Private Full Day Sail/ Snorkel Experience USVI (Sapphire Marina, STT pick up)

Make the sea your schedule. This private St. Thomas charter gives your group up to six people a full seven hours aboard the sailboat Cosmos, with Captain Rob and Deb shaping the day around your interests. You can sail, snorkel, swim, visit a beach, or simply stretch out on deck while the Virgin Islands pass by.

I like the genuine flexibility and the small-group feel. You are not following a fixed route with strangers, and the boat carries snorkeling gear, flotation toys, lunch, and a fresh-water rinse. The main consideration is the price: $1,975 per group is a serious spend, though it can make sense when divided among six people.

Key details before you book

• A private boat for up to six: Your group has the entire charter, with no other passengers joining the day.
• Seven hours from 9:00 a.m.: The long outing leaves time for sailing, more than one snorkel stop, lunch, and relaxed pauses.
• Captain Rob and Deb set a friendly tone: Their care with planning, instruction, food, and comfort is a major part of the experience.
• The route is made to order: Possible stops include Honeymoon Beach, Christmas Cove, St. John, and Greater St. James.
• Homemade crab cakes are part of the deal: Lunch is prepared by Deb and has been one of the most praised parts of the day.
• Bring towels and reef-safe sunblock: Spray sunblock and oils are not allowed, and crew gratuity is extra.

A private charter that lets you slow down

The best reason to choose this trip is control. A standard boat excursion often has a set timetable, a set number of stops, and a group with mixed priorities. Here, you and your companions can explain what you want at the start, then work with the captain and crew as the day develops.

That matters for a mixed group. Strong snorkelers can spend time in the water, while someone who prefers not to snorkel can stay aboard and relax. Families can ask for a more easygoing pace. Couples can spend more time sailing. The day is not built around checking off as many locations as possible.

The boat is Cosmos, a sailboat that Rob and Deb live aboard. That gives the outing a more personal feel than a large commercial vessel. The boat is described as roomy and well maintained, with a dock slip that makes boarding and getting off easier.

The charter leaves from Sapphire Beach in Smith Bay, St. Thomas, at 9:00 a.m. It returns to the same meeting point after roughly seven hours. You should plan to arrive ready for a full day on the water, since the activity does not include transport from your hotel.

What the morning is likely to feel like

The first part of the day is about getting settled and discussing your preferences. You can tell Captain Rob and Deb if your priority is sailing, snorkeling, beach time, or a calm day with plenty of time on deck. The route can change with conditions and your group’s comfort.

Sailing is not just transportation between stops here. It is part of the point. You get time to sit back, watch the islands shift around you, and enjoy the quiet that comes with a private boat rather than a crowded excursion vessel. If everyone in your group likes being under sail, you can place more emphasis on that part of the day.

You might spend the morning heading toward a snorkel location near St. John or one of the nearby islands. Christmas Cove is one possible choice, and other routes can include Greater St. James. Honeymoon Beach is another option for a snorkel stop. The exact order is not guaranteed, so you should treat these as possible destinations rather than promised stops.

That flexible route is useful, but it also means you should tell the crew what matters most. If your group has one must-see stop, mention it early. If you are happy to let the captain choose based on conditions, you can leave more room for local judgment.

Snorkeling with help when you need it

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to rent basic gear separately. Flotation water toys are also provided, giving you another way to enjoy the water if you want a break from snorkeling.

The snorkeling has been a highlight for families and couples alike. Specific sightings described during the outings include colorful fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. Of course, marine life is never guaranteed, but the range of places available gives the crew room to choose a suitable site.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to consider the trip, but a moderate level of physical fitness is expected. You will use a swim ladder, which has a maximum rated capacity of 260 pounds. That detail is worth taking seriously, especially if someone in your group has difficulty climbing a ladder from the water.

Captain Rob and Deb have helped less-confident snorkelers get comfortable in the water. One couple had reservations about returning to snorkeling, and the crew provided instruction and assistance getting in and out. That does not turn the trip into a formal swimming lesson, but it does suggest a patient approach.

The water portion may not suit everyone equally. Someone who dislikes swimming, has limited mobility, or does not want to use a ladder may prefer to stay aboard. The private format helps here because nobody is forced to match another group’s pace.

Stops around St. John and the nearby islands

A possible route toward St. John adds variety to the day. St. John provides a change from staying close to St. Thomas, and sailing between islands gives the outing a proper day-on-the-water feel rather than a quick snorkel transfer.

Christmas Cove is another possible stop. It has been used for snorkeling and is also a good example of why this charter works well for groups with different interests. One person can enjoy the water, another can sit with a drink or snack, and the boat remains your shared base.

Honeymoon Beach may be selected as a snorkel stop, depending on the plan and conditions. The appeal is simple: you get a beach option without giving up the private boat. If your group wants sand and swimming rather than a series of in-water stops, tell the crew.

Greater St. James can also feature in the route. The important point is not to expect a fixed island-hopping checklist. The captain chooses the sailing and anchor points with your input, and the day can be adjusted around weather, water conditions, and what your group is enjoying.

This approach rewards people who value time and choice over certainty. If you want a guaranteed visit to a particular beach at a particular hour, a fixed itinerary may be easier. If you want the freedom to stay longer at a good spot or skip one that does not suit your group, the private charter has the advantage.

Lunch aboard Cosmos

Lunch is homemade and personally prepared by Deb. Crab cakes with salad have received especially strong praise, and one meal was described as spectacular. The food is more than a basic packed lunch, which helps make the full-day price feel less like a bare boat rental.

Snacks and drinks have also been provided on past outings, though the formal inclusions specifically name lunch rather than a full beverage menu. I would confirm any dietary needs or drink preferences before the trip rather than assume a particular menu.

Eating aboard keeps the day moving. You do not have to interrupt the sailing plan to find a restaurant or return to shore. Lunch can become a pleasant pause between water time and sailing, with the boat serving as your private dining spot.

Still, food is personal. If someone in your group has allergies, follows a special diet, or dislikes seafood, ask about the lunch plan in advance. The information supplied confirms homemade lunch and crab cakes, but it does not promise alternate menus.

The crew is a major part of the value

Captain Rob and Deb are not just names attached to the booking. Their role shapes the feel of the day. Deb handles communication and prepares lunch, while Rob takes charge of sailing and route choices. Their hosting style has been described as warm, flexible, and attentive.

That matters on a private charter because you spend many hours with the crew. You want people who can explain what is happening without turning the day into a lecture, and who can adjust when one person wants more quiet time or another wants help in the water.

The personal touch is especially useful for families. A group with three children enjoyed colorful fish, turtles, and crab cakes, while another family appreciated that a picky seven-year-old became excited about snorkeling with sea turtles and stingrays. Those details suggest that the outing can work well for children who need encouragement, provided they are comfortable around boats and in the water.

Couples also get something from the format. You can make the day as active or restful as you like, without feeling that you are holding up a large group. One couple who did not want to snorkel still enjoyed the day by relaxing aboard while others used the water.

What the $1,975 price really means

The listed price is $1,975 per group of up to six. That works out to about $329 per person if you fill every place, before gratuity. For two people, the effective cost is much higher, at nearly $988 per person.

That comparison tells you who gets the strongest value. A family or group of friends with six people can share the cost of a private boat, lunch, equipment, and seven hours of crew time. For a couple, the price is a luxury splurge, best reserved for a special day such as a honeymoon or major birthday.

You are paying for privacy and control, not simply transportation to a snorkel site. The value improves if your group has different interests, since the boat can accommodate people who want to swim, sail, or lounge. It also improves if you would otherwise book several separate activities.

The cost does not include crew gratuity. The customary range supplied for this experience is 15 to 20 percent of the trip, so budget for that on top of the advertised price. Towels and sunblock are also not included.

Practical details for a comfortable day

Wear clothing that can handle sun, spray, and time in a swimsuit. Bring your own towels, since they are not provided. Use reef-safe sunblock if possible, and do not bring spray sunblock or oils.

The departure point is Sapphire Beach, Smith Bay, St. Thomas, ZIP code 00801. The area is near public transportation, but the tour details do not promise hotel pickup, so you should arrange your own way to Sapphire Marina.

Boarding and disembarking are made easier by the dock slip. Once swimming begins, you will use the boat’s ladder. Keep the 260-pound maximum capacity in mind before booking for anyone who may need to use it.

A moderate physical fitness level is required. You should be comfortable moving around a sailboat, entering the water, and climbing back up the ladder if you plan to snorkel. If you are unsure, ask Sailing The Cosmos Charters before paying.

The experience runs in good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Who should book this St. Thomas sailing day

I would recommend this charter to a group that wants a private, unhurried day and is willing to pay for it. It is a strong choice for families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that do not all want the same activity every hour.

It is especially suited to people who value good hosting. Rob and Deb’s friendliness, homemade lunch, and willingness to help with snorkeling are as important as the route itself. If you want a polished but personal outing, this is the right kind of boat experience.

I would hesitate if you want a low-cost excursion, a guaranteed list of beaches, or a large menu of included comforts. Towels, sunblock, drinks beyond the stated inclusions, and gratuity require extra planning. The swim ladder and moderate fitness requirement also rule out some visitors.

Should you book Cosmos?

Book it if you can fill most of the six seats and want the freedom to create your own day around St. Thomas and St. John. The strongest reasons are the private setting, the flexible route, the caring crew, and a homemade lunch that adds real value to a long day aboard.

For a couple, think carefully about the cost. It can still be a memorable splurge, but the price is easier to justify for a milestone occasion than for an ordinary afternoon. Ask about food needs, your preferred route, and the practical details of getting in and out of the water before you commit.

FAQ

Where does the sailing and snorkeling tour start?

It starts at Sapphire Beach in Smith Bay, St. Thomas, USVI, ZIP code 00801.

What time does the experience begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the private charter last?

The full-day experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Sapphire Beach meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The charter is private for your group, with space for up to six passengers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Homemade lunch personally prepared by Deb is included. Crab cakes and salad have been served on past outings.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with flotation water toys.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towels.

Is sunblock provided?

No. Bring your own sunblock. Spray sunblock and oils are not allowed, and reef-safe products are recommended when possible.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.