SPECIAL – (Up to 4 Passengers) All Inclusive Day Sail

Leave the shore behind. This private five-hour sail from Cruz Bay gives you calm National Park waters, two snorkeling stops, lunch, and a remarkably personal day aboard a 40-foot sailboat. I especially like the small-group format, which keeps the outing quiet and flexible, and the all-inclusive setup, with snorkeling gear, food, drinks, fuel, and fees covered. The main thing to check before booking is the price: the supplied details show both $1,346.67 per group and an all-inclusive price of $755, so confirm the current total carefully.

Captain Mike adds another appealing touch. He is happy to explain the basics of sailing and may let you take the helm, while Bridget helps keep the mood easy and welcoming. The trip stays in US Virgin Islands waters, so you avoid customs and immigration charges, but the non-refundable policy makes weather and schedule planning important.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to four people: Your group has the 40-foot sailboat to itself, with no strangers sharing the day.
• Two water stops: Expect snorkeling, swimming, sun time, and a chance to explore white sandy beaches.
• Sea turtles are part of the regular search: The crew says turtles are seen daily, though wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
• A full food and drink package: Lunch, snacks, water, soft drinks, mocktails, cocktails, and a full bar are included.
• Captain Mike teaches sailing: You can relax in the sun or ask to take the helm and learn basic sailing skills.
• Back in Cruz Bay after about five hours: The schedule leaves time for an afternoon drink or more exploring on St. John.

Setting sail from Cruz Bay

The meeting point is the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, St. John. This is a practical departure point if you are already on St. John or arriving by ferry, and the boat returns to the same place at the end of the outing.

Leaving from Cruz Bay gives the crew several possible routes. That matters because a sailing day is more enjoyable when the captain can choose a protected bay and a comfortable anchorage rather than force a fixed route in changing conditions.

The boat is a 40-foot sailboat, large enough to provide room for a small private group without feeling like a crowded excursion vessel. Since only your party participates, you can set the tone. You might spend more time swimming, ask questions about sailing, or simply stretch out and enjoy the water.

The western shoreline of St. John is protected, calm, and suited to a relaxed day on the water. This is not a speed-focused boat trip. The appeal is the gentle rhythm of sailing, quiet coves, clear water, and time to enjoy the setting without a packed schedule.

Why a private group changes the day

The private format is the biggest reason to consider this experience. The price is charged per group of up to four people, rather than per individual, so it can make good sense for a family or a small group of friends.

You also avoid the usual compromises of a large boat tour. Nobody outside your party is choosing the music, rushing through lunch, or asking to cut a swim short. If one person wants to snorkel while another prefers to sit in the shade or stay aboard, the captain can work with your group’s pace within the limits of the day.

That flexibility is especially useful for mixed skill levels. The operator says snorkeling options are available for all abilities. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, although you should be comfortable following the crew’s safety guidance and using the provided equipment.

Captain Mike is also willing to teach the fundamentals of sailing. That is a fine bonus for anyone curious about how the boat works. If you would rather not handle the helm, you can simply enjoy the ride. The choice is yours.

First anchorage: snorkeling in a protected bay

The first stop is planned at a protected bay on one of the nearby cays. Once anchored, the crew fits you with the snorkeling equipment needed for the water.

This first stop is designed for a mix of activities. You can snorkel, swim, sunbathe, or remain aboard with a drink while the rest of your group heads into the water. The protected setting should make the stop feel peaceful rather than rushed.

The strongest wildlife draw is sea turtles. The operator says the crew swims with sea turtles daily, and one outing included a turtle sighting during snorkeling. That is an exciting possibility, but it is still best to treat it as a hopeful part of the trip rather than a promise. Marine animals move on their own schedule.

The crew’s help matters here. Captain Mike’s teaching style is not limited to steering the boat. He has also been praised for making the day accessible to people with different levels of sailing and water experience. Ask questions early, especially if you are unsure about the snorkeling gear or want advice before entering the water.

The main limitation is that the supplied information does not name the exact bay or cay. Your route may change with weather and sea conditions, so you should book this for the overall sailing and snorkeling experience, not for one guaranteed beach or reef.

Second stop: more sea life and white sand

After the first swim, the boat heads to a second stop. Here you can look for more sea life, swim again, and walk along one of the area’s white sandy beaches.

This two-stop plan gives the day a useful sense of variety. The first anchorage is a chance to settle into the water and snorkeling gear. The second offers another setting, which may include a beach visit and a different view of the shoreline.

You will want to manage your expectations about the word secluded. The trip aims for quiet anchorages, but no exact beach is promised. Conditions, boat traffic, and the captain’s judgment can all affect the final choice.

Still, the general plan is strong. You get time in the water without spending the full day on a boat, and you get time on shore without turning the excursion into a land-based beach tour. Bring your interest in both swimming and scenery, and the itinerary should feel nicely balanced.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food is included, and you select your lunch before sailing from a full gourmet deli menu. That pre-order detail is useful because it avoids a vague snack-only meal. A full lunch can make a real difference on a five-hour outing, especially after swimming.

Snacks are included as well, along with bottled water, soda, juices, mocktails, and other nonalcoholic drinks. The alcohol package is unusually broad for a small sailing trip, with an open bar and island cocktails.

This is where the all-inclusive price has practical value. You do not need to keep adding money for fuel, captain fees, taxes, or drinks during the day. You can settle into the boat without watching every purchase.

There are two sensible cautions. First, gratuity is not included, so plan to tip the crew separately if the service suits you. Second, the package includes drinks but not towels. Bring your own towel, since that is one item you should not expect to find aboard.

What the price really means

The pricing information needs special attention. The tour summary lists $1,346.67 per group of up to four, while the description also gives an all-inclusive price of $755. Those figures do not match, and the difference is large enough to affect the booking decision.

I would verify the current checkout total before paying. Ask whether the amount shown is for the entire group, whether it changes by date, and whether any displayed service charges are already included. The advertised inclusions are generous, but value depends on the actual price you receive.

At $755 for four people, the cost works out to about $188.75 per person. At $1,346.67, it is about $336.67 per person. The first figure feels quite attractive for a private five-hour sail with food, drinks, snorkeling gear, fuel, and taxes. The second is a premium price, but it may still make sense for a group that values privacy and personal service.

A comparable shared boat outing could cost less per person, but it would not give your group exclusive use of the boat. Here, you are paying for space, flexibility, a private captain, and a complete package rather than just transportation across the water.

Captain Mike, Bridget, and the human touch

Captain Mike is one of the clearest strengths of this outing. He is described as accommodating, fun, and willing to teach sailing rather than simply operate the boat. His local expertise also helps shape the route and the choice of anchorages.

Bridget works alongside him, and one sailing included their young son as part of the day’s crew. That detail suggests a small, personal operation rather than a large commercial setup. The tone appears friendly and informal, though you should still expect professional attention to safety and the boat.

The crew’s hospitality is important because five hours on a sailboat gives you plenty of time to notice how people work together. A good captain can make a calm day feel special by explaining the area, adjusting the pace, and helping less confident swimmers feel at ease.

One previous outing also included sailing to the British Virgin Islands, a visit to Foxy’s, and lunch at the Soggy Dollar. That is worth noting, but it should not shape your expectations for this particular booking. The itinerary described here stays local in US Virgin Islands waters, with no customs or immigration fees. Ask directly if you are hoping for an international route, since that is not part of the local plan.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

The trip lasts about five hours and returns to Cruz Bay with time left for an afternoon happy hour or more island exploring. That makes it easier to combine with other St. John plans than a full-day charter that runs into the evening.

Pickup is offered, but the listed meeting point is the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay. Confirm the pickup arrangement when you book, especially if you are staying away from Cruz Bay.

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, despite the private format, and a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of a new date, another experience, or a refund.

Your own cancellation policy is much stricter. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. I would avoid booking until your group’s schedule is firm, and I would check the forecast before committing to other plans around the sail.

Service animals are allowed, most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The details do not specify the boat’s accessibility arrangements, so ask the operator directly about boarding, mobility needs, or any medical concerns.

Who should book this St. John sail?

I would put this near the top of the list for four friends or a family that wants a private day on the water. It suits people who care more about calm sailing, snorkeling, and personal service than a packed list of stops.

It is also a good match for a group with mixed interests. One person can learn to sail, another can look for turtles, and someone else can relax with a cocktail and enjoy the views. The crew’s willingness to adjust the pace is a real advantage.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed visit to a named beach, a fixed wildlife encounter, or a party boat with a large crowd. It may also be a poor fit if your schedule is uncertain, since your booking cannot be refunded when you cancel.

Should you book Morningstar Sailing?

Book it if you want a private, easygoing sailing day with lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and a chance to see sea turtles in St. John’s protected waters. Captain Mike’s instruction and local route choices add more value than a simple boat ride, and the return to Cruz Bay leaves your afternoon open.

Before you pay, resolve the conflicting price information and confirm the pickup details. If the total is close to $755 for up to four people, the package looks especially appealing. If it is $1,346.67, book only if privacy, a personal captain, and an all-inclusive day are worth the premium to your group.

FAQ

Where does the sailing begin?

The meeting point is the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI.

Where does the sailing end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Cruz Bay.

How long does the experience last?

The sailing lasts approximately five hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum of four passengers.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Can beginners participate in snorkeling?

The operator offers snorkeling options for all skill levels, and most people can participate.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

No guarantee is stated, but the crew says they swim with sea turtles daily.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full gourmet deli lunch is available, with selections made before the sail. Snacks are also included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The package includes an open bar with island cocktails, mocktails, soda, juices, water, and other drinks.

Are fuel and fees included?

Yes. Fuel, captain fees, all fees, and taxes are included. Since the route stays in US Virgin Islands waters, there are no extra customs or immigration fees.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, since towels are not included. Gratuity is also separate.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed if you cancel or request an amendment. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or insufficient participation, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.