Reviewed · SNORKELING
Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter – Sail, Beach, Snorkel.
The best thing about this charter is the freedom to shape the day. Instead of following a fixed route, you and your captain can choose between snorkeling with turtles, beach time, swimming, or simply stretching out on the boat. I especially like the roomy 47-foot catamaran and the private setting, which lets a family group or a circle of friends set its own pace.
I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, floats, bottled water, soda, beer, rum punch, a restroom, and Bluetooth music are included. Captain AnneMarie, JP, Megan, Lindsey, and other crew members are frequently named in the tour’s feedback, with praise for their good humor and attention. The main drawback is cost: $1,495 per group is a serious spend for a smaller party, and lunch is extra.
Key details before you book

- Private boat for up to 12: Your group has the catamaran to itself, rather than sharing the day with strangers.
- A flexible St. Thomas route: You may visit Water Island, Buck Island, Honeymoon Beach, Shipwreck Cove, a quiet cove, or another suitable stop.
- A 47-foot Leopard catamaran: S/Y Pisces has a salon, back deck, bow seating, bean bags, and two trampolines.
- Drinks and water gear included: Snorkels, masks, floats, bottled water, soda, beer, and signature rum punch come with the charter.
- Seven hours is the full-day rhythm: A full day often starts around 9 a.m., while a half-day option is also available.
- Lunch is your responsibility: You can buy lunch at a stop, but it is not part of the charter price.
- No British Virgin Islands route: This charter stays around St. Thomas and nearby US Virgin Islands locations.
A private day aboard S/Y Pisces

This is not a sightseeing cruise where every hour is fixed in advance. It is closer to hiring your own small sailing base for the day. The captain handles the boat and local conditions, while you explain what matters most to your group.
That distinction is important. If some people want to snorkel, others want a beach, and a few would rather stay aboard with a drink and music, the day can be adjusted around those preferences. A private boat also gives you more room than a standard excursion, especially when your party includes children, older adults, or people with different energy levels.
S/Y Pisces is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with a salon opening onto a broad back deck. Up front, you will find bean bag chairs and two large trampolines. The bow is the place for a breeze, sun, conversation, or watching for turtles as the boat moves between stops.
The catamaran setup also matters on a longer day. You are not confined to one narrow bench. You can shift from the shaded salon to the aft seating, then forward to the trampolines. The onboard restroom is another useful feature, particularly for a seven-hour outing.
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Building your route around St. Thomas

The captain and first mate will ask what you want from the day. You might make snorkeling the main event, spend time at a beach, visit two islands, or keep the schedule loose and stop when the water looks appealing.
Possible destinations include Buck Island and Water Island. Honeymoon Beach appears often in the suggested outings, and it can be paired with swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. Shipwreck Cove is another possible stop. The exact route depends on conditions, timing, and your group’s wishes, so do not treat every named location as guaranteed.
That flexibility is one of the charter’s strongest features, but it also means you should arrive with a short wish list. Tell the captain if turtles matter more than beach time, if your children need frequent breaks, or if your group wants a quiet day rather than several stops. A clear conversation at the start helps the crew use the available hours well.
The boat does not visit the British Virgin Islands. If that is your main goal, this is the wrong charter. The route is focused on St. Thomas and nearby US Virgin Islands waters.
Snorkeling, turtles, and time in the water
Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring masks, snorkels, or fins for the group. Floats are also provided, giving non-snorkelers something to do while others are in the water.
The strongest water experiences described for this charter include reefs, turtles, stingrays, fish, and schools of small fish beneath the boat. One outing included several snorkeling sites and a turtle feeding in seagrass. Another combined reef snorkeling with a stop at Honeymoon Beach, where rays were seen.
Those sightings are wildlife encounters, not a promise. Your captain can take you to suitable areas, but sea life and water conditions change. The real value is having a crew that can adjust the route and help point out where the water may be most rewarding.
This works well for mixed groups. A confident snorkeler can spend more time in the water while someone else relaxes on a float or stays aboard. Families with children have used the boat successfully, including one group with a two-year-old and another with children and adults ranging from age 8 to 76.
If you do not enjoy swimming, be honest about that before departure. This charter is built around the water, and much of its appeal comes from snorkeling, swimming, and beach stops. You can stay aboard, but a land-based sightseeing tour may suit you better if you want little or no time in the sea.
Beach stops and lunch plans

Honeymoon Beach is a recurring part of the day, with sandy shore time, swimming, and snorkeling. It can provide a welcome change from the boat, especially for children who need room to move around.
Lunch is not included. You may buy it at one of the many available locations, and outings have included lunch at Honeymoon Beach or Dinghy’s. Since your crew is private, ask early how much time you want to devote to eating. A long restaurant stop changes the balance of the day, while a shorter beach visit leaves more time for snorkeling or sailing.
The lunch policy keeps the base price clearer, but you should budget for food separately. A group of 10 or 12 can add a noticeable amount to the day’s total. If keeping costs down matters, ask what food options are available and how much time the captain recommends for a meal.
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Drinks, music, and the onboard atmosphere

The charter includes bottled water supplied by Virgin H2O, soda, beer, and Seas the Day’s signature rum punch. That is a useful inclusion on a warm day, and it means you are not paying separately for every basic drink aboard.
The JBL sound system has Bluetooth capability. You can bring your own playlist and connect your phone, giving the boat a more personal feel than a standard excursion with a fixed soundtrack. Keep the volume considerate if your group includes people who prefer conversation, and remember that the captain remains responsible for operating the boat.
The atmosphere can be as active or relaxed as you make it. The trampolines and water toys suit a lively group, while the back deck and salon work better for conversation and shade. This is one reason the boat fits celebrations and reunions, but it can also work for a quiet family day if you tell the crew that is what you want.
The crew makes a practical difference

The company uses a rotating team, so your exact crew is not guaranteed. Names associated with this charter include Captain AnneMarie, JP, Megan, Lindsey, Alex, Christian, Eduardo, Darren, Ro, Alicia, Selena, and others.
The strongest pattern in the feedback is the crew’s ability to balance friendliness with useful local guidance. Captain AnneMarie is repeatedly praised for planning custom days, while crew members such as Lindsey and Megan are singled out for their service and rum punch. One crew member even went down to record a sea turtle for a group.
You should still speak up about what you want. The crew can suggest coves and snorkeling sites, but they cannot read your mind. Mention your preferred pace, food plans, swimming ability, and any mobility concerns before the boat leaves the dock.
Price and value for groups of different sizes

The listed price is $1,495 per group of up to 12. That works out to about $125 per person if 12 people share the cost, before lunch and any gratuity. For six people, the effective cost is about $249 per person, and for four it is roughly $374 per person.
That calculation explains who gets the best value. A full group of family or friends can make a private catamaran day compare well with several separate paid activities, particularly since drinks, snorkeling gear, floats, and the boat itself are included. A small group pays much more for the same private space.
You are paying for control as much as for transportation. The boat is yours, the route can be adjusted, and your group does not have to follow a crowded excursion schedule. If privacy and flexibility matter, the price may feel fair. If you mainly want a short snorkel stop at the lowest possible cost, a shared trip will likely be the better choice.
The listing gives the group price but does not spell out a separate half-day rate in the supplied details. Confirm the exact price and duration for the half-day option before paying.
Meeting at Havensight

You meet 15 minutes before departure at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway. The address is 5316 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite S-104, Unit 61, Charlotte Amalie.
The captain will escort you from the meeting point to the boat. The charter returns to the same general meeting point at the end.
If you arrive by cruise ship at Havensight, the dock location is convenient. If your ship uses Crown Bay Marina, plan on taking a taxi to Yacht Haven Grande, with about 15 minutes each way according to the stated guidance. Leave extra time for port procedures and traffic.
Departure times use local island time. Full-day private departures commonly begin around 9 a.m., but your group can determine the start time for a full-day cruise. Confirm the final time carefully, especially if you have a ship departure later that day.
Weather, cancellation, and practical limits
This is an outdoor boating activity, so weather matters. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.
Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The operator also states that the boats are sanitized after each trip and that captains and crew are tested monthly under its stated health program.
The boat is comfortable, but it is still a boat. You should expect sun, wind, movement, and repeated access to the water. Bring what you need for a full day outdoors, and make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with that setting.
Who should book S/Y Pisces
I would choose this charter for a family reunion, birthday, couples traveling together, or a cruise group that wants to escape the ship’s crowds for a private day. It is especially well suited to groups with mixed interests because the captain can combine snorkeling, beach time, music, drinks, and time aboard.
It also makes sense for families with a wide age range. The boat offers seating away from the water, a restroom, floats, and room to spread out. The crew has handled groups ranging from toddlers to people in their seventies.
I would hesitate if your party has only two or three people and price is a major concern. I would also skip it if you specifically want the British Virgin Islands, an included lunch, or a fully fixed sightseeing route.
Should you book this private catamaran?
Book it if you want a private St. Thomas boat day and can fill enough places to make the group price reasonable. The combination of a roomy catamaran, flexible routing, snorkeling gear, floats, drinks, and an attentive crew gives you more control than a standard shared cruise.
Before booking, confirm three things: the half-day price if you do not want seven hours, the meeting point based on your cruise ship’s dock, and your preferred stops. If your group is large and wants turtles, beach time, and a relaxed boat atmosphere without strangers aboard, S/Y Pisces is a strong choice. Just budget separately for lunch, and do not expect a trip to the British Virgin Islands.
FAQ
How long is the private catamaran charter?
The full-day experience lasts approximately seven hours. A half-day option is also available, but the supplied details do not state its exact duration.
How many people can join the charter?
The price covers one private group of up to 12 people.
What is included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, floats, bottled water, soda, beer, signature rum punch, and use of the onboard restroom are included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is excluded, though you can buy it at several locations during the day.
Where does the charter depart?
Meet at the R Bar drink kiosk near the Yacht Haven Grande Welcome Archway at Havensight, St. Thomas. The captain will escort you to the boat.
Does the charter visit the British Virgin Islands?
No. The charter does not visit the BVI. Possible areas include St. Thomas, Water Island, Buck Island, and other nearby locations selected with the captain.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.
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