Snorkel with sea turtles, on your own boat. This private island-hopping charter around St. John pairs easy water time with classic reef stops, including Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay. You also get the fun extras: lunch stops at Lime Out in Coral Bay and Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove.

I love how private actually means private here: it’s just your group on a 29′ or 32′ power catamaran with an experienced captain, and the day can be tuned to what you want. I also like the mix of snorkeling and “put your feet in the water” bays, not just nonstop reef time.

One thing to weigh is the budget. The charter price covers the boat and guide, but fuel is billed separately based on usage, and food like tacos and pizza is also on you.

Bonus Time Charters at a Glance

• A real private charter (up to 8) on a 29′ or 32′ power catamaran, not a crowded group boat.
• Snorkeling gear included, plus water, ice, and a cooler so you’re not scrambling for basics.
• Sea-turtle-focused stops like Maho Bay and Little Lameshur Bay.
• Lunch on the water with Lime Out (floating taco bar) and Pizza Pi (floating pizzeria).
• Built around Virgin Islands National Park waters, with stops planned for calm bays and healthy reefs.
• Mobile ticket and flexible routing, with customized itineraries welcomed.

Why This Charter Feels More Like Your Day

A lot of boat tours promise freedom, then deliver a schedule and a herd. This one is different because it’s a private charter. You’re not waiting for late stragglers or getting steered toward the “one-size-fits-all” snorkel stop.

The other big plus is pacing. You get a full day on the water for about 6 hours (approx.), and the plan includes multiple one-hour stops. That means you can snorkel, swim, and rest without feeling like you’re constantly racing the clock.

The Catamaran: Small Enough to Feel Relaxed

You’ll be on one of Bonus Time Charters’ 29′ or 32′ power catamarans. That size matters. Smaller boats tend to make it easier to shift between sheltered bays and reef sites, and you also get a less chaotic vibe on board.

The included “human” factor is the captain. The charter includes an experienced captain, and the tone from multiple captains named on past departures is consistent: clear communication, professionalism, and a laid-back style that still gets the job done. Captains you may encounter include Vic, Bryan, Andrew, and Randy.

Your Half-Day Start: Maho Bay for Sea Turtles

You begin with a morning snorkel at Maho Bay Beach on the north shore of St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. The bay is described as calm, which is exactly what you want early in the day when you’re still finding your rhythm in the water.

Why this stop works: you’re going for sea turtles in a setting that’s not built for big waves and whitecaps. You get about one hour here, which is enough time to snorkel a few passes and still hang out at the beach before moving on.

Potential consideration: if you’re a very fast snorkeler who wants to do “maximum reef coverage,” one hour can feel a bit short. The trade-off is you keep the day from turning into a sprint.

Waterlemon Cay: Reefs and the Elkhorn Coral Story

Next up is Waterlemon Cay, another snorkel stop built for healthy reef life. The description calls out critically endangered elkhorn coral, which tells you this is not just a scenic swim—it’s a place where conservation matters.

What you can expect: you’ll have about one hour to explore the area. In practical terms, this is the stop that rewards slower snorkeling and careful attention to what’s around you, not just chasing the next interesting flash.

Possible drawback: reef snorkeling always depends on conditions and how spread out sea life is. If you’re expecting guaranteed turtle sightings every time, you might find some snorkel sessions more focused on coral and fish life than on turtles.

Hurricane Hole: Mangroves and “Pool-Like” Water

Then you head to Hurricane Hole, known for pool-like conditions and its mangrove ecosystem. The stop is described as floating in calm water, and that’s a nice contrast after two reef-leaning snorkel stops.

Why I like this part of the route: it gives your body a break while still being part of the adventure. Instead of goggles and fin work nonstop, you can relax and enjoy the bay scenery with a more gentle water experience. You get about one hour.

Tip for making this stop better: treat it as your decompression zone. If your group is mixing strong snorkel swimmers with beginners, this is where everyone tends to feel included fast.

Lime Out in Coral Bay: Floating Taco Lunch Break

By the middle of the charter, you reach the “smile factor” stop: Lime Out St. John in Coral Bay. This is the Caribbean’s only floating taco stand, and the idea is simple—tacos and frozen drinks while you’re still on the water.

You’ll have about one hour here. Since food purchases are on you, this is also a point where you can set expectations with your group: decide what you want before the rush, and remember it’s part of the experience, not an included meal.

What makes it worth it (beyond the food): it breaks up the day into a true social moment. Even if you’re not the type who cares about “unique lunch locations,” the novelty of a floating taco stop makes the day feel special and easy.

Little Lameshur Bay: Sugar Plantation Ruins or More Turtle Time

Next is Little Lameshur Bay, and this stop gives you two choices in the same general area. You can swim to shore to explore centuries-old sugar plantation ruins, or stay in the water and snorkel with the chance of more sea turtles.

You get about one hour again, so you can split time between shore curiosity and water time. This is also one of the most flexible stops for mixed groups—some people want ruins and photos, others want goggles and current-free snorkeling.

Consideration: shore access can be the difference between a great time and a rushed one. If your group plans to explore the ruins, give yourselves enough time to transition from boat to shore comfortably.

The South Shore Cruise Feel: Secluded, Scenic, and Slower

After the snorkel-and-float sequence, the day leans into cruising around the South Shore for a more secluded vibe. The plan includes scenic coastline views, plus additional time built around the quieter pacing of the south side of St. John.

This matters because it turns the charter into more than a list of snorkeling coordinates. You’re actually getting to see how St. John’s shoreline changes—coves, color, and the feeling of being in protected waters rather than just moving from stop to stop.

Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi: The Iconic Floating Pizzeria Stop

To round out the day, you visit Christmas Cove for a slice from Pizza Pi, the USVI’s iconic floating pizzeria. Like Lime Out, lunch here is not included, so you’ll buy what you want on site.

This is the kind of stop that sticks in memory because it’s so simple. You’re already on the water, so eating while staying on the boat feels natural, not forced. It also gives the group a clear “finish line” moment without ending the charter feeling rushed.

Practical expectation: you’ll still want to manage how much time you spend eating versus taking the last swim. One hour is not an all-day party, but it’s enough for a relaxed closer.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Pay for Separately)

Here’s where the value math gets real.

Included

• Snorkeling equipment
• Water, ice, and a cooler
• Private transportation (as part of the charter experience)
• Experienced captain

That means the charter price covers the essentials for being on the water and snorkeling without extra rental costs.

Not Included

• Fuel: billed based on usage at $7 USD/gallon, with $7.00 per booking listed as the fuel rate detail
• Gratuities: recommended 20% of the charter cost if the service is excellent
• Alcoholic beverages: BYOB allowed, but no glass bottles on board
• Lunch: purchases at food stops like Lime Out VI and Pizza Pi are on you
• Cruise port pick-up: if you’re coming by cruise, you’ll need to taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet

Price: Is $1,095 Worth It?

The charter is $1,095 per group (up to 8). The biggest reason this can feel like good value is the math of privacy. If you split the cost among friends or family, you’re effectively buying a personal day on the water with snorkeling gear and an experienced captain, and you’re not paying per person for the same crowded-boat experience.

Yes, fuel and tips add cost, and lunch costs extra. But you’re also getting more flexibility in how the day moves—captains can tailor the plan, and the boat stays yours for the whole experience. For groups that want sea turtles, reef snorkeling, and the floating lunch stops without juggling schedules, this is the kind of price that starts to look reasonable fast.

Timing and How the Day Actually Flows

The start time is 9:00 am, and the total duration is about 6 hours (approx.), with travel time included. That means you should plan on a full morning-to-mid-afternoon feel, not a quick half-day.

The stop length pattern—several one-hour segments—also helps you set expectations. You’ll snorkel and swim, eat once or twice at floating food stops, then end back at your meeting point.

Mobile ticket means you’re not dealing with paper chaos. Confirmation is received at booking, and you just show up ready to go.

Who This Charter Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Sea-turtle chances plus reef snorkeling at multiple sites
• A relaxed day with a private boat instead of a large tour vibe
• Fun lunch stops that feel like part of the trip, not a boring checklist

It’s especially good for families and mixed-experience groups because the itinerary includes calmer water stops like Hurricane Hole, plus more active snorkel options like Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay.

If you’re a solo traveler hoping to “pay less,” this may be expensive. The per-group pricing only becomes a bargain when you fill the group size.

A Few Booking Tips That Save Stress

If you’re coming by cruise, take note: there’s no included cruise port pickup. You’ll need to taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet the boat.

Also, decide early with your group how you want to spend the lunchtime portion. Lime Out and Pizza Pi are both food-purchase stops, so it helps to agree on spending expectations before you get hungry on a rocking deck.

Finally, remember this experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.

Should You Book This Private Boat Charter?

I’d book it if you want a St. John and St. Thomas day that feels personal: multiple snorkeling stops, calm-water breaks, and the big fun of floating taco and floating pizza lunches.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re trying to minimize cost above all, or if your group hates the idea of paying extra for fuel and buying lunch on site. The base price is only part of the story, even though the included snorkeling gear and private setup make the day feel worth the money.

If your group can comfortably cover the group rate and you care about having control over your day on the water, Bonus Time Charters is the kind of plan that turns a cruise or a beach stay into something you’ll remember well after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The charter lasts about 6 hours (approx.), and travel time is included in that total duration. It starts at 9:00 am.

How many people can be on the charter?

The price is per group, with capacity up to 8 people.

What snorkeling gear and supplies are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with water, ice, and a cooler. The charter also includes an experienced captain.

What does the charter price not include?

Fuel is not included and is billed based on usage at $7 USD/gallon. Gratuities are not included (20% is recommended if service is excellent), and lunch at Lime Out VI and Pizza Pi is also not included.

Can we bring drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own beverages. Glass bottles are not allowed on board.

Where do cruise passengers meet?

If you’re coming from a cruise, you’ll need to taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet the charter.