Sea turtles and sea views, on your schedule. I like the private routing that lets you choose the best snorkeling spots, and the included food and drinks that make the whole day feel low-stress. One consideration: this trip needs solid conditions, so bad weather can trigger a reschedule or refund.

You start at Beach Charters VI in Red Hook at 8:30 am, and you’re back at the same dock after about 7.5 hours. You’ll have snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and hammock chairs that hang off the back, plus alcohol for adults 18+.

Key things that make this charter worth your time

• You choose the stops: expect 2 to 3 snorkeling sessions, such as Maho (St. John), Lovango Cay, or Christmas Cove, depending on what works that day.
• Luxury catamaran comfort: smooth sailing on Second Chance with plenty of room to spread out on bean bags and the deck.
• Water toys included: paddle boards and hammock swings mean you’re not stuck watching from the rail.
• Lunch that actually keeps you fueled: a fruit and pastry tray in the morning, then wraps, chips, soda, and water during the day.
• Drinks are part of the deal: rum punch/painkiller and a 12-pack of light beer included; you just bring gratuity.
• Small details feel handled: the crew hosts like you’re joining their day at sea, with friendly help throughout.

Entering Red Hook: meeting Second Chance at Beach Charters VI

This is a true private charter, not a big cattle-car tour. You meet at Beach Charters VIDock B slip 19, 6501, St. Thomas, at 201 Red Hook Rd. Start time is 8:30 am, and the plan ends back at the same meeting point.

That dock location matters. Red Hook is easy to reach once you’ve picked your ground plan, and the tour is described as being near public transportation. If you’re driving, there’s a practical tip from past groups: all-day parking is available at the marina for an additional fee (reported as $30 when booking with them). It’s one of those small logistics wins that can keep your morning from feeling like a scavenger hunt.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the crew. In the past, I’ve seen multiple mentions of hosts like Ivy and TL, and a captain named Justin keeping the day running smoothly. If you want the best experience, arrive a little early, soak in the vibe, and ask what the crew recommends for the day’s water and visibility.

Your money’s working harder: what’s included on board

The price is $250 per person. On paper, that can sound steep—until you look at what’s actually covered. This charter rolls several typical add-ons into one day: a full crew-led sailing outing, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, a real lunch, and multiple drink options.

Here’s what you can plan around based on the provided details:

Food and non-alcoholic drinks

• A morning fruit and pastry tray.
• Later lunch on board: freshly sliced turkey and cheese and veggie wrap with chips.
• Soda and water available throughout the day.

Snorkeling gear

• Snorkel equipment is included, so you don’t need to pack your own set.

Water fun

• Paddle boards.
• Hammock swings (and those original hammock chairs that hang off the back, where the ride becomes the entertainment).

Alcohol

• Alcoholic beverages include 1 gallon of rum punch (or painkiller, your choice) plus a 12-pack of light beer.
• Alcohol use is limited to adults 18+.

What’s not included

• Gratuities.

The big value here is the mix of flexibility plus convenience. You’re not paying extra for every little thing—gear rental, water toys, and basic food are all handled. And since it’s private, you’re not stuck with someone else’s pre-set route when conditions look better somewhere else.

How the day tends to flow on Second Chance (and where you’ll feel it most)

The day runs about 7 hours 30 minutes. That length is long enough to feel like you escaped the island routine, but not so long that you’ll burn out. The rhythm usually looks like sailing between spots, time in the water, and long stretches where you can relax without rushing.

A sensible way to think about it:

1. Morning fuel and first on-water time

You start with fruit and pastries, then head out. Even if you’re not first in the water, you’ll likely want some time to settle in, grab sunscreen, and get your bearings as the catamaran glides away from the dock.

1. Snorkeling stops (typically 2–3)

You can expect 2 to 3 snorkeling stops in a day. The exact places can vary, but the common options include Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove.

1. Lunch aboard, not on land

Lunch is served on the boat. That means you lose less time shuttling between spots. It also helps you keep the pacing relaxed: eat, drink water, and head back out only when you feel ready.

1. More sailing and more chances to enjoy the boat

After snorkeling, you’ll still have time to enjoy the deck setup, paddle boards, and the hammocks. This is where the “luxury catamaran” part becomes real—because you’re not just doing activities. You’re floating.

If you like a day that balances movement and downtime, this is built for that.

Snorkeling stops you might choose: Maho, Lovango Cay, Christmas Cove

A typical day trip includes 2–3 snorkeling stops, and you choose the locations. That matters because snorkeling isn’t only about the site—it’s also about what the day gives you: water clarity, wind, and how everyone’s energy level is running.

Here are the named options you may hear about when you’re planning the route:

Maho on St. John

If your goal is classic Caribbean snorkeling with a chance to see sea life close up, Maho is one of the go-to possibilities. It’s also a great choice when you want a St. John connection without doing a whole separate excursion.

Lovango Cay

Lovango Cay is another common stop. The key advantage for you is variety: different coves can feel like different worlds, and a private charter helps you pick what fits your mood that day.

Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove is often listed as a snorkeling option. If you’re the type who enjoys switching between calmer water and more active swim time, this kind of stop pattern can give you both.

What to watch for

Snorkeling conditions can change quickly, even on the same island. So I’d treat these stops as flexible options rather than guarantees. The crew can steer you toward what’s working best that day, which is exactly where private routing earns its keep.

And yes, this experience is described as one where you can swim with sea turtles and snorkel beautiful reefs. If seeing sea turtles is your top goal, don’t wait until the last stop. Your best shot is often earlier in the day when everyone is fresh and the water conditions are stable.

Relaxation is not optional: bean bags, trampolines, and hammock chairs

This boat setup is built for people who want to enjoy the sea without constantly being in gear. You’ll find sunning spaces on top of the trampolines and bean bags, plus those original Beach Charters VI hammock chairs that hang off the back.

That hanging-chair detail is more than a cute feature. It changes how you experience the ride: you’re facing the water, watching the coast slip by, and it’s easy to switch between lounging and jumping back into the fun. Past groups also mentioned kids enjoying the day a lot, helped by the mix of swim time and simple onboard play like paddle boards and hammock swings.

If you’re bringing kids or multi-age groups, this kind of layout helps. Not everyone has to be a snorkeler. Some people can be “on deck,” some people can be in the water, and nobody feels like they’re waiting through hours of the same thing.

Beyond snorkeling: beaches, islands, and views from the water

Even if you’re obsessed with the snorkel part (and honestly, you should be), the sailing time is part of the point. You’ll see amazing beaches and islands while catching some sun on the deck.

That’s one reason I’d pick a charter like this instead of only doing land-based tours. From the water, the coastline looks larger, softer, and less crowded. You also get a moving vantage point, which makes the whole day feel like a journey rather than a single stop.

Crew energy and hosting: Ivy, TL, and Justin in the mix

A lot of private charters are just someone in a uniform showing up. This one sounds different. The crew hosting style comes up repeatedly, with names like Ivy and TL mentioned as friendly and knowledgeable hosts. A captain named Justin is also highlighted for keeping things organized and smooth.

What that means for you is simple: you’ll probably get help without a lecture. Expect check-ins for comfort and safety, guidance around snorkeling and using the included gear, and a general sense that the day is about your group, not a rigid schedule.

Price and value: why $250 per person can make sense

Let’s talk real value. $250 per person is not a bargain price, but it can be good value when you add up what’s included and how private it feels.

You get:

• Snorkel gear included.
• Paddle boards and hammock swings included.
• A full lunch plus drinks all day.
• A full-day-style sailing experience on a luxury catamaran.
• The ability to choose the day’s snorkeling locations.

Many other island day options charge separately for gear, food, and boat time, and they still run on someone else’s route. Here, the route flexibility is part of the value, because the charter can aim for the best snorkeling moments rather than forcing you through a one-size-fits-all plan.

Also consider the math for groups. If you’re splitting the cost among a small group and everyone actually uses the water toys and food, the cost per person can feel more reasonable. It’s especially compelling if you’re traveling with kids, because they often take to paddle boards and lounging in a way that’s hard to replicate on crowded tours.

Who should book this charter (and who might rethink it)

I think this trip fits best if you want:

• A private day on a sailing catamaran, not a shared bus-and-boat schedule.
• To snorkel with serious structure (gear provided) but with freedom to choose stops.
• A day that includes downtime: hammock chairs, bean bags, and sea air.
• Easy food and drink handling so you can stay in vacation mode.

You might want to rethink it if:

• You want a tightly timed sightseeing itinerary with lots of land stops. This day is mainly about the water.
• You’re someone who dislikes alcohol-focused inclusions. Drinks are included, but alcohol is only for adults 18+ to consume, so plan accordingly.
• You’re traveling during a period where weather could be unstable. The experience requires good weather, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if canceled due to poor conditions.

Should you book Second Chance with Beach Charters VI?

If your priority is a smooth, private day on the water with real inclusions, I’d book it. The combination of snorkeling opportunities (often 2–3 stops), the sea turtle possibility, and the comfort-focused deck setup makes it more than a quick swim-and-go outing.

I’d especially consider it if you’re traveling with a group that wants different options at once. Some people can snorkel, some can paddle board, and everyone can still enjoy the view without feeling like they’re missing the main event.

Just go in with the right mindset: it’s a sailing day with chosen stops, not a land tour. If you want sea time, this is one of the most straightforward ways to get it.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Beach Charters VI Dock B slip 19, 6501, St. Thomas, at 201 Red Hook Rd, VI, St Thomas 00802, USVI. It ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the charter begin?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $250.00 per person.

Is this a private charter?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What snorkeling experiences are included?

The day typically includes 2 to 3 snorkeling stops, with options such as Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included with a morning fruit and pastry tray and then a meal provided later in the day.

Are paddle boards and hammock chairs available?

Yes. Paddle boards and hammock swings are included, and you can also use the hammock chairs that hang off the back.

Is alcohol included, and is there an age limit?

Alcoholic beverages are included, including rum punch (or painkiller by choice) and a 12-pack of light beer. You must be 18 to consume alcohol.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.