Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is simple: you control the day. Your captain can shape the route around snorkeling, beach time, swimming, island views, or an easy afternoon aboard S/Y Pisces, a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with room for up to 12 people. Captains such as AnneMarie, JP, Alex, and others have guided these outings, with a first mate along to handle drinks, gear, and water time.

I like two things right away. The boat gives your group breathing room, with a salon, shaded back deck, bow bean bags, and twin trampolines. I also like the practical all-inclusive setup: snorkeling gear, floats, bottled water, soda, beer, and signature rum punch are covered. The main consideration is lunch. It is not included, so you need to buy it ashore or make a plan with the crew.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 12: You are chartering the catamaran for your group, not joining a large shared excursion.
• Custom route: Your captain helps plan stops around St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, harbors, beaches, and possible quiet cays.
• A real 47-foot catamaran: S/Y Pisces has indoor and outdoor seating, a restroom, two forward trampolines, and room to spread out.
• Strong water setup: Snorkels, masks, floats, and beach games are provided, with sea turtles, rays, fish, and reefs possible at the right stops.
• Drinks are included: Virgin H2O, soda, beer, and Seas the Day rum punch come with the charter.
• Lunch is extra: Plan to purchase lunch at a stop, and remember that the boat does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

Why a private catamaran works so well in St. Thomas

St. Thomas is best understood from the water. From the deck, you see the island from a calmer angle, with coves, neighboring islands, sailboats, and changing shades of blue around you. A private charter lets you set the pace instead of following a fixed schedule made for a busload of people.

That matters most for mixed groups. A family with children may want a short snorkel, a beach stop, and more time playing on the boat. A group of adults may prefer several reefs, a long swim, and a relaxed lunch ashore. The captain can adjust the day as you go, within the limits of weather, time, and sea conditions.

The price is $1,495 per group of up to 12. That is not a cheap excursion for two people, but it becomes much better value with a larger party. At the maximum group size, the base cost works out to about $125 per person before any optional lunch or gratuity. For a family group, wedding party, or friends traveling together, private use of a 47-foot catamaran can make more sense than booking several smaller seats on a shared boat.

You can choose a half-day or full-day outing. The full-day option runs about seven hours, and 9 a.m. is a common starting time. A half-day is a better fit if you have a cruise ship departure, young children, or other plans on land. Confirm the exact length and start time when booking, since the day is designed around your group.

Boarding at Havensight

Meet 15 minutes before departure at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway. The listed starting point is 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie.

A captain or crew member escorts you from the meeting point to the boat. The process is straightforward, but cruise ship passengers should pay close attention to which pier their ship uses. If you arrive at Crown Bay Marina, you need a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande, with about 15 minutes each way allowed for the drive. Ships using Havensight are much more convenient because the charter dock is right in the same general port area.

I would confirm your ship’s pier the night before and keep the operator’s confirmation handy. One past booking problem involved a reservation not reaching the charter company, which left a large group without a boat. That appears to have been a booking-agent error, not a normal feature of the charter, but it is a good reason to verify that your reservation is active.

S/Y Pisces: a boat built for a long day

S/Y Pisces is a 47-foot luxury Leopard catamaran. The layout gives you several ways to spend time aboard, which is important on a seven-hour trip.

The salon opens onto a large back deck with comfortable seating. This is the practical center of the boat, useful for shade, drinks, snacks, and conversation. The bow has bean bag chairs and two wide trampolines. You can stretch out there, catch the breeze, listen to music, or watch the water for turtles.

The catamaran design also helps groups spread out. Twelve people is the maximum, and that is a full boat by any measure, but the separate seating zones keep everyone from crowding into one spot. Smaller groups will have even more room.

A restroom is available onboard. The boat also carries water toys, snorkeling equipment, floats, and beach games. The sound system uses JBL speakers with Bluetooth, so you can play your own music. Keep the volume at a level that still lets you hear safety instructions and enjoy the crew’s local stories.

The boat is cleaned between trips, and the operator says it follows established sanitation practices. The activity is mainly outdoors, and masks are not required, though you may wear one if you prefer.

Planning the route with your captain

The itinerary is intentionally flexible. You and the captain decide what fits your group, with possible stops around St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, nearby harbors, and a quiet cay if conditions and timing allow.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a guaranteed checklist. You may get several snorkeling stops, more beach time, or a longer sail along the coast. Your captain’s suggestions matter because water conditions and crowd levels can change. A good plan is to name your top two priorities before leaving. For example, say you want turtles and a quiet beach, or snorkeling and a long lunch. That gives the crew something clear to work with.

The best days often balance activity and downtime. A full day with nonstop swimming can wear out children and less confident swimmers. A day spent only on the boat may disappoint guests who booked for reefs and beaches. The captain can help divide the time.

The charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands. If a BVI trip is your main goal, this is the wrong booking. The route stays in the St. Thomas area and nearby waters described for the charter.

Snorkeling, turtles, rays, and reef stops

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to book this boat. Masks, snorkels, and other equipment are included, so you do not need to pack a full kit. The crew can guide you toward suitable water and help with the general setup.

Conditions and wildlife are never guaranteed, but the outings have included coral, reef fish, stingrays, and sea turtles. One particularly appealing possibility is turtle watching over seagrass, where turtles may be seen feeding below the surface. The crew may also enter the water with you or point out places where wildlife is easier to find.

Several specific locations have appeared in successful day plans. Shipwreck Cove is one possible snorkeling stop. Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is another popular choice, with sand, swimming, and time to get ashore. A day might include three snorkeling locations, or it might focus on one good reef and a beach.

This flexibility helps families. The crew can look for calmer water, keep a close eye on children, and make the experience less intimidating for first-time snorkelers. One family group ranged from age eight to 76 and still found a workable day. That does not mean every sea condition suits every swimmer, so be honest with the captain about comfort levels.

The boat has floats as well. They are useful for people who want to be in the water without snorkeling the whole time. Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and any personal flotation aid you prefer. The supplied details do not promise wetsuits or specialized gear, so cold-sensitive swimmers should ask before departure.

Beaches, lunch, and time ashore

A beach stop changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of climbing back aboard after snorkeling, you can walk on sand, swim in shallow water, or simply sit for a while. Honeymoon Beach has been used as a stop and is a good example of the kind of relaxed shoreline time this charter can include.

Lunch is not part of the $1,495 price. That is the biggest cost detail to plan around. You may buy lunch at one of the locations along the route, and past day plans have included places such as Dinghy’s. Ask the crew early about the lunch options and whether you need to budget time for a restaurant stop.

If lunch matters to your group, do not assume that a meal will appear onboard. Bring only what the operator allows, or arrange to purchase food ashore. The included drinks make the day easier, but they do not replace a meal after hours in the sun and water.

Beach games and floats add something for guests who are not eager to snorkel. They also give children a break from the boat. Still, a beach visit depends on the captain’s route and conditions, so treat it as part of the day’s plan rather than a fixed promise for every departure.

Drinks, music, and the easygoing side of the day

Beer and Seas the Day signature rum punch are included, along with soda and bottled Virgin H2O water. That removes much of the usual small-item spending on a boat day. The crew can keep drinks available while you move between stops or relax on deck.

The rum punch is a recurring favorite, but pace yourself. A hot day, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Drink plenty of the supplied water, especially if you plan to snorkel more than once.

Bluetooth audio is another thoughtful touch. You can bring a playlist and make the boat feel like your own floating base. I would use music for the relaxed stretches, then lower it when the captain is explaining the route, local history, or water safety.

The crew also adds personal character to the day. Captains and first mates named in past outings include AnneMarie, JP, Alex, Megan, Lindsey, Darren, Alicia, Coleman, and others. Assignments can change, but the operating style is clear: the crew helps plan the day, handles equipment, shares local information, and pays attention to different ages and comfort levels.

Full day or half day?

Choose the full day if the boat itself is a major part of your vacation. Seven hours gives you time to sail, snorkel more than once, stop at a beach, eat lunch, and still have stretches of pure downtime. It is especially appealing for a group of six to 12 people who want a private day rather than a quick outing.

Choose the half day if you want a taste of the water without giving up the rest of your schedule. It can work well for cruise passengers, families with younger children, or anyone combining the charter with a land activity. A half-day still allows for snorkeling and swimming, but you should expect fewer stops and less unhurried time.

Cruise passengers need to leave a generous margin before the ship’s departure. The operator can sometimes adjust the return time, but you should not rely on last-minute changes. Confirm your ship’s port, the meeting time, and the planned return before you set out.

Who will get the most from this charter?

This is a strong choice for:

• Families who want a private setting and a flexible pace
• Groups of friends splitting the cost
• Multi-generational parties with different activity levels
• Confident snorkelers who want several water stops
• First-time snorkelers who want help from a captain and mate
• Couples or small groups willing to pay more for space and privacy

It is less suitable if you want a fixed sightseeing route, a guaranteed BVI visit, or a low-cost seat on a shared boat. It is also not ideal for someone who dislikes being in the water or sitting in the sun for long periods, though the shaded salon and back deck provide a break.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the operator should know about mobility concerns, swimming ability, or young children before departure.

Cancellation, weather, and the final cost

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather forces cancellation, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.

The base rate includes the boat, crew, listed drinks, water equipment, floats, and restroom access. Lunch is extra, and gratuity is not listed as included. The crew’s work includes much more than steering: they help with gear, plan the route, watch the group, and keep the day moving. Budget for a tip if the service meets your expectations.

Should you book S/Y Pisces?

Book it if your group wants a private St. Thomas day with room to choose the mood. The combination of a large catamaran, custom route, snorkeling gear, turtle and reef possibilities, beach stops, and included drinks gives you a lot more control than a standard group cruise.

I would book the full day for six or more people who want the boat to be the main event. For a smaller group, compare the per-person cost carefully. A half-day may give you the best balance if you are on a cruise ship or want time for other activities.

Before paying, confirm the reservation directly, verify your departure pier, ask about the likely route, and make a lunch plan. If you do that, this charter offers one of the most comfortable ways to see the St. Thomas area from the water without surrendering your day to someone else’s schedule.

FAQ

How much does the private catamaran charter cost?

The listed price is $1,495 per group of up to 12 people. The charter may be booked as a half-day or full-day experience, so confirm the selected duration when booking.

How long is the full-day charter?

The full-day experience lasts approximately seven hours. A common full-day departure time is 9 a.m., though private groups can determine the starting time.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at Havensight. The listed address is 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, signature rum punch, and use of the onboard restroom are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, but you can purchase it at various locations during the day.

Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. This charter does not visit the BVI. The route focuses on St. Thomas and nearby locations such as Water Island, Buck Island, harbors, beaches, and possible quiet cays.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time.