US Virgin Islands: Private Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling

Summary

Private boat tour in the Virgin Islands with snorkeling stops

You’ll cruise from St. Thomas on a private catamaran with a local crew, snorkeling at Buck Island’s Turtle Cove among sea turtles and colorful fish. Relax on bean bags or swim at Maho Bay and Honeymoon Beach, then unwind at Brewers Bay with drinks included. Expect laughter, salty air, and real moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about stepping onto a boat called Hydra — it sounded like something out of a superhero movie. But as soon as we met Captain Mike at the Charlotte Amalie harbor in St. Thomas, that faded. He had this easy way about him, cracking jokes about the cruise ships and pointing out the old colonial buildings as we pulled away. The water was so blue it almost looked fake, and there was this salty breeze that made my hair stick to my face in the best way.

Our first stop was Buck Island’s Turtle Cove. I’d never snorkeled before (unless you count flailing around in a hotel pool), but the crew handed me gear and walked me through it — no judgment when I put my mask on upside down. The water felt cool but not cold, and suddenly there were sea turtles everywhere, just gliding past like they owned the place. I kept thinking how quiet it got underwater, except for my own breathing and these flashes of yellow fish darting by.

We drifted toward St. John after that, stopping at Maho Bay where some folks swam while others just lounged on those bean bag chairs up front (I may have dozed off for a minute). Lunch wasn’t fancy — sandwiches and ice-cold beer from the cooler — but honestly? It hit different after swimming. At Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, there was this tiny beach bar where our guide ordered something called a “Painkiller” (the drink, not… you know). Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

The last spot was Brewers Bay near the university. It was quieter there; even the pelicans seemed half-asleep. We floated for a while, just listening to music on the stereo and watching clouds drift over the hills. I still think about that view sometimes — sunburned shoulders, salt on my lips, everyone kind of sunk into their own thoughts as we headed back toward St. Thomas. Not everything went perfectly (I lost one flip-flop overboard), but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore US Virgin Islands by boat

• Depart from St. Thomas harbor
• Snorkel at Buck Island
• Visit St. John north shore
• Relax at Honeymoon Beach
• Enjoy Brewers Bay snorkeling
• Return to St. Thomas

Top questions

How long is the private catamaran tour in USVI?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours from departure to return.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this USVI boat tour?

Yes, brand new snorkel gear is included for all guests.

Where does the catamaran depart from in St. Thomas?

The tour departs from Charlotte Amalie harbor in St. Thomas.

Are drinks included during the catamaran trip?

Yes, water, soda, and ice-cold beer are provided onboard.

What are some stops on this USVI catamaran day trip?

You’ll visit Buck Island’s Turtle Cove, Maho Bay on St. John, Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, and Brewers Bay near UVI.

Is lunch included during the boat tour?

No formal lunch is included; snacks and drinks are available onboard.

How many people can join this private charter?

The MV Hydra can accommodate up to 12 guests per charter.

Are national park fees covered in this USVI day trip?

Yes, all U.S. national park fees are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Charlotte Amalie harbor by your captain and crew; all U.S. national park fees; use of new snorkel equipment; bottled water; soda; ice-cold beer; plus plenty of comfortable seating both shaded and sunny throughout your private catamaran adventure before returning to St. Thomas in the late afternoon.