Some days you want a plane ticket. This is the water kind. A private power catamaran charter around St Thomas and Virgin Islands National Park means you set the pace, with a local captain who’ll point out what you’re seeing and help shape your day. I like that the boat is built for comfort: a wide, stable 32-footer with about two-thirds shaded deck space, so you’re not stuck baking even in peak sun.

Two things I really love about this experience: first, the snorkeling time is a main event (including equipment) and the itinerary is designed around coral reefs and turtle swimming in warm, clear water. Second, you get a real private-group vibe—Captain Mike, Captain Aaron, and the crew at Shades of Blue are repeatedly praised for being friendly and tuned in to what your group needs, from sight-spotting to keeping kids and teens entertained.

One drawback to plan around: this is weather-dependent. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions change, your captain may adjust snorkeling spots to keep you in the best water. That’s usually a good call at sea, but it does mean your day can shift.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private charter for up to 10: only your group plus the captain and crew.
• Shaded comfort on a stable 32′ power catamaran: about two-thirds of the deck is under shade.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, plus bottled water and ice in built-in coolers.
• Turtle swimming is part of the plan, with warm, clear water typically emphasized.
• A strong onboard sound system (2000-watt stereo) for music while you cruise and relax.
• Full-day charters can add lunch, with options handled by your captain.

Sapphire Beach Marina to a Private Catamaran Day

This starts at Sapphire Beach Marina in St Thomas (6720 Smith Bay Rd, Smith Bay, St Thomas 00802). The big value here is that once you’re on the boat, you’re not joining a crowd or waiting on a dozen other groups. It’s just you, your people, and the captain—so you can actually enjoy the in-between moments, like cruising past viewpoints without constantly thinking about schedules.

The boat itself is described as a 32′ power catamaran. In the materials it’s referenced as Shady Lady and also as Island Girl—either way, the same idea is consistent: a wide, stable platform that works well in these waters, with lots of seating and heavy shade coverage.

The overall time shown is about 6 hours 30 minutes. Since the charter comes in full or half-day options, you should think of this as “a full day out on the water” in spirit, even if your exact start and end time differ based on the version you book.

Why This Boat Layout Makes a Difference in Real Life

I don’t just care if a boat is seaworthy. I care if you’ll still want to be on it after an hour.

On this charter, the comfort is built into the design. You get:

• A wide catamaran stance (less of that side-to-side feel you get on smaller craft)
• About two-thirds of the deck shaded, which matters if you’re prone to sunburn or just want a break from the glare
• Plenty of sun seating too, so you can swap between shade and sun without feeling trapped

This mix is handy for groups with different preferences—say, a couple who wants shade, teens who want sun, and someone who keeps switching back and forth with the breeze. It’s one of the reasons this kind of private charter tends to feel easier than “big tour day” tours.

And yes, there’s also a practical perk: you’re cruising with time to relax. You’ll be able to listen to music from the 2000-watt stereo system and sip from cold drinks kept in the boat coolers (you bring whatever you plan to drink beyond the included water and ice).

Snorkeling for Coral Reefs and Turtle Time

If you book this, you’re probably doing it for the water. The charter description frames snorkeling as a highlight, and the experience is also built around swimming with turtles in warm, clear water.

Here’s the practical part: your captain will choose snorkeling spots based on conditions and your preferences. That flexibility is why you see examples like nurse sharks showing up when snorkeling locations were switched due to weather. The lesson for you is simple: go in expecting adaptation, not perfection. When conditions shift, a good captain can still keep the day interesting.

What you should plan for underwater:

• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you won’t need to pack or rent gear.
• You’ll want mask fit that feels comfortable quickly—if something pinches, tell the captain or mate right away.
• Turtle sightings are a goal of the itinerary, but no living animal is ever a guaranteed “always.” What you can count on is that turtles are part of what they’re actively looking for and timing your day around.

Also, if your group is new to snorkeling, a private charter is often easier than group tours because you can move at a pace that feels good. Your captain and crew are there to help you get sorted and out into the water with confidence.

Secluded Beach Hopping (and the Art of Doing Nothing)

One of the most enjoyable parts of this charter is that it can be more than snorkeling stops—it’s beach time, floating time, and the kind of “we’re on island time” rhythm that big tours can’t match.

The charter offers beach hopping with stops at beautiful beaches, including secluded options. What that means for your day:

• You can switch scenes without feeling like you’re trapped in one place all day.
• The secluded beaches tend to feel calmer—better for groups that want a quieter swim or just to watch the water and enjoy the breeze.

Then there’s the downtime. The boat day includes built-in chill time—something as simple as floating on noodles in warm water with a cold drink. That’s not a throwaway detail. It’s how you keep the day from turning into a nonstop activity checklist.

In one example from real charters, the day included fun extras like a floating pizza place stop, which shows the flexibility your captain may use to tailor things for your group. You won’t want to plan your whole day around offbeat add-ons, but it’s reassuring to see that the crew knows how to mix classic “see the island” stops with relaxed, memorable moments.

Lunch on Full-Day Charters: How to Handle Food Without Stress

Lunch is only mentioned as an option for full-day charters. The captain can plan a stop and help with choices, which is a big deal because it keeps your group from spending the day hungry and wandering.

One reported lunch stop was Lovongo, which suggests the captain can work with local favorites and convenient beach or dock areas. If lunch is a priority for you, this full-day format is where you’ll feel the most payoff, because you get a long, complete day instead of a half-day sprint.

A practical tip for your planning: bring a light snack mindset even if lunch is included or planned. Lunch plans can shift with weather and timing, and having a backup bite keeps everyone happy and unhurried.

The Sound System and Cruise Time: More Than Just Transit

A lot of boat days feel like the “ride” is just transportation between stops. Here, the ride is part of the experience.

The charter describes playing music through a 2000-watt stereo while you cruise. That changes the vibe. You’re not just moving from spot to spot—you’re spending time together on the water, looking at landmarks, and hearing local context from a captain who lives nearby and loves showing the islands.

You’ll also get comfortable cruising time. Even if you’re a “do things” person, you’ll probably appreciate the breaks: sitting, watching the coastline slide by, and switching between shade and sun depending on how the heat is behaving.

Price Per Group: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $1,050 per group (up to 10). At first glance, that number can feel steep—especially if you’re comparing it to per-person tours.

But with private charters, you’re not really paying for “one person’s seat.” You’re paying for:

• Exclusive boat time
• A captain and crew focused only on your group
• The flexibility to adjust stops based on conditions
• Comfort features like stable catamaran layout and large shaded areas

Let’s do the rough math people usually care about: if you have a full group of 10, you’re paying about $105 per person. With fewer people, the per-person cost climbs fast. So this is best value when you can fill the group size—family trips, friend groups, and multi-generational travel.

Also, you’re paying to reduce friction. When everyone is on the same schedule and you’re not sharing a boat with strangers, the day tends to feel smoother. For many groups, that “we actually got to enjoy the day” feeling is the real value.

Who This Private Charter Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private group day instead of a crowded tour
• Snorkeling and turtle swimming as main goals, not side activities
• A mix of active time (snorkeling, swimming) and rest time (beach hopping, floating, music)
• A captain who can tailor the day—Captain Aaron is specifically noted for taking guests wherever they wanted to go, and Capt Tim/Capt Mike/Capt Kirk show up in multiple reviews as friendly and on task.

It’s especially good for:

• Families with kids and teens (there are reports of teenage boys staying entertained)
• Groups celebrating birthdays or making a special day out of the trip
• Travelers who want comfort and shade without giving up the chance to swim and explore

If your group is purely “we want to jump from attraction to attraction,” you might find the day is more water-focused than checklist-heavy. But if you like being on the water, that’s a feature.

A Few Real-World Tips to Make Your Day Better

You’ll have a captain guiding the flow, but you can still make the day go smoothly with a bit of prep.

• Plan your sun strategy before you board. There’s lots of shade on the boat, but you’ll still want sunscreen for when you’re in and out of the water.
• Think about snorkeling confidence. If someone is hesitant, your captain can often help you pick easier spots or adjust pacing.
• Be ready for spot changes. Weather can shift. One charter example included switching snorkeling locations and still turning up nurse sharks. That’s a reminder that flexibility can pay off.
• Bring what you need for comfort. Water is included, and ice is provided, but you’ll likely want your own snacks, lip balm, and whatever helps you enjoy a long stretch on the water.

Should You Book This Private Power Catamaran Charter?

If your goal is a private day on the water in St Thomas with snorkeling, turtles, and beach time, this is an easy yes to consider. The best reason to book is simple: the format supports a real, personal day—exclusive boat time, included snorkeling gear, and a comfortable catamaran with serious shade.

The main reason to hesitate is the money if you can’t fill the group size. With small groups, the per-person cost can become less charming. If you do have a group of up to 10, it tends to feel much more reasonable, because everyone gets the boat to themselves and the crew focuses on your day.

So I’d book it when you have the right group mix and you want your St Thomas highlight to be time on the water—not time navigating crowds.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private charter, and only your group participates with the captain (and a mate for larger groups).

How many people can we book for?

The price is listed per group up to 10 people.

How long is the charter?

The experience duration is listed as approximately 6 hours 30 minutes. The tour also offers full-day or half-day options.

Where does the charter start and end?

It starts at Sapphire Beach Marina (6720 Smith Bay Rd, Smith Bay, St Thomas 00802, USVI) and ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do we swim with turtles?

Turtle swimming is part of the charter plan, described as swimming with turtles in warm, clear water.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included for full-day charters (and the captain can help with lunch options). Lunch is not listed as included for the half-day option.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but the team can get them for an additional charge.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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