50′ Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience

A private 50-foot catamaran gives you something most boat trips cannot: control of the day. You can spend more time at a calm snorkeling cove, skip a crowded beach, or ask Captain Maddy, JW, Alex, Dave, or another crew member to suggest a better stop for the weather.

I like the roomy SY Sirena, especially its open back deck, beanbag chairs, and forward trampolines. I also like that the price covers up to 12 people, with drinks, floats, snorkel equipment, and water included. The main consideration is that the long list of possible beaches is not a guarantee: Trunk Bay, in particular, may be off-limits to commercial charters, and lunch costs extra.

Key points to know before you book

• A real private charter: Only your group rides aboard, with space for up to 12 people.
• A flexible half or full day: Choose roughly four hours or seven hours, then shape the route with the captain.
• Snorkeling is the main event: Sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, tropical fish, and even a sunken ship have been spotted on past outings.
• Comfort comes built in: The catamaran has a spacious salon, open deck seating, forward trampolines, beanbag chairs, floats, and a restroom.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, soda, beer, and the house rum punch come with the charter.
• Ask about beach access: St. John stops can change, and Trunk Bay is not always available to commercial boats.

A private boat day built around your group

This is not a standard sightseeing cruise with a fixed sequence of stops. You meet at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, board SY Sirena, and work with the captain to decide how to use your time.

That flexibility matters in the Virgin Islands. Wind, waves, boat traffic, and your group’s interests can all change the best plan. A captain may steer you toward the calmer side of an island, recommend a snorkeling site with better visibility, or shorten a beach stop so you have more time in the water.

The boat carries up to 12 people, making the $1,595 group price easier to justify for a full family or friend group. For four people, it is a costly outing. For 10 or 12, the per-person price becomes much more reasonable, especially since the boat, crew, gear, drinks, and fuel-based sightseeing are bundled into one charge.

You can book a half-day outing of about four hours or a full day of about seven hours. A half day works well if you want one or two water stops and still have time for another St. Thomas activity. I would choose the full day if snorkeling is a priority, if you want to reach St. John, or if your group includes people who prefer a slow pace.

What SY Sirena feels like on the water

The 50-foot catamaran has more room than a small center-console boat, and that affects the whole day. You can spread out on the back deck, sit in the salon when you need shade, or settle into the beanbag chairs at the bow.

The forward trampolines are a fun feature for groups. They give you a place to sit close to the water while underway, though you should follow the crew’s instructions about where to sit in rougher conditions. They are also useful for quiet time between stops, when some people want to talk and others simply want to watch the sea.

The back deck is arranged for seating and dining, so it works well for a group that wants to bring snacks or stop for a purchased lunch. There is an onboard restroom, an important comfort on a four to seven hour trip.

The crew supplies bottled water from Virgin H2O, along with soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch. You should still bring any favorite snacks or special drinks you want, since lunch is not included. Many possible stops have places where food can be purchased, and some groups arrange lunch at locations such as Lovango.

Snorkeling for beginners, children, and strong swimmers

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew helps people get fitted and into the water. That support is especially useful when a group has mixed ability levels.

Past outings have included sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, tropical fish, and a sunken ship. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course, but the crew can use local experience to suggest promising areas and point out what you are seeing.

This setup can work well for families. One family with very young children praised the crew’s care and attention, while another group appreciated Captain Alex and first mate Coleman helping supervise a child who was not a strong swimmer while the parents snorkeled. That does not mean the crew replaces a parent or babysitter. You remain responsible for your children, but attentive crew support can make the water time easier to manage.

If one person gets seasick, speak up early. The crew can help you find a calmer location or adjust the pace. One group had a family member feel ill near the end, and the crew was accommodating. A private charter gives you more room to respond than a large shared boat, though it cannot remove the motion of the sea.

Secret Harbour and Brewer’s Bay

Secret Harbour is a practical first stop when you want a gentle introduction to the day. The cove offers a place to settle into the boat’s rhythm, test the snorkel gear, and spend time in the water without rushing.

I would allow at least 90 minutes here if you choose it. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, dry off, and enjoy the deck without turning the stop into a quick photo break.

Brewer’s Bay, on the north side of St. Thomas, can add a different feel to the day. It is a good option when the captain is looking for a suitable swimming or snorkeling area based on conditions. As with every stop, the point is not to collect beaches. It is to choose one place where your group can actually relax.

Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, and Coki Point

Magens Bay is one of St. Thomas’s best-known beaches, with a broad, scenic curve and calm-water appeal. It can be a satisfying stop if some people in your group care more about floating and scenery than reef life.

The drawback is simple: famous beaches can attract more visitors and boat traffic. A private charter gives you the chance to see Magens Bay from the water, but it does not guarantee a secluded beach experience.

Sapphire Beach is another useful choice for a mixed group. You can combine swimming, floating, and views with time aboard the catamaran. It may suit people who want a beach atmosphere rather than a quiet snorkeling cove.

Coki Point is often chosen for its underwater appeal. It can be a strong pick for people eager to see fish close to shore. If your group wants to snorkel, ask the captain where conditions are best that day rather than insisting on a particular beach.

Lindqvist Beach and the quieter St. Thomas options

Lindqvist Beach offers a more low-key alternative to the island’s most famous shorelines. It is a good name to keep in mind if you want a scenic stop without building the entire day around a major beach destination.

A captain can also shift to another side of St. Thomas if wind makes one coast uncomfortable. One family specifically enjoyed finding calm water during a windy week. That is one of the strongest reasons to book a private boat: the route can respond to the day instead of forcing you to accept one fixed plan.

Ask about conditions before you settle on a beach-heavy route. A stop that looks perfect on a map may be less pleasant if the wind is pushing hard into the bay. The crew’s local judgment can matter more than a long list of names.

St. John: Honeymoon Beach, Francis Bay, and Maho Bay

Crossing toward St. John opens up several attractive choices. Honeymoon Beach is a natural fit for a relaxed swim and a quieter beach break. Francis Bay offers another calm setting, while Maho Bay is especially appealing if seeing sea turtles is high on your list.

The chance to spot turtles is one of the most repeated highlights of this charter. Groups have also seen stingrays and large numbers of fish in St. John waters. Your captain may know where wildlife has been active recently, but no crew can promise a sighting.

Maho Bay is a good example of why a full-day charter can be worthwhile. You have time to reach St. John, swim, snorkel, and still stop elsewhere without making every minute feel rushed.

Trunk Bay and Waterlemon Cay

Trunk Bay is among the best-known beaches in the area, but you should clarify access before booking your day around it. Commercial charter restrictions have changed, and the captain may not be allowed to stop there even though it appears among the possible destinations.

That is not a minor detail. If Trunk Bay is your main goal, contact the operator before your trip and ask for the current rule. You may need to choose another St. John beach or snorkeling site.

Waterlemon Cay offers a different kind of outing, with a focus on snorkeling and scenery rather than a simple beach stop. It can be an appealing choice for a group that wants to spend more time looking below the surface.

The timing matters here. The suggested minimum is about 90 minutes per stop, so attempting too many locations on a half-day trip will leave you with rushed swims and little time to enjoy the boat. A full day gives you a better chance of combining Waterlemon Cay with one or two other stops.

Scott Bay and Hansen Bay

Scott Bay and Hansen Bay are useful options if your group wants to move away from the most familiar names. Both can fit a St. John-focused day, particularly when the crew is choosing a protected area or a place that matches your interest in swimming and snorkeling.

You should think in terms of two or three meaningful stops, not all 13 places listed as possible destinations. Even with seven hours, travel time between islands and coves takes part of the day. I would rather spend 90 minutes enjoying a good bay than spend the day ticking off beach names from a list.

Ask your captain to explain the day’s route before leaving the harbor. Tell the crew whether your group wants turtles, reef fish, beach time, sightseeing, lunch, or a slower cruise. The best use of this charter comes from being clear about priorities.

Lunch, drinks, and what you need to bring

Lunch is not included. You can buy food at some stops, and the crew can suggest places. Past outings have included lunch at Lovango, and some groups have made stops such as Christmas Cove part of a longer day.

Bring snacks if your group needs regular food, especially with children. Water, soda, beer, and rum punch are supplied, but you should not assume the boat will have your preferred meal or special dietary items.

A few practical items will make the day easier:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• A swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• Any snacks or medications your group needs
• A phone or camera with a waterproof case

The boat provides floats and snorkel gear, so you do not need to pack those unless you prefer your own equipment.

Crew service and the value of local judgment

The crew lineup varies, but names that appear repeatedly include Maddy, Alex, JW, Dave, Vic, Coleman, Olivia, Ro, Celina, Kahlia, Glen, and Yousif. The strongest service reports focus on friendly guidance, drink service, help with equipment, island facts, and the ability to adjust the plan.

Captain JW, for example, has been praised for contacting the group before departure, explaining the plan on arrival, and shaping the day around what people wanted to do. Captain Alex and first mate Coleman helped a family balance snorkeling with a child who was not comfortable swimming. Captain Glen and first mate Celina were praised for helping a large group in and out of the water while keeping drinks filled.

That kind of hands-on help is valuable, but expectations matter. Arrive on time at American Yacht Harbor. The charter has a scheduled departure and ending, and a late arrival can reduce your time on the water. A 15 to 20 percent tip is customary for exceptional service and is not included in the price.

The company states that the vessels are sanitized after each trip and that captains and crew are tested for COVID-19 each month. Masks are not required, though you may wear one if you prefer.

Who should book this catamaran

I would recommend this charter to:

• Families who want a private setting and flexible swimming stops
• Groups of friends who can share the cost across 8 to 12 people
• Couples traveling with several friends or relatives
• Strong snorkelers who want to visit St. Thomas and St. John in one day
• Anyone who prefers a comfortable boat with space to spread out
• Groups celebrating a birthday or another special occasion

It is less appealing if you are alone, traveling as a couple on a tight budget, or mainly want a guaranteed visit to Trunk Bay. In those cases, a shared boat or shore-based beach day may cost less and offer a simpler plan.

The private format is also not a promise of total quiet. With up to 12 people in your own group, the boat can still feel lively. Talk through the pace and priorities before departure so the captain can build a day that suits everyone.

Cancellation and meeting details

You meet at American Yacht Harbor on Smith Bay Road in Red Hook, St. Thomas, and return there at the end. Pickup from Cruz Bay on St. John may be possible with advance notice after booking.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable. The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this private St. Thomas charter?

Book it if you want a comfortable boat, a private crew, and the freedom to choose between snorkeling, beaches, wildlife, and lunch stops. The price makes the most sense when shared by a large group, and the full-day option offers the best chance to enjoy both St. Thomas and St. John without hurrying.

Before paying, confirm the current access rules for Trunk Bay, decide if you want a half or full day, and tell the crew what matters most. If you arrive on time and treat the route as flexible rather than fixed, SY Sirena can give your group a memorable day on the water with sea turtles, reef fish, rum punch, and plenty of room to relax.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The trip begins at American Yacht Harbor, 84GX+24H, Smith Bay Road, Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the trip end?

The activity ends back at American Yacht Harbor, the same place where you depart.

How many people can join the private charter?

The $1,595 price covers one private group of up to 12 people.

How long is the experience?

You can choose a half-day or full-day charter lasting approximately four to seven hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch costs extra, though food can be purchased at many locations.

Can the boat visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. The British Virgin Islands are not available on this vessel.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund.