Private sails beat the busy-tour shuffle. This full-day charter with Captain Rob and Deb lets you shape the day on the water, with snorkeling and swimming stops picked around what your group wants.

What I like most is the real sense of privacy: it’s just your group (up to 6), and you can keep the itinerary flexible instead of rushing through fixed stops. I also love the way they set up the day with the practical stuff done for you, including snorkeling equipment, flotation toys, lunch, and a fresh-water rinse onboard.

One consideration: you’re still on a boat all day, so you’ll want moderate physical fitness and to be comfortable with getting in and out using the swim ladder (rated max capacity 260 lbs).

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Private charter up to 6 people: your whole day is yours, no crowd flow.
• Custom itinerary with your captain: you can sail all day or build in beach time and snorkeling.
• Snorkeling gear + flotation toys included: less packing, more water time.
• Lunch onboard + fresh-water shower rinse: you leave cleaner and less salty.
• Snorkel stop options include Honeymoon Beach: and the crew can steer you toward great underwater spots.

A private day on Cosmos: what it actually changes for you

If you’ve ever done a shared tour where you’re herded from one stop to another, this feels different fast. On this charter, the boat is yours for the whole 7-ish hour day, starting at 9:00 am from Sapphire Beach (Smith Bay), St Thomas. That matters because you can spend time where you want it, not where a schedule demands it.

I also like that the day is built around real water activities, not just scenic cruising. You can sail, anchor, swim, and snorkel, and the crew supports you with included gear and flotation toys. It’s the kind of setup that makes snorkeling feel less intimidating—especially if you’re not a “practice in the pool first” type of person.

Finally, it’s run by people who are hands-on. The captain and first mate (Rob and Deb) are not just sitting back. They’re communicating, helping folks feel comfortable in the water, and keeping the day relaxed.

Where you go: St Thomas, St John, and Greater St. James waters

You’re starting on St Thomas at Sapphire Beach, and the day is designed for exploring the broader area around it. In plain terms, that means you’re not stuck staring at the same stretch of coast all day.

The captain can take you toward snorkeling spots around St John and Greater St. James area waters, with options like Honeymoon Beach showing up as a possible stop. What’s valuable here is not the name of the place—it’s the flexibility. The crew can pair your group with the kind of stop that makes sense for the conditions and your preferences.

What to expect in the water: you’ll spend time anchored at selected locations for swimming and snorkeling. Since this is a private charter, you don’t have to negotiate with a crowd to get a second look, a calmer swim, or a longer float session.

Snorkeling stops: equipment, turtles, and getting in the water easily

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons people book this day. The good news: you don’t have to bring gear. You’ll have use of snorkeling equipment included, plus flotation water toys to make it easy to stay comfortable even if you’re not trying to “max depth” your vacation.

The way the crew supports you is a big part of the experience. In multiple accounts, people highlight how they got into snorkeling confidently, with helpful instruction and hands-on help getting out and back in. That’s huge if you’re a little nervous around open water or unsure about how the setup will work on a boat.

There’s also a practical detail worth knowing: the swim ladder is rated up to 260 lbs. If that matters for your group, check with the crew ahead of time so you feel comfortable with the boarding plan. And if someone in your party prefers not to snorkel, the day still works—you can lounge on the boat and enjoy the stops while others snorkel.

One more note from the setup: the day is described as fully customizable. If you want more sailing and less time in the water, that’s part of the bargain. If you want more water time, you can build it in.

Boarding and getting around: dock slip convenience

Most boat days get complicated at the worst possible time: when you’re trying to board with sandy feet, water shoes, or a little too much sun. Here, the charter lists easy access for boarding and disembarking (dock slip), which should make getting on and off smoother than the typical “jump and hope” setup.

This is especially useful for families and mixed-skill groups, because it reduces friction. You can focus on the day instead of staging everyone like a logistics mission.

The onboard rhythm: sailing, anchor time, and a real lunch

A full-day sail works best when it’s paced. You’re not just rushing through a single highlight—you’re spending the day switching between motion (sailing) and pause (anchor time).

The most “vacation-shaped” part is lunch onboard. It’s included, and it’s not just a grab-and-go box. The lunch is described as a homemade meal personally prepared by Deb, including standouts like crab cakes in accounts from couples and families. That’s one of the best value features here, because it saves you from spending half your day chasing lunch options on land.

Then there’s the small luxury that people love after: a fresh water shower rinse onboard. Saltwater and sunscreen residue can cling to you fast in the Virgin Islands. Having a rinse available makes the trip feel cleaner and more “ready for dinner later,” even if your next plan is just lounging at your hotel.

What to pack and what to skip (towels, sunscreen rules)

This is the practical section that can save you from a frustrating end of the day.

Don’t forget:

• Towels (they are not included)
• Your own reef-safe sunscreen—and pay close attention to the type

About sunscreen: the guidance is no sprays or oils. That usually comes down to keeping the water safer and reducing residue in the snorkel areas. If you want a simple rule: bring a reef-friendly lotion you can apply on land before boarding.

Also, pack the usual “boat day” basics: water-friendly footwear if you prefer it, a hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight layer for wind. The sea breeze can feel great until you realize you’ve been exposed for hours.

And for comfort: if you’ll be using the snorkel ladder often, keep your movements smooth and don’t rush.

Cost and value: $1,975 for up to 6 people (how to think about it)

The price is $1,975 per group for up to 6 passengers. On its face, that can sound high—until you run it like a real family math problem.

If you fill all 6 spots, you’re looking at roughly $330 per person. If you come with only 2 or 3 people, the per-person cost climbs a lot. So the value is strongest when:

• you have a group of friends or family sharing the charter cost, or
• you want a private day without sacrificing snorkeling quality, gear, and onboard meals

What you’re paying for is not just a boat. You’re paying for:

• a private, custom itinerary
• snorkeling gear and flotation toys
• lunch onboard
• a fresh-water rinse
• crew time and attention throughout the day

That’s the difference between “seeing the island” and actually living the water day you came for.

One more value tip: book your time thoughtfully. This is a full-day experience that’s best when you’re ready to spend most of the day on the water, not when you’re trying to cram five other activities into the same window.

Weather, timing, and what changes when conditions shift

This charter runs on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a fair trade in the Caribbean—boats aren’t meant to fight storms.

The experience starts at 9:00 am and returns back to the meeting point at the end of your day. Because it’s a day on the water, arriving with enough time to settle in matters. You’ll want to be ready to board and start the day without stress.

Who should book this Cosmos charter (and who might skip it)

This is a standout match if you want:

• a private St Thomas sail and snorkel day for up to 6
• real snorkeling time with equipment included
• a crew that helps you feel comfortable in the water
• onboard lunch and a rinse so you don’t end the day sticky and salty

You might consider other options if:

• your group wants a short, low-time commitment excursion (this is full-day)
• you’re traveling solo or as a duo with no shared-cost plan, since the per-person value is best at fuller occupancy
• your group isn’t comfortable with a ladder entry (again, rated up to 260 lbs)

If you’re on a honeymoon or planning a special family day, this kind of private boat setup tends to land well because it feels personal from minute one—especially with the flexibility to choose the kind of day you want.

Should you book the Private Full Day Sail/Snorkel with Sailing The Cosmos?

My take: I’d book this if you want your day in the Virgin Islands to feel controlled by you. The private setup, the included snorkeling gear and toys, and the fact that lunch plus a rinse are handled onboard make it one of the more complete “water day” options in the St Thomas area.

Here’s my quick decision checklist:

• You have 2 to 6 people and you’re comfortable splitting the group cost.
• You want at least one meaningful snorkeling session, and you value crew help getting in and out.
• You like the idea of custom stops, including options such as Honeymoon Beach, instead of being boxed into a fixed route.
• You’re okay spending most of the day on the water and you have moderate fitness for boat time.

If those fit you, this charter is an easy yes. If not, you may want a different style of tour that matches your pace and budget.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the private sail and snorkel experience?

The experience is listed as about 7 hours.

How many people can be on the charter?

It’s a private tour for up to 6 passengers per group.

What does the price include?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, flotation water toys, lunch (homemade by Deb), and a fresh water shower rinse.

Do I need to bring towels?

Yes. Towels are not included.

Is sunscreen provided?

No. Sunblock is not included, and the guidance is no sprays or oils.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Sapphire Beach, Smith Bay, St Thomas 00801, USVI. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does it start?

The listed start time is 9:00 am.

Is this a shared tour?

No. This is private, meaning only your group participates.

What if the weather is poor?

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

How does the tour handle getting in and out for swimming?

The tour notes easy access for boarding and disembarking (dock slip) and that the swim ladder is rated max 260 lbs.