Private Power Catamaran. Secluded Beaches, Snorkeling, Turtles for Full/Half Day

The best island day is spent offshore. This private St Thomas charter pairs flexible planning with a steady 32-foot power catamaran, letting you choose snorkeling, beaches, turtles, or simple time in the water. I like the large shaded deck and the local captains, especially Aaron, Mike, Kirk, and Tim, who are praised for friendly service and useful island guidance. The main catch is that fuel, lunch, and alcoholic drinks cost extra, and the trip depends on good weather.

I also like that the boat is private for your group, with room for up to 10 people and a captain who can shape the route around your interests. Families, couples, and groups with teenagers can set the pace instead of following a fixed crowd tour. Just note that the description uses both Shady Lady and Island Girl for the boat, so confirm the vessel name when booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 10 people: You share the catamaran only with your own family or friends, plus the captain and, for larger groups, a mate.
• A steady, shaded 32-foot power catamaran: Nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded, with additional seating in the sun.
• Your captain helps set the route: You can focus on snorkeling, beach stops, turtle swims, sightseeing, floating, or a mix of everything.
• Snorkeling gear, water, and ice are included: Built-in coolers make it easy to keep drinks cold during the day.
• Full-day trips can include lunch: Food is not included, but the captain can help you choose a lunch stop.
• Strong past praise for the crew: Aaron, Mike, Kirk, Tim, and Deb are singled out for warmth, flexibility, and care with families.

A private start from Sapphire Beach Marina

Your day begins at Sapphire Beach Marina at 6720 Smith Bay Road in Smith Bay, St Thomas. The trip ends at the same place, which keeps the plan simple and avoids a one-way scramble at the end of your time on the water.

The boat is a 32-foot power catamaran built for the waters around the US Virgin Islands. A catamaran gives you a broad, stable platform, a useful feature when some people in your group are less comfortable on boats. Nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded, while sun seats remain available for anyone who wants to warm up between swims.

That mix of shade and sun matters in the Caribbean. You can stay under cover while the boat is moving, then step into the light when you want a better view or a little heat after snorkeling. The vessel also carries built-in coolers with ice, so you do not need to spend the day reaching into a warm beach bag for water.

The listing describes the boat as Shady Lady in one place and Island Girl in another. That may simply reflect a change in boat naming, but I would confirm the name and exact vessel before you arrive.

Why private space changes the day

The biggest difference here is control. You are not joining a large group that must move on when the schedule says so. Your group has the boat for the charter, and the captain can help build the day or follow your preferences.

You might ask for a snorkeling-heavy outing with a beach break afterward. You could instead spend more time swimming with turtles, visiting several beaches, or simply floating with a drink while music plays. The captain handles the route and timing, but you help decide what matters most.

That freedom is especially useful for mixed groups. One person may want to snorkel, another may prefer a shady seat, and a teenager may want music and time in the water. A private charter gives the captain room to balance those needs without forcing everyone into the same activity at every stop.

The private setup also works well for celebrations. One group used the boat for a birthday and combined snorkeling with turtles, starfish, and rays, followed by lunch at Lovango. Another family said Captain Aaron was especially good with a seven-year-old grandson. That kind of personal attention is harder to count on when a boat is filled with strangers.

Still, private does not mean unlimited. The captain decides what is safe, and weather or sea conditions may require a change of route. A previous group had to switch snorkeling spots because of weather and ended up seeing two nurse sharks. Flexibility is part of the experience, but it can mean giving up a planned stop.

Cruising the Virgin Islands with local context

The ride between stops is part of the appeal. Captains point out landmarks and offer historical context as you move through the waters around St Thomas and the Virgin Islands National Park.

This is not presented as a formal lecture. Instead, the information comes naturally while you cruise, look toward the islands, and decide where to stop next. Captain Aaron, Captain Mike, Captain Kirk, and Captain Tim are all praised for making the day feel friendly rather than scripted.

The boat also has a 2,000-watt stereo system. Your group can listen to music during the ride, and the private setting means you are not stuck with a playlist chosen for a full boat. One family with teenagers appreciated being able to queue up their own music, a small detail that can make a long day more comfortable for older children.

The music is not the reason to book this trip, but it adds to the sense that you control your day. You can listen while cruising, lower the volume while the captain explains a landmark, or enjoy the water without much fuss.

Snorkeling coral reefs and looking for turtles

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this charter. Equipment is included, so you do not need to pack masks, snorkels, or fins unless you prefer your own. The captain can choose among different spots based on conditions and your group’s comfort.

The waters are described as warm and clear, with several shades of blue. You can expect coral reefs and the chance to see sea turtles, but wildlife is never guaranteed. That is worth keeping in mind when booking a trip built around animals.

Past outings have included turtles, starfish, rays, and nurse sharks. One group stopped at two snorkeling sites and saw large sea turtles. Another combined snorkeling with quiet coves and white-sand beaches. These details show the value of having a captain who can change locations rather than locking you into one reef for the entire day.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness for the activity. Snorkeling requires getting into and out of the water, swimming, and managing your equipment. If anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer, discuss that with the captain before the trip so the day can be planned sensibly.

The boat’s stability helps, but it does not remove the need for care around the water. Bring any personal items you need for a comfortable day, and use the shaded seating when you are ready for a break.

Beach hopping, quiet coves, and time to do nothing

The charter is not only about checking off snorkeling sites. The captain can take you beach hopping, with stops at beautiful beaches, including some that are more secluded.

A beach stop gives your group a change of pace. You might swim in shallow water, walk on the sand, or simply sit back after snorkeling. The ability to stay longer at a place you like is one of the better reasons to pay for a private boat.

You can also skip the constant movement. The crew can provide noodles for floating, letting you spend part of the day in the warm water with a cold drink. For many groups, this slower stretch becomes as memorable as the wildlife.

The phrase secluded beach should not be treated as a promise of complete solitude. Conditions, access, and other boats can change. The captain can guide you toward quieter places, but the exact stops depend on the day.

For scenery, even the cruising sections have value. You get an open-water view of the islands instead of seeing St Thomas only from roads, hotel beaches, or a cruise ship deck. The route can include sightseeing around the islands, with the captain pointing out places you might not notice on your own.

Planning a full-day lunch stop

A full-day charter has enough time for a lunch stop. Lunch is not included in the price, and the captain can help you choose among available options.

That arrangement gives you flexibility but requires a little planning. Ask before departure what lunch stops are possible, whether you should bring money or make arrangements, and how much time the stop will take. A restaurant meal may make sense for your group, while another group may prefer to bring food and spend more time swimming.

One outing included a floating pizza place, and another stopped for lunch at Lovango. Those examples show that lunch can become part of the fun rather than just a break in the schedule. Still, the cost is separate, and food choices depend on the route and what is open.

Alcohol is also not included. The company can obtain alcoholic drinks for an additional charge. Bottled water and ice are provided, which covers the basics, but you should confirm any special drink plans ahead of time.

Six and a half hours, or a shorter charter

The experience is described as a full or half-day private charter, while the stated duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Since the material also refers to shorter three-hour outings, confirm the exact length and price of the option you want.

A six-and-a-half-hour day gives you time to combine several activities without making every stop feel rushed. You can snorkel, visit beaches, cruise, pause for lunch, and still have time to float or listen to music.

A shorter charter may suit you if your group has young children, limited stamina, or only a free afternoon. One three-hour outing still included several sights, showing that a shorter version can work when a full day is not practical. The tradeoff is simple: less time means fewer stops and less room to wait for ideal conditions.

The advertised price is $1,050 per group of up to 10 people. At full capacity, that works out to $105 per person before fuel, lunch, and any alcohol. For a small group, the per-person cost rises, but you are paying for private use of the boat, personal route planning, included gear, bottled water, ice, and a captain dedicated to your group.

That can be good value for a family or group of friends that wants control and privacy. It may be harder to justify for one or two people who are happy joining a shared boat. Compare the final cost with the number of people in your party, and ask how fuel is calculated before committing.

This experience is booked about 94 days ahead on average, so I would not leave it until the final days of a holiday if the charter is important to you.

The crew is a major part of the value

The strongest praise centers on the crew, not just the boat or scenery. Captain Mike is described as especially responsive before the trip and good at making a day feel personal. Captain Aaron is praised for his friendly manner, island information, and ability to keep both adults and children happy.

Captain Kirk is credited with sharing good stories and adjusting plans after rain affected an earlier booking. Captain Tim kept teenagers entertained on two separate charters, while Captain Deb joined Captain Aaron and Mike for a day focused on snorkeling and sightseeing.

That pattern matters. A private boat is only as good as the person running it. Here, the crew appears comfortable guiding first-time charter clients, families, older children, and groups celebrating something special.

You can help the captain by being clear about your priorities. Say if turtles matter most, if you want several beaches, if your group wants a long lunch, or if some people prefer more time in the shade. The captain can make better choices when your expectations are clear.

Practical details before you go

Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted. The meeting point is Sapphire Beach Marina, with the return to the same location.

The charter requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can accept another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and the timing follows local time in St Thomas.

The activity is near public transportation, but the information does not specify a hotel pickup. Plan to reach Sapphire Beach Marina on your own unless the company tells you otherwise.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need during several hours on the water. Water and ice are included, and snorkeling equipment is supplied. Lunch, fuel, and alcohol are extra, so settle those details before departure.

Is this St Thomas charter worth booking?

I would choose this charter if you have a group that values privacy, flexible stops, and time in the water. It is especially well suited to families, groups of friends, teenagers, and celebrations where a captain’s personal attention adds real value.

I would hesitate if you are traveling alone, as the group price makes more sense when shared among several people. I would also think twice if your group wants a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a fixed schedule. Turtles, rays, sharks, and other animals are possible, not promised, and weather can change the route.

For up to 10 people, the private format gives you something a standard boat trip cannot: the ability to shape the day around your own group. Confirm the exact charter length, boat name, fuel charge, lunch plan, and available captain before booking. If those details fit your budget, Shades of Blue Charters offers a relaxed, personal way to see St Thomas from the water.

FAQ

Where does the charter start and finish?

The charter starts at Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St Thomas, USVI. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The boat accommodates up to 10 people per group. A mate may join the captain for larger groups.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and ice in the boat’s built-in coolers.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but a full-day charter can include a lunch stop, and the captain can help with the available options.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages cost extra, although the company can obtain them for an additional charge.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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