Since gratuities are not included, have a plan for that extra expense. The 98-day average booking window is another useful clue: popular dates may fill well ahead of time, so this is not the sort of outing I would leave until the last minute if it is central to your trip.

Why this works well for celebrations

A private boat gives birthday, wedding, and family groups a shared setting without requiring everyone to follow the same activity. One group of nine booked the charter for a birthday, and another used it as part of a wedding celebration.

The crew’s friendly approach is frequently tied to the experience. Ivy and TL are mentioned as welcoming hosts, and Captain Justin received praise for helping create a relaxed day. You can also see how the boat lends itself to group fun: families have turned the open deck into a place for playful competitions, while others have used the hammocks simply to watch the water.

You should still be clear about your plans when booking. If the day is for a birthday, anniversary, or wedding-related outing, tell the charter what matters to you. The crew has accommodated special requests, but the supplied details do not promise a particular decoration, cake, or ceremony setup.

Who should book this charter

I would recommend Second Chance to you if your group wants a full, unhurried day rather than a short boat ride. It is especially suitable for:

• Families with swimmers and non-swimmers
• Groups of friends sharing a birthday or reunion
• Couples who want a private day on the water
• Mixed groups that want snorkeling, paddle boarding, and quiet time
• Visitors who prefer choosing their own route

It may not be the best fit if you dislike spending many hours in the sun, want a guaranteed turtle sighting, or need a very specific stop at a very specific time. The flexible route is a strength, but it also means the day will be shaped by weather, sea conditions, and group preference.

The boat has a social feel, even though the charter is private. If your group is quiet and wants a peaceful sail, you can use the hammock chairs and choose a slower rhythm. If you are celebrating, the open deck and drink package make it easy to create a festive day without sharing the boat with strangers.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The charter requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations and changes made inside that window are not accepted.

Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity ends back at the Red Hook meeting point. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give detailed accessibility specifications. If anyone in your group has mobility, medical, or dietary concerns, contact Beach Charters VI before paying.

The activity is mobile-ticket based, and the confirmation should make the morning meeting point clear. Since the boat leaves at 8:30 a.m., I would allow enough time to reach Dock B, slip 19 without rushing.

My recommendation for Second Chance

Book this private catamaran if you want your St. Thomas day to feel like a shared outing with your own group, not a fixed package with strangers. The strongest reasons are the freedom to choose two or three stops, the mix of snorkeling and paddle boards, and the comfortable places to relax between swims.

At $250 per person, it is best for groups that will use the full day and appreciate having food, drinks, and gear included. Add gratuity and possible parking to your budget, then reserve early for popular dates. If your group values flexibility, sea time, and a relaxed celebration, this is a strong choice. If you need a low-cost or tightly scheduled excursion, look elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the charter depart?

It departs from Beach Charters VI, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 Red Hook Road in St. Thomas, USVI.

What time does the charter start?

The listed start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts approximately seven hours and thirty minutes.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the same meeting point in Red Hook.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

A typical day includes two or three snorkeling stops, depending on the route and conditions.

Which snorkeling locations may be visited?

Possible locations include Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, Christmas Cove, and other places chosen with your group.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Are paddle boards available?

Yes. Paddle boards and hammock swings are included.

What food and drinks are included?

The charter provides morning fruit and pastries, turkey, cheese, and vegetable wraps with chips, soda, and water. It also includes one gallon of rum punch or painkiller and a 12-pack of light beer.

Can children drink the included alcohol?

No. You must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol.

Is gratuity included?

No. Gratuities are not included in the price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.