Speed plus turtles makes this day unforgettable. A private charter on the MV Poseidon is one of the fastest, easiest ways to hop between beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with snorkel time and swim breaks built in. You get a boat that aims to keep you dry while still moving quick, plus a captain who helps shape the route around your group.

Two things I really like: first, the low-draft design and transom ladder make getting in and out of the water less of a hassle than you’ll find on older boats. Second, your charter includes the snorkel setup and on-board refreshment so your day doesn’t turn into a constant stop-and-spend rhythm. It also helps that this is for your group only, so you can keep the pace you want.

One possible drawback: the price is for the boat, but there can be extra costs for fuel and some stops may depend on sea conditions. Also, while there are popular beach options, you probably won’t hit every spot on a full day—time and weather have a say.

Key highlights you can plan around

• Private boat, up to 12 people: less waiting, more time in the water, and an easy pace for families.
• MV Poseidon is built for speed and stability: quicker hops without the rough-ride feel.
• Snorkel gear and drinks are included: you spend less time prepping, more time swimming.
• Low draft + transom ladder: easier beach access, even when you are just a few feet from shore.
• A captain who designs the route: you can prioritize turtles, beaches, or both.

MV Poseidon: a 36-ft catamaran that’s made for staying comfortable

If you’ve ever done a day on a big group boat, you know the trade-off: lots of people, lots of noise, and you often lose time waiting. With a private charter on MV Poseidon (a 36 ft TwinVee Ocean Cat), you’re paying for a boat experience that’s designed for comfort and speed at the same time.

This catamaran is built around the idea that you can move fast between beaches without feeling tossed around. The twin-hull design also tends to make the ride steadier than you’d expect from a powerboat, which matters on a day that can include several short swims and landings. One more practical point: it’s described as the most comfortable powerboat on the island, and the goal is for guests to stay dry while cruising.

Why that matters for your day

When you’re spending half a day or a full day in the water, the boat ride is part of the experience. If the boat is comfortable, you arrive at each stop more ready to snorkel and swim, not already tired from the transit.

Also, MV Poseidon is sized for up to 12 guests, so it still feels roomy. On a boat like this, you’re not constantly stepping around strangers or trying to find a quiet corner.

Private charter pricing: what $895.50 covers and what to budget

The headline price is $895.50 per group (up to 12). That’s for the entire boat, not per person, which makes it a surprisingly smart value if you’re traveling with family or friends and splitting the cost.

Your charter includes a lot of the annoying extras that can add up on island days:

• U.S. park fees and mooring permits
• Water, ice, soda
• Beer and alcoholic beverages
• Snorkeling equipment
• Captain included (tip is not included)
• A mobile ticket for entry

Now for the part you should plan for: fuel is not included. There’s a billed fuel surcharge of $8 per gallon, and the estimate is:

• Half day: 15–25 gallons
• Full day: 30–45 gallons

That means your fuel addition can land roughly around:

• Half day: about $120–$200
• Full day: about $240–$360

Is it still good value? For a private boat day with snorkel gear and included drinks, it often is—especially if you would otherwise pay for multiple activities separately. But it’s worth budgeting fuel early so you’re not doing math while you’re on vacation.

One more scope note: this charter is focused on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visiting the BVI is listed as something you can book separately, not as part of this package.

Meeting point at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook

You start and finish at American Yacht Harbor (84GX+24H), Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas 00802. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not worrying about transportation at the end of a fun, salty day.

A practical tip from real-world experience: arrive early so you have time to handle paperwork. If you show up right on time, you can end up with less actual water time than you expected, especially on a half-day schedule.

How the day usually feels: custom routing, short stops, big payoff

The biggest benefit here is not just the destinations. It’s the flexibility. Your captain works with your group to build the itinerary you want, whether that means:

• more beach time,
• more snorkeling time,
• or a mix with famous swim spots.

The route includes a menu of popular stops, and each stop can be around 30 minutes on sample plans. In real life, that timing can shift. If the sea is rough, if everyone wants one more snorkel minute, or if you want to slow down for kids, the captain can adjust. That’s also why you might see fewer than the full list of stops on a full day.

What I’d optimize for

If this is your only catamaran day in the islands, prioritize the stops with clear snorkel potential and pick one or two “anchor” beaches for lounging. Then let the rest be bonus time.

Beach hopping game plan: Water Island to Magens Bay

Here’s what you should expect from the main stops on the route, and what makes each one worth your time. Think of this as a buffet: your captain can choose the best combination based on timing, weather, and what your group wants most.

Water Island: a fast opener with an easy feel

Water Island is a good starting point because it’s a quick entry into island life without burning your whole day right away. Plan for a short stretch of beach time or a swim break, and treat it like your warm-up before the bigger snorkeling spots.

What it’s best for: relaxing, taking photos, and setting the pace for kids or first-timers in the water.

Little Buck Island: a snorkel-focused stop where the site matters

Little Buck Island is included as a stop with admission included. That matters because it signals a location where the water quality and snorkeling are a major part of the attraction.

What it’s best for: snorkeling when you want the underwater experience to be the centerpiece of the stop.

Secret Harbour: a calm-sounding break for beach time

Secret Harbour shows up as a free-admission stop. Even when time is short, this kind of stop is usually chosen because it’s a nice break point: get off the boat, stretch out, and enjoy the day without rushing.

What it’s best for: a mid-route pause that keeps everyone energized.

Honeymoon Beach: classic swim time with a laid-back vibe

Honeymoon Beach is listed as another free-admission stop. It’s one of those island beaches that tends to work for both swimmers and people who just want to hang on shore.

There’s a practical advantage too: the boat’s low draft and transom ladder setup means the boarding and exit process can be smoother when you’re bouncing between sand and water.

What it’s best for: a quick beach reset, especially if your group includes a mix of snorkel lovers and non-snorkelers.

Trunk Bay Beach: the big-name stop you’ll understand once you see it

Trunk Bay Beach is one of the stops where admission is included. That’s a clue you’re going somewhere that’s meant to be experienced, not just passed by.

What it’s best for: doing the “main beach” part of St John without spending your entire vacation commuting.

Scott Bay Beach: another strong snorkeling choice

Scott Bay Beach is listed with admission included as well. If you’re building your day around coral and fish viewing, this kind of stop earns its time.

What it’s best for: adding variety to your snorkeling across multiple bays instead of repeating the same type of swim.

Maho Bay Beach: snorkeling and wildlife odds increase the fun

Maho Bay Beach shows up as an included stop. This is the kind of place that fits the day theme of swimming and turtles, and it’s also where the underwater surprises can make your stop memorable.

In the captain stories shared from past charters, wildlife sightings are a big part of the satisfaction. People talk about seeing sea turtles during snorkels, and sometimes other creatures too, depending on conditions.

What it’s best for: snorkelers who want a chance at wildlife encounters.

Magens Bay Beach: finish strong with a beach day centerpiece

Magens Bay Beach is another included stop. If you end up here late in the day, it can work as a strong closer: sand time, easy photos, and one last swim before the boat returns.

What it’s best for: finishing with a beach you can actually enjoy from start to end.

Snorkel success: gear is included, but the captain drives the outcome

The snorkel equipment is included in your charter, and that’s a big deal. It saves you from packing gear, buying random snorkels at the dock, or dealing with fit issues while you’re on island time.

But the other truth is simple: snorkeling is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on the spot, the water, and how your captain reads the day. The captain-factor shows up again and again in the stories tied to this company. Names that come up include Captain Holly, Captain Glen, Captain Amanda, Captain Hillary, Captain Mike, Captain Bryan, Captain Aaron, Captain Kyle, and Captain Wallens. Across those accounts, people keep pointing to the same theme: the captain shapes the day so you’re not just swimming somewhere, you’re swimming in places that match what your group wants.

What you might see underwater

You should expect colorful fish and coral. The big attraction is the chance to swim with sea turtles, and that is repeatedly associated with these routes.

Beyond that, sightings can vary, but some past outings describe encounters such as:

• star fish,
• stingray,
• an octopus,
• a lemon shark,
• and even a sunken sailboat as a snorkeling point of interest.

None of that is guaranteed. Still, the point is that your captain isn’t treating the snorkel stops like checkboxes.

How to make your snorkeling easier

You’ll have better fun if you treat snorkeling like a pace activity, not a race. The boat is designed for short hop-and-swim segments, so plan on relaxed breathing and a slow drift—especially if you’re swimming with kids or anyone who is nervous about deeper water.

If the sea looks rough, you may still get a great day, but you should be ready for the captain to adjust timing and stops to keep things safe and comfortable.

Drinks, music, and the best kind of beach break

One of the underrated joys of a private charter is that you’re not always scrambling for the next thing. You have a boat with a Fusion stereo, so you can listen to your music while cruising between swim spots.

Food and drink are part of the included package too: water, ice, soda, and beer, plus alcoholic beverages listed as included. That makes a big difference for half-day charters, where every hour counts.

Then there’s the onshore option. Your charter language points you toward beach bars such as Dinghy’s, Margaritaville, and Lime Out, plus other beach bars around the islands. On top of that, some outings also mention time at Lovango Island Resort for lunch and drinks, depending on what the captain chooses for the day.

So your beach break isn’t just sand and sun. It can be sand, sun, and a cold drink at the right stop, without turning the day into a logistics exercise.

Is this charter worth it for your group size and travel style?

This experience is built for groups that want flexibility and want to keep control of the day. It tends to work especially well for:

• families with kids who need predictable schedules and time to rest,
• couples who want a private boat without the cost of a larger custom yacht,
• friend groups that want a fun, fast day without joining a big crowd,
• snorkel lovers who care about where they swim more than the number of stops.

If your group is made up of people who just want a simple beach day with minimal swim effort, you may still enjoy it. Just know that the “value” is highest when you actually use the snorkel time and the easy beach access.

If your group expects to tick off every named beach in one day, manage expectations. The day runs on real water conditions and real timing, so your captain will likely choose the best combination rather than trying to hit the entire list.

Should you book this private MV Poseidon catamaran?

If you want a private boat day with snorkel gear, included drinks, and a captain who can tailor the stops, I think this is a strong choice. The $895.50-per-boat pricing can feel steep if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, but it turns into a good value when you can spread it across a group of up to 12.

Book it when:

• you care about swimming with turtles and seeing coral and fish,
• you want a calmer, smaller group experience,
• you’re flexible on which beaches you hit, as long as the water time is great.

Skip or consider alternatives if:

• you’re trying to plan a rigid, checklist-style schedule,
• you dislike fuel surcharges and would rather pay only a single flat price,
• you’re going right after rough weather where the captain might shorten the day.

If your goal is a day that feels like the best parts of island life at speed—fast hops, real swimming, and an easy vibe—MV Poseidon can deliver.

FAQ

Is the $895.50 price per person?

No. The price is listed as per group (up to 12 guests) for the private charter.

How many people can fit on this charter?

MV Poseidon accommodates up to 12 guests for the private experience.

What’s included in the charter?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda/pop, beer and alcoholic beverages, and the captain. It also states that U.S. park fees and mooring permits are included.

Do you provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at American Yacht Harbor, Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas (84GX+24H), USVI. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.