Virgin Islands: Private Day Sail & Snorkel for Groups

Summary

Private sailing day in the Virgin Islands with snorkeling stops and open bar

You’ll spend your private sailing day gliding from St. Thomas past quiet cays, stopping to snorkel vibrant reefs around St. John with all gear provided. Enjoy grilled lunch right on board, open bar, and plenty of time to swim or simply relax on deck with friends or family—the kind of slow adventure that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to wake up and just decide you’re going to spend the whole day on the water? That’s how our morning started in St. Thomas—well, minus the waking up early part (I’m not a morning person). We met our captain at Sapphire Beach Marina around 9am, sun already bouncing off the docks. He had this easy way about him—barefoot, laughing about how he still gets lost in Charlotte Amalie sometimes. There were just five of us, which made it feel less like a tour and more like we’d borrowed someone’s boat for the day.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once we left the marina—the only sounds were wind in the sails and that soft slap of water against the hull. Our guide pointed out St. John ahead (“that’s where you’ll want your snorkel mask ready”) and handed us cold sodas while we stretched out on deck. There was this salty smell mixed with sunscreen and grilled chicken—he started prepping lunch even before we anchored at our first stop. I still think about that taste; something about eating outside after swimming just makes everything better.

We stopped twice to snorkel—first near a little cay I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried), then off St. John itself. The water was so clear you could see fish darting between rocks before you even jumped in. Someone spotted a turtle and shouted, which made us all scramble over each other with our fins half-on—pretty sure I kicked my friend by accident. Nobody cared though; everyone was grinning like kids who’d just found treasure. After lunch, there was time to just float or nap or talk about nothing much at all. It felt like the kind of day you try to remember exactly as it happened, but you know some details will blur together anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How many people can join the private sailing tour?

The private day sail is for up to 6 guests total.

Where does the sailing trip start?

The tour departs from Sapphire Beach Marina in St. Thomas.

What time does the private sail begin and end?

The trip starts at 9:00 am and returns around 3:30 pm.

Are drinks included during the sailing tour?

Yes, soda, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and snacks are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for guests.

Is lunch served during the trip?

A freshly grilled lunch is served between snorkeling stops.

Can special occasions be accommodated?

Yes, custom options are available for special occasions if you reach out in advance.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Sapphire Beach Marina in St. Thomas, an open bar with sodas and alcoholic drinks, bottled water, snacks throughout the sail, use of all snorkel equipment at two different locations near St. John and nearby cays, plus a fresh grilled lunch served right onboard before heading back in the afternoon.