50′ Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience

A private 50-foot catamaran gives you something most boat trips cannot: control of the day. From American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, you and your captain can aim for St. Thomas, St. John, or nearby cays, then stop where the water and weather look best. The bow bean bags and trampolines are made for stretching out between swims.

I like the small private group, which makes this a good fit for families and celebrations, and I like that the crew can adjust the plan when wind makes one side of an island less pleasant. The main catch is that $1,595 is a serious price unless you have a good-sized group, and some advertised beaches, including Trunk Bay, may not be available to commercial charters.

Key points before you book

• A private 50-foot catamaran for up to 12 people: The price covers the yacht rather than a seat per person, so the value improves with a full group.
• Choose four to seven hours: A half-day works for one or two good water stops, while a full day gives you time for St. John, snorkeling, lunch, and a slower pace.
• Your captain shapes the route: Captains such as Maddy, JW, Alex, Dave, Vic, and Glen have helped groups focus on turtles, reefs, quiet coves, or family needs.
• Drinks and water gear are included: Expect floats, snorkel equipment, bottled water, soda, beer, rum punch, and an onboard restroom.
• Lunch costs extra: You can buy food at some locations, including places such as Lovango, but lunch is not part of the charter price.
• Beach access can change: Current conditions and charter restrictions may rule out a listed stop, so confirm your preferred beaches before departure.

What the $1,595 charter really buys you

The price is $1,595 per group, with up to 12 people aboard. At full capacity, that works out to about $133 per person before the customary 15 to 20 percent tip for the captain and crew. With six people, it is about $266 each, and with four, the cost becomes much harder to justify.

That comparison matters. You are not buying a basic transport service. You are paying for a private boat, a captain and first mate, a flexible route, drinks, water toys, and the ability to keep your own group together. If your party includes several families or you are marking a birthday, anniversary, or reunion, the cost can make sense.

For a couple or small family, the price is steep. A shared boat trip will usually cost less, but it will not give you the same say over swimming time, beach stops, music, pace, or who is aboard. The private format also lets the crew work around young children, slower swimmers, and different comfort levels.

Tips are not included. Plan on 15 to 20 percent for exceptional service, which is a sizable addition on a charter of this price. Set that money aside before you compare the total cost.

Starting at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook

The boat leaves from American Yacht Harbor at 84GX+24H, Smith Bay Road, Red Hook, St. Thomas. The experience ends back at the same meeting point, so plan your later plans with that return to Red Hook in mind.

Pickup from Cruz Bay on St. John may be possible with advance notice after booking. Do not assume it is automatic. Ask about it early if you are staying on St. John or want to avoid crossing from St. Thomas before the charter.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the operator provides a mobile ticket. Arrive on time. One account describes a late departure and a dispute over whether the charter should run longer, and the operator made clear that lost time is not normally added back. That is simple boating etiquette: the crew has a schedule, and a late start cuts into your water time.

Life aboard SY Sirena

SY Sirena is a 50-foot luxury catamaran with a salon that opens onto a large rear deck. The back deck has seating and dining space, while the bow has bean bags and large trampolines.

That layout gives you several ways to spend the day. You can sit in the shade or at the rear, stretch out at the bow, eat when you bring or buy lunch, or move around while the boat is underway. The bean bags receive special praise for lounging, and they make a pleasant change from sitting upright on a narrow bench.

The crew supplies floats and snorkeling equipment. Bottled water comes from Virgin H2O as part of the operator’s eco-friendly practices. Soda, beer, and the signature Seas the Day rum punch are also included.

An onboard restroom is useful on a four to seven-hour outing, particularly with children or anyone who prefers not to wait for a beach stop. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, although you should still discuss mobility or swimming concerns when booking.

How the captain customizes your day

The strongest part of this charter is the conversation at the start. Captains have asked groups what they want to do, then adjusted the route around those priorities. One family focused on finding sea turtles for teenagers. Another group needed extra help because a child was not a strong swimmer. Other groups wanted snorkeling, sightseeing, lunch, or a calm place to swim.

The crew can also respond to the weather. If wind makes one side of St. Thomas or St. John rough, the boat can seek calmer water in a protected cove or on another side of an island. That flexibility matters more than a fixed list of stops.

You should arrive with two or three priorities rather than a rigid wish list. Say if you care most about turtles, reef fish, beach time, a quiet cove, lunch, or a scenic ride. Then ask which places are practical that day.

The crew names appearing often in the feedback include Maddy, JW, Alex, Dave, Vic, Glen, Olivia, Coleman, Ro, Celina, Daron, Kahlia, Yousif, and Yosef. Assignments can change, so do not book around one particular person unless the company confirms it. Still, the repeated praise for friendly, attentive service is a good sign, especially for first-time boaters and families.

Choosing a half-day or full-day charter

The half-day option lasts about four hours. That is enough for a focused outing with one strong snorkeling stop and another beach or swimming stop, especially if you stay near St. Thomas. It is also a sensible choice for families with very young children, people who are unsure about seasickness, or anyone fitting the boat trip around another activity.

The full-day option lasts about seven hours. It allows a longer ride toward St. John, more time in the water, a lunch stop, and breaks between activities. Seven hours also gives the captain more room to avoid rough water without making the day feel rushed.

The suggested time at each stop is at least 1.5 hours. That is generous for a half-day, so do not expect to visit four or five places in four hours. A private charter means you can choose from many locations, not that you can realistically see all of them.

For most groups, I would choose the half-day if snorkeling is the main goal. Choose the full day if you want to combine several beaches, spend time around St. John, eat lunch away from the boat, and keep the pace relaxed.

St. Thomas stops for swimming and snorkeling

Secret Harbour is one of the options for a close, easygoing stop from the Red Hook area. It can work well when you want to get into the water without spending a large part of a short charter traveling between islands.

Sapphire Beach and Coki Point Beach give you two more St. Thomas choices. Both can suit a group that wants beach time mixed with swimming and snorkeling. Your captain will know which location makes sense for the conditions and the day’s traffic on the water.

Magens Bay Beach is a famous St. Thomas beach option, while Lindqvist Beach offers another place to slow down on the island. Brewer’s Bay is also listed as a possible stop. You should ask the captain which beaches are open and practical for a private charter that day, since the route is not fixed.

The benefit of choosing St. Thomas stops is efficiency. You spend less time crossing between islands and more time in the water. The tradeoff is that you miss some of the St. John scenery and the chance to string together several quieter coves.

St. John beaches and turtle country

The St. John options include Honeymoon Beach, Francis Bay, Maho Bay Beach, Trunk Bay Beach, Waterlemon Cay, Scott Bay Beach, and Hansen Bay Beach. These places give you a wider range of possible stops, from beaches to snorkeling areas and scenic anchorages.

Maho Bay is a popular choice for groups hoping to see sea turtles. Several outings focused on turtles, and the crew helped locate turtles, stingrays, octopus, and tropical fish. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but your odds improve when the captain knows current water conditions and can spend enough time looking.

Waterlemon Cay is another appealing option for a longer St. John outing, especially if your group wants more than a quick swim. With a full day, you can ask whether it fits the wind, sea conditions, and your group’s swimming ability.

Trunk Bay requires special attention. It appears among the possible destinations, but access for commercial charters has changed. One recent experience specifically noted that the captain could not take the group there because of restrictions. Treat Trunk Bay as a request, not a promise, and confirm before you board.

The St. John route is best for a full-day booking. Trying to cover several St. John beaches on a half-day can leave you watching the clock instead of enjoying the water.

Snorkeling, turtles, and water time

Snorkeling is the heart of this outing. Equipment is included, and the crew helps people choose gear, get into the water, and use floats. The crew has also pointed out sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, sunken objects, and schools of tropical fish.

I especially like that the boat can tailor the snorkeling to the group. A confident group can spend longer looking around a reef, while a family with young children can keep the swim shorter and use floats near the boat. One family with a child who did not swim well was able to enjoy time in the water while the crew helped keep an eye on the child aboard.

Do not mistake a luxury catamaran for a guaranteed calm sea. Wind and waves can affect visibility and comfort. The crew’s ability to seek calmer spots is useful, but conditions still control the day.

If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, use the half-day option or tell the crew before departure. One outing included a passenger who became seasick near the end, and the crew helped as needed. That is another reason not to plan an overpacked schedule.

Lunch, drinks, and the little practical details

Beer, soda, rum punch, and bottled water are included. The rum punch receives repeated praise, but pace yourself in the sun. Alcohol and heat are an unhelpful combination when you are swimming.

Lunch is not included. You can purchase food at many locations, and some groups have stopped at Lovango for lunch or arranged pizza from a boat. Ask about lunch when you speak with the captain, since a food stop uses part of your charter time.

You can also bring snacks if you prefer. The crew has shared food with children who needed something between swims, but do not count on that as part of the package. Bring what your group needs, especially for young children.

The onboard restroom, floats, water, and snorkel gear make this a much easier day than arranging separate beach stops. They also reduce the number of things you need to pack. Still, bring sun protection, dry clothes, and anything your family needs for a full day outside.

Families, celebrations, and group comfort

This charter suits groups that want to stay together. Families with children from infants through teenagers have used the space, and the crew has helped with young children, snorkeling equipment, and slower swimmers.

The catamaran is also well suited to a birthday or anniversary. One group used the outing to mark a 50th birthday, with a private beach stop and rum punch as part of the celebration. The spacious deck gives a group room to spread out rather than crowd around a small console.

For a group of 10 to 12, the value is strongest. You get a private boat without paying for each seat separately, and everyone can settle into the same plan. For just two or three people, I would compare the total carefully against shared sailing and snorkeling options.

Weather, cancellation, and current access

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the charter, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

That policy is fairly clear, but island weather can change quickly. Keep your schedule flexible and avoid placing an important flight or nonrefundable dinner immediately after the boat trip.

The operator says the boats are sanitized after each trip and that the crew follows established health procedures. The activity is mainly outdoors, and masks are not required, though you may wear one if you prefer.

Should you book this private catamaran?

Book it if you have at least six people, value privacy, and want the captain to shape the day around snorkeling, turtles, beaches, and weather. The private format is particularly useful for families, birthday groups, and friends who want a relaxed boat day without sharing space with strangers.

Choose the full day if St. John matters to you or if lunch and several water stops are part of the plan. Choose the half day if you want a focused outing and would rather avoid paying for extra hours your group may not use.

Before booking, confirm the current beach restrictions, ask about Cruz Bay pickup if needed, and tell the crew your top priorities. The best version of this trip is not a checklist of 13 beaches. It is a well-paced day with one or two excellent water stops, a good lunch plan, and enough time to enjoy the boat itself.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

You can choose a half-day trip of about four hours or a full-day trip of about seven hours.

How many people can join the charter?

The $1,595 price covers a private group of up to 12 people.

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from American Yacht Harbor at 84GX+24H, Smith Bay Road, in Red Hook, St. Thomas. The trip returns to the same meeting point.

Can the boat pick up from St. John?

Pickup from Cruz Bay, St. John may be possible with advance notice after booking. You should request this before the trip.

Are snorkeling equipment and floats included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included, along with bottled water, soda, beer, rum punch, and use of the onboard restroom.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch costs extra, though you can purchase food at many locations during the charter.

Can the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. The British Virgin Islands are not available on this vessel. A separate BVI trip must be booked under a different product.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the trip are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the experience, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.