A fast boat can turn a long island day into a real vacation day. MV Poseidon is a 36 ft TwinVee Ocean Cat built for speed and stability, so you can hop between St. Thomas-area beaches and snorkel spots without feeling like you’re trapped on a slow ride. It’s also private for up to 12 people, which means your group can set the pace and the music.

Two things I especially like: you get snorkeling gear plus beer and soda on board, and the captain plays host instead of just driving. Captains like Holly and Amanda are repeatedly praised for being fun and seriously safety-focused, while still adapting to what your family wants to do (extra time for turtles, shorter swims for kids, that kind of thing).

One consideration before you book: the headline price isn’t the full number. There’s a fuel surcharge that can add a meaningful amount (it’s billed at $8/gal, with typical half-day ranges and full-day ranges listed), so it’s smart to budget for that upfront.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Private Catamaran Day

• Low-draft boarding: a transom ladder lets you step in close to shore, so beach and water time feels easier.
• Captain-designed route: you’re not locked into a rigid schedule; the captain works with your group to set stops.
• Snorkel time is built in: you’ll use brand new snorkel equipment, with multiple chances to swim and look for fish and coral.
• Lots of named beach options: you may hit places like Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, and Magens Bay, depending on how the day unfolds.
• Drinks and basics included: bottled water, ice, soda, and beer are part of the charter package.

MV Poseidon: A Fast, Stable Private Boat That Gets You There

This charter is built around MV Poseidon, a 36 ft TwinVee Ocean Cat. The big practical win here is how the boat feels at speed: TwinVee’s reputation is for going fast while staying steady enough that people can actually enjoy their day, not just endure the ride. In plain terms, that matters on a half-day—because you’re trying to fit in both beaches and snorkeling without losing half your daylight to transit.

The other thing I like is how the boat supports easy water access. You get low draft and a transom ladder designed to drop you only a few feet from shore. That’s a small detail until you’re actually trying to get kids, non-swimmers, or just tired adults from boat to water without gymnastics.

On board, the vibe is friendly and relaxed, with a FUSION stereo for your tunes. And because it’s a private charter for up to 12, you don’t have to negotiate for a good seat, a shaded spot, or the best moment to jump in.

How the Captain Turns Your Charter Into a Custom Day

The best part of a private boat isn’t just privacy—it’s control. Your captain works with your group to design the itinerary you want. That can mean more snorkeling if your crew is all-in, or more beach time if you’re aiming for swims plus drinks and a slow rhythm.

You’ll see this in the way captains get praised. Names like Holly, Glen, Amanda, Wallens, Mike, Aaron, Hillary, Bryan, Kyle, and Vic show up in reviews, and the common thread is that they adjust to the group. People cite things like:

• a captain tailoring the day around what mattered most to the group
• a captain explaining history, geography, and what you’re likely to see in the water
• captains being calm and safety-first, even when the water or conditions aren’t ideal

This matters because the itinerary is full of great-sounding stops. But you shouldn’t treat it like a checklist you must complete. Conditions, timing, and your group’s energy level will shape the final route.

Stop-by-Stop: What You Can Expect at Each Virgin Islands Beach Area

Your charter can include a mix of beach-hopping and snorkeling stops around St. Thomas and nearby waters. The schedule you end up with depends on your captain’s planning, but here’s what the included beach areas generally offer and what to keep in mind.

Water Island: A Quick Island Hangout

Water Island is one of the more flexible early stops, with a 30-minute window listed. It’s marked as admission-free in the itinerary details. This is the kind of stop that works when you want something easy—views, a short swim, and a chance to get moving before your main snorkel/beach time.

In practice, this can be a great warm-up stop for kids or anyone who needs a gentle start.

Little Buck Island: Snorkeling-Focused Water Time

Little Buck Island appears as a 30-minute stop with admission included. If your goal is to see fish and coral close up, this is the sort of place you’ll appreciate on a private boat day because you can control how long you stay in the water.

Keep expectations real: snorkel visibility and animal sightings vary day to day. But the charter is set up for frequent water time, with fresh equipment provided.

Secret Harbour: A Scenic Break With Flexible Timing

Secret Harbour is listed as a 30-minute stop and admission-free. This can be a nice break point—close enough to enjoy the water and a few photos, but not so long that it steals time from the snorkeling beaches you really came for.

Honeymoon Beach: Close-to-Shore Fun

Honeymoon Beach is listed as 30 minutes and admission-free. One review mentions getting close enough here so a toddler could play on the beach, which matches the boat’s low-draft + ladder access concept. If your group includes younger kids, this type of stop can be a lifesaver: they can enjoy the shore without you turning the day into a complicated logistics exercise.

Trunk Bay: A Big Name Beach Stop

Trunk Bay shows up as a 30-minute stop with admission included. Trunk Bay is the sort of place people plan their St John day around, so even a short stop can feel like a highlight. With the charter’s snorkeling equipment ready, it’s also the kind of stop where you might want to line up your swim timing so you’re not rushing.

Scott Bay: Another Snorkel-Friendly Option

Scott Bay is listed for 30 minutes with admission included. If you’re chasing coral and fish, this is the kind of “add another swim chance” stop that works well on a private route, because you can choose what fits your group’s comfort level.

Maho Bay: The Sea Turtle Magnet

Maho Bay is listed for 30 minutes with admission included. If sea turtles are on your must-see list, this is one of the itinerary areas tied to those sightings in reviews. One family specifically highlights swimming with turtles and then continuing the day with more snorkel and beach time.

Even when turtles aren’t close on a given moment, this is still a strong stop for swimmers because the water time here tends to be a priority on these charters.

Magens Bay: A Classic Finish Spot

Magens Bay is another 30-minute stop with admission included. This beach is often a crowd favorite for a reason: you get that “vacation postcard” feel, and it’s a good location to end a half-day without feeling like you’re still mid-adventure.

Snorkeling: Equipment, Expectations, and the Real Point of the Water

You don’t have to bring your own snorkeling gear. Use of the snorkeling equipment is included, and the charter highlights brand new equipment. That matters because when gear fits well, you spend less time fussing and more time actually looking around.

What you’re likely to see depends on conditions, but the reviews make the pattern pretty clear:

• people describe snorkeling as feeling like an aquarium
• many mention sea turtles and colorful fish
• at least one trip includes extra sightings like an octopus and even a lemon shark during the day

Here’s the practical part: on a private boat, you can control your snorkeling pace. If your group wants a longer look or someone needs a shorter swim, the captain can generally adjust. That flexibility is part of what you’re paying for.

Drinks, Water, and the On-Board Comfort Factor (What’s Included)

This charter does a nice job handling the basics so you don’t burn time on logistics.

Included on board:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages (beer)
• Ice
• Captain included (tip not included)

There’s also a clear “you can stay dry-ish” design idea. The boat is described as maintaining comfort while guests stay dry, which is a real benefit if you have kids who get cranky when they’re splashed too much or if you’re trying to protect camera gear.

One more smart feature: because you can step off close to shore, the time you save between boat and beach adds up. That translates into more minutes for snorkeling and fewer minutes stuck managing boarding and disembarking.

Price Reality Check: What $895.50 Really Means for Your Group

The price is $895.50 per group, up to 12 people. That’s not cheap on paper, but it can be fair value when you treat it as a full-boat charter rather than a per-person ticket.

Do the math:

• If you fill all 12 spots, it’s about $74.60 per person.
• If you only have 6 people, it’s about $149 per person.

So the value depends on your group size. If you’ve got a multi-family group or friends traveling together, this can be a great way to “buy your own itinerary” without the stress of sharing a crowded boat.

Also budget for the fuel surcharge. It’s billed at $8/gal, and the typical ranges listed are higher for full-day charters than half-days. That doesn’t mean you’ll always pay the top end, but it does mean the true total is usually more than the base price.

Meeting at American Yacht Harbor: Keeping the Day Smooth

The meeting point is at American Yacht Harbor, Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas. The charter ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to plan an end-of-day ride.

A tip that shows up in the reviews in different ways: arriving early helps. On short tours, a few minutes for paperwork and getting settled can help you avoid losing real water time.

Who This Private Catamaran Best Suits

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a private boat for a group up to 12
• care about beach-hopping plus snorkeling in one day
• have kids who need a captain willing to be patient and adaptable
• prefer controlling the pace rather than following a rigid group schedule

It may be less ideal if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, because the per-person cost depends on filling the boat. In those cases, you might compare against shared tours if you’re price-sensitive.

Should You Book This Private Poseidon Catamaran Day?

If your group is 6 to 12 people and you want the simplest way to combine beach time, snorkeling time, and real comfort, I think this charter is worth serious consideration. MV Poseidon’s setup—fast, stable, low-draft boarding—is exactly what you want for a day that feels like vacation instead of logistics.

I’d book if:

• sea turtles and reef snorkeling are a priority
• you want drinks and basics handled on board
• you’d rather tailor your day around your group than hope a set itinerary matches your energy

I’d hesitate if:

• you’re traveling small (because the price scales with how many people share the boat)
• you’re expecting to check off every named stop—your captain builds the day based on what fits

If you can split the charter cost across a real group, this is one of the more practical ways to get multiple St. Thomas and nearby beach and snorkel moments in a single private day.

FAQ

What boat is used for this charter?

The tour uses MV Poseidon, a 36 ft TwinVee Ocean Cat that fits up to 12 guests.

How many people can be on the charter?

The price is for the entire boat for up to 12 guests.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 4 to 7 hours, depending on your half-day or full-day selection.

What is included in the price?

Included are snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda/pop, alcoholic beverages (beer), and a captain. U.S. park fees and mooring permits are also included.

What should I know about fuel costs?

Fuel has a separate fuel surcharge billed at $8 per gallon. The average listed amounts are 15–25 gallons for a half day and 30–45 gallons for a full day.

Are tips included?

No. Gratuity is not included, and 15% to 20% is recommended.

Does the itinerary include specific beach stops?

Yes, the itinerary lists multiple potential stops such as Water Island, Little Buck Island, Secret Harbour, Honeymoon Beach, Trunk Bay, Scott Bay, Maho Bay, and Magens Bay, with admission listed as included or free for specific stops.

Is BVI part of this charter?

Visiting the BVI is not included. It can be booked separately under Product Code 111649P25.

Where do we meet and where do we end?

You meet at American Yacht Harbor, Smith Bay Rd, Red Hook, St Thomas (American Yacht Harbor84GX+24H). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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