Private boat time in the Virgin Islands feels easy. You get a small charter out of St Thomas with a captain running the Yamaha-powered boat, plus stories of the islands as you go. What really makes it fun is the mix of St John snorkeling and a day you shape yourself.

I especially like the small-group setup: up to six people, plus dry storage so swimsuits, phones, and day bags don’t turn into a saltwater science project. I also like that bottled water is included, and the ride feels built for comfort, with an efficient Yamaha engine keeping travel snappy.

One thing to keep in mind: this is weather-dependent, and there’s a fuel surcharge listed at $250 per booking. Also, there’s no restroom on board, so plan accordingly before you leave.

Key things to know before you go

• Captain-led route and stories: Your captain drives the day and can point out the island legends along the way.
• St John private-beach snorkeling: You’ll snorkel the reef area with a chance at sea turtles and reef fish.
• Johnny Lime option for lunch: The floating taco boat can be part of the plan for an extra fun stop.
• Drinks included with the charter: Rum punch and beer, plus soda options like Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite.
• Small-group comfort (up to 6): Enough space to spread out and store your stuff dry.
• Real-world add-ons: Fuel surcharge and no restroom on board are both listed in the deal.

What You’re Really Buying: A Private Captain and Control of Your Day

This charter is about control. You set the wish list, and the captain shapes the day around it—at least within the natural limits of weather and sea conditions. If you like calling the shots on timing, beaches, and how much time you want in the water, this style fits well.

The boat is set up for a laid-back, small group experience. Up to six people means you’re not playing musical chairs with strangers every time you anchor or climb back aboard. And because the captain is driving, you’re free to enjoy the view instead of scanning for navigation details.

You also get a built-in local perspective. The captain can share island stories, including pirate legends tied to the Virgin Islands. That doesn’t replace your own reading or museum time, but it does make the coastline feel more alive as you pass it.

Boat Comfort and Practical Setup for a St Thomas–St John Day

The vibe here is practical comfort. The boat can seat up to six guests and includes dry storage, which matters more than people think. Sunblock, passports, chargers, and towels all work better when they aren’t stuffed into a damp pile.

The powertrain is listed as a fast and efficient Yamaha engine. Translation: you’re more likely to spend your day doing the fun parts (anchoring, snorkeling, exploring) instead of grinding through slow travel time.

You’ll also get bottled water. That’s not glamorous, but it’s a big quality-of-life detail in the heat—especially when you’re out long enough to forget how thirsty you get.

Stop-by-Stop Flow: St John Snorkel, Beach Time, and Johnny Lime

Your day is built around St John time, with snorkeling and beach options as the core. From there, your captain can fit in extra moments based on what you want.

St John water time and beach choice

You can snorkel around the reef with sea turtles and reef fish, or you can spend time exploring a private beach where you’ll have it all to yourselves. That private-beach part is key: it’s the difference between sharing a shoreline with dozens of people and actually feeling like you found your own patch of quiet.

There’s a real trade-off built in. If you want maximum water time for snorkeling, you’ll want to move briskly between anchor points. If you want maximum relaxation and shoreline time, you’ll likely slow down and choose a longer beach stretch.

Johnny Lime as an optional lunch stop

There’s also an option tied to Johnny Lime, described as a floating taco boat. The important practical detail is that it’s framed as one of your lunch choices rather than an essential stop. If you’re the type who wants a fun, casual food break while still keeping the day on your schedule, this can add a playful twist.

Just remember: lunch isn’t listed as included in the charter package. Even if you include Johnny Lime, you should budget for the meal you choose there since lunch is explicitly not included.

Snorkeling With Sea Turtles and Reef Fish: The St John Part That Matters

The snorkeling pitch is straightforward: you’ll snorkel the reef at St John’s private beach. That “private beach” wording matters because it usually signals calmer, more controlled access to the water, compared with crowded entry points.

You’re also told you may see sea turtles and reef fish. I can’t promise specific wildlife sightings, but the route is clearly built to put you in the right kind of habitat. What I like about this is that it’s not sold as a quick photo stop. It’s presented as part of a proper St John segment, so you’re not constantly rushing to maximize minutes underwater.

A quick practical tip: if you want a better shot at seeing animals, go into the water with patience. Slow movements help, and staying aware of your buoyancy keeps you from kicking up sand or drifting off the reef area.

Drinks, Lunch, and What’s Included When You’re Out on the Water

Here’s the easy win: bottled water is included, and you’ll also have alcoholic beverages provided—rum punch and beer. Soda is included too, including Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. In other words, you won’t be scrambling for refreshments at the dock.

That changes the feel of the day. You can treat it like a true outing rather than a checklist. With drinks covered, it’s easier to stick with the captain’s timing without feeling pressured to head back early.

Lunch is the one clearly not included item. So plan your hunger strategy. If you want lunch on the boat, you’ll need to arrange it yourself through the options offered (like Johnny Lime) or bring something that works for your group. Either way, think ahead so you’re not hungry at the worst possible moment.

One small caution: there’s no restroom on board. That’s not unusual on small charters, but it does shape how long you should plan to stay out once you’re away from shore facilities. If you tend to drink a lot of water when it’s hot (smart), keep a restroom stop in your timing.

The Price: $1,195 for Up to Six, and One Big Add-On

At $1,195 per group up to six, the pricing works best when you fill the boat. With fewer people, the per-person cost climbs fast. With a full group, it becomes a very reasonable way to get a private captain, private boat time, and a St John-focused day without negotiating crowds.

Do not ignore the fuel surcharge listed at $250 per booking. That’s a cost you’ll want to account for up front so the final number doesn’t surprise you at the last step. It’s the single biggest “gotcha” detail in the package list.

Also, the day is private, meaning your group only. That privacy is part of the value. When you’re spending the money, you’re not just buying speed—you’re buying the freedom to choose your own pace, anchors, and beach time.

Weather Matters More Than Most People Think

This is a good-weather experience. The info says it requires good weather, which means you should expect that the sea can influence your plan. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

I treat weather dependence as a fair trade for the experience quality. Private boat days are always more sensitive than a bus tour. The upside is you’re rewarded with a route that can include reef snorkeling and private beach time.

If you’re scheduling this on a trip with tight timing, aim for a flexible day. Give yourself some breathing room, so a weather shift doesn’t wreck your whole itinerary.

Passport Notes and Possible British Virgin Islands Routing

Most of what’s described keeps you in St John and the US Virgin Islands zone. But the rules note that a valid passport is required if traveling to the British Virgin Islands.

So, if you’re curious about going beyond the US Virgin Islands area, assume you’ll need a passport ready. And even if you don’t end up crossing, it’s still a good habit to bring it anyway, since the note is explicit.

The takeaway: don’t treat passport as paperwork you only need on flights. Treat it like a key you might need to use the full route.

Who This Charter Suits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a strong fit for groups who want a private, captain-driven day rather than following a set route. It’s especially appealing if you care about St John snorkeling and want the option of a private beach with fewer people around.

It also makes sense for couples who want privacy but still want enough room for a small group dynamic. With seating up to six, you’ll have breathing room to talk, relax, and spread out without bumping elbows.

If your group hates the idea of no restroom on board, you’ll want to plan carefully. And if you’re traveling with someone who needs frequent shore stops, you may prefer a longer, land-based schedule where facilities are predictable.

One Real-World Caution: When a Captain Doesn’t Meet Expectations

Even with a strong overall score—5 out of 5 with 303 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate—there’s one type of risk with private charters: you rely on a specific crew for how the day feels.

One low rating account described an experience that fell well short of expectations involving captain behavior. The company response was clear: they asked to contact their office so they could identify the captain and address the issue, and they indicated that an unacceptable captain would no longer be working for them.

I’m not telling you to be suspicious. I am saying this: if anything feels off, you should speak up fast and call the office right away so the problem can be handled while you’re still on island time.

Should You Book This Private Boat Charter?

I’d book it if your priority is a private boat day built around St John snorkeling and the option of a private beach, with drinks included and a captain who can steer the whole vibe. The price makes sense when you can fill the group, and the small size helps the day feel personal instead of crowded.

Pass if your group isn’t flexible on weather, needs a restroom on board, or can’t handle the listed fuel surcharge. Also, if you’re strict about every detail of how the day runs, remember that this is captain-led and customized—so good communication with your captain before departure helps you get the day you want.

If you’re aiming for an authentic, no-crowds-feeling island day where you can actually choose the rhythm, this charter is one of the more straightforward ways to do it.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The duration is listed as about 6 hours.

How many people can the boat seat?

The boat can comfortably seat up to six guests.

What’s included in the price?

Bottled water, private transportation, a captain, rum punch and beer, and soda (including Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite) are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is there a restroom on board?

No restroom on board is listed as not included.

Is there a fuel surcharge?

Yes. A fuel surcharge of $250 per booking is listed as not included.

What about cancellations and refunds?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.