Private Power Catamaran. Secluded Beaches, Snorkeling, Turtles for Full/Half Day

The best island day is the one you design. This private St. Thomas charter gives your group a stable 32-foot power catamaran, warm clear water, snorkeling stops, quiet beaches, and a captain who can shape the day around your interests. I especially like the private boat format, which means no strangers, fixed group games, or rushed schedule. I also like the wide, shaded deck and the chance to see sea turtles, rays, starfish, and coral reefs. The main consideration is cost: $1,050 is a serious outlay for a smaller group, and fuel, lunch, and alcoholic drinks cost extra.

The boat leaves from Sapphire Beach Marina in Smith Bay and returns there after about 6 hours and 30 minutes for the full-day experience. You can let the captain plan the route, or call the shots yourself. Captains including Aaron, Mike, Kirk, and Tim have been praised for friendly service, island knowledge, and keeping both children and teenagers engaged.

This is best for families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and anyone who wants a flexible day on the water rather than a standard sightseeing cruise. It is also smart to book early, since the charter averages about 94 days booked ahead.

Key things to know before booking

• Your group gets the whole 32-foot catamaran: Only your family or friends and the captain are aboard, with a mate added for larger groups.
• The boat is built for comfort: Shady Lady is wide and stable, with nearly two-thirds of the deck covered by shade and additional seating in the sun.
• You choose the pace: Your captain can guide the route, or you can focus the day on snorkeling, beaches, turtles, floating, or sightseeing.
• Sea turtles are a real highlight: Previous outings have included turtles, rays, starfish, coral, nurse sharks, and other wildlife.
• A full day allows a lunch stop: Lunch is not included, but the captain can help you choose among available options.
• The price works best for a full group: At $1,050 for up to 10 people, the per-person cost becomes much more reasonable when the boat is filled.

Leaving from Sapphire Beach Marina

Your day begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road in St. Thomas. The activity ends at the same place, which keeps the logistics simple. The marina is near public transportation, but the information provided does not include hotel pickup, so you should plan your own way to the meeting point.

The boat is described as a 32-foot power catamaran named Shady Lady. Another part of the description refers to Island Girl, so I would confirm the boat name when you book. That small detail should not affect the outing, but it is worth clearing up so you know exactly what to look for at the marina.

The catamaran is a strong choice for island waters. A wide hull gives you more room to move around than a narrow center-console boat, and the design tends to feel steadier when the water gets lively. Nearly two-thirds of the deck is shaded, a welcome feature in the Caribbean sun. You can still sit in full sun if you want to dry off or work on a tan.

The boat carries built-in coolers with ice, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and a powerful 2,000-watt stereo system. You can bring the mood you want for the day, though the operator does not provide alcoholic drinks as part of the standard price. Alcohol can be obtained for an additional charge.

Letting the captain shape your island route

The appeal here is not a fixed list of stops. Your captain can build the day around your group. You might spend most of the time snorkeling, move between several beaches, look for turtles, or simply float with a drink and music playing overhead.

That flexibility matters in the Virgin Islands. Weather, water conditions, crowds, and your group’s energy can all affect which stop makes sense. The crew has changed snorkeling plans when conditions shifted and found unexpected wildlife, including two nurse sharks. A flexible route gives the captain room to make a better call instead of forcing the original plan.

You can also ask for historical context and landmark information during the cruise. The experience is not presented as a formal lecture, but the captain points out places along the way and explains what you are seeing. That gives the ride more substance than simply moving from one swim stop to another.

Captains Aaron, Mike, Kirk, and Tim have all received strong praise for their manner with different age groups. Aaron was especially appreciated for helping a seven-year-old feel comfortable, while another outing kept two teenage boys entertained all day. That makes this a practical pick for mixed-age families, where one person wants to snorkel, another wants beach time, and someone else mainly wants a pleasant ride.

Snorkeling reefs, turtles, and changing conditions

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to book this charter. The crew carries equipment, and your captain chooses spots based on conditions and your interests. You may see coral, sea turtles, rays, starfish, and other marine life.

Several outings included large sea turtles, which are a major draw for many people visiting St. Thomas. One group also saw nurse sharks after the captain shifted locations because of weather. That is a useful reminder that wildlife sightings cannot be promised, but changing the plan can sometimes lead to a better experience.

The water is described as warm and clear, with many shades of blue. You can expect the usual physical demands of getting in and out of a boat, swimming, and using snorkeling gear, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the captain before entering the water so the crew can help you choose a comfortable approach.

Snorkeling conditions can change during the day. Wind, rain, and water movement may affect visibility or make one reef less appealing. The weather policy protects you if poor conditions force a cancellation, but a change in conditions during the day may simply mean adjusting the route. I see that flexibility as a strength, not a flaw.

Beach hopping and quiet coves

The charter can include beach hopping, with stops at beautiful beaches and secluded coves. The exact beaches are not fixed, which is useful if your group wants to avoid a crowded shore or spend more time at a place you enjoy.

A beach stop gives the day a change of pace. After time on the boat or in the water, you can stretch your legs, swim from shore, or sit on the sand. The experience also allows you to skip beach time entirely if your group prefers snorkeling and cruising.

Previous outings included white sand beaches and scenic coves, along with a memorable stop where a goat was relaxing on the rocks. That kind of unscripted sight is part of the charm of a private charter. You are not simply checking off landmarks. You have room to notice what appears along the way.

The tradeoff is that the operator does not promise specific beaches. If you have one particular shore in mind, ask about it before departure. Otherwise, give the captain room to choose based on conditions and timing.

A full day with room for lunch

The full-day charter lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, giving you enough time for several types of stops. You can combine sightseeing, snorkeling, beach time, turtle watching, and relaxed cruising without treating every pause like a timed appointment.

A lunch stop is possible on the full-day outing. Lunch is not included in the price, and the captain can help you choose among the available options. One group enjoyed lunch at Lovongo, while another stopped at a floating pizza place. These examples show the range of the day, but you should confirm the current lunch choices and any transportation or food costs before setting out.

Budgeting for lunch is important because the $1,050 rate does not cover it. The same applies to alcoholic drinks. Bottled water and ice are included, which helps, but you may still want to ask what food and beverages you can bring aboard.

A half-day option is also offered, although the supplied details do not state its exact duration or separate price. Ask for the current half-day timing if you want a shorter outing. A shorter charter should suit visitors who have limited time, while the full day makes more sense if you want several stops and a lunch break.

Why the private format matters

A private charter changes the feel of the day. You do not need to share deck space with another party or follow a group schedule. Your captain can spend more time with your family or friends, and you can choose the soundtrack, subject to the boat’s setup and reasonable volume.

This format is particularly useful for groups with different priorities. Teenagers can listen to music and snorkel. Parents can choose quieter beach time. A birthday group can build in a special lunch stop. Couples traveling with friends can split the day between active stops and lazy hours on the boat.

The boat accommodates up to 10 people for the listed $1,050 group price. That means the math is most attractive for a full group:

• 10 people: $105 per person
• 8 people: $131.25 per person
• 6 people: $175 per person
• 4 people: $262.50 per person

Those figures exclude fuel, lunch, and optional alcoholic drinks. For a group of eight to ten, the private experience can compare well with paying individual fares for several separate activities. For two or four people, you are paying for privacy, flexibility, and the boat itself, so the value depends on how much those features matter to you.

The captains make the difference

The strongest praise centers on the crew. Aaron has been singled out for being friendly, efficient, and good with children. Mike has been praised for responsiveness before the trip and for giving groups an excellent day on the water. Kirk has been appreciated for telling stories and making a condensed three-hour outing work well after rain disrupted the original plan.

Tim also received strong marks for keeping teenagers interested across two separate charters. That matters because a boat day can lose its appeal quickly if younger passengers feel ignored or the stops are poorly matched to the group.

The crew has also helped with difficult vacation circumstances. One family had another company cancel a planned BVI charter because of mechanical problems, and Shades of Blue arranged an alternative that allowed the group to continue with its plans. Another charter helped create a meaningful birthday outing, including snorkeling with turtles, rays, and starfish.

I would not treat any one captain as guaranteed for your date. Still, the repeated pattern is encouraging: the crew aims to adapt the experience to the people aboard rather than simply run a standard route.

What is included and what you still pay for

The package includes:

• Captain
• Mate for larger groups
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Ice in the built-in coolers
• Use of the catamaran and its stereo system

You pay separately for fuel, lunch, and alcoholic beverages. Fuel is easy to overlook when comparing charter prices, so ask how it will be calculated and when it is due. You should also clarify the cost of any drink service before agreeing to it.

The boat’s cooler and included ice are practical touches. You can relax without constantly buying bottled drinks, though the supplied details only confirm bottled water, not a full food-and-drink package.

Who should book this St. Thomas charter?

I would recommend this outing to:

• Families with children or teenagers
• Groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• Friends who want a private day at sea
• Snorkelers who want several possible locations
• Cruise passengers looking for a private shore excursion
• Couples who prefer a flexible boat day to a scheduled tour
• Groups of six to ten who can share the cost

It may be less suitable if you dislike boats, have difficulty swimming or climbing aboard, or want a guaranteed visit to a particular beach. It is also not the best budget choice for a very small group unless privacy and control of the schedule are your top priorities.

The experience requires moderate physical fitness. You should be comfortable moving around a boat and swimming if you plan to snorkel. Ask the operator about any personal mobility concern before booking, since the available information does not describe accessibility features.

Booking, timing, and weather tips

The charter is often reserved about 94 days ahead, so I would not wait until the last week of a busy vacation period. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the ticket is mobile, which keeps the arrival process simple.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local time.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Since rain and wind can affect snorkeling locations even when the trip operates, keep some flexibility in your expectations.

Should you book Shades of Blue Charters?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day where the captain can adjust the route around snorkeling conditions, beach preferences, and your group’s energy. The stable catamaran, shaded deck, included snorkeling equipment, and strong crew record make it a particularly good fit for families and groups of six or more.

I would hesitate only if $1,050 before fuel and lunch stretches your budget, or if you need a fixed itinerary with guaranteed stops. For the right group, this is less a boat ride than a private day planner on the water, with turtles, coral, beaches, and the freedom to linger when a place feels right.

FAQ

Where does the private charter begin?

The charter begins at Sapphire Beach Marina, 6720 Smith Bay Road, Smith Bay, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The charter ends back at Sapphire Beach Marina, the same place where it begins.

How long is the full-day charter?

The full-day experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Is a half-day option available?

Yes. A half-day private charter is offered, but the exact duration and price are not provided in the supplied details. Confirm those items before booking.

How many people can join the charter?

The listed rate covers a private group of up to 10 people.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity for your group, your captain, and a mate when needed for larger groups.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the charter price.

Are water and ice included?

Yes. Bottled water and ice in the boat’s built-in coolers are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. On a full-day charter, the captain can help you choose a lunch stop.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, though the operator can obtain them for an additional charge.

What happens if bad weather cancels the charter?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.

How late can I cancel for a full refund?

You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.