Half or Full-Day Private Boat Charter from St. John or St. Thomas

The best island views come from the water. This private charter lets you shape the day around snorkeling, quiet beaches, sea turtles, and floating restaurants instead of following a fixed group schedule. I especially like the private boat for up to eight people and the freedom to choose between a relaxed beach day and a more active snorkeling route.

I also like the helpful captains, including Bryan, Andrew, Steve, and Scott, who are praised for local knowledge, safety, and good judgment about where to stop. The main drawback is the extra fuel charge, plus the taxi cost if you are coming from a cruise ship at the St. Thomas port.

Quick takeaways before you book

• Sea turtles at Maho Bay: Calm water and regular turtle sightings make this one of the strongest snorkeling stops.
• Pizza on the water: Christmas Cove ends the half-day route with the option to order from Pizza Pi, a floating pizzeria.
• Your group sets the pace: The captain can adjust the route for beaches, snorkeling, sightseeing, or floating restaurants.
• Two catamarans available: Trips operate aboard a 29-foot or 32-foot power catamaran.
• Cruise passengers need extra planning: American Yacht Harbor is about 20 minutes from the cruise port by taxi, with taxi costs charged separately.
• Fuel is billed separately: Budget for fuel at $7 per gallon, along with any food, drinks, and tip.

What kind of boat day is this?

Bonus Time Charters offers a private island-hopping trip from St. Thomas or St. John. The boat is reserved for your group, not mixed with strangers, and the captain can adjust the plan around your interests and the sea conditions.

The boats are 29-foot or 32-foot power catamarans. That gives you a useful middle ground: more room and stability than a small center-console boat, but a more personal feel than a large sightseeing vessel. You can move between beaches and snorkeling areas without waiting for a full boatload of people.

The advertised half-day experience lasts about three and a half hours, though several accounts describe trips lasting close to four hours. Travel time is part of the total, so you will not spend the entire booking stopped at beaches or in the water. That matters most on a half-day charter, where each minute counts.

A full-day option gives you much more room to roam. You can combine several snorkeling areas with a lunch stop at Lime Out, a floating taco bar in Coral Bay, and still visit quieter coves on St. John.

Why a private charter can be worth $795

The listed price is $795 per group of up to eight people. Split eight ways, that is about $99 per person before fuel, gratuity, taxis, and food. With four people, the base cost works out to about $199 per person, so the value depends heavily on group size.

For a large family or a group of friends, the price can make good sense. You are paying for a private captain, a boat, snorkeling equipment, cooler space, water, ice, and the ability to shape the route. You are not simply buying a ride from one beach to another.

The value is strongest if you care about privacy and flexibility. A group with children might want shorter snorkeling stops and more beach time. Strong swimmers may prefer several snorkel sites. A cruise group may want a later afternoon departure and a firm return time. The captain can work around those preferences.

The fuel charge needs attention. Fuel is not included and is billed at $7 per gallon based on usage. One person found the added cost higher than expected, even though the charter company states the charge during booking. Ask for a clear estimate before departure so the final price does not catch you by surprise.

A 20 percent tip is recommended if the captain provides excellent service. You also pay separately for pizza, tacos, alcoholic drinks, and any other purchases during the day.

Leaving St. Thomas for St. John

The trip begins at American Yacht Harbor, the meeting point for the charter. If you arrive on a cruise ship, do not expect pickup directly at the port. You will need to take a taxi to the marina.

The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and was described as costing around $15 per person each way. For eight people, that adds up quickly, especially when you count both directions. Build the transfer into your schedule and budget, and arrange your return taxi carefully if you have a ship departure to meet.

Once underway, the crossing itself becomes part of the experience. The captain can point out landmarks around St. Thomas and St. John, and the boat gives you a broad view of the islands from offshore. Conditions can change quickly, and parts of the route may feel choppy. The crew chooses stops based on the best available conditions, but a cover-up or shirt is smart for the ride back, when the sun and wind can be surprisingly strong.

Waterlemon Cay for coral and clear water

Waterlemon Cay is a suggested stop for a 30-minute snorkeling session. It is known for healthy elkhorn coral, an important feature in the area because this coral is critically endangered.

The short stop works well as an opening look at the underwater world. You can expect coral, fish, and clear water, though the exact visibility and sea life will depend on conditions. Since half-day trips are tight on time, the captain may shorten or replace this stop if another area offers calmer water or better conditions that day.

Waterlemon Cay is especially appealing if you want a stronger coral setting rather than a beach break. It may be less important to you if your top goal is seeing turtles, since Maho Bay is the more reliable choice for that.

Maho Bay and the search for sea turtles

Maho Bay is one of the main reasons to choose this route. Its calm water makes it a comfortable place to snorkel, and sea turtles are a regular highlight.

You might see fish, rays, and other marine life as well. Several trips reported turtles at more than one stop, but wildlife is never guaranteed. The captain’s local judgment helps, since he can choose the best route and show you where to look.

Maho Bay also suits mixed-age groups. Children and less confident swimmers may find the calm conditions easier than a more exposed site. Still, you should be comfortable entering the water from the boat, and you should tell the captain about any mobility or swimming concerns before setting out.

Scott Bay for quiet beach time

Scott Bay Beach offers a useful change of pace after snorkeling. The beach is accessible by boat and sits near the remains of the former Caneel Bay Resort on St. John.

You can snorkel, swim, float, or simply sit on the sand. The appeal is not a long list of facilities. It is the chance to reach a scenic shoreline by boat and, at times, have a quieter stop away from the main crowds.

This is one of the best places to slow the day down. A family may want to give children a break from masks and fins. Adults may prefer to stretch out on the beach and enjoy the view. If you want nonstop snorkeling, though, tell the captain. Every half-hour spent ashore is time not spent at another reef.

Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi

Christmas Cove is the half-day route’s most unusual finish. You can snorkel around Fish Cay, look for a sunken sailboat, or order food from Pizza Pi, the floating pizzeria.

The pizza stop is more than a meal. You can swim from the boat to the floating lounge area, turning lunch into one of the day’s main memories. Families particularly appreciate the novelty, and children have enjoyed the combination of swimming, boat time, and pizza.

The food is not included, so bring a payment method and allow enough time for ordering and eating. If your group is more interested in snorkeling than lunch, Christmas Cove still works as a marine-life stop. The sunken sailboat gives you something specific to search for underwater, rather than just open reef.

What changes on a full-day charter?

The full-day trip is the better choice if you want to see more of St. John without rushing. You can head toward the South Shore, with possible stops at Salt Pond Bay, Little Lameshur, Pelican Rock, Tektite, and Hansen Bay.

A longer route can include Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay, followed by quieter southern coves. You may also reach Lime Out in Coral Bay, a floating taco bar that makes an easy lunch stop. Lime Out is a destination, not an included meal, so plan to pay separately.

The full-day format also gives the captain more room to respond to conditions. If one bay is rough, crowded, or less clear than expected, there is time to try another. You are less likely to feel that every stop has to be measured by the clock.

I would choose the full day for a group that wants a broad tour of St. John, several snorkel sites, and a floating restaurant. I would choose the half day for cruise passengers, families with younger children, or anyone who wants a strong taste of the islands without committing to a full day on a boat.

Captains who shape the experience

The captain matters greatly on a private charter. Bryan is praised for handling several roles at once, including boat operation, music, snorkeling help, and guiding. Andrew is frequently described as friendly, patient, and good at matching stops to the group’s interests.

Steve is noted for explaining that the boat was the group’s own for the day, which captures the main advantage of this format. He also received praise for stories about the islands and for finding good snorkeling areas. Scott is described as attentive, personable, and careful about keeping track of people in the water.

That local guidance has real value. The captain can point out landmarks, suggest routes through snorkeling areas, and watch the clock for cruise passengers. One group even had the captain help make sure a taxi was ready when they returned to the dock.

Do not expect a formal lecture or a rigid sightseeing script. The experience is more conversational and practical. Ask questions, explain what your group wants, and speak up if you need more beach time or a shorter swim.

Snorkeling gear, comfort, and safety

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are water, ice, and a cooler. You can bring your own nonalcoholic drinks and alcohol, but glass bottles are not allowed.

The cooler is particularly useful for cruise passengers who want to pick up drinks before reaching the marina. Bring sun protection and a cover-up for the ride. The boat offers shade, but the available details do not specify how much shaded seating there is, so do not assume everyone will be protected from the sun all day.

Several groups saw turtles, rays, colorful fish, squid, puffer fish, sharks, and a sunken vessel. Those sightings show the variety possible in the area, but they are not promises. Water conditions, timing, and wildlife movement all affect what you see.

The crew pays close attention to people in the water. Still, you should follow the captain’s instructions, keep track of your own children, and be honest about your swimming ability. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. If anyone in your party uses a wheelchair or has mobility limits, call before booking to discuss boarding and water access. A captain may be able to help, but assistance should be confirmed in advance.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

This trip is a strong fit for:

• Families with children and teenagers
• Friends splitting the cost of a private boat
• Cruise passengers who want a personal shore excursion
• Snorkelers seeking sea turtles and varied marine life
• Groups that prefer quiet beaches over crowded public tours
• People celebrating a birthday or another special occasion

The half-day version is particularly useful for families with teenagers who prefer a later start. A 1:30 p.m. departure was praised as a good way to sleep in and still enjoy St. John.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speedboat motion, are uncomfortable with choppy water, or want a fully inclusive price. The fuel, taxi, tip, and food costs are all separate. You also need to accept that a customized route means the exact stops can change.

Booking details that matter

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The trip requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity is private for your group.

The biggest planning point is timing. If you are sailing on a cruise ship, allow for the taxi to American Yacht Harbor in both directions, plus a safety margin before all-aboard time. Tell the charter company your ship schedule when arranging the trip.

Should you book Bonus Time Charters?

I would book this charter if you have a group of four to eight people and want a flexible day on the water rather than a standard sightseeing cruise. The strongest reasons are the private setting, the choice of stops, capable captains, and the chance to combine turtle snorkeling with a quiet beach and Pizza Pi.

Choose the half day if you are visiting by cruise ship or want a focused outing. Choose the full day if St. John is a main purpose of your holiday and you want Salt Pond Bay, Little Lameshur, Waterlemon Cay, Lime Out, and several other areas without racing the clock.

Before paying, ask about the likely fuel cost, confirm the meeting point, and explain your group’s swimming and mobility needs. If those details fit your plans, $795 can be a fair group price for a private boat, especially when eight people share it.

FAQ

How much does the private boat charter cost?

The listed price is $795 per group of up to eight people. Fuel, gratuity, food, alcoholic drinks, and cruise port transportation cost extra.

How long is the half-day charter?

The advertised duration is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Travel time is included in the total, and some trip descriptions refer to an outing of about four hours.

What kind of boat is used?

Bonus Time Charters operates the experience aboard a 29-foot or 32-foot power catamaran.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, water, ice, and a cooler are included.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. You may bring your own beverages, including alcohol, but glass bottles are not permitted on board.

Is food included?

No. Purchases at Pizza Pi, Lime Out, or other food stops are paid for separately by your group.

Where do cruise passengers meet the boat?

Cruise passengers need to take a taxi to American Yacht Harbor. Cruise port pickup is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and weather cancellations qualify for a different date or a full refund.