Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

The best St. Thomas day may be offshore. This private charter puts S/Y Pisces, a 47-foot Leopard catamaran, at your group’s disposal for sailing, swimming, beach time, and snorkeling around St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, and possibly a quiet cay. I like the freedom to shape the route with your captain, and I like that the boat includes snorkel gear, floats, beer, rum punch, soft drinks, water, and a restroom. The main consideration is price: at $1,495 per group, this makes the most sense when you can fill several seats.

You meet near the R Bar at Yacht Haven Grande, then walk with the captain to the boat. The full charter lasts about seven hours, while a half-day option is also available. Lunch costs extra, and this charter does not go to the British Virgin Islands, so confirm your plans before booking.

Key things to know before you book

• A private 47-foot catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with room for up to 12 people.
• A flexible island route: You and the captain can plan around snorkeling, beach time, swimming, sailing, or simply relaxing aboard.
• Strong turtle and reef potential: Past outings have included sea turtles, stingrays, coral, fish, and calm snorkeling spots.
• A comfortable social setup: The salon opens onto a large back deck, while the bow has bean bags and two trampolines.
• Drinks are included, lunch is not: Beer, signature rum punch, soda, and Virgin H2O water come aboard, but you pay separately for food.
• Useful for cruise passengers: The meeting dock is at Havensight, though ships arriving at Crown Bay need a taxi.

Boarding S/Y Pisces at Yacht Haven Grande

Your day begins at the WICO Day Charter Dock at Havensight. Look for the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway and arrive 15 minutes before departure. The captain will meet you there and escort you to the catamaran.

That meeting point matters. Havensight is convenient for ships using the nearby cruise port, and one family on Norwegian Aqua was able to walk over without hiring a taxi. If your ship arrives at Crown Bay Marina, allow about 15 minutes each way by taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Check your ship’s actual dock before booking, since the two cruise ports create very different morning logistics.

The boat is S/Y Pisces, a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with a broad, open feel. The salon connects to the back deck, giving you shelter and easy access to the water. Up front, bean bag chairs and two large trampolines create a good place to stretch out, talk with your group, or watch for turtles while underway.

The layout is a real advantage for a party of mixed ages. Some people can sit in the shade, some can use the open deck, and others can claim the bow. With up to 12 people aboard, the boat will not feel like a private yacht for two, but it gives your group far more elbow room than a shared excursion boat.

How the private itinerary works

This is not a fixed sightseeing circuit. You and the captain decide how to use the day, based on what your group wants to see and do. Common choices include snorkeling, a beach stop, swimming, island views, and time spent simply enjoying the boat.

That flexibility is the heart of the experience. If your group wants three snorkeling stops, the captain can help shape the day around that. If some people prefer a beach and others want to stay aboard with a drink, the catamaran gives you options. You can also ask for a slower day with fewer stops and more time on the boat.

The possible cruising area includes St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, nearby harbors, and perhaps a secret cay. The exact route depends on conditions and the captain’s judgment. Do not book this expecting a guaranteed list of islands or one particular reef. You are paying for a private day with local route planning, not a rigid schedule.

One important limit is clear: the charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands. If BVI scenery is your priority, choose a different trip. For a St. Thomas and nearby-island day, however, the flexible range is a good fit.

A full day commonly begins around 9 a.m. and lasts about seven hours. That gives you enough time to combine a couple of water stops with a beach visit and a relaxed sail. A half-day option is better if you are working around a cruise schedule, traveling with young children, or simply do not want to spend the whole day on the water.

Snorkeling with turtles, rays, and reef fish

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this charter. Equipment is included, and several outings have produced sightings of sea turtles, stingrays, coral, and plenty of fish. One group saw turtles at multiple spots, while another enjoyed watching a large school of small fish circle under the boat.

The captain and first mate can help you choose a site that fits the day’s conditions and your group’s comfort. That is more useful than it may sound. A strong swimmer may want open-water snorkeling, while a family with children may prefer a calmer, easier entry point. You can discuss those needs before committing to the route.

Several crew combinations have been praised for attentive service, including Captain AnneMarie with Lindsey, Darren, Liv, Alex, and others. Captain Christian, JP, Megan, JW, Eduardo, and Captain Alex also appear in especially warm accounts of the experience. Crew assignments can change, so do not book around one specific person unless the operator confirms it.

Snorkeling conditions are never guaranteed. The boat needs good weather, and the water can vary from day to day. Still, the private format gives you a better chance to adjust the timing and location than a large shared tour. If one stop is not working for your group, you have a captain available to discuss another option.

Bring your own comfort preferences. The charter supplies masks, snorkels, and related equipment, but you may prefer your own mask or flotation aid. The included floats are useful for people who want to spend time in the water without snorkeling the entire stop.

Beaches, swimming, and island stops

The route may include Water Island, Buck Island, Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, or another nearby stop. These places serve different purposes. A reef stop is about fish and turtles, while a beach stop gives you a chance to stand on land, walk around, or enjoy lunch.

Honeymoon Beach received especially strong praise as a sandy, quiet-feeling stop. One full-day itinerary combined snorkeling and turtle watching with Shipwreck Cove, then added beach time and lunch at Honeymoon Beach. That kind of mix shows why the full charter works well for a group with different interests.

Lunch is not included, but food can be purchased at several locations. Dinghy’s was used by one group, and another enjoyed lunch at Honeymoon Beach. Ask the captain early if you want a meal ashore, since timing and availability affect the route.

Do not expect every beach or cove to be available on every departure. Weather, sea conditions, local traffic, and timing can change the plan. The value is having a captain who can help you choose among workable options, not having every named stop guaranteed.

Life aboard the catamaran

The boat itself is part of the attraction. The large back deck provides comfortable seating, and the salon offers a break from direct sun. The forward trampolines are particularly appealing for a group that wants to spread out, chat, or watch the water while underway.

The JBL sound system connects by Bluetooth, so you can play your own music. Keep the volume sensible, especially when the boat is near other boats or a quiet shoreline. Still, the ability to bring your own soundtrack makes the day feel more personal than a standard excursion with a fixed playlist.

Water toys include snorkeling gear, floats, and beach games. These extras matter on a full-day charter because not everyone wants to snorkel for hours. Someone can float, play on the beach, sit under cover, or relax with a drink while others explore the reef.

A restroom is available aboard. That is an important comfort for a seven-hour outing, particularly for families and larger groups. Bottled water is supplied through Virgin H2O as part of the operator’s eco-friendly approach. Soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch are also included.

The drinks add real value, but you should still pace yourself in the Caribbean sun. Water is there for a reason, and a private boat day is more enjoyable when everyone stays comfortable and alert.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew’s role goes beyond steering the boat. The strongest outings pair a captain who can read the water with a first mate who keeps the day moving, helps with equipment, serves drinks, and joins the group in the water when appropriate.

Captain AnneMarie receives especially high praise for combining humor, professionalism, and practical route planning. She has been paired with first mates such as Lindsey, Darren, Ro, Callu, Selena, and others. Names and assignments may vary, but the repeated pattern is clear: the crew aims to tailor the day rather than simply follow a script.

You can also expect local information along the way. One outing included useful stories about island history, and several crew members were praised for explaining the marine environment and helping locate turtles. If that side of the experience interests you, ask questions. A private setting makes conversation easier than it is on a crowded boat.

There is one practical point about gratuity. The operator notes that crew rely on tips to supplement their income. Gratuity is not listed as included, so budget for it if the crew provides good service.

What $1,495 is really buying

The listed price is $1,495 per group of up to 12 people. That sounds steep until you divide it among a full group. At 12 people, the base cost works out to about $125 per person. At 10 people, it is about $150 each. With four people, it becomes nearly $374 per person before any tip or lunch.

That makes the charter a strong value for a family reunion, wedding group, cruise group, or gathering of friends. You are buying privacy, a seven-hour boat day, a captain and first mate, equipment, drinks, flexible route planning, and a spacious catamaran.

It is less compelling for a couple or a very small party. You could pay more per person than you would for a shared snorkeling trip, even though you would receive a more personal experience. The price works best when you can fill at least eight seats.

Lunch adds to the total, as does transportation if you need a taxi from Crown Bay. Those costs are easy to overlook. Include them when comparing this charter with other St. Thomas excursions.

Full day or half day?

Choose the full day if your group wants a proper island-hopping outing. Seven hours gives you time for several water stops, a beach visit, lunch, and unhurried time aboard. Families with ages ranging from children to older adults have found the private format useful because people can set their own pace.

Choose the half day if you have a cruise departure to manage or only want one main snorkeling stop plus time to swim and relax. It also makes sense for young children who may become tired after several hours in the sun.

The half-day option can still feel substantial. One outing included snorkeling at multiple locations, turtle and ray sightings, and plenty of time on the catamaran. Just understand that the shorter schedule leaves less room for a long beach stop and a leisurely meal.

For cruise passengers, ask about your return time before boarding. The crew has accommodated an earlier return, but you should not assume that every schedule change will be possible. Build in a sensible buffer before your ship’s all-aboard time.

Weather, comfort, and practical limits

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded.

The activity is mainly outdoors, so sun protection is essential. Bring a swimsuit, cover-up, reef-safe sunscreen if you use it, sunglasses, and a hat that will not blow away. The boat has seating in several areas, but you should still expect regular sun and wind exposure.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. The operator states that most people can participate. If someone in your group has specific mobility or medical needs, contact the operator before booking so you can confirm the boat access and planned activities.

The charter has also used cleaning procedures and regular crew testing as part of its health practices. Current procedures can change, so ask for the latest details if that matters to your group.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter?

I would choose this experience for a group that values privacy, flexible timing, and time on the water more than a bargain price. It is particularly well suited to families, multigenerational groups, wedding parties, and friends who want their own music, their own pace, and a captain who can adjust the plan.

It is also a good choice if your group is divided between active and relaxed. Strong swimmers can snorkel, children can use floats, beach lovers can go ashore, and others can stay on deck with a rum punch.

I would hesitate if you have only two or three people, need a guaranteed BVI visit, or want lunch and every expense bundled into one price. I would also avoid booking the full day if your cruise schedule is tight or your group does not enjoy spending long hours in the sun.

Should you book S/Y Pisces?

Book it if you can fill the boat and want a private St. Thomas day built around your group. The combination of a roomy catamaran, included drinks and equipment, adaptable routes, and strong chances for turtles and rays gives you more control than a standard shared excursion.

The smartest move is to decide your priorities before departure. Tell the captain if you want snorkeling, beach time, lunch ashore, quiet cruising, or a mix of everything. With a full group, the $1,495 price can be very reasonable. With a small party, compare the per-person cost carefully.

FAQ

Where does the charter depart?

You meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at the WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight, St. Thomas.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The captain will escort your group from the meeting point to the catamaran.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one group of up to 12 people, and only your group participates.

How long does the experience last?

The full-day charter lasts about seven hours. A half-day charter is also available.

Can my group choose the itinerary?

Yes. You and the captain can design a route around snorkeling, beaches, swimming, sailing, and relaxing aboard.

Which islands and areas might the boat visit?

Possible areas include St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, nearby harbors, and possibly a secret cay. The charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though food can be purchased at several locations during the day.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of bad weather, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.