St. Thomas Yacht Charter: Private Catamaran, Snorkel & Beach Day

Summary

Sail st thomas harbors relax on catamaran snorkel buck island

You’ll spend your day sailing St. Thomas on a private catamaran—snorkeling at Buck Island, lounging on bean bags or trampolines, sipping cold rum punch, and drifting past cays at your own pace with a local captain guiding you. Expect laughter, sea breezes, music you pick yourself—and moments where you forget everything else except sunlight and salt air.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—soft slap of water against the hull at Yacht Haven Grande, and then our captain waving us over by the R Bar kiosk (I was already sweating a little from nerves or maybe just the Caribbean sun). We climbed aboard this big Leopard catamaran—Pisces, I think—and it felt less like stepping onto a boat and more like walking into someone’s breezy living room. Bean bags everywhere, that salty smell mixing with sunscreen and something sweet from the rum punch pitcher. I tried to act cool but honestly just wanted to flop onto those trampolines up front.

We talked through our plan with the captain—he was patient with all our “what if we…” questions. Ended up heading out toward Buck Island first, which took maybe 40 minutes? Hard to keep track because I got distracted fiddling with the Bluetooth speakers (my playlist, sorry everyone). The water changed color every few minutes—deep blue to turquoise so bright it looked fake—and when we finally stopped for snorkeling, there were turtles gliding under us. My mask kept fogging up but I didn’t care. Someone handed me a cold soda while I dried off in the sun, feet dangling over the side.

Lunch happened somewhere between Water Island and this little cay—I can’t remember which came first because we were laughing too much about who wore more sunscreen (I lost). There were floats and beach games if you wanted them, but mostly we just drifted or sprawled on deck talking about nothing. The crew checked in now and then without hovering; they even showed us how they filter water onboard (eco stuff I wouldn’t have thought about). At some point I realized my phone was buried in a bag and I hadn’t missed it at all.

I still think about that last hour—warm wind, music low, everyone quiet except for one friend humming along. The light was gold on St. Thomas as we headed back. If you’re looking for a private yacht charter in St. Thomas that feels relaxed but not stiff, where you can actually choose what you do (and mess up your Mandarin pronunciation without judgment), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private luxury catamaran yacht charter

• Meet at R Bar kiosk
• Captain escorts to yacht
• Depart for full or half day cruise
• Visit St Thomas and nearby islands
• Enjoy snorkeling and beach games
• Relax on bow seating and trampolines
• Listen to music with JBL sound system

Top questions

Where does the St. Thomas yacht charter depart from?

The yacht departs from Yacht Haven Grande near Havensight; meet at the R Bar drink kiosk 15 minutes before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this private yacht tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests during the charter.

How many people can join the private catamaran charter?

The price includes up to 12 people on board for your group.

Are drinks provided during the yacht cruise?

Beer, Seas the Day signature rum punch, soda/pop, and filtered water are included.

Can infants or small children come on this St. Thomas yacht tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet directly at Yacht Haven Grande dock.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during your private yacht charter.

What safety measures are in place regarding Covid-19?

Crew are tested monthly for Covid-19 and vessels are sanitized after each trip per CDC/WHO guidelines; masks optional for guests.

What’s included

Your day includes all drinks—beer, signature rum punch, soda/pop—and filtered eco-friendly water onboard; use of floats and snorkeling gear; access to restrooms; plus guidance from a local captain who’ll help shape your route around St. Thomas’s islands and harbors before returning to port together.