If you want the Virgin Islands without the crowd noise, this private charter is a smart move. I like that you get a true private island-hopping day on Bonus Time Charters power catamarans (29′ or 32′) with snorkeling stops geared toward clear water and sea life around St. John National Park.

I also love the built-in mix of classic snorkel bays and food-on-the-water moments. A day can include turtle snorkeling at Maho Bay, reef time at Waterlemon Cay, a mangrove float stop, plus lunch at Coral Bay’s floating taco stand, Lime Out, and a stop for a slice at the floating Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove.

One consideration is cost creep: charter price covers a lot, but fuel is extra and lunch is on you at Lime Out VI or Pizza Pi.

Key points that matter before you book

• Private for up to 8 people, so you can actually talk, swim at your pace, and spread out on deck
• 29′ or 32′ power catamarans with an experienced captain, built for island cruising and snorkel breaks
• Snorkel-focused stops like Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay, plus calmer water at Hurricane Hole
• Food stops on the water at Lime Out in Coral Bay and Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove
• Snorkeling gear and water are included, with a cooler on board for your day
• Fuel and meals are separate, so plan a bit beyond the headline price

Private catamaran day around St. John, not just a ride

This charter is the kind of plan that feels less like transportation and more like a day you’re designing. You’re on a private power catamaran with an experienced captain, and you’re not stuck with a fixed group schedule. That matters in the Virgin Islands, where weather and water conditions can change fast. The captain can move the day along and use the best timing for each stop.

On many routes, your day is built around the St. John National Park zone and the classic “south shore or quiet bay” vibe. The goal is simple: calm water for snorkeling and swimming, plus a few memorable landings that make the trip feel special.

Why I think the private format is the real value

When you charter privately, the time you spend on the water usually feels higher quality. You’re not waiting for everyone to get back on board, you’re not having to plan your swim around other groups, and you can ask the captain for advice and tweak the day when conditions call for it.

The reviews tied to this experience also point to one theme: good communication and captains who stay flexible. Names that come up include Captain Vic, Captain Bryan, Captain Andrew, and Randy. That kind of consistency matters because snorkeling days live and die by small decisions.

Price and the “real cost” math: $1,095 plus fuel and lunch

The headline price is $1,095 per group for up to 8 people, for about 6 hours. That’s actually reasonable when you compare it to the cost of getting a small family or group onto a smaller “premium” boat any other way. The private part is what you’re paying for, and that part is tangible.

But here’s the part you should plan for. Fuel is not included. Fuel is billed based on usage at $7 USD per gallon. Lunch is also not included, since you’ll buy food at Lime Out VI or Pizza Pi.

Then there’s gratuity. The recommendation is 20% of the charter cost for the captain if service is excellent, which is a pretty standard way the industry handles crew pay.

So how do you budget?

• Charter: $1,095 per group up to 8
• Fuel: variable, based on the day
• Food: you’ll purchase what you want at Lime Out and Pizza Pi
• Alcohol: BYOB is allowed, but no glass bottles
• Tip: recommended at 20% of the charter cost

If you split the charter cost among your group size, it can feel like a lot less than it looks on a website screenshot. The “sweet spot” is when you fill close to 8 people and you’re all in for snorkeling plus two food stops on the water.

How the 6-hour schedule actually plays out

The tour starts at 9:00 am and runs for about 6 hours, with travel time included in that total. That pacing is important. In this part of the islands, the morning light tends to be great for spotting coral and sea turtles, and the calmer bays give you a better chance to actually relax during each stop.

You meet up at the harbor and then head out. If you’re coming from a cruise, you’ll taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet the crew there.

Because it’s private, you’re not locked into a rigid “watch the guide, now move on” flow. The captain can help shape your day, and the itinerary is designed to move between snorkel sites and quieter water stops without rushing you.

Stop 1: Maho Bay snorkeling for sea turtles

Maho Bay is the opening act for a reason. The bay is calm, and the stop is planned for about 1 hour. The big draw here is snorkeling with sea turtles in a sheltered bay on the north shore of St. John and within the National Park area.

What to expect:

• You get time in the water rather than a quick look-see
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not hunting for rentals right before boarding
• The calm-water setting makes it easier to focus on spotting wildlife

A practical tip: if your group has different comfort levels in the water, tell the captain early. They can often set up the snorkel rhythm so no one feels rushed.

Stop 2: Waterlemon Cay and healthy coral spots

Next up is Waterlemon Cay for about 1 hour. The emphasis here is on reef life, including healthy populations of critically endangered elkhorn coral.

Even if you’re not a hardcore reef person, this is still valuable because Waterlemon Cay has a “see the living stuff” feel. Your best results will come from slow, steady snorkeling, letting your eyes adjust. The water is often where the magic is, and the goal isn’t speed.

One consideration: coral viewing is sensitive to how you move. Keep your kicks controlled and avoid touching anything. It protects the reef and helps you get the best view.

Stop 3: Hurricane Hole, the mangrove float stop

Hurricane Hole is a different kind of stop. It’s about 1 hour, and the plan is to float in pool-like conditions among the mangroves. This is less about active snorkeling and more about a gentle water break that still feels like part of the adventure.

Why I like this stop in a day like this:

• It helps you reset after active snorkel time
• Mangrove water often feels sheltered, which can be a morale booster if wind comes up later
• It gives you a scenic change of pace, not just another reef swim

If your group includes kids, this tends to be the kind of stop that works because it’s more relaxed. If your group is all adults who love snorkeling, it still works as a scenic pause.

Stop 4: Lime Out floating taco bar lunch in Coral Bay

Here’s where the day turns into a vacation story you’ll remember. Lime Out in Coral Bay is planned for about 1 hour. You’ll be able to grab tacos and frozen drinks at the floating taco stand. Since lunch is not included, you buy what you want on board or at the stop.

What makes Lime Out special is the setting. You’re not eating with the background noise of traffic or a busy beach. You’re on the water, and the food feels like part of the experience.

Practical advice:

• Bring a little cash or plan how you’ll pay, since lunch is on you
• If you’re bringing your own drinks, remember BYOB is allowed but no glass bottles on board
• If your group has strong preferences (spicy, vegetarian, extra drinks), order early so you’re not waiting

Stop 5: Little Lameshur Bay shore time and snorkel options

Little Lameshur Bay rounds out the St. John snorkel-and-swim portion with about 1 hour. This stop offers two experiences you can mix and match:

• Swim to shore to explore old sugar plantation ruins
• Snorkel again for sea turtles and underwater views

This is the kind of stop that works for mixed groups, even if not everyone is equally into snorkeling. If someone wants a shore break, they can do that. If someone wants one more turtle chance, they can stay in the water.

One caution: ruins and shore time can be a bit uneven. Wear shoes if you plan to walk around. If you’re just swimming, keep it simple and use the included gear.

South Shore pacing and flexible route choices

Your day is designed to cruise around the south shore for a more secluded vibe. That can mean scenic coastline views and additional snorkel opportunities at places like Waterlemon Cay, Salt Pond Bay, Pelican Rock, and calmer swimming areas such as Scott Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Trunk Bay, depending on conditions and how the captain builds the route.

This flexibility is where private charters shine. If the water is better in one area that day, you can often spend more time there. If the timing works out for it, you can also fit in the best-feeling stop order so you’re not rushing between swims.

The captain effect: Captain Vic, Bryan, Andrew, and Randy

The most praised aspect of this experience is the captain. Names that stand out in the feedback include Captain Vic, Captain Bryan, Captain Andrew, and Randy. People highlight two things again and again: clear communication and captains who help you enjoy the day at your pace.

In real terms, that means:

• you feel informed before each stop
• you’re not left figuring things out on your own
• you can steer your day with reasonable suggestions

Even if you care most about snorkeling, good captain instincts still matter because the best moments can be about timing, not just location.

Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi: a floating pizzeria stop

To round out the day, many itineraries include a stop at Christmas Cove for a slice from Pizza Pi, the USVI’s iconic floating pizzeria.

This works as a closer because it’s fun and low pressure. You get that last “only in the Virgin Islands” moment before heading back.

Two practical notes:

• Pizza Pi is lunch food on your own, not included
• If you’re BYOB, plan to keep your drinks easy and safe on deck (no glass)

What to bring for a smoother snorkeling day

Since snorkeling equipment, water, ice, and a cooler are included, you don’t need much beyond the basics. Still, it helps to show up ready for repeated water time.

Bring:

• Sun protection (you’ll likely be out for hours)
• A swimsuit or quick-dry outfit, because you’ll change less than you think
• Towels or plan for dry options on board if you need them
• Shoes if you expect any shore walking at places like Little Lameshur

Also, consider the pace. This is a “swim, float, snorkel, eat, repeat” style day. If you want a chill tour with one quick stop, you might prefer a different format.

Who this private charter is best for

This fits best if you want:

• a private boat for up to 8 people
• serious time in the water, including sea turtle snorkeling
• a day that mixes nature with food stops that feel like part of the story

It’s great for families who want kids to have their own rhythm between snorkels. It also works well for couples who want quiet, calm-bay moments and one or two food stops without a crowd.

If you’re the type who hates dealing with extra planning, the captain-led flow helps. If your group includes different comfort levels in the water, the variety of stops makes it easier to find a good place for each person.

Should you book Bonus Time Charters?

If your priority list includes turtle snorkeling, reef time, and one or two memorable “food on the water” moments, I think this charter is a strong choice. The private setup, included snorkeling gear, and captain quality all point to good value, especially if you split the cost across a full group of up to 8.

The main reason to think twice is budget flexibility. Fuel is billed based on usage, and lunch is extra at Lime Out and Pizza Pi. If that kind of add-on cost will stress your budget, you might prefer a package that includes more meals and fuel.

If you can handle a little extra spending for a truly private day, this is the sort of trip that turns into real memories, not just photos.

FAQ

What is the group size limit for the full-day private boat charter?

The charter price is $1,095 per group for up to 8 people, and it is a private tour, so only your group participates.

How long is the tour, and when does it start?

The tour is about 6 hours total and starts at 9:00 am. Travel time is included in the duration.

Where do cruise passengers meet the crew?

If you are coming from a cruise, you should taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet the crew.

What snorkeling items are included?

Use of snorkeling equipment is included, along with water, ice, and a cooler on board.

Is fuel included in the charter price?

No. Fuel is not included and will be billed based on usage at $7 USD per gallon.

Can we bring our own drinks?

Yes, it is BYOB, but you should not bring glass bottles on board.

Do we pay for lunch separately?

Yes. Lunch is not included, so purchases at Lime Out VI or Pizza Pi are your responsibility.

What happens if weather is poor on the day of the charter?

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

Is the charter suitable for people with mobility needs?

Bonus Time strives to accommodate all groups to the best of their abilities, and most travelers can participate. If you have specific accessibility questions, you should call before booking. Service animals are allowed.