Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

The best part of this St. Thomas charter is control. You are not tied to a bus schedule or a crowded excursion boat. Your captain can shape the day around snorkeling, beach time, swimming, island views, or simply spreading out on a handsome 47-foot catamaran. S/Y Pisces is reserved for your group, with room for up to 12 people.

I like two things right away: the flexible route and the boat itself. The bow trampolines and bean bags are ideal for a breezy ride, while the back deck gives your group a comfortable place to sit together. The crew, including captains such as AnneMarie, JP, Alex, and Christian, is often praised for adjusting the day to suit families and mixed-age groups.

The main drawback is cost. At $1,495 per group, this is not a casual solo excursion. It becomes much better value when shared by a larger party, but lunch is extra, and the charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 47-foot catamaran: S/Y Pisces has a salon, open back deck, bow seating, bean bags, and two large trampolines.
• Your captain helps plan the route: Possible areas include St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, a secret cay, Shipwreck Cove, and Honeymoon Beach.
• Snorkeling is central to the day: Equipment and floats are included, and the crew can help you look for turtles, rays, fish, and coral.
• Drinks are included: You receive Virgin H2O bottled water, soda, beer, and Seas the Day signature rum punch.
• Lunch costs extra: You can buy lunch at a number of locations, including places near beach stops.
• Havensight departure matters: Meet at the R Bar near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway 15 minutes before departure.

What a day aboard S/Y Pisces feels like

This is a private boat day rather than a fixed sightseeing cruise. You and your captain discuss what you want to see, then build the outing around weather, sea conditions, swimming ability, and the interests of your group.

A full-day charter lasts about seven hours. A half-day option is also available, but the exact departure time and length should be confirmed when you book. Full-day departures commonly begin around 9 a.m., though the group can determine the starting time.

That flexibility is valuable in St. Thomas. One group may want several snorkeling stops and a long lunch. Another may prefer a quiet cove, a beach visit, and plenty of time on the boat. Families with young children can keep the pace gentle, while stronger swimmers can spend more time in the water.

The crew may include a captain and first mate. AnneMarie appears frequently among the named captains, with crew members such as Lindsey, Megan, Darren, Alex, JP, and others appearing on different outings. You should not assume a particular captain is guaranteed, but the crew’s role is clear: help with the boat, explain local sights, organize the stops, and keep the day running smoothly.

The boat: room to spread out on the water

S/Y Pisces is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran. That size makes a real difference for a group of 10 or 12. You have more space to move around than on a small center-console boat, and the twin-hull design gives you several places to sit during the ride.

The salon opens onto a wide back deck with comfortable seating. This is likely the easiest place for older family members or anyone who wants shade and a steady seat. The bow has bean bag chairs and two trampolines, which offer a more open ride and a good perch for watching the water.

The trampolines are especially useful for a group that wants to talk together while underway. They also make a pleasant place to stretch out between stops, though you should expect sun and spray there.

The onboard JBL sound system connects by Bluetooth, so you can play your own music. That small detail helps make the outing feel like your group’s boat day rather than a standard tour. Keep the volume considerate, since the captain still needs to communicate with everyone and the setting is part of the experience.

There is also a restroom onboard. That matters on a seven-hour outing, particularly with children or older adults.

Planning the route around St. Thomas and nearby islands

The advertised cruising area includes the harbors and islands around St. Thomas, Water Island, and Buck Island, with the possibility of stopping at a quieter cay. The captain and group decide what makes sense on the day.

A route around St. Thomas can combine scenery with swimming and snorkeling. Water Island offers another change of setting without requiring a long run, while Buck Island may appeal if your group wants a more open-water feel. A secret cay is not guaranteed, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promised stop.

Specific outings have included Shipwreck Cove and Honeymoon Beach. Honeymoon Beach has been used for beach time, swimming, and snorkeling, and it can also work well as a lunch stop. If your ideal day includes sand underfoot instead of remaining aboard, tell the captain early.

The boat does not visit the British Virgin Islands. This is important because some St. Thomas boat charters cross to the BVI. If that is your goal, this is the wrong trip. For a day focused on nearby St. Thomas waters, however, the local route keeps more time available for swimming and relaxing.

Snorkeling with turtles, rays, and reef fish

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this charter. Equipment is included, and the crew can take you to more than one spot when conditions allow.

The marine life described on these outings includes sea turtles, stingrays, reef fish, and coral. One family saw turtles, rays, and many fish at several snorkeling locations. Another outing included a turtle feeding in a seagrass area, while other groups found large schools of small fish beneath the boat.

Those details point to an important advantage of a private charter: you can move if the first stop is not right for your group. Water conditions and visibility change, and a captain with local experience can suggest another location. The boat may also visit more than one site during a full day, rather than asking you to spend the entire water portion at one reef.

The crew sometimes swims or snorkels with the group to help find sea life. One first mate even captured video of a turtle for a family. Do not treat that as a guaranteed service, but it shows how the crew can add personal attention to the water stops.

If your group includes nervous swimmers, tell the captain before getting underway. The boat includes floats, and the crew can help you understand where to enter the water. The supplied information does not promise private instruction or lifeguard service, so adults remain responsible for children and less confident swimmers.

Beach time and lunch stops

A full day gives you room to mix water activities with time ashore. Honeymoon Beach has been used for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch, and Dinghy’s has also been mentioned as a lunch option.

Lunch is not included in the charter price. You can purchase it at various locations, but you should plan for that extra expense and allow time for the stop. Ask the captain about the day’s practical choices when planning the route.

This is one area where your group’s priorities matter. If you want maximum snorkeling time, a long restaurant stop will reduce time in the water. If your party includes children or people who prefer a slower day, lunch and beach time may be worth more than adding another reef.

You can also choose to remain aboard for much of the outing. The floats, open deck, music system, and drinks make the catamaran itself part of the destination. I would not book this expecting a nonstop sailing experience, since the day is built around a mix of cruising, anchoring, swimming, and shore stops.

Drinks, music, and the all-inclusive feel

The charter includes bottled water supplied by Virgin H2O, soda, beer, and signature rum punch. The eco-friendly water arrangement is a thoughtful touch, and having drinks included means you do not need to organize a separate cooler for basic refreshments.

The rum punch receives particular attention from the crew, with Lindsey often mentioned as preparing it. Alcohol is part of the package, but you should still pace yourself. Sun, salt water, and a moving boat can make drinks feel stronger than expected.

Bring any special snacks or dietary items you need. Lunch is excluded, and the provided information does not specify a full meal or snack menu. If someone in your group has dietary restrictions, ask about food arrangements before departure.

The Bluetooth JBL system lets you bring your own soundtrack. I like this for a private group, especially when adults and children want a familiar, relaxed atmosphere. The captain still controls navigation and safety decisions, so music should remain at a level that allows clear communication.

Is the $1,495 price good value?

The listed price is $1,495 per group of up to 12 people. Divided among 12, that works out to about $125 per person before lunch and any gratuity. With six people, it is about $249 per person. The value changes sharply with group size.

For a large family or group of friends, the price can make sense because you are paying for a private boat, captain, crew, equipment, drinks, and itinerary control. You are not simply buying a seat on a shared cruise. You also avoid the crowding that comes with a large ship excursion.

For two or three people, the same price is harder to justify. A shared snorkeling trip may cost less, though it will not offer the same privacy or flexibility. This charter works best when the group fills much of the boat.

Remember to budget for lunch and gratuity. The operator notes that crew members rely on gratuities to supplement their income. That is not part of the advertised price, but it is a practical cost to consider when comparing the total expense.

Meeting at Havensight without a scramble

The meeting point is the WICO Day Charter Dock at Havensight. Meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway, 15 minutes before departure. The captain will escort you to the boat.

This is convenient if your ship docks at Havensight. If you arrive at Crown Bay Marina, you need a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Allow about 15 minutes each way, and build in extra time if your ship has a tight return schedule.

Cruise ship passengers should confirm which marina their ship will use. One family on Norwegian Aqua was able to walk from the same port and arranged an earlier return so they had time before sailing. That kind of timing request should be made before or at the start of the trip, not left until the final minutes.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. All departure times use local island time, so check your watch and ship schedule carefully.

Who will enjoy this private charter most?

I would choose this for a family reunion, birthday, wedding group, or group of friends who want one shared day rather than several separate activities. The private format also works well for mixed ages. An outing included people from age eight to 76, with everyone able to find a comfortable way to participate.

It suits people who want choices. You can snorkel, swim, visit a beach, listen to music, watch for turtles, or sit on the deck with a drink. The crew can help shape the route, but you need to communicate clearly about what matters most.

It is less suitable if you want a fixed sightseeing itinerary, a very cheap boat ride, or a trip to the BVI. It may also be a poor fit for anyone who dislikes open water or expects lunch to be included.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Since this is primarily an outdoor activity, masks are not required, though you can wear one if you prefer.

Weather, cancellations, and final planning

This charter requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cutoff uses local island time.

I would confirm the departure marina, start time, lunch plan, group size, and preferred activities before the day begins. If you want Honeymoon Beach, several snorkeling stops, or an early return to a cruise ship, say so at the start.

Should you book S/Y Pisces?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the price and you value privacy, flexible routing, and time in the water. The strongest combination is a full-day charter with several snorkeling stops, a beach visit, lunch ashore, and plenty of time aboard.

Think twice if you are traveling alone, watching every dollar, or hoping to visit the British Virgin Islands. For the right group, though, this is a well-equipped way to see the waters around St. Thomas without surrendering your day to a crowded schedule.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The full-day experience lasts about seven hours. A half-day option is also available, but you should confirm the exact duration when booking.

How many people can join the charter?

The price covers a private group of up to 12 people.

Where does the boat depart?

You meet at the WICO Day Charter Dock at Havensight, at the R Bar near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway.

How early should I arrive?

Meet the captain 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, floats, Virgin H2O bottled water, soda, beer, signature rum punch, and use of the onboard restroom are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can purchase it at various locations during the day.

Can I choose the itinerary?

Yes. You and the captain can design an itinerary around your group’s preferences and the conditions on the day.

Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. This charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat may stop at locations where you can look for turtles, rays, fish, and coral.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.