Private Sailing & Snorkel St Thomas: Customize your day

Six of you, two snorkel stops, one grilled lunch, no fixed itinerary

You get a full day on your own chartered boat with up to five guests, departing from St. Thomas at 9am and returning by 3:30pm. Two snorkel stops in St. John National Park, grilled lunch between them, and an open bar throughout. Snorkel gear and all drinks are included. You only decide where to go and when to move.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private sailing and snorkeling adventure

• Depart from Sapphire Beach Marina
• Attend quick safety briefing
• Set sail towards St. John National Park
• Enjoy open bar and scenic sailing
• Snorkel and swim at first location
• Have fresh grilled lunch on board
• Snorkel and swim at second location
• Return to marina around 3:30 pm

The experience

You're not sharing this boat with strangers. That's the whole point. The sail departs Sapphire Beach Marina at 9am with just you and up to five people you choose (family, friends, whoever), and a crew that's already asking what kind of day you want. Some groups want to drift and swim. Others want to hit two snorkel sites and eat between them. Some people care about the open bar, some don't. The crew listens and steers the day around what matters to you, not around a fixed itinerary that works for nobody.

St. John National Park is where you're headed, and the water there is the reason people talk about the Virgin Islands snorkeling like it's a religion. You'll anchor at two different spots (the kind of places where the reef starts close and the fish don't care you're there), and the snorkel gear is already on board. Between stops, lunch comes off the grill: real food, not a sad sandwich. The open bar runs the whole time, so if you want a drink while you're floating on the water at noon, it's there. If you don't, that's fine too. The boat returns to the marina around 3:30pm, which gives you the afternoon back if you want it.

This works because the group stays small. Six people maximum means no jostling for deck space, no waiting for the bathroom, no feeling like you're on a cattle boat. The crew knows your name by the second hour. If someone gets tired of snorkeling and wants to sit in the shade with a book, that's not holding anyone back. If the water is too rough at one spot, you move. If someone wants to stay longer at the second location, you stay. A private sail isn't luxury theater. It's just your day, on the water, without compromise.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or marina pickup coordination (confirm with the operator), use of snorkeling equipment, soda and bottled water, an open bar with alcoholic beverages, snacks, and a fresh grilled lunch served between the two snorkel stops. The boat departs Sapphire Beach Marina at 9am and returns around 3:30pm.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Virgin Islands Day Sailing

Is this one for you?Right for groups of friends or family who want a full day on the water without a fixed schedule or strangers on board. Expect a relaxed pace. You're not rushing between stops, and the crew adjusts the day based on what your group enjoys most.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the open bar?

Alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water throughout the day.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. Snorkel gear is provided, and the crew can brief you on how to use it. The sites are suitable for all fitness levels.

What if someone in my group doesn't want to snorkel?

You don't have to. Some guests relax on deck while others are in the water. The day is customized around what your group wants to do.

How many people can I bring?

Up to five guests, plus you: six people maximum on the boat.

What time does it depart and return?

Departure is 9am from Sapphire Beach Marina. Return is around 3:30pm.

Is the lunch included?

Yes. A fresh grilled lunch is served between the two snorkel stops.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes. The crew works with you to plan the day. You can focus on snorkeling, swimming, relaxing, or a mix of all three.

What if I have a special occasion?

Reach out to the operator. They offer custom options for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.