St Thomas & St John: Private Catamaran Yacht, Snorkel & Beaches

Summary

Private yacht day with snorkeling sea turtles and island beaches

You’ll step onto your own private catamaran yacht in St Thomas or St John and set your own pace: snorkeling with turtles at Maho Bay, relaxing on quiet beaches like Lindquist or Trunk Bay, sipping rum punch as you drift between cays. With a local captain guiding you (and plenty of laughs along the way), it’s all about easygoing island time with friends or family.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the first few seconds after stepping onto the SY Sirena in Red Hook — I’d just come from the sticky taxi line and suddenly there was this soft sea breeze, salt in the air, and the low hum of boat engines all around. Our captain, Mike, grinned and handed me a cold can of Ting (he called it “island rocket fuel” — not sure about that), and just like that we were gliding away from St Thomas toward water so clear you could see your own shadow on the sand below. I didn’t expect to feel that relaxed so fast.

The best part? We got to pick where to go — Maho Bay for turtles (and yes, they really do pop up right next to you), Trunk Bay for that powdery sand, then Lindquist Beach where some local kids were teaching each other how to dive off the rocks. Mike had this way of telling stories about each spot without sounding like a tour guide — more like someone showing you their favorite places. At one point I tried to help anchor but mostly just tangled the rope. He laughed and said, “That’s why you’re here to chill.” Fair enough.

Snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay was a highlight — I still remember how cold the mask felt against my face before I dipped under and heard nothing but my own breathing. There were these flashes of blue tangs darting around coral, and at one point I swear I saw a barracuda (no one else did though). Lunch was simple: rum punch, cold beer, chips, fruit — honestly all you want after swimming for hours. The sun felt heavy by late afternoon but nobody wanted it to end; we just sprawled on those big trampolines at the bow, half asleep listening to waves slap against the hull. So yeah… booking a private catamaran day trip from St Thomas or St John is something I’d do again in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private luxury catamaran charter

• Depart from American Yacht Harbor
• Visit Secret Harbour Beach Resort
• Stop at Magens Bay
• Explore Sapphire Beach
• Relax at Coki Beach
• Enjoy Lindquist Beach
• Visit Honeymoon Beach
• Stop at Trunk Bay
• Explore Maho Bay
• Snorkel at Waterlemon Cay

Top questions

How many people can join the private catamaran tour?

The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests per charter.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

Departure is from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St Thomas; pickup from Cruz Bay, St John is possible with advance request after booking.

Are drinks included on this private yacht tour?

Yes, ice, soda, beer, and signature rum punch are included onboard.

Can we choose our own itinerary for beach stops?

Yes, you design your own route with your captain—popular stops include Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Lindquist Beach and more.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling gear is included for all guests.

Are infants or small children allowed on board?

Yes; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is lunch provided during the trip?

No full lunch is served but snacks like chips and fruit are available; drinks are included.

Can we visit British Virgin Islands on this yacht?

No; BVI is not available on this vessel. For BVI trips see product codes 111649P24 or 111649P25.

What’s included

Your day includes use of floats and snorkel equipment for everyone onboard plus unlimited soda, beer and signature rum punch. There’s also water supplied by Virgin H2O (eco-friendly), snacks like chips and fruit available throughout the trip, restroom facilities onboard—and you’ll have a local captain who helps plan your flexible route before returning back to port.