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

Sea time is the real St. Thomas treat. This private 50-foot catamaran charter gives your group the boat, captain, crew, and open water for four to seven hours, with room for up to 12 people. I especially like the custom itinerary and the easygoing setup with snorkeling gear, floats, beer, soda, water, and rum punch already aboard.

The spacious back deck works well for dining and conversation, while the bow has bean bags and large trampolines for sunbathing or watching turtles. I also like how well the crew handles families, with captains and first mates such as Maddie, Olivia, Alex, JW, Vic, and Coleman earning praise for their care and flexibility. The main caution is that the long list of beaches is a menu, not a promise, and Trunk Bay is not always available to commercial charters.

Key things to know before booking

• The boat is private for your group: The $1,595 price covers up to 12 people, not a per-person seat.
• You choose the pace: Half-day charters last about four hours, while full-day trips run about seven hours.
• Snorkeling gear and floats are included: You also get bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and signature rum punch.
• The crew helps shape the route: You can focus on snorkeling, beaches, sightseeing, swimming, or a mix.
• Lunch costs extra: You can buy food at some stops, but lunch is not part of the charter price.
• The British Virgin Islands are not included: This boat visits St. Thomas, St. John, and nearby cays only.

A 50-foot catamaran with room to spread out

The SY Sirena is a 50-foot luxury catamaran, and the size matters. You are not packed shoulder to shoulder on a small powerboat. The salon opens onto a broad back deck with seating and dining space, giving you several ways to spend the day.

The bow is the social heart of the boat. Bean bags and large trampolines let you stretch out while underway, chat with your group, or keep watch for turtles and dolphins. The bean bags also make a comfortable spot for a quiet rest, a useful detail on a full-day trip.

For a group of six to 12, this layout is a strong part of the value. You can gather at the back, spread out at the bow, or step into the salon when you want shade. The boat also has a restroom, so you are not dependent on reaching shore for every basic need.

The charter is private, which means no strangers decide the music, swimming time, or lunch stop. That privacy can make the $1,595 price reasonable for a larger family or friend group. Split among 12 people, the base cost is about $133 per person. For four people, it is about $399 each, before gratuity and food, so the value depends heavily on your group size.

What the half-day and full-day options really mean

A half-day lasts about four hours. That is enough time for a scenic ride, one or two good water stops, and a relaxed return to Red Hook. It suits families with small children, first-time boaters, and anyone who wants a taste of the islands without spending all day in the sun.

A full-day charter runs about seven hours. This gives you time to cross between St. Thomas and St. John, stop for more than one snorkel session, and fit in lunch. It also lets you linger instead of treating every cove like a quick photo stop.

The suggested timing of at least 1.5 hours per stop is sensible. Swimming, collecting gear, getting into the water, snorkeling, drying off, and getting everyone back aboard takes time. The itinerary lists 13 possible places, but you should not expect to visit them all in one charter. A half-day might reasonably center on one major water stop and one shorter stop. A full day could include several locations, depending on sea conditions and your captain’s advice.

I would decide on your priorities before boarding. Tell the crew if your group wants sea turtles, quiet beaches, snorkeling, sightseeing, lunch, or simply a slow day on the water. The captain can then shape the route around those goals.

Secret Harbour and the east end of St. Thomas

Secret Harbour is a practical starting choice for a St. Thomas charter. It offers a sheltered setting for swimming and snorkeling, and it is close enough to Red Hook to leave useful time in the water.

This kind of stop works well for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can snorkel while others use floats or relax aboard. If your party includes young children, you can ask the crew to help with equipment and keep the outing comfortable rather than rushing everyone into the water.

Sapphire Beach and Coki Point Beach also sit on the St. Thomas side of the suggested route. Sapphire is known for its broad beach setting and easy swimming appeal, while Coki Point is a natural choice for people who want to spend more time in the water. The crew can help decide which location fits the day’s wind and water conditions.

Lindqvist Beach offers a quieter-feeling beach stop than some of the island’s busier names. It can be a good pick if your group wants shore time without making the day all about snorkeling. Keep in mind that a private charter is still shaped by conditions, distance, and any access limits in force that day.

Brewer’s Bay and Magens Bay

Brewer’s Bay gives you another St. Thomas option, especially when the captain is looking for a calmer place on the island’s other side. The crew has noted that windy days do not always ruin the outing. They can often seek shelter on another side of an island or in a quiet cove.

Magens Bay is one of St. Thomas’s best-known beach settings, and it makes sense for a group that wants scenery and a classic beach stop. It may be more appealing to people who are less interested in extended snorkeling. You can spend time swimming, resting, or simply enjoying the view from the boat.

The tradeoff is distance and popularity. A famous beach can take more time to reach and may not be the best use of a short half-day if your main goal is sea life. Tell the captain what matters most before choosing a route.

St. John’s bays and beaches

The charter can visit St. John, where the coastline offers a different feel from St. Thomas. Honeymoon Beach, Francis Bay, Maho Bay, and Trunk Bay are all listed as possible stops, but the captain’s current access information matters more than any printed route.

Honeymoon Beach is a natural choice for a relaxed swim and beach break. Francis Bay can appeal to people who want a quieter setting. Maho Bay is especially attractive if sea turtles are high on your wish list, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Trunk Bay requires special care when planning. One recent passenger was told that commercial charters could not stop there, despite it appearing among the possible beaches. The company acknowledged that the restriction was recent. Ask about Trunk Bay before departure and have a backup plan ready.

That small check can prevent disappointment. The wider lesson is important: the advertised places describe the area the boat can serve, not a fixed schedule. Your captain may also change the route for wind, water conditions, access rules, or the needs of your group.

Waterlemon Cay and the quieter eastern side

Waterlemon Cay is a good choice for a group focused on snorkeling and scenery. It gives the day a more open-water feel and can be paired with time around St. John’s bays.

Scott Bay and Hansen Bay offer additional St. John possibilities. These stops may suit you if you want less time at the most famous beaches and more time exploring coves and swimming areas. The captain decides what is practical based on the day’s conditions and the time available.

The key is not to build a rigid checklist. A private charter works best when you choose a few priorities and let the crew connect them in a sensible order. Trying to collect every beach name would leave you spending too much time underway and too little time in the water.

Snorkeling, turtles, and the included water gear

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floats. That saves you from packing or renting masks, snorkels, and flotation gear separately. The crew helps people get fitted and can point out places where conditions are right for swimming.

The strongest praise for this charter centers on the water time. Groups reported seeing sea turtles, stingrays, octopuses, tropical fish, and even a sunken ship. Those sightings came from different routes and days, so you should treat them as possibilities, not guarantees.

The crew’s role makes a difference here. First mates such as Olivia, Ro, Celina, Kahlia, and Coleman have been praised for helping people in and out of the water, keeping drinks filled, and assisting children. One family with a weak swimmer said Alex and Coleman kept an eye on their son while the parents snorkeled for about 30 minutes.

That does not mean the crew replaces a parent or lifeguard. You remain responsible for children, and you should tell the captain about swimming abilities before leaving the dock. Still, the hands-on support is useful for families and mixed-ability groups.

Drinks, lunch, and the rhythm of a full day

The all-inclusive part covers ice, soda, bottled water, beer, and the company’s signature rum punch. The water is provided by Virgin H2O as part of the company’s eco-friendly practices. Having drinks ready means less planning and fewer coolers to carry.

Lunch is not included. You can purchase food at several locations, and past outings have included stops such as Lovango for lunch and the Pizza Boat. If you want a full-day charter, ask about food options when planning the route. You can also bring snacks, especially for children, though the provided details do not list a formal onboard meal service.

A full-day charter often works best with a simple rhythm: cruise, swim, snorkel, dry off, eat, and make one or two more stops. You do not need a packed schedule. The boat itself is part of the experience, and the bow seating makes time underway pleasant rather than merely a transfer between beaches.

Gratuity is not included. For exceptional service, the customary tip is 15 to 20 percent. On a $1,595 charter, that is a meaningful extra cost, so include it in your budget before deciding that the price fits.

Crew service and family comfort

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to book this particular outing. Captains including Maddie, JW, Alex, Dave, Glen, Vic, and others have been praised for asking what the group wants, suggesting snorkel spots, explaining island details, and adjusting the day.

The best reports describe a crew that balances safety with fun. Families with babies, toddlers, teenagers, and older adults all found value in having a private boat and crew focused on their group. The crew can help with gear, suggest quieter water, and adjust plans when the wind rises.

You should also arrive on time. One very unhappy account involved a group arriving 25 minutes late and expecting the crew to extend the charter. The company did not agree, and the dispute turned sour. A private boat still runs on a schedule, and a late start can reduce your time on the water.

The company says vessels are sanitized after each trip using CDC and WHO guidelines. Masks are not required because the activity is mainly outdoors, though you may wear one if you prefer. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

Departure from Red Hook and booking details

The boat departs from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, at Smith Bay Road. The charter ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup from Cruz Bay on St. John may be possible with advance notice after booking, so ask before assuming it is arranged.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the experience has a mobile ticket. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted. The trip requires good weather, and if the operator cancels for weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The British Virgin Islands are not available on SY Sirena. If visiting the BVI is essential, you need a different product rather than hoping the captain can add it to this route.

Who should book the SY Sirena charter?

I would recommend this trip for families or friend groups who can fill at least six seats and want control over the day. It is especially useful when your party has different interests, since some people can snorkel while others swim, sunbathe, or stay aboard.

It also suits milestone celebrations. One group used the charter for a 50th birthday and praised the private beach stop, attentive service, and rum punch. The boat gives you room for a celebration without forcing your group into a fixed public-tour schedule.

I would think twice if you are a small party on a tight budget. Four hours on a private 50-foot catamaran is a fine treat, but the per-person cost rises quickly with only two or four people. You should also reconsider if you need a guaranteed visit to Trunk Bay or the BVI.

Should you book this St. Thomas catamaran?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day with a spacious boat, strong family support, and good access to snorkeling around St. Thomas and St. John. The 97 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 606 ratings match the experience’s clearest strengths: friendly crews, comfortable space, and memorable wildlife encounters.

Before paying, confirm your preferred stops, ask about current restrictions at Trunk Bay, discuss lunch, and decide if half-day or full-day timing suits your group. If you arrive on time and accept that the captain may adjust the route, this is a high-value splurge for a larger party.

FAQ

How much does the private catamaran charter cost?

The charter costs $1,595 per group for up to 12 people. The price covers the yacht and the private activity, not separate per-person tickets.

How long does the experience last?

You can choose a half-day or full-day charter. The listed duration is approximately four to seven hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Where does the charter end?

The activity ends back at American Yacht Harbor, the same place where it begins.

Can the boat pick up passengers in Cruz Bay?

Pickup from Cruz Bay, St. John, may be possible with an advance request after booking. You should arrange this ahead of time rather than assume it is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

What drinks are included?

The charter includes bottled water, soda, beer, ice, and Seas the Day signature rum punch.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch costs extra, though food can be purchased at some locations along the route.

Can the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?

No. The BVI is not available on this vessel. The boat visits St. Thomas, St. John, and nearby cays.

What is the cancellation policy?

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 causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.