Half or Full-Day Private Boat Charter from St. John or St. Thomas

A private boat changes the whole day. Bonus Time Charters lets you shape a half-day or full-day outing around St. Thomas and St. John, rather than follow a fixed group schedule. I especially like the chance to reach quiet beaches such as Scott Bay and the strong focus on snorkeling at places known for turtles, rays, fish, and coral. The floating-food stops at Pizza Pi and Lime Out add a wonderfully odd island touch.

The main caution is cost beyond the advertised $795 per group price. Fuel is charged separately at $7 per gallon, tips are not included, and cruise passengers must pay for taxis to American Yacht Harbor. The boat is private for up to eight people, so the value improves sharply when your group fills the seats.

Key things to know before you book

• Your group controls the day: Ask for more snorkeling, quiet beaches, floating restaurants, island views, or some mix of all four.
• Maho Bay is the turtle stop: Calm water makes it a popular place to look for sea turtles.
• Scott Bay offers breathing room: The beach near the former Caneel Bay Resort can feel much less crowded than the famous bays.
• Pizza Pi is part of the adventure: You can swim over from the boat for pizza served from a floating pizzeria.
• Full-day trips reach farther: Add Waterlemon Cay, Salt Pond Bay, Little Lameshur, Pelican Rock, and Lime Out in Coral Bay.
• Cruise timing needs care: The taxi from the port to the marina takes about 20 minutes and can cost roughly $15 per person each way.

What Bonus Time Charters actually offers

This is a private powerboat charter aboard a 29-foot or 32-foot power catamaran. Your captain takes only your group, with room for as many as eight people. That arrangement matters in the US Virgin Islands, where a beach can feel peaceful one hour and crowded the next.

The half-day trip lasts about three hours and 30 minutes, including time spent moving between stops. Some outings run close to four hours, depending on the schedule and route. A full-day charter gives you much more room to cross between the north and south sides of St. John.

You get an experienced captain, bottled water, ice, a cooler, private transportation on the water, and snorkeling equipment. Bring your own drinks if you like, but glass bottles are not allowed. Food and alcohol are yours to buy or bring, so pack with that in mind.

The best part is the flexible plan. Before departure, explain what your group wants. You might ask for the best chance of seeing turtles, more time on a beach, a stop at Pizza Pi, lunch at Lime Out, or a route that avoids places you have already visited. Captains Andrew, Bryan, Brian, Scott, and Steve are praised for adjusting the day to suit the group and for explaining the islands along the way.

Leaving St. Thomas for St. John

The trip begins at American Yacht Harbor, the marina in Red Hook on St. Thomas. If you arrive by cruise ship, the charter does not include port pickup. You need to arrange a taxi to the marina, which takes about 20 minutes according to the supplied information.

That transfer is easy enough, but it affects your schedule and budget. A group of eight could spend around $240 on a $15-per-person round trip estimate, before any variation in taxi pricing. Build in a proper cushion for the return to your ship, especially if your boat stops at a food dock or spends extra time snorkeling.

Once underway, you get the pleasure of seeing St. Thomas and St. John from the water. The boat is described as clean, comfortable, capable, and well maintained. That is not a minor detail. A private charter feels far better when there is room to sit, shade to find, and a cooler ready for drinks between swims.

Waterlemon Cay and the best early snorkeling

Waterlemon Cay is one of the suggested stops on a full-day route. The listed stop lasts about 30 minutes, making it a useful first look at the underwater world around St. John.

The area is noted for healthy populations of elkhorn coral, a critically endangered coral species. You may see a mix of coral and tropical fish here, though the captain will choose sites according to sea conditions and the interests of your group.

This stop works best for people who want to see coral structure rather than simply float in shallow water. The time is brief on the proposed schedule, so tell the captain if underwater scenery matters more to you than beach time. On a half-day trip, Waterlemon Cay may not fit alongside the north shore stops, Pizza Pi, and return journey.

Maho Bay is your best turtle bet

Maho Bay is the most obvious stop for sea turtles. Its calm water makes snorkeling comfortable for many ability levels, and the bay sits within Virgin Islands National Park on St. John.

Captains can point you toward likely turtle areas and suggest a route through the bay. Several outings also found rays and plenty of colorful fish. You still need patience and respect for wildlife. Turtles are wild animals, not a scheduled show, so sightings cannot be promised.

The one-hour suggested stop gives you enough time to get fitted with equipment, enter the water, and look around without rushing. Families with children particularly liked this part of the outing, but parents should still keep close watch. The captain watches the group from the boat and helps gather everyone when it is time to move.

Scott Bay brings quiet beach time

Scott Bay Beach is near the remains of the former Caneel Bay Resort. It is accessible by boat, so you do not need to arrive by land or walk from a road. The proposed schedule allows about an hour here.

You can snorkel, swim, float, relax on the sand, or simply enjoy a quiet pause. This is one of the more useful stops for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can enter the water while others stay aboard or sit on the beach.

The old resort setting adds a little visual interest, but do not expect a formal historical tour. The value is the combination of scenery and space. One family with children and older parents found the stop easy to enjoy because the captain helped make the outing comfortable for different ages and abilities.

Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi

Christmas Cove is the most playful finish to the half-day route. You can snorkel around Fish Cay, look for a sunken sailboat, or order food from Pizza Pi, the floating pizzeria.

The food is not included, and you pay for your own purchases. The unusual setting is the point. Several groups enjoyed jumping from the charter boat and swimming over to the floating dining area. You may also choose to stay aboard and eat your pizza there, depending on the arrangements and conditions.

This stop adds a social, lively note after quieter beaches and snorkeling. It also gives children and teenagers something memorable to anticipate. If your priority is maximum time in the water, tell the captain in advance. A floating restaurant stop takes time, and the half-day schedule cannot include everything.

What a full-day charter adds

A full-day booking gives you a much broader menu of choices. You can head south from St. John to Salt Pond Bay, Little Lameshur, and Pelican Rock, or continue toward Coral Bay for lunch at Lime Out, the floating taco bar.

Salt Pond Bay is useful for turtle snorkeling. Little Lameshur offers another quieter setting, while Pelican Rock gives you a different underwater area to explore. A full-day plan can also include Waterlemon Cay, Maho Bay, Scott Bay, and Christmas Cove if the captain and sea conditions allow, but you should discuss priorities instead of expecting every stop.

Lime Out is one of the signature choices. It turns lunch into part of the boat trip, with tacos served from a floating restaurant in Coral Bay. Food is not included, and the stop uses a meaningful part of the day, but it is a good fit for a group that wants a relaxed lunch rather than a rushed snack between snorkel sites.

The full-day option suits people who want variety. You can combine beaches, coral, turtles, floating food, quiet coves, and island views without forcing the entire experience into a short window. It also makes more sense for a group that has already spent time around the main St. Thomas beaches and wants to see more of St. John.

Captains make the flexible plan work

A private boat is only as good as the person driving it. Here, the captains receive strong praise for friendliness, safety, local knowledge, and good judgment.

Andrew is repeatedly praised for matching the route to each group’s interests. He helped people find turtle sites, explained the best way to swim through each snorkeling area, pointed out landmarks, and shared stories about St. Thomas and St. John. He also helped groups with mobility limits and kept an eye on the clock when passengers needed to return to a cruise ship.

Bryan is described as an all-purpose host who handled driving, music, snorkeling equipment, and local guidance. Brian also customized routes and found a mix of sea life, including fish, squid, a shark, and stingrays. Steve received praise for an attentive manner, fun island stories, and letting the group know that the boat was theirs for the day.

These details matter because customization requires conversation. Tell the captain what you want early. If your group cares most about turtles, say so. If some people need easier water access or more time on land, explain that before the boat leaves.

Snorkeling, equipment, and sea conditions

Snorkeling gear is included, and the equipment receives positive comments. The crew helps fit masks and gear, which saves you from guessing your size at the dock.

The underwater sightings can be excellent. Possible encounters include sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, puffer fish, squid, sharks, sunken boats, and coral. The exact mix depends on conditions, location, and luck.

The sea can also be choppy. Passages between islands may feel rough, especially on the ride back when passengers can get more sun and spray. Bring a cover-up for the return trip, along with sunscreen and a secure hat. The captain chooses stops based on conditions, but no private boat can remove all motion from an open-water trip.

If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly before departure and consider your usual precautions. People with limited mobility should contact Bonus Time Charters before booking. The crew has helped passengers with mobility needs, including a wheelchair user, but the provided information does not promise full accessibility for every boat or situation.

Is $795 a good value?

The advertised cost is $795 per group of up to eight people, before fuel, tips, food, drinks, and port taxis. Split eight ways, the base price is about $99 per person. With four people, it is about $199 per person before extras.

That is not cheap, but it can be good value if your group wants privacy and flexibility. You are paying for the boat, captain, equipment, ice, cooler, and the ability to shape the route. A fixed group excursion may cost less, but it will not give your family the same control over snorkel time, beach stops, or lunch.

Fuel is charged at $7 per gallon based on usage. The information also shows a $7 booking entry, so confirm the exact fuel estimate before departure rather than assuming the base price is the final total. A 20 percent tip is recommended for excellent service, calculated on the charter cost.

The value is strongest for families, couples traveling with friends, or cruise groups that can fill most of the boat. It is less compelling for one or two people who do not need a private vessel.

Who should book this charter?

I would choose this trip for a group that wants a personal day rather than a standard sightseeing loop. Families with teenagers can benefit from afternoon departures, including a 1:30 pm option mentioned in the supplied information. That lets late sleepers avoid an early start while still reaching St. John and Pizza Pi.

It also suits mixed-age groups. Children can look for turtles and fish, adults can enjoy the scenery, and older family members can stay aboard or spend time on a beach. The captain can adjust the pace, although you should discuss mobility concerns before booking.

Cruise passengers can have a great outing, but they must handle their own taxi to and from the marina. Keep careful track of ship departure time and allow room for traffic, dock delays, and the return across open water.

This is not the best choice if you want a fully inclusive package with lunch, alcohol, hotel or cruise-port transfers, and no extra charges. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes boat motion or wants a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and a mobile ticket is accepted. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but contact the company with specific accessibility questions.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book Bonus Time Charters?

Book it if your group values control, good snorkeling, and a captain who can adjust the day as conditions change. The strongest reasons are the private format, the chance to seek out turtles and uncrowded coves, and the memorable food stops at Pizza Pi or Lime Out.

Choose the half-day option if you are visiting from a cruise, want a focused St. John outing, or have children who will be satisfied with two or three water stops. Choose a full day if you want south-shore sites, Coral Bay, Lime Out, and more time to roam.

Before paying, confirm fuel expectations, taxi arrangements, group size, and your top three priorities. Do that, and Bonus Time Charters offers a practical way to see the islands from the water without spending the day following someone else’s whistle.

FAQ

How long is the half-day charter?

The advertised duration is approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including travel time between locations.

How many people can join the private charter?

The charter is private for your group, with up to eight people included in the advertised group price.

What is included in the charter?

An experienced captain, water, ice, a cooler, private transportation on the water, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Is fuel included in the $795 price?

No. Fuel is billed according to usage at $7 per gallon. Confirm the expected fuel charge when booking.

Can I bring my own alcoholic drinks?

Yes. The charter allows BYOB, but glass bottles are not permitted aboard.

Are lunch and floating restaurant purchases included?

No. Food and purchases at places such as Pizza Pi and Lime Out are paid for by your group.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.