Private Fast Power Catamaran. Full or Half Day for Beach Hopping, Snorkel & Swim

Leave the crowded boat behind. This private charter aboard the 36-foot MV Poseidon gives your group room to move, a captain who can adjust the plan, and easy access to beaches and snorkeling spots around St. Thomas and St. John. I especially like the boat’s twin-hull design, which offers a steadier ride, and the chance to create a day around your own interests instead of following a fixed group schedule.

I also like the useful extras: snorkel gear, water, soda, beer, ice, park fees, and mooring permits are included. Captains such as Holly, Amanda, Wallens, Aaron, Bryan, Glen, and Mike are praised for mixing island knowledge with good humor and careful attention to safety. The main drawback is cost. At $895.50 for up to 12 people, plus fuel and a suggested 15 to 20 percent tip, this makes the most sense for a larger group.

The advertised stops cover much of the US Virgin Islands, but you will not visit all eight in one half-day or even on most full-day trips. Rough water, lunch stops, and your group’s wishes shape the route, so think of the list as a menu, not a promise.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• MV Poseidon carries up to 12 people: The 36-foot TwinVee offers more space and comfort than a small center-console boat, especially for families and mixed-age groups.

• Your captain helps shape the route: You can focus on turtles, coral, beaches, beach bars, scenic cruising, or a mix of all four.

• Snorkeling is a major strength: Past outings have included sea turtles, tropical fish, stingrays, starfish, an octopus, a lemon shark, and even a sunken sailboat.

• Fuel is extra: Plan on roughly 15 to 25 gallons for a half-day and 30 to 45 gallons for a full day, billed at $8 per gallon.

• The listed beaches are not one-day checklist stops: A full day may include about three stops, especially if the sea is rough or you stop for lunch.

• Arrive early at American Yacht Harbor: The operator recommends arriving 15 minutes before departure so paperwork does not cut into your time on the water.

What the MV Poseidon Is Like at Sea

The MV Poseidon is a 36-foot TwinVee Ocean Cat, a power catamaran built for speed and stability. That combination matters in the Virgin Islands. A fast boat lets you cover more water, while the twin hulls can make the ride feel less tense than a narrow single-hull boat.

The boat is designed to keep passengers relatively dry, though no open powerboat can promise a calm ride in rough conditions. One outing faced choppy water, and the captain adjusted the day rather than forcing an ambitious route. That is an important point: your comfort and safety can limit how many coves you reach.

The boat accommodates up to 12 people. For a full group, that capacity offers good value. For four people, it may feel like a lot of boat, but extra space is welcome when you are carrying towels, snorkel gear, cool drinks, and beach items.

A transom ladder makes getting back aboard easier after swimming. The low draft also allows the boat to approach beaches closely, sometimes within a few feet of shore. That is handy for families with young children, anyone who does not want to wade far, or groups planning a drink or meal at a waterfront spot.

The Fusion stereo adds a relaxed soundtrack, and the captain can keep the mood easy during scenic rides. Music is part of the appeal, but it should not overpower the safety briefing or the captain’s instructions.

How a Half-Day Charter Works

The half-day option lasts about four hours. That is enough time for a focused outing, such as snorkeling around St. John, visiting a turtle area, and stopping at a beach for a swim or drink.

A four-hour trip works well for families with younger children. One family with children ages 5 and 7 used the time to snorkel at three beaches, while another group appreciated stopping at Lovango for lunch and drinks. Still, four hours passes quickly. If you arrive late, paperwork and boarding can eat into the time you paid for.

You will need to choose your priorities. A half-day charter can deliver a satisfying mix of cruising, swimming, and snorkeling, but it cannot provide a slow tour of every bay in the region. I would choose two main goals and one optional stop. For example, make turtles and snorkeling the priorities, then add a beach if time and sea conditions allow.

The half-day trip can also work well for people who want a taste of boating without committing a full vacation day. It leaves time for dinner, shopping, or other St. Thomas plans. The trade-off is less time to reach distant areas and less flexibility if you want a long lunch stop.

What a Full Day Gives You

The full-day charter lasts roughly seven hours, depending on the exact booking. That extra time gives the captain more room to travel, wait for good snorkeling conditions, add a beach stop, or include lunch at a waterfront restaurant or beach bar.

You still should not expect all eight advertised locations. Water Island, Little Buck Island, Secret Harbour, Honeymoon Beach, Trunk Bay, Scott Bay, Maho Bay, and Magens Bay are spread across a broad area. Visiting them all would turn the day into a series of hurried photo stops, which is not the point of a private boat.

A more realistic full-day plan might include three substantial stops. One could be a snorkeling area, another a quiet beach, and a third a restaurant or beach bar. Rough water can reduce the number of stops further. One full-day outing reached only three places because conditions made crossing the water slower and less comfortable.

For a group that wants a relaxed pace, the full day is the better buy. You can stay longer in the water, give children time to play on a beach, and avoid rushing from one bay to the next. I would choose it for groups of eight to 12, families celebrating something special, or anyone who wants the boat day to be the centerpiece of the vacation.

Water Island and Little Buck Island

Water Island is often a useful early stop because it sits close to St. Thomas and offers a gentle introduction to the day. You might use this part of the trip for a swim, a short beach visit, or a look at the coast before traveling farther.

Little Buck Island is associated with snorkeling and protected waters. The exact experience depends on conditions, but it can be a good choice if your group wants to spend more time looking below the surface rather than simply riding between beaches.

These stops are not guaranteed as a sequence. The captain will consider weather, currents, crowd levels, and what your group wants to do. That flexibility is one of the charter’s strongest features, but it also means you should discuss your priorities before leaving the harbor.

Secret Harbour and Honeymoon Beach

Secret Harbour offers a useful blend of swimming, snorkeling, and easy shoreline access. It can suit a group that wants to get in the water without making the entire day about a long beach visit.

Honeymoon Beach is especially practical for families. The boat’s low draft and ladder can bring you close to shore, and one family used the stop so a toddler could play on the beach while others enjoyed the water.

The beach stops also give non-swimmers a better role in the day. Someone who does not want to snorkel can stay aboard, sit near shore, or walk onto the sand. That makes the charter more flexible than a trip built around nonstop swimming.

Trunk Bay, Scott Bay, and Maho Bay

Trunk Bay and Scott Bay can add variety to a full day, especially if your group wants several short swims instead of one long stop. The captain can help decide which area has the best conditions for your visit.

Maho Bay is one of the most appealing stops for wildlife. Several outings have included sea turtles there, and one family member who normally avoided deep water felt comfortable getting in at Maho Bay. You are never guaranteed a turtle sighting, but the area is a strong choice when wildlife is high on your list.

Snorkeling results vary. Groups have seen tropical fish, healthy coral, stingrays, starfish, octopus, and a lemon shark. Another outing found turtles but fewer colorful fish. That is normal in open water. The captain can choose promising sites, but no captain can order marine life to appear on schedule.

For nervous swimmers, tell the captain what makes you uncomfortable. Captains such as Wallens, Amanda, Holly, Bryan, and Valley are praised for giving reassurance while keeping safety in front. You should still be comfortable following basic water instructions and using a ladder to board.

Magens Bay and Beach-Bar Stops

Magens Bay is one of the best-known beach areas around St. Thomas, and seeing it from the water gives you a different view than arriving by road. It can be a scenic stop for swimming or a quick look, but the captain may choose another location if conditions or timing make that wiser.

The charter also makes it possible to stop near places such as Dinghy’s, Margaritaville, Lime Out, or Lovango. The low draft is useful here because you can get close to shore rather than arranging a separate tender.

Lovango has been a popular lunch stop on half-day and full-day outings. It gives you a break from swimming and lets the group enjoy a meal or drink without ending the boat day. Keep in mind that a restaurant stop uses part of your charter time. If snorkeling is your main goal, say so before making lunch plans.

Snorkeling With Turtles and Tropical Fish

The operator supplies snorkel equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The equipment is described as brand new, though fit can still vary from person to person. If you have a favorite mask, bringing it may be worthwhile, but the included gear removes one common hurdle.

The best part of the snorkeling is the variety of possible sightings. Families have seen sea turtles and fish at several beaches, while other outings included an octopus, a stingray, starfish, a lemon shark, and a sunken sailboat.

I would treat the marine life as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Water clarity, wind, boat traffic, and the number of swimmers can change the experience. If you want the best chance at a rewarding snorkel, tell your captain that underwater time matters more than visiting a long list of beaches.

Captains Make or Break the Day

The captain is not just a driver. You are hiring someone to read the water, choose sensible stops, explain the islands, manage the boat, and keep a mixed group happy.

Holly is praised for her island knowledge and lively interaction. Amanda receives high marks for explaining island geography, history, and sea life while keeping safety serious. Wallens is often credited with knowing which spots hold turtles, fish, stingrays, or other sea life.

Aaron, Bryan, Glen, Mike, Hillary, Kyle, Valley, and others have also been singled out for friendly service, local insight, and route flexibility. That range of names suggests the company has several strong captains, though your experience will depend on who is assigned to your date.

At the start, expect a safety briefing and a conversation about what you want from the day. Be clear. Say if you prefer beaches over snorkeling, a quiet ride over loud music, or wildlife over lunch. The more specific you are, the more useful the captain’s planning can be.

Price, Fuel, and the Real Value

The base price is $895.50 for the entire boat, with up to 12 people. Split among 12, that is about $75 per person before fuel and tip. With four people, the same boat costs about $224 per person before those additions.

Fuel is billed separately at $8 per gallon. The stated averages are 15 to 25 gallons for a half-day and 30 to 45 gallons for a full day. That works out to roughly $120 to $200 for a half-day or $240 to $360 for a full day.

A 15 to 20 percent tip is recommended for the captain. The final cost can therefore be notably higher than the base price. Ask for the expected fuel range when you confirm, then divide the total by your group size.

For a large family or group of friends, the charter can be a good value because you are not paying 12 separate excursion rates. You also get privacy, route control, included drinks, snorkel equipment, and park fees. For a small group, compare the total with a shared boat before booking.

Meeting Point, Timing, and Practical Details

The trip begins and ends at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas. The address is 84GX+24H, Smith Bay Road, Red Hook, St. Thomas 00802.

Arrive about 15 minutes early. You need time for paperwork and boarding, and a late start means less time on the water. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The activity is private, so only your group participates. Service animals are allowed, and the operator says most people can take part. You should still consider your group’s swimming comfort, mobility, and ability to climb a boat ladder.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation inside 24 hours is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Since the trip requires good weather, the operator offers another date or a full refund if poor conditions force a cancellation.

Who Should Book MV Poseidon?

I would choose this charter for families, groups of friends, and anyone who values privacy more than a fixed sightseeing schedule. It is also a strong fit for mixed groups, since swimmers, beach walkers, young children, and people who prefer to stay aboard can share the same day.

Choose a full day if you want several stops, a long snorkeling session, or lunch along the way. Choose a half day if you have young children, limited time, or one main goal such as swimming with turtles around St. John.

I would look elsewhere if you want a guaranteed list of beaches, a low all-in price, or a completely calm ride. The sea sets the schedule, and fuel plus gratuity can change the budget.

FAQ

How many people can ride on MV Poseidon?

MV Poseidon can accommodate up to 12 people, and the price is for the entire boat rather than per person.

How long is the private charter?

The experience lasts approximately four to seven hours. The half-day option is about four hours, while the full-day option is about seven hours.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, ice, and beer are included. Park fees and mooring permits are also included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is billed separately at $8 per gallon. The stated average is 15 to 25 gallons for a half-day and 30 to 45 gallons for a full day.

Can the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

Visiting the British Virgin Islands is not included in this experience. It can be booked separately under product code 111649P25.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather prevents the charter from operating, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Should You Book This Private St. Thomas Boat Day?

Book it if your group can share the cost and wants control over the day. The strongest reasons are the steady, spacious MV Poseidon, the flexible route, the included snorkel gear and drinks, and captains who tailor the outing to your group.

My best advice is to decide your priorities before boarding and arrive early. If turtles and snorkeling matter most, say so. If you want a beach bar or lunch stop, mention that too. Choose the full day for a relaxed pace, and remember that the eight-stop list is only a set of possibilities, not a promise.

For a large group, this is one of the more practical ways to turn a St. Thomas vacation into a private day among the islands.