Private St Thomas Luxury Catamaran Trip for Groups up to 24 Guest

Two luxury Lagoon catamarans, working together for groups of up to 24, give this St Thomas outing a rare mix of space and privacy. I like the choice of lounging at the bow in the sun or settling into the shaded cockpit, and I like that the crew handles the sailing while you focus on swimming, music, and the views. The main drawback is the price: at $4,995 per group of up to 15, this makes the most sense when shared by a larger group.

I also like the practical touches: a private bathroom, Bluetooth sound system, snorkeling gear, and drinks are included. Captain JW has earned praise for clear communication and good snorkeling stops, while Captain Anne Marie is known for lively stories, strong safety direction, and keeping families entertained. Lunch is not included, so plan for that before you sail.

Key details to know before booking

• Two catamarans for larger private groups: SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana are late-model Lagoon multi-deck sailing yachts used together for groups of up to 24.
• A real seven-hour outing: The 9:00 a.m. departure gives you most of the day on the water, with time for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and beach or harbor stops.
• Captain-led route: The crew chooses suitable islands, cays, harbors, beaches, and snorkeling locations based on the day’s conditions.
• Drinks and gear are included: Water, ice, soda, beer, Argo’s Signature Rum Punch for adults 18 and older, and snorkeling equipment come with the charter.
• Easy cruise-port access: The yacht departs from Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight, within easy walking distance of the WICO cruise ship dock.
• Lunch is extra: The charter includes beverages but not a meal, so you need to plan accordingly.

Why this private St Thomas sailing works for groups

The best feature here is not simply the size of the boats. It is the way the catamarans let a private group spread out. A party of eight can settle into the cockpit without feeling crowded, while a larger group can divide between the two vessels and still share the same day on the water.

You do not have to follow a fixed public-tour pace. The route can include St Thomas harbors, nearby cays, white-sand beaches, and snorkeling spots selected by the captain. That flexibility matters in the Virgin Islands, where wind, sea conditions, and the interests of your group can shape the best plan for the day.

I especially like the choice of spaces on board. The bow gives you sun, breeze, and an open view ahead. The large shaded cockpit offers open-air seating when you want shelter from the strong Caribbean sun. You can move between the two instead of being stuck in one position for seven hours.

The boats also have a private full bathroom. That may sound like a small detail, but it matters on a long charter. You do not need to cut short a swim or worry about finding shore facilities during the day.

Starting at Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight

The listed departure point is 83PH+CV9 in Charlotte Amalie, with the yacht leaving from Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight. If you arrive by cruise ship at the WICO dock, the marina is within easy walking distance.

The scheduled start is 9:00 a.m. That early departure is useful because it gives you a full day on the water rather than a short afternoon sail. Cruise ship passengers should check the ship’s time zone carefully, since the charter operates on local St Thomas time.

I would arrive with enough time to locate the marina, gather your group, and settle any last-minute questions before boarding. The booking provides a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Setting sail on SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana

SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana are described as late-model Lagoon multi-deck sailing yachts. Their catamaran design gives you more stability and usable space than a narrow single-hull sailboat, which is helpful when your group includes children, older family members, or people who do not spend much time on boats.

The two-vessel setup is unusual for a private charter. It lets the operator accommodate up to 24 people while keeping the trip focused on one private party. The listed price is $4,995 for a group of up to 15, so do not assume that the same rate covers all 24 people. If your group is larger than 15, confirm the exact pricing before booking.

Once underway, you can listen to your own music through the Bluetooth sound system. That gives your group control over the mood, though I would keep the volume reasonable so you can still hear the captain and enjoy the sound of the sea.

The included crew is another practical advantage. The captain and first mate fees are covered, so you are not left to sort out separate crew charges while trying to enjoy the day. Captain JW and Captain Anne Marie are among the crew members associated with this charter. JW is praised for explaining the area and selecting good snorkeling locations. Anne Marie is known for humor, stories, safety guidance, and keeping both teenagers and younger children engaged.

The sailing route around St Thomas and nearby cays

There is no single named sequence of stops supplied for this trip, and that is worth understanding before you book. Your captain chooses the route rather than taking every group to an identical set of locations.

You can expect a mix of island views, harbors, surrounding cays, white-sand beaches, and time in the water. The value of the private format is that the crew can pay attention to what your group wants. You might prefer more swimming, more time at a beach, or a slower sail past the islands.

The route also depends on conditions. A calm day may allow longer snorkeling stops and easy movement between sites. Wind or rougher water may change the plan. The operator requires good weather and will offer another date or a full refund if poor weather forces cancellation.

I would treat the route as a framework rather than a promise of particular beaches or reefs. If your group has one must-see location, ask about it when you board. The captain can tell you what is practical that day.

Snorkeling with equipment provided

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this charter. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack masks, snorkels, and related gear for the group.

The snorkeling locations are selected by the crew, and the experience can be adjusted for the group’s comfort. Captain JW has been praised for taking his group to strong snorkeling sites, while Captain Anne Marie has also led days built around several snorkeling stops.

You should still remember that snorkeling conditions change. Water clarity, current, wind, and comfort in the water all affect how much you will see. The crew’s role is important here, especially for families and anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

The supplied information does not specify flotation devices, wetsuits, or the exact sizes of the equipment. If someone in your party needs specialized gear, ask before departure rather than assuming it will be available.

After snorkeling, the catamaran gives you an easy place to dry off and relax. You can return to the shaded cockpit, stretch out at the bow, and let the crew handle the next leg.

Drinks, music, and the missing lunch

The charter includes water, ice, soda, beer, and Argo’s Signature Rum Punch for adults 18 and older. That is a useful package for a long day, particularly because you will be in the sun and moving between sailing and swimming.

The rum punch is part of the experience, but you should pace yourself. Alcohol and strong sun are a poor combination, especially when you are swimming. Water is included, so make that your main drink throughout the day.

Lunch is not included. This is the biggest food-related detail to settle before you book. The available information does not state that a meal is provided or that a specific restaurant stop is guaranteed, even though a past group enjoyed a lunch stop during its route.

Ask the operator whether you may bring food and what arrangements are possible. Do not build your budget around an included meal. If your group includes children or anyone who needs regular food, plan ahead.

How the crew shapes the day

A private boat is only as good as the people running it. Here, the crew’s role goes beyond steering. Captain JW has been singled out for keeping people informed, guiding the group to good snorkeling areas, and helping create a relaxed day.

Captain Anne Marie has received particularly strong praise for safety direction, storytelling, humor, and making the boat work for a mixed-age group. One family outing included teenagers and a seven-year-old, with music and regular commentary helping keep everyone involved.

Mate Kahlia has also been associated with a highly praised day aboard the catamaran Pisces. The supplied information names Pisces in several accounts, while the main boat description names SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana. I would confirm which vessel and crew are assigned to your date, especially if a particular captain matters to your group.

The crew also handles the practical work that can be easy to underestimate: keeping the day moving, helping with snorkeling gear, explaining safety, and choosing suitable spots. That lets you enjoy your friends and family instead of managing the boat yourself.

Is $4,995 good value for your group?

At first glance, $4,995 is a large price. For up to 15 people, the simple split is about $333 per person if the group is full. A smaller group pays much more per person, so the economics improve sharply as your party grows.

That calculation does not include lunch, but it does include the captain, first mate, drinks, snorkeling equipment, private use of the vessels, and about seven hours on the water. Compared with booking multiple smaller activities or paying separate crew and equipment fees, the package can make sense for a family reunion, wedding group, birthday gathering, or cruise-port group that values privacy.

For eight people, the price is roughly $624 per person. That is a major commitment, even if the private boat and extra space are exactly what you want. I would book it for a smaller group only if having your own catamaran, your own music, and control over the day matter more than minimizing cost.

The capacity information needs careful attention. The boats can accommodate up to 24 people together, but the listed rate is for a group of up to 15. Confirm the charge for groups of 16 to 24 before paying.

Who will enjoy this catamaran charter most?

I would recommend this for groups that want a private day rather than a standard shared excursion. It suits families, friend groups, cruise passengers, and celebrations where everyone wants to spend the day together.

It is also a good choice if your group has mixed interests. Some people can snorkel while others relax in the cockpit or sit at the bow. The private bathroom, shade, and open seating make the seven-hour duration easier for people who would not enjoy a small, crowded boat.

Children can fit into the experience, but adults remain responsible for watching them. The crew has experience entertaining mixed-age groups, yet the charter is still a full day at sea, not a short amusement ride.

This may not be the best fit if you want a guaranteed meal, a fixed list of named beaches, or the lowest possible per-person price. It is also not ideal for someone who dislikes sun, wind, boat movement, or an itinerary that can change with conditions.

Most people can participate, service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The supplied information does not give detailed accessibility specifications for boarding, so ask the operator about mobility needs before booking.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Weather matters. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Cutoff times use local St Thomas time, which is especially important for cruise ship passengers.

Because this is a private activity, only your group participates. That privacy is one of the main reasons to pay for the charter, but it also means you should make decisions as a group before departure about music, swimming, food, and how much time you want at each type of stop.

Should you book this private St Thomas catamaran trip?

Book it if you have a sizeable group, want a full day on the water, and value privacy more than a bargain price. The strongest reasons are the roomy two-catamaran setup, shaded and sunny seating, included snorkeling gear and drinks, and a crew that can adjust the day to your group.

I would be cautious if your party is small, your budget is tight, or you expect lunch and a fixed beach-by-beach schedule. For the right group, though, the price buys more than transportation. It buys time together, room to spread out, and a captain-led look at St Thomas and its nearby islands without sharing the boat with strangers.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart?

The yacht departs from Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas. It is within easy walking distance of the WICO cruise ship dock.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m. All charters depart according to local St Thomas time.

How long does the trip last?

The trip lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The tandem catamarans can accommodate up to 24 people. The listed price of $4,995 is for a group of up to 15, so larger groups should confirm the additional pricing before booking.

Which boats are used?

The main vessels are the late-model Lagoon catamarans SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the charter.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, ice, soda, beer, and Argo’s Signature Rum Punch are included. The rum punch and beer are for guests 18 and older.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price.

Is this a shared or private activity?

It is a private activity. Only your group participates.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can select another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.