St Thomas: Harbor Lights Dinner Sail & BBQ from Marriott

Summary

Sunset sailing, BBQ dinner and harbor lights in St Thomas

You’ll sail out from Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove as sunset colors hit St Thomas, then relax on deck with cocktails while Charlotte Amalie’s harbor lights appear. Enjoy a freshly cooked BBQ or taco dinner (depending on night), chat with friendly crew, and soak up sea breezes before returning to shore with that salty calm still lingering.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I signed up for this Harbor Lights Dinner Sail mostly because I’d never eaten BBQ on a boat before. There was something about the idea of drifting out from Marriott's Frenchman’s Cove as the sun started to slip behind the hills — it just made me curious, you know? When we got to the dock, the crew from The VI Cat greeted us with these easy smiles and a kind of relaxed energy that instantly made me feel like I could stop worrying about… well, anything.

The catamaran itself is bigger than I expected — 54 feet but it feels even more open once you’re out on deck. Our captain cracked a joke about “the best seat in the house” (I still think mine was right by the rail), and someone handed me a rum punch that tasted like vacation in a cup. The breeze picked up as we left the cove; you could smell salt and something faintly sweet — maybe from the rolls warming in the galley. It wasn’t loud, just some soft music and people chatting quietly while Charlotte Amalie started lighting up across the water. At one point I caught myself just staring at those city lights flickering on, feeling oddly calm.

Dinner was honestly better than I expected for a boat kitchen — pulled pork with this tangy sauce, mac-n-cheese that tasted homemade (maybe too much cheese but who complains?), and Caribbean chicken with rice and beans. They had veggie options too; my friend went for hummus and pita. The crew kept checking in without hovering, making sure everyone had what they needed. Someone tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Spanish but I probably butchered it — lots of laughter anyway.

We sailed around for two hours but it felt shorter. There was this moment after dinner when nobody said much — just wind and water sounds, city lights stretching out ahead of us. A few people danced near the bow but mostly we just watched cruise ships drift by, drinks in hand. Coming back to Frenchman’s Cove felt almost too soon. Still thinking about that view now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Harbor lights dinner sail experience

• Travel to Marriott Frenchman's Cove
• Check in with The VI Cat's crew
• Board the 54-foot sailing catamaran
• Meet captain and crew
• Relax on deck as sails are raised
• Sail into open sea around Charlotte Amalie
• Dine on BBQ dinner aboard The Cat
• Watch harbor lights and passing vessels
• Enjoy views and dancing on return sail
• Return to Marriott Frenchman's Cove dock
• Tip the crew

Top questions

Where does the Harbor Lights Dinner Sail depart from?

The tour departs from the wooden dock at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove in St Thomas.

What type of dinner is served on board?

Taco dinners are served on Tuesdays; BBQ dinners are served Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Are drinks included during the dinner sail?

Yes, all beverages including cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The Harbor Lights Dinner Sail lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is there free parking at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove?

Yes, guests can park for free in a large gravel lot after passing through security at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Vegetarian or vegan options are available if you call or text 48 hours in advance to inform the operator.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; guests must arrive independently at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove dock 30 minutes prior to departure.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

Yes, it's suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your evening includes a two-hour catamaran cruise departing from Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove with all beverages—cocktails, beer, wine or soft drinks—and a full scratch-made dinner (tacos or BBQ depending on day). Vegetarian options are available if requested ahead of time; just check in with The VI Cat crew at the dock before setting sail into Charlotte Amalie’s glowing harbor lights.