Full Day Private Charter on Luxury Catamaran Sailing.

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is control. You are not tied to a fixed sightseeing script. Your group can choose among two or three snorkeling stops, including Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove, then settle into a hammock chair, paddle board, or bean bag as the catamaran moves between islands.

I like the private format, which lets a birthday group, family, or wedding party set the pace. I also like the generous food and drink package: fruit and pastries in the morning, wraps and chips for lunch, soft drinks, water, rum punch or painkillers, and a 12-pack of light beer. The main consideration is simple: at $250 per person, this makes the most sense when your group values a full day on the water and can share the cost.

Key points before you book

• Choose your own water stops: Typical options include Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove.
• Second Chance is built for relaxing: Use the trampolines, bean bags, paddle boards, or Beach Charters VI hammock chairs.
• The price covers more than a boat ride: Lunch, snacks, snorkel gear, boards, ice, water, sodas, and alcohol are included.
• This is a true private charter: Only your group takes part, with room for a birthday, family, or wedding outing.
• Plan for a full morning and afternoon: The trip begins at 8:30 a.m. and lasts about seven and a half hours.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, while late cancellations are not refundable.

Setting out from Red Hook at 8:30 a.m.

You meet at Beach Charters VI, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 Red Hook Road in St. Thomas. The trip returns to this same point, which keeps the day easy to plan. The marina is near public transportation, and all-day parking is available for an additional $30 when booked through the operator.

A morning start is useful here. You have enough daylight for several stops, a proper lunch, and unhurried time under sail. I would arrive with your group ready to board, since a private charter works best when everyone is on time and the crew can get moving.

Your boat is the sailing catamaran Second Chance. A catamaran gives you broad deck space and several ways to spend the day. You can sit on the trampolines near the bow, stretch out on bean bags, or use the hammock chairs hanging off the back of the boat. Those hammock chairs are a signature feature of Beach Charters VI and offer a comfortable place to watch the water while the boat is underway.

The smooth sailing ride is part of the appeal. This is not only transportation between snorkeling sites. You get a full day of being on the sea, with the boat itself serving as a moving lounge, sun deck, and viewing platform.

Picking your stops instead of following a fixed route

The crew generally plans for two or three snorkeling stops, but your group chooses the locations. That flexibility matters because not every group wants the same day. Strong swimmers may want more time in the water, while a family with mixed interests may prefer shorter snorkeling sessions followed by paddling and rest.

Maho on St. John

Maho is one of the named possibilities and is associated with sea turtle sightings. If seeing turtles is a priority, this is the sort of stop you will want to discuss with the crew when planning the route. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the chance to snorkel in a place known for turtles gives this stop extra appeal.

The tradeoff is travel time. Going toward St. John means the boat may spend more of the day getting between islands, depending on the final route. Since the charter is private, you can make that choice with the crew rather than being committed to a public excursion’s schedule.

Lovango Cay

Lovango Cay offers another setting for snorkeling and island views. It can work well for a group that wants a quieter stop away from the main harbor area, though the exact conditions and water quality can vary with the day.

I would treat Lovango as part of a conversation with the captain, not a promise of a specific experience. The charm of this charter is that the crew can adjust the plan to suit the group and the conditions.

Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove is another possible stop for swimming and snorkeling. It gives you a chance to enjoy clear water and reef life without making the entire day about one location.

This can be a good choice for a group with different comfort levels in the water. Some people can snorkel while others remain on the boat, use a paddle board, or relax in the hammock chairs. Since the outing is private, nobody has to follow a single pace.

The final route may include other possibilities. Wind, weather, sea conditions, and your group’s interests all affect the plan. That is a strength, but it also means you should not book this expecting a guaranteed list of exact stops.

Snorkeling, turtles, and time on the water

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to rent basic gear separately. The charter is set up for several water stops, giving you repeated chances to see reef life rather than one short swim at the beginning of the day.

The promise of sea turtles is a major draw. Maho is specifically mentioned as a possible turtle stop, but sightings depend on nature. I would book this for the overall water day, not as a guaranteed turtle encounter.

You can also use the paddle boards. They add an active option for people who want something more than swimming but do not want to snorkel at every stop. The hammock swings offer the opposite experience, a place to sit low over the water and watch the action around you.

The boat has bean bags on top of the trampolines, which makes the ride itself part of the fun. Sun lovers can stretch out there, while anyone needing a slower hour can move to a hammock chair or another shaded area if available. The provided details do not promise shade, so pack sun protection and do not assume every seat will be covered.

What you eat and drink during seven and a half hours

The food arrangement is better than the bare-bones snacks found on many boat trips. The morning begins with a fruit and pastry tray. Later, lunch includes freshly sliced turkey, cheese, and a vegetable wrap with chips.

Water and soda are available throughout the day. The alcohol package includes one gallon of rum punch or painkiller, depending on your group’s choice, plus a 12-pack of light beer. Anyone drinking must be at least 18.

This setup has real value. You do not need to organize a separate lunch order, carry a cooler, or spend part of the day returning to shore for food. The drinks also make the charter feel more like a private day out than a simple transfer between beaches.

Still, I would tell the operator about important food needs before departure. The supplied information lists the included meal but does not promise special diets or substitutions. If someone in your group has strict dietary requirements, do not leave that question until boarding.

The crew and the feel of a private outing

The human side of the charter is important. Ivy and TL are associated with the operation, and Captain Justin is named as part of the crew. John and Michelle are also mentioned in connection with welcoming people aboard. The names suggest a personal operation where the crew takes an active role in shaping the day.

That personal touch is especially useful on a private charter. You can ask about the best stop for snorkeling, decide how long to stay in the water, and change the rhythm of the day without negotiating with a boatload of strangers.

The private setup also suits celebrations. A group of nine used the boat for a birthday, and another party marked a wedding day aboard the catamaran. The layout gives a group room to spread out, talk, swim, eat, and take turns on the boards.

There is one practical limit. A private boat does not mean every person will get a completely separate activity or personal guide. Your group still shares the boat, equipment, and attention of the crew. For most parties, that is part of the fun. For a group with very different expectations, agree on the rough plan before you leave the dock.

What the price means at $250 per person

At $250 per person, this is not a budget beach transfer. It is a full-day private charter with a sailing catamaran, crew, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and the freedom to choose stops.

The value improves as your group fills the boat and makes use of the included extras. A party that spends most of the day snorkeling, paddling, eating aboard, and enjoying the ride is getting much more from the price than a group that wants only a short cruise.

You should also factor in the convenience. Lunch is handled, drinks are aboard, equipment is provided, and you return to the same marina. The extra $30 parking fee, if you use the marina’s all-day parking arrangement, is worth adding to your budget.

I see this as a strong choice for a special day rather than an everyday excursion. Birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, and wedding celebrations fit the format well. A couple seeking the cheapest possible way to reach one beach should look elsewhere.

The high satisfaction level, with a 4.9 rating from 91 reviews and 98 percent recommending the experience, supports the price. Those numbers do not remove the need to check the weather or consider your group’s interests, but they do point to a consistently well-received operation.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This outing fits you best if you want freedom, comfort, and a full day outside. It works particularly well for:

• Families who want snorkeling, swimming, food, and a place to rest
• Groups celebrating a birthday, wedding, or anniversary
• Friends who want a private boat instead of a shared cruise
• Active groups interested in paddle boards and snorkeling
• Sun lovers who enjoy sailing between islands
• Mixed groups where some people want water activities and others prefer to relax

Most people can participate, according to the tour details, but you should think honestly about your group’s swimming ability and comfort on a boat. The charter includes water activities, yet you can also remain aboard and relax. The private format makes it easier to accommodate different energy levels.

Timing, cancellation, and practical planning

The tour starts at 8:30 a.m. and lasts about seven hours and 30 minutes. It ends back at Dock B, slip 19, so do not plan another activity too tightly against the return time.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives at booking. The marina is near public transportation. Alcohol is limited to people age 18 and older.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Since the activity depends on good weather, the operator may cancel for poor conditions and offer a different date or a full refund.

That weather policy is worth taking seriously in the Virgin Islands. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if this is a major part of your vacation. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes, but remember that the included equipment and drinks mean you do not need to pack a full boatload of supplies.

Is Second Chance the right boat day for you?

Book this charter if you want a private, flexible day that combines sailing, snorkeling, island views, lunch, drinks, and time to relax. The choice of stops is the biggest advantage. You can aim for Maho and its turtle possibilities, mix in Lovango Cay or Christmas Cove, and adjust the day to your group.

I would be more cautious if your budget is tight, your group dislikes being on the water for most of a day, or you need a guaranteed wildlife sighting. At $250 per person, this is best treated as a centerpiece experience, not a quick add-on.

For a group of friends or family sharing the cost, Second Chance offers a practical mix of comfort and activity. You get a private boat, a flexible route, food and drinks, and several ways to enjoy the sea without rushing from one scheduled stop to the next.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start?

It starts at Beach Charters VI, Dock B, slip 19, at 6501 Red Hook Road in St. Thomas, USVI.

What time does the charter begin?

The start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the charter end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Beach Charters VI.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private charter.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

A typical day includes two or three snorkeling stops, with possible locations such as Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove.

Can the group choose the snorkeling locations?

Yes. The trip is private, and your group can choose the locations from the available possibilities.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes morning fruit and pastries, a turkey, cheese, and vegetable wrap with chips, water, soda, one gallon of rum punch or painkiller, and a 12-pack of light beer.

Is alcohol available to everyone?

No. You must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. Paddle boards and hammock swings are included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is parking available?

All-day parking is available at the marina when booked with the operator for an additional $30.