A day on a private catamaran makes St Thomas feel personal. You charter a 47’ luxury Leopard catamaran, then let your captain shape the route around St Thomas’s harbors and nearby islands like Buck Island and Water Island. The boat is built for hanging out too, with a big back deck, comfy bow seating, and water toys ready the moment you arrive at the right spot.

I especially love the private group setup (no crowds, just your people) and the snorkel-and-sea-life focus, with captains guiding you toward reefs and places where turtles show up. One thing to watch: lunch is not included, so plan on snacks (and budget) if you want food during the day.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• 47-foot Leopard catamaran layout with a spacious salon that opens to an expansive back deck
• Snorkeling gear and floats included, plus the boat’s water toys for off-and-on water time
• Drinks included: beer and the Seas the Day signature rum punch, along with soda and bottled water
• Captain-built itinerary across St Thomas, Buck Island, Water Island, and sometimes a secret cay
• Bluetooth audio on board (JBL sound system) so your playlist follows you across the waves
• Crew safety and sanitation steps: monthly COVID-19 testing for captain/crew, plus CDC/WHO-style sanitizing after each trip

Private Luxury Catamaran: What You Really Buy for $1,495

For $1,495 per group (up to 12 people), you’re not buying a seat on a crowded excursion. You’re buying the boat time itself: your own captain, your own space, and an itinerary that can flex based on weather, energy levels, and what you actually want to see.

That matters in St Thomas. The islands look close on a map, but spending your day in the water (and then having a place to rinse, relax, and stay shaded) is what turns a half-day into a memory. On S/Y Pisces, you get a smooth mix of “sailing day” and “water day.” The boat’s back deck is made for conversation and lingering, while the bow seating (plus beanbag chairs) helps groups spread out instead of crowding one side.

If you’re traveling with kids, a multigenerational crew, or a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers, this setup is usually a win. People can snorkel in short bursts, then jump back on for drinks, music, and sea views.

The other side: this is still a weather-dependent day on the water, and the itinerary is designed around where conditions are best. If you only have a super tight window tied to a cruise schedule, you’ll want to pay extra attention to timing (more on that later).

S/Y Pisces in Real Life: Deck Comfort, Sound, and Toys

S/Y Pisces is a 47’ luxury Leopard catamaran, and the comfort is not an afterthought. The salon opens to a roomy back deck with comfortable seating, which means you can find shade without feeling stuck below.

Out front, the setup is geared for group lounging:

• Bean bag chairs for relaxed hanging out
• Two large trampolines for a playful social moment and easy viewing while cruising

And then there’s the “make the day feel like your day” factor: a JBL sound system with Bluetooth capability. It’s a small detail that changes the vibe. You’re not waiting for announcements or fighting for the best spot to hear music. You play what you want, when you want.

In the water, the included kit is the right kind of practical: snorkeling equipment plus floats and other water toys. Reviews and onboard descriptions repeatedly point to turtles, rays, and reefs, so you’ll feel like the stops are chosen for wildlife—not just for photos.

One more comfort note: there’s a restroom on board, which sounds basic until you’re out on the water for hours with a group that includes kids.

Where You Meet at Havensight (and Why Timing Matters)

Your day starts at the WICO Day Charter Dock at Havensight. You meet near the Yacht Haven Grande area at the R Bar drink kiosk. From there, the captain escorts you to the boat.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. That timing buffer is not just polite—it helps you get everyone settled, handle any last-minute questions, and be ready to depart on time.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship at Crown Bay Marina, you’ll need a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Build in about 15 minutes each way for that transfer. For full-day charters, you can often set a starting time with your captain—9 am is common—so the best move is to pick a time that gives you cushion, not stress.

How the Captain Builds Your Day: St Thomas to Buck Island and Beyond

This charter is private, so your route doesn’t have to match a fixed checklist. Your captain and you design an itinerary based on your priorities.

Here’s what’s commonly in the mix:

• St Thomas: islands and harbors around the main area
• Buck Island: a favorite when you want reef time and a good chance at sea turtles
• Water Island: often for a change of scenery and quieter water moments
• Maybe a secret cay: the kind of stop that tends to feel special because it’s not the standard photo stamp

You’ll also hear about wildlife-focused stops. In multiple onboard accounts, people talk about snorkeling with turtles, plus sting rays and lots of fish. One detail I like here is that your captain can steer you toward calmer conditions for snorkeling and toward spots where turtles are actively showing up.

What you should expect from the sailing portion

You’re not just “getting to the snorkel.” The sailing time is part of the fun. With the back deck open and the bow seating made for group conversation, the ride becomes the prelude to the swim—music on, drinks in hand, and everyone settling into vacation mode.

Snorkel Stops That Feel Planned (Not Random)

Snorkeling on this type of private charter works best when you treat it like an experience with stages: quick briefing, calm entry, then a slow scan for sea life. That’s how your day tends to work here.

The snorkeling equipment and floats are included, so you don’t need to lug gear from home or wait in line for rentals. Once you’re at the right reef or water area, your captain can help you pick a direction, manage currents, and spend time where you’ll actually see things.

Here’s what people consistently highlight:

• Reefs with sea turtles
• Rays and lots of fish
• Snorkeling spots chosen so the whole group can enjoy them, not only advanced swimmers

If you’re bringing kids or non-swimmers, you’ll still be able to enjoy the stop. Floats and the relaxed boat vibe mean people can hang near the swim area while others snorkel. And because the charter is private, you don’t feel rushed to “move along” after one short dip.

One playful note: some people mention a boat moment called the Pisces Plunge. If your captain offers something like that on your specific day, it’s the kind of extra that turns a normal swim stop into a standout memory.

Beach Time: Honeymoon Beach and Shipwreck Cove Options

Your itinerary isn’t just “sail and snorkel.” It also includes real beach time, depending on conditions and what your group wants.

Two beach-style stops come up often:

• Honeymoon Beach: people describe it as a favorite sandy spot, especially after snorkel time
• Shipwreck Cove: mentioned as part of certain day plans for snorkeling and water play

The value of these beach stops is simple: you get a reset. Even if your snorkel time is fantastic, you still want dry land moments—sand between toes, photo time, and a place to stretch without being in the water.

A practical tip: bring swimwear you don’t mind drying slowly, and consider a light cover-up. Catamaran days can mean you go from shade to sun fast, especially if you’re out on deck right after a swim.

Drinks and Water Are Built In, So Budget Like a Local

This is one of the clearer value stories in the package.

Included:

• Bottled water (Virgin H2O)
• Soda/pop
• Beer
• Alcoholic beverages including the Seas the Day Signature Rum Punch
• You also have a boat restroom for long-day comfort

That means you can spend the day without doing the constant run for purchases. You’re paying for a day that stays fun from start to finish.

Two smart planning points:

• Lunch is not included. You’ll either buy food on the island or time your day so lunch is somewhere convenient. Some people make it work with lunch purchases in nearby areas (for example, one commonly mentioned spot is Dinghy’s), but your captain will only confirm what’s workable for your route and timing.
• Bring cash or a card you’re comfortable using for food. Even if you plan to snack, having lunch options available keeps everyone happy—especially kids and mixed-age groups.

If you’re planning a full-day charter and want a true sit-down meal, you’ll do better if you treat lunch as a separate plan, not something that will automatically appear onboard.

Price Value Check: When This Catamaran Makes Sense

$1,495 for up to 12 people can be a steal—or it can feel pricey—depending on how you travel.

Here’s the way I’d look at it:

• If you fill the group (say 10–12 people), you’re basically paying per person for a private yacht experience with drinks and snorkeling included. That’s hard to beat on a vacation week.
• If you have a small group (like 4–6 people), it still can be worth it if you want privacy, flexibility, and the benefit of a dedicated crew.

What pushes the value higher:

• Snorkeling gear and floats included
• Drinks and water included
• Private boat time instead of a seat on a bus-like schedule
• A boat that supports multiple personalities: snorkelers, loungers, and kids all at once

What can lower the value for some people:

• If your group only wants a quick photo stop, you might prefer a shorter half-day option or a different style of tour.

In other words: this charter is best when you’re planning to actually use the boat the way it’s meant to be used—time in the water, time on deck, and time at beach stops.

Practical Considerations Before You Book

A few things you should decide up front so your day stays smooth:

1) Half day vs full day

If you want real beach time plus multiple snorkeling stops, full day is usually the better fit. If you just want “pick a reef, swim, relax, done,” a half day can still be great.

2) Weather matters

This is an outdoor activity. The experience is designed for good conditions, and if weather is rough, the day can change (or you may be offered a different date).

3) Your priorities should drive the itinerary

This charter works best when you tell your captain what you care about: turtles vs rays, calm swimming vs active swimming, and how much beach time you want.

4) BVI is not part of the plan

This specific charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands. If that’s the main reason you booked a boat day, you’ll need a different itinerary.

Should You Book the Private Luxury Catamaran Charter?

Book it if you want a day that feels like you hired your own floating vacation house. You’ll probably love it if your group values privacy, real snorkeling time, and easy fun like Bluetooth music, trampolines, and a deck that works for everyone.

Skip it or think twice if:

• Lunch is a non-negotiable part of your trip plan and you don’t want to shop for it
• You only care about destinations in the British Virgin Islands
• Your timing is extremely tight and you don’t have wiggle room for taxi transfers from Crown Bay

If you do book, my best advice is simple: coordinate your start time with your cruise schedule if you’re arriving by ship, and decide your lunch approach before you go. Then show up early at the R Bar area and let the captain tailor the day—because that’s where the experience earns its high marks.

FAQ

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You meet at the WICO Day Charter Dock at Havensight, near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway, at the R Bar drink kiosk. The captain escorts you to the boat, and you should arrive about 15 minutes before departure.

How many people can this private charter accommodate?

The charter price covers up to 12 people per group.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, though you can purchase it at many locations.

Does the charter go to the British Virgin Islands?

No. This charter does not visit BVI.

What’s included with the snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floats and water toys.

What drinks are included?

You get bottled water, soda/pop, beer, and alcoholic beverages, including the Seas the Day signature rum punch.

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as about 7 hours for the charter duration.

If I’m on a cruise ship at Crown Bay Marina, how do I get there?

You’ll need a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Plan about 15 minutes each way for the transfer.

What are the cancellation terms if weather or plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.