Sail Away on your Private 55-foot Catamaran Charter

Sea turtles set the pace here. This private 55-foot catamaran charter takes you from St. Thomas to Buck Island Marine Sanctuary, with a 45-minute sail, open-water snorkeling, and time for a second cove if conditions allow. I like the combination of a proper sailing trip and guided water time, rather than a quick boat ride to one crowded swim stop.

I also like the crew’s clear focus on safety and fun. Captains and crew members such as Ashley, Rose, Reed, Brody, Coda, Mandi, Judi, and others have earned praise for helping people with their gear, spotting turtles, taking photos, and keeping the mood easygoing. The main consideration is the price: at $1,895 per person, this is a major splurge, even with group discounts. You are paying for privacy, a large catamaran, and an open bar, so the value improves when the cost is shared across a group.

Key points to know before you book

• Turtle Cove is the main attraction: Snorkel directly from the catamaran in open water, with instruction from the crew and a good chance to see turtles and fish.
• Shipwreck Cove depends on time: A second snorkeling stop may be added for 45 to 60 minutes if the schedule and conditions permit.
• The sail is part of the tour: The trip includes roughly 45 minutes each way, with music, sun, and broad views around St. Thomas and Buck Island.
• The charter is private: You and your group have the boat to yourselves, creating a more personal setting than a standard shared excursion.
• The open bar starts after swimming: Expect rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas, plus fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers.
• This requires real mobility: Snorkeling takes place from the boat in open water, and the experience is recommended for people with a strong fitness level.

Leaving Yacht Haven Grande at 9:30 a.m.

Your morning begins at R Bar in Yacht Haven Grande, at 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, in Charlotte Amalie. The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends back at the same point, which makes the plan fairly simple if you are staying nearby or arranging your own ride.

Private transportation is not included, so you need to reach the marina on your own. Parking is available at the meeting point, and the location is near public transportation. I would arrive early enough to find the right unit without rushing. Yacht Haven Grande is a marina setting, so give yourself time to get from your drop-off or parking spot to R Bar.

The boat is the 55-foot sailing catamaran Gold Coast. A vessel this size gives you room to move around, find a shaded or sunny spot, and settle in during the crossing. The advertised maximum is 50 people, though a private charter is designed for your own group. If you are booking for a large party, confirm how the per-person price and group discount apply before paying.

The 45-minute sail to Buck Island

The first portion is not simply transportation. It is a scenic sail lasting about 45 minutes, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of the boat before the active part begins. Music plays on board, and you can enjoy the sun and sea views as St. Thomas recedes behind you.

The sailing time matters because the entire outing lasts only about three and a half hours, sometimes closer to three hours and 45 minutes. Roughly 90 minutes of that total is spent traveling out and back, so the true snorkeling time is limited. Still, that crossing is part of the appeal. You get a short sailing experience instead of being rushed from dock to dock.

Conditions can change the feel of the ride. One person described rough waves that caused some seasickness, while others enjoyed the motion. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare for a moving boat and consider the weather when choosing your day. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Turtle Cove and open-water snorkeling

The main stop is Turtle Cove in the Buck Island Marine Sanctuary. Here, the crew gives instructions before you enter the water, then helps you look for turtles and other marine life. Snorkeling takes place directly from the catamaran in open water, not from a beach with an easy shallow entry.

That distinction is important. You need to be comfortable entering the sea from a boat, using snorkeling equipment, and swimming in changing water conditions. The crew’s role is a real strength here. Captains and water crew members have been praised for explaining safety rules, helping with equipment, pointing out turtles, and staying attentive in the water.

Names vary by sailing, but Capt. Ashley, Rose, Reed, Brody, Coda, and Coda’s fellow crew members received especially warm praise for their humor, care, and attention. Capt. Ashley was repeatedly described as calm and safety-minded, while Rose was noted for helping people in the water. Some crew members also offer to take photos or capture close views with a GoPro if you hand it to them.

You should not treat turtle sightings as a guaranteed wildlife show, but the setting is chosen for them, and the experience is built around finding them. The turtle encounters are the central payoff. Fish and other marine life add to the scene, especially when the water is clear and the sun is strong.

The tour sets minimum and maximum limits that you should take seriously. Children must be at least 5 years old and 36 inches tall. The maximum listed age is 80, and the maximum weight is 275 pounds. You also need a strong physical fitness level. Anyone with a cardiac condition, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or respiratory trouble, or another medical condition should carefully consider the risks of swimming and snorkeling in open water.

Shipwreck Cove, if the clock allows

If there is enough time, the boat moves to Shipwreck Cove for another snorkeling session lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. This second stop gives you a change of scenery and another chance to see marine life without making the whole outing feel like one long swim.

The phrase if time permits is worth noting. You should not book this expecting two guaranteed snorkeling stops. Weather, sea conditions, the pace of the first stop, and the group’s readiness can all affect the schedule. Turtle Cove is the priority, while Shipwreck Cove is the bonus.

That makes the second cove a useful extra, not a reason to ignore the rest of the tour. If you are mainly interested in turtles, the first stop should satisfy the core promise. If you want a longer snorkeling session, ask the crew at the start how conditions and timing look that day.

Fruit, cheese, salami, and rum punch

After swimming, the boat shifts into relaxation mode. The crew serves a platter with fresh fruit, cheese, salami, and crackers. It is not a full lunch, but it gives you something salty and light after time in the water.

The open bar includes rum punch, rum and cokes, water, and sodas. Alcohol is served after swimming and snorkeling, not before. That is the sensible order for a water-based excursion, and it lets you enjoy the drinks during the return sail without mixing them with the active portion.

Several crew combinations received praise for keeping drinks topped up on the way back, especially after the snorkeling ended. The social mood is part of the product. Music, snacks, and an open bar make the trip feel more like a small private celebration than a basic marine outing.

Bring realistic expectations about the food. The supplied details list a platter, not a full meal, so eat breakfast before arrival. Water and sodas are available, but you should still follow any instructions from the operator about personal bottles or special dietary needs. No dietary substitutions are listed.

Sailing back with music and island views

The return trip is designed for sitting back rather than squeezing in another activity. You can dry off, enjoy the snacks and drinks, listen to music, and watch the views from the deck. The sailing portion helps balance the physical effort of snorkeling.

This is also where the private format has its clearest value. You are not trying to find a seat among strangers or follow a large public boat’s social rhythm. Your group can enjoy a quieter ride, celebrate a special occasion, or simply spread out. The boat still has a listed maximum of 50 people, so clarify the exact size and setup of your private party when booking.

The total time is approximately three and a half hours, with some descriptions placing it closer to three hours and 45 minutes. That small difference is not likely to change your day, but it matters if you have a tight cruise schedule, another reservation, or a planned airport transfer. Since you return to the starting point, you do not need to arrange a separate pickup from another marina.

Is $1,895 per person a fair price?

At $1,895 per person, this is not a casual add-on. The price only begins to make sense if your group values privacy and intends to use the full charter experience. You are receiving a 55-foot catamaran, a dedicated crew, sailing time, snorkeling instruction, access to Buck Island waters, snacks, drinks, music, and onboard restrooms.

The price is easier to justify for a milestone birthday, wedding-related outing, family reunion, or group that wants control over the day. Group discounts may also change the calculation. Ask for the exact total before booking, since the listed price is stated per person even though the experience is private.

For a couple or small group on a strict budget, this will likely feel expensive. A shared snorkeling trip may offer a similar turtle stop for much less, though it will not provide the same privacy or personal attention. I would choose this charter when the boat itself is part of the occasion, not only when snorkeling is the goal.

The strongest value comes from the service. Crew members are repeatedly praised for being attentive, funny, helpful, and careful. They explain procedures, look after people in the water, point out wildlife, and help create a friendly atmosphere. That kind of hands-on care matters more in open water than it does on a simple sightseeing cruise.

Who should book this catamaran charter?

This is a good fit for a group that wants a private Caribbean outing with several elements in one package. You get sailing, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, food, drinks, and music without changing boats or adding separate reservations.

Families can participate if children meet the minimum age, height, and other requirements. The experience can work well for active adults, groups of friends, and people celebrating an event. The crew’s repeated focus on safety and help in the water makes it more approachable for first-time snorkelers, though you still need to be comfortable in open water.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, have a medical condition affected by swimming, or want a calm beach entry. This is not a shore-based snorkeling lesson. You enter from the boat, and wind, waves, and currents can affect the day.

You should also think about timing. The trip starts at 9:30 a.m., lasts about three and a half hours, and returns to Yacht Haven Grande. That schedule works well for a half-day plan, but you should not pair it with another fixed appointment too close to the finish.

Cancellation is free when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and bad weather can result in a different date or full refund.

My booking advice

Book this if your priority is a private boat, strong crew service, and a polished mix of snorkeling and sailing. The turtle stop is the heart of the experience, while Shipwreck Cove, the food, music, and open bar round out the day.

Skip it if you mainly want the cheapest way to see turtles or if open-water swimming feels uncomfortable. At this price, the private setting must matter to you. For the right group, especially one splitting the cost and celebrating something special, Gold Coast offers a memorable half-day on the water. For everyone else, compare shared boat options before committing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at R Bar, 5316 Yacht Haven Grande Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802, USVI.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the charter last?

The charter lasts approximately three and a half hours. Some details describe the total time as about three hours and 45 minutes.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. Parking is available at the meeting point, and the location is near public transportation.

What is included with the snorkeling trip?

The package includes a private 55-foot catamaran charter, sailing to Buck Island, snorkeling instruction, snorkeling at Turtle Cove, a possible second stop at Shipwreck Cove, snacks, an open bar, music, and onboard restrooms.

What age and size limits apply?

Participants must be at least 5 years old and 36 inches tall. The listed maximum age is 80, and the maximum weight is 275 pounds.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.