A private catamaran day beats the usual St Thomas shuffle. This one is built around two late-model Lagoon multi-deck catamarans that keep your group comfortable from sail-out to snorkel stops. I especially like the mix of sun and shade (bow breeze up front, shaded cockpit back) plus the real creature comfort of a private onboard bathroom.

The big consideration is price. At $4,995 per group (up to 15), it’s best when you can fill seats with friends or your whole family, and you confirm how headcount over 15 is handled.

Key highlights

• Two tandem Lagoon catamarans for private groups up to 24: you get the feeling of a big day out without the public-tour crowd.
• Captain-led pacing and smooth cruising: the day runs on sailing time, with the crew guiding where you go and when you swim.
• Onboard comfort that actually matters: shaded seating, bow lounging space, Bluetooth audio, and a private bathroom.
• All-inclusive drinks plus signature rum punch (18+): you’re not budgeting every hour on the water.
• Snorkeling gear provided: you show up, strap on, and get moving without extra shopping.
• Near Havensight cruise docks: meeting at Yacht Haven Grande is a practical win for port days.

What this private St Thomas sailing feels like (and why it’s worth the money)

St Thomas has plenty of boat tours. This one works because it’s designed for a private-group pace, not a conveyor belt schedule. You’re in charge of your day in a real way: you can relax, hang out, and let the crew handle the sailing and stop planning.

The heart of the experience is that you’re on two modern Lagoon multi-deck sailing yachts, SY Pau Hana and SY Kai Lana. That matters because it adds room to spread out. On a shared tour, you often feel stuck in one area. Here, you can float between the open bow for sun and breeze, and the shaded cockpit when you want a break from the midday heat.

The other thing I like is that the comfort is not “nice on paper.” You get a private bathroom onboard, Bluetooth sound, and open-air seating designed for lounging. When you’re out for about 7 hours, these details stop being small.

One more practical point: it’s not just a boat rental. The package includes the captain and first-mate fees, so you’re not trying to solve logistics while you’re supposed to be relaxing.

Getting aboard: Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight (easy if you’re on a cruise)

The meeting point is Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight, within easy walking distance of the WICO cruise ship dock. If you’re on a cruise, that walk distance can make or break a port day. The start time is 9:00am (local St Thomas time), and the trip runs about 7 hours.

The official meeting location is listed at 83PH+CV9, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00802, USVI, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip setup is exactly what you want on an island day: no guesswork about where to meet at the end, and no awkward scramble for transport back.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, which helps you avoid the last-minute paperwork stress.

Onboard comfort: bow breeze, shaded cockpit, Bluetooth music, and a private bath

This is the part that makes the day feel like a luxury charter instead of a long day on a boat.

First, you have choice. Up front at the bow, you can lounge in the sun and feel the breeze. If you’re the type who gets warm fast, the large shaded cockpit with open-air seating is your spot.

Next, the bathroom. Having a private bathroom onboard means you’re not waiting your turn, and it keeps the day feeling smoother—especially with kids in the group or anyone who’s not into frequent dock stops.

Then there’s sound. The Bluetooth sound system lets you keep your own music vibe going while still hearing the ocean. It’s simple, but on a catamaran day, small joys add up.

Finally, the layout across two catamarans matters for group energy. Your crew can set the plan, but your group still gets space to stretch out, talk, and take turns at the best spots.

The day’s rhythm on the water (what 7 hours usually looks like)

You’re starting at 9:00am, and you’re out long enough to enjoy multiple phases: sail, cruise-by views, swimming/snorkeling time, then more sailing time back. Since it’s private, the crew’s decisions shape the whole flow, and you don’t have to match someone else’s agenda.

Based on the way the captains run their days, you can expect a plan that includes:

• time to sail around and see the island coastline,
• scheduled snorkeling stops with provided equipment,
• and enough lounging time to enjoy the “just be on the water” part of the trip.

One detail I really value: the crew keeps guests informed during the day. You’re not left guessing what’s next, which helps everyone relax—especially if you’re traveling with teens or a mixed-age group.

Snorkeling in US Virgin Islands waters: gear is included, but you control the pace

Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not paying extra or trying to find rentals last minute. That’s a big deal in the Caribbean, where the best moments are often the ones you can reach quickly.

The crew takes you to great snorkeling areas, and the day is built around those stops. In practice, that means you can do a longer swim if you’re confident, or take your time if you’re newer to snorkeling.

Two tips that help most people on charter snorkeling days:

• Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen and a small towel if you tend to get sandy.
• If you want photos, plan for your group to rotate camera time. The boat setup makes it easy to take turns without blocking everyone.

I also like that snorkeling is part of an otherwise relaxed sailing day. You’re not doing a marathon swim session back-to-back; it’s woven into the cruising.

Drinks and that rum-punch moment (and what’s really included)

This charter is all-inclusive for a lot of the on-board extras, which is how you keep the day feeling carefree.

Included items on board include:

• water and ice,
• soda/pop,
• beer (and the rum punch for guests 18+),
• and a Seas the Day Rum Punch (also listed as Argo’s signature rum punch).

You’re also not paying separately for captain and first-mate fees, because those are included in the package.

Important: lunch is not included. If you’re used to day trips where food is folded into the price, you’ll want a plan here (more on that below).

If alcohol is in your group mix, the age rule is clear: beer is included generally, and the rum punch is for adults 18+.

Lunch isn’t included: how to plan around it without losing the vibe

Lunch not being included is the one item that can affect your budget and timing. Since the trip is about 7 hours, you’ll likely want something to eat during the middle portion of the day.

Because the charter price covers drinks and snorkeling gear, you’re effectively paying for the sailing, crew, and on-board comfort, and you handle meals separately.

Your best approach depends on your group style:

• If your group prefers to find something close and quick, plan to buy lunch separately before you board or bring a simple snack for the ride.
• If your group wants a proper meal at a stop, confirm what time you expect to eat, so nobody is hungry during the best sailing and snorkeling window.

Price and value: $4,995 for up to 15 (and when it makes sense)

The price is listed as $4,995 per group (up to 15). That’s a big number if you’re thinking of this like an individual ticket.

But private sailing changes the math:

• You’re paying for the boat, crew, and sailing time, not per-person piecemeal add-ons.
• Drinks (beer, soda, rum punch for 18+) and snorkeling gear are included.
• The boat itself is set up for comfort—private bathroom, shaded cockpit, and room to spread out.

Here’s how I’d think about it for value:

• It’s a great deal if you can fill most seats with your group and you’d otherwise buy multiple boat tickets plus taxis plus rentals.
• It’s less attractive if you’re traveling solo or as a couple and would have to pay for most of the capacity.

One more thing to confirm before you book: the experience lists capacity of up to 24 guests across the two catamarans, while the price is shown for a group of up to 15. If your group is larger than 15, you’ll want to ask the provider how the headcount is priced and arranged.

The captain makes a difference: JW and Anne Marie examples

On a private charter, the crew personality matters. The captain and first mate guide the day’s flow, and they’re also the people you’ll hear most while you’re sailing.

From the captain lineup associated with these trips, Captain JW is known for keeping guests well informed and taking people to strong snorkeling spots. Captain Anne Marie is described as especially fun, with lots of stories and energy, and her first mate Kahlia is named alongside her.

Even if you don’t get those specific crew members, it’s a good sign when the charter leadership is clearly focused on safety, good information, and keeping the vibe friendly.

Weather, seas, and why the charter is smart about conditions

Catamarans are happiest when the day works with the weather. This experience requires good weather, and the provider will offer a different date or a full refund if the trip is canceled due to poor conditions.

That’s the right mindset. On the day-of, you want the seas smooth enough to enjoy the lounging, snorkeling, and sailing without everyone feeling wiped out.

Who should book this private luxury catamaran day?

I’d book this if you want:

• a private-group experience in St Thomas with a real onboard comfort level,
• snorkeling that’s included with gear,
• a calm, not-chaotic day plan that doesn’t feel rushed,
• and an easy cruise-port option from Havensight/Yacht Haven Grande.

This also fits well for multigenerational groups, since the boat has a private bathroom and space for people to choose sun or shade. Families with teens often like the mix of sailing and swimming time, especially when the captain keeps things light and engaging.

It may not be the best match if you’re trying to do the cheapest option on the island. This is aimed at people who value privacy, comfort, and convenience.

Should you book? My practical take

If you can afford it, and your group can fill seats, this charter is a strong buy because so much is included: crew, comfort, drinks, and snorkeling gear. It’s the kind of experience that feels different from a standard port excursion because you’re not squeezing your day into someone else’s schedule.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

• Confirm how your exact headcount (especially if it’s above 15) affects pricing and boat arrangement across the two catamarans.
• Plan for lunch since it isn’t included, so you don’t end up hungry at the wrong time.

If those boxes work for your group, this private sailing day is one of the best ways to spend time on the water in US Virgin Islands waters from St Thomas.

FAQ

How many people can go on this private catamaran trip?

The experience is described as a private charter that can accommodate up to 24 guests across two Lagoon multi-deck catamarans. The listed price is $4,995 per group (up to 15), so if your group is larger than 15, ask the provider how pricing is handled.

What’s included in the price?

Included items listed are soda/pop, beer and the Argo’s or Seas the Day signature rum punch for guests 18+, and use of snorkeling equipment. The package also includes captain and first-mate fees, and the boats have onboard amenities like a private bathroom and Bluetooth sound.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the package.

What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?

The tour starts at 9:00am local St Thomas time and begins at 83PH+CV9, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00802, USVI, at Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

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.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. The experience includes the use of snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to arrange rentals separately.