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

A private boat changes the whole day. This charter puts your group on S/Y Pisces, a 47-foot Leopard catamaran, with room for up to 12 people, a captain who helps shape the route, and plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing around St. Thomas.

I like the private itinerary, since you can focus on turtles, beach time, snorkeling, or simply an easy sail instead of following a fixed group schedule. I also like the roomy design, especially the back deck, bow bean bags, trampolines, Bluetooth sound system, restroom, floats, and included drinks. The main consideration is cost: $1,495 per group is a serious outlay for a smaller party, and lunch is not included.

This is a strong choice for families, cruise-ship groups, and friends who want the boat to themselves. Just remember that this charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands, and the meeting point at Havensight requires careful timing if you arrive at another cruise port.

Key points to know before you book

• A 47-foot Leopard catamaran: S/Y Pisces has a spacious salon, open back deck, bow seating, bean bags, and two trampolines.
• Your group controls the day: Work with the captain to plan stops around St. Thomas, Buck Island, Water Island, and possibly a less-publicized cay.
• Snorkeling gear and floats are included: You can swim and snorkel without bringing your own equipment.
• Beer and rum punch come with the charter: Bottled Virgin H2O water and soda are also provided.
• Up to 12 people can share the boat: The per-group price makes the most sense when divided among a larger party.
• The dock location matters: Meet at the R Bar near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway, 15 minutes before departure.

Boarding at Havensight and getting settled on Pisces

The charter begins at the WICO Day Charter Dock in Havensight. You meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway, where the captain escorts you to S/Y Pisces. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure, not at the exact departure time.

This location is especially convenient if your cruise ship docks at Havensight. One large family group reported being able to walk from the ship to the boat, then return with enough time to ride the Skyride to Paradise Point for lunch. That kind of timing can work, but it depends entirely on your ship’s assigned pier and the day’s schedule.

If your ship arrives at Crown Bay Marina, you need a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande. Allow about 15 minutes each way for that ride. I would confirm your ship’s port the night before and leave extra time for traffic, port procedures, and finding the correct dock.

Once aboard, the catamaran gives your group several ways to spread out. The salon opens onto a broad back deck with comfortable seating. At the bow, bean bag chairs and two large trampolines create a good place to lie back, talk, catch the breeze, or watch for turtles.

The layout matters on a seven-hour outing. You are not confined to one bench or a narrow deck, and people who want shade, sun, conversation, music, or quiet can move around. A restroom is also available onboard, which is useful during a full day at sea.

Designing a seven-hour route around St. Thomas

The captain and your group decide how to use the day. Possible areas include the harbors and islands around St. Thomas, Buck Island, Water Island, and perhaps a small cay that is less commonly visited.

That flexibility is the heart of the charter. You might build the day around several snorkeling stops, add a beach visit, or spend more time simply sailing and swimming. The captain can suggest locations based on what your group wants to see and the conditions on the day.

Past outings have included snorkeling near turtle habitat, stops at Shipwreck Cove, time at Honeymoon Beach, and visits to more than one island. Some groups have seen sea turtles, stingrays, coral, and schools of fish. One first mate even collected underwater video of a turtle feeding in seagrass for a family group.

It is important to keep expectations sensible. Marine life is wild, and no captain can promise turtles, rays, or a particular reef. Still, the crew’s ability to change the plan gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable and enjoyable spot than a fixed boat excursion does.

For families with different priorities, this setup works well. One person can snorkel while another relaxes on deck. Children can use floats or enjoy the open space, while older family members can stay comfortable onboard. A group ranging from age 8 to 76 reportedly enjoyed the mix of scenery, swimming, snorkeling, and easy time on the boat.

Snorkeling with turtles, rays, and reef fish

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to book this experience. Equipment is included, so you receive masks, snorkels, and related gear on the boat rather than arranging a separate rental.

The exact snorkeling locations depend on the captain’s plan and sea conditions. One half-day outing included a reef stop and Honeymoon Beach, where the group saw rays. Other outings visited several snorkeling spots and produced sightings of turtles, stingrays, coral, and many kinds of fish.

The turtle encounters seem to be a particular highlight. At some locations, you may find turtles moving through seagrass rather than simply passing across a reef. That setting can be especially interesting because you are watching natural feeding behavior, not just checking off a wildlife sighting.

The crew can also make the water time easier for mixed-ability groups. Captains and first mates have accompanied people toward snorkeling areas and helped search for turtles. If you are not a strong swimmer, speak with the crew before entering the water so they can explain the available equipment and conditions.

The tradeoff is that snorkeling time depends on your group. If everyone wants several water stops, the captain can plan for that. If half the group would rather stay onboard, the outing can feel more relaxed, but you may see fewer sites. Talk through those priorities before leaving the dock.

Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, and time ashore

Beach stops add variety to the day. Honeymoon Beach has been used for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a break from the boat. It is described as a favorite stop by several groups, particularly for its sandy setting and quieter feel compared with more heavily visited areas.

Shipwreck Cove has also been included in a customized route. The name suggests a particular point of interest, but the useful part for you is the freedom to request a mix of scenery, water time, and beach time rather than spending the entire charter in one place.

Lunch is not part of the $1,495 price. You can buy lunch at various locations, and previous outings have included meals at Honeymoon Beach, Dinghy’s, and other shore-based spots. If lunch is important to your group, ask the captain which stops are practical and budget for the meal separately.

This is one area where planning makes a difference. A restaurant stop takes time away from snorkeling or sailing, but it removes the need to pack a meal. A group that wants maximum water time may prefer a shorter shore visit, while families with children may appreciate a proper break and something more substantial than snacks.

Drinks, music, and the relaxed side of the trip

The charter includes bottled Virgin H2O water, soda, beer, and the company’s Seas the Day signature rum punch. The crew practices eco-friendly habits by providing Virgin H2O water, an appealing detail if you are trying to reduce single-use plastic while on the water.

The rum punch comes up often in the experience. Crew members such as Lindsey and Kayli have received special praise for keeping it flowing and preparing a memorable version. It is a pleasant addition, but remember to balance alcoholic drinks with water, especially in the Caribbean sun.

Pisces also has a JBL sound system with Bluetooth capability. You can connect your own music and bring a personal soundtrack for the sail. This is a real advantage for a private group, though it is worth agreeing on the music before the day turns into a floating argument over playlists.

Floats and beach games are included as well. These help fill the gaps between snorkeling and shore stops, especially for children or anyone who wants to enjoy the water without wearing a mask and snorkel.

The captain and first mate make the difference

The boat is important, but the crew shapes the day. The captain asks what your group wants and offers suggestions based on local conditions and interests. That might mean seeking turtles, avoiding crowded areas, adding a beach stop, or arranging a route with several snorkeling locations.

Several captains and first mates are named in the experiences connected with Pisces, including AnneMarie, Megan, Lindsey, Alex, JP, Darren, Eduardo, Coleman, Alicia, Selena, Liv, and others. AnneMarie is repeatedly praised for combining humor with professionalism and for making families feel well cared for. JP also received credit for helping a group when a delayed taxi created a transportation problem.

The strongest pattern is attentive service. Crew members have helped young children, guided people toward sea turtles, shared local history, adjusted return times, and offered island suggestions. One family appreciated that the crew accommodated an early return by about 15 minutes so they could get back to their cruise ship.

You should still communicate clearly. Tell the captain if your group wants more snorkeling, less sailing, a restaurant lunch, beach time, a quieter route, or a family-friendly pace. A private charter gives you control, but the captain cannot plan the best day without knowing your priorities.

Gratuity is not listed as included. The company notes that crew members rely on tips to supplement their income, so plan for a gratuity if the service meets your expectations. That is worth including in your budget.

Is $1,495 good value for up to 12 people?

The listed price is $1,495 per group, for as many as 12 people. Split twelve ways, that is about $125 per person before lunch and gratuity. For ten people, it is about $150 each. For six people, it becomes roughly $249 each, and for a smaller group the private format gets expensive quickly.

The value comes from privacy and control, not simply from transportation. You receive a private catamaran, captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, floats, a restroom, water, soda, beer, and rum punch. You also avoid sharing the boat with a large crowd and can shape the route around your own interests.

For a family reunion, birthday group, wedding party, or cruise group of eight to 12 people, the price can make good sense. It is especially attractive if the alternative is paying separately for several excursions while still spending the day with strangers.

For two or three people, I would compare the price with a shared sailing or snorkeling trip. You may not receive the same privacy, space, or flexibility, but the savings could be substantial. Also confirm the current price and whether your chosen half-day or full-day format uses the same group rate, since the supplied details present the charter as offering both options while listing one price.

Timing, weather, and practical limitations

The full charter lasts about seven hours, and a half-day option is also available. Full-day departures commonly begin around 9 a.m., but private groups can determine the starting time. All departure times use local island time, so set your watch and cruise schedule accordingly.

Weather matters. If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel, you receive a full refund only when you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The charter does not visit the British Virgin Islands. If crossing to the BVI is your main goal, this is the wrong boat trip. The route focuses on St. Thomas and nearby areas such as Buck Island and Water Island.

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The activity is private, meaning only your own group participates. Since most of the day takes place outdoors, masks are not required, though you can wear one if you prefer.

Who will enjoy this private catamaran most?

I would recommend S/Y Pisces for:

• Families with children and grandparents who need different activity levels
• Groups of eight to 12 people that can share the cost
• Cruise passengers docking at Havensight
• Friends who want music, drinks, swimming, and a flexible schedule
• Snorkelers hoping for turtles, rays, reef fish, and several water stops
• People who dislike crowded group excursions

I would think twice if you want a low-cost outing, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or a visit to the British Virgin Islands. It is also not ideal for a group that cannot agree on how to spend the day, since the main benefit is the ability to shape the route.

Final verdict: book it for privacy and control

Book this charter if you have a larger group and want one private day that combines sailing, snorkeling, beach time, drinks, and room to relax. The 47-foot Pisces has the right layout for a long outing, and the crew’s attentive approach adds real value.

Before paying, confirm your cruise port, departure time, half-day or full-day format, lunch plan, and preferred snorkeling and beach stops. If those details fit your group, this is one of the better ways to turn a day around St. Thomas into your own custom island outing.

FAQ

How many people can join the private catamaran charter?

The price covers one private group of up to 12 people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Where do I meet the boat in St. Thomas?

Meet at the R Bar, located at 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The captain meets you near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway and escorts you to the WICO Day Charter Dock at Havensight.

How early should I arrive?

You should meet 15 minutes before departure.

What is included in the charter?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is excluded, though you can purchase it at various locations during the outing.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Poor-weather cancellations qualify for a different date or a full refund.