St. Thomas & St. John: Private Catamaran Day with Snorkeling

Summary

Private catamaran day trip sailing St Thomas to St John with snorkeling stops

You’ll sail between St. Thomas and St. John on your own private catamaran, stopping to snorkel coral reefs teeming with turtles or relax on soft sand at Honeymoon Beach. Enjoy fresh pizza served by boat and sip local rum punch as you drift in Caribbean sun—ending your day feeling lighter than when you arrived.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the first few seconds stepping barefoot onto SY Mazu’s deck in Red Hook — I’d just come from the noisy street, and suddenly it was quiet except for the slap of water on fiberglass and a salty breeze that made my shirt stick to my back. Our captain, Eli, grinned and handed us cold bottles of water before even untying the lines. I was still trying to get my bearings when he asked if we wanted to start at Christmas Cove or head straight for Honeymoon Beach. I honestly hadn’t made up my mind yet — there were too many names swirling in my head from all those blog posts I’d read the night before.

We sailed slow between St. Thomas and St. John, sun flickering through the rigging. At one point, Eli pointed out Lovango Cay — apparently you can only get there by boat, which made me feel like we were part of some secret club for a second. The water changed color every time I looked up: turquoise near the islands, then this deep blue that almost felt fake further out. Someone put music on (Bluetooth works everywhere on that boat), but honestly I kept listening to the sea instead. When we anchored at Christmas Cove, Eli tossed us masks and fins and told us where to look for turtles — he was right, they’re just sort of hanging out there if you float quietly enough.

I got sand everywhere after snorkeling (sorry about that, Eli) but nobody seemed to care. Lunch was pizza from a floating boat called Pizza Pi — which is exactly what it sounds like — and rum punch that tasted like summer holidays should taste: sweet but not too sweet, with a little kick that sneaks up later if you’re not careful. There was this moment at Honeymoon Beach where everyone went quiet for a bit; just palm shadows moving across white sand and someone’s laughter drifting over from another boat nearby. It felt… easy in a way I didn’t expect.

We ended up back in Cruz Bay as the sun started dipping low behind St. John’s hills — skin salty, hair tangled, everyone grinning like kids who’d gotten away with something good. I still think about that view from the bow: nothing but green islands and shifting light ahead of us, no rush at all to go anywhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day sailing and island exploration

• Depart from Red Hook
• Sail between St. Thomas and St. John
• Choose destinations like Lovango Cay or Christmas Cove
• Snorkel and relax at Great St. James
• Visit Lovango Cay for beach and dining
• Explore Honeymoon Beach on St. John

Top questions

Where does the private catamaran day trip start?

The tour departs from Red Hook in St. Thomas or can pick up guests at Cruz Bay dock in St. John with advance confirmation.

What destinations are possible during this catamaran trip?

You can visit places like Lovango Cay, Christmas Cove, Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, and Honeymoon Beach depending on your preference.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on board?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for all guests during the day trip between St. Thomas and St. John.

Are food and drinks included during the tour?

The tour includes an assortment of beer, Seas the Day rum punch, sodas, bottled water—and lunch options like Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove are available for purchase.

Can infants join this private catamaran charter?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap while onboard SY Mazu or Neptune.

How many people can join this private sailing trip?

The Gemini Legacy catamaran accommodates up to 8 guests per charter.

Is pickup available from both St. Thomas & St. John?

Pickup is possible from Red Hook (St. Thomas) or Cruz Bay dock (St. John) with advance confirmation required for Cruz Bay pickup.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted during this private day trip around St. Thomas & St. John.

What’s included

Your day includes private use of a Gemini Legacy catamaran with space for eight guests; pick-up options from Red Hook or Cruz Bay dock; snorkeling equipment ready onboard; an assortment of beer, local Seas the Day rum punch, sodas and bottled water; plus plenty of time for swimming or relaxing before returning as sunset nears.