Private time on the water beats waiting in lines. This USVI private boat charter is built for snorkeling and beach breaks around St Thomas and St John, with a day that feels custom from the first call through the final return. I love the pickup and drop-off convenience, and I also love that snorkel gear is included (fins, masks, noodles), so you can travel light. One thing to keep in mind is the Lovango Resort mooring fee is not included, and it’s $35 per person.

The best part is how flexible the day can feel. In real-world experiences, captains like Kevin, Kyle, Phil, and Patrick guided families and groups through standout spots, often mixing serious snorkeling time with slower, relaxed stops. You’re paying for a private group day, up to 12 people, so if your crew wants control over the pace, this is a strong match.

Quick take: why this charter is worth your attention

• Private group of up to 12 means you are not sharing your day with strangers
• Little Buck Island options include Turtle Cove for sea turtles or Shipwreck Cove for the Cartanza
• St John beach choices cover famous names like Trunk Bay and more secluded bays
• Lovango Resort + Beach Club gives you a proper break on land, plus a nearby snorkel stop
• Snorkel gear included removes the hassle and extra packing
• Captains get praised for planning and friendly service, including Captain Kevin, Kyle, Phil, and Patrick

Private boat charter in St Thomas, USVI: what you’re really buying

This is not a cruise ship day. It is a private charter built around short hops and frequent stops, so you spend more time in the water and on the beach, and less time transferring between locations. You are starting in St Thomas and spending the day rotating through St John and back around the area, with time blocks that keep the day from feeling rushed.

The value here is also psychological. When you have your own boat, you do not have to negotiate the vibe with a big group. Your captain can shape the day to your group, whether that means more snorkeling pauses, more beach time, or a mix of both. The included snorkeling setup helps a lot too, especially if you do not want to rent gear separately before you get on the water.

Price and group size: when $1,500 per group can feel fair

The price is $1,500 per group, for up to 12 people. On a per-person basis, it can make sense if you are traveling with a family or friends and can fill most seats. If you have a smaller group, you will feel more of the premium, but you still gain a day that stays centered on your choices.

Also, it is scheduled as an 8-hour outing (approximately). That matters, because private boat days can vary wildly in how quickly you get moving and how much time you actually spend at stops. Here, the stop pattern is structured: multiple locations with about 2 hours at each major segment, plus the overall day plan.

One caution on budgeting: fuel is billed at the end of the trip based on the fuel meter. That is normal for private charters, but it means the final cost can land above the base price.

The day flow starts at 8:30 am: how the route keeps momentum

The start time is 8:30 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. That one detail, returning to the starting area, helps you plan the rest of your day on the islands.

In practice, you are looking at a day that moves through four main phases:

• Little Buck Island for either turtle snorkeling or shipwreck exploring
• St John for beach and snorkel options across multiple bays
• St Thomas for additional beaches and a few classic water viewpoints
• Lovango Resort and Beach Club for lunch time on land, plus a final snorkel break nearby

This structure is great if you want variety without chaos. You get several different types of scenery, reefs, and shorelines, rather than doing one long stretch of water time and calling it a day.

Little Buck Island: turtles in Turtle Cove or the Cartanza wreck in Shipwreck Cove

Little Buck Island is where a lot of the magic starts. You get a 2-hour stop with a choice of snorkeling zones, either Turtle Cove or Shipwreck Cove.

Turtle Cove is the move if your crew specifically wants to see sea turtles. In the Caribbean, turtles are not a guarantee. But Turtle Cove is the area the charter highlights for the largest amount of sea turtles in the Virgin Islands, so it is a smart bet for first-time snorkelers who want that wow moment.

If your group is more into fish life and shipwreck exploration, Shipwreck Cove is where the 190 ft Cartanza wreck comes in. Even when you are not a hardcore wreck snorkeler, the presence of a well-known wreck often means more fish activity around it, because the structure creates habitat. It is a different type of snorkeling, more about exploring and spotting than just drifting and admiring.

Practical consideration: with only 2 hours, be ready to snorkel early in the window if you want maximum water time. If you prefer a slow pace, plan to spend less time changing spots and more time lingering in one area.

St John: beaches and snorkel stops from Trunk Bay to Maho Bay

The St John portion gives you options across several well-known bays and also several other snorkel areas. The locations listed include Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Caneel Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Great Lameshur Bay, and Salt Pond Bay.

This is one of the biggest reasons I like this style of charter. On St John, the islands feel like a mix of dramatic viewpoints and quiet coves. Being able to choose among multiple beaches lets your group match the stop to the moment. Want a classic name with an easy beach setup? Trunk Bay fits that vibe. Want calmer water and a more relaxed feel? Other bays on the list are typically the better match.

You also get built-in time to snorkel at these spots rather than treating snorkeling as a quick afterthought. The stop is 2 hours, so you can do a full snorkel cycle, swim, and then return for beach time without feeling like you are on a strict schedule.

One drawback to consider: with multiple possible beaches named, you may not see every one. You are picking what fits your group and your captain’s read on conditions.

St Thomas beaches and Mermaids Chair: mixing classic views with quick swims

After St John, you shift back to St Thomas for another 2-hour stop focused on beaches and classic water landmarks. The beaches mentioned include Magen’s Bay, Brewers Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, and Mermaids Chair. The plan also references exploring nearby smaller islands, including Water Island.

This part of the day is a good reset. St John often feels more scenic and rugged depending on where you stop. St Thomas can feel like the perfect complement, giving you easier access to swimmable bays and a mix of shoreline styles.

Mermaids Chair is specifically called out, which signals that the charter intends to include a memorable viewpoint beyond just beach time. Even if you are not trying to recreate photos, it is the kind of stop that gives context to the geography of the area. It turns a boat day into more of an island tour from the water.

Possible tradeoff: if the sea is choppy, snorkeling can feel more work. The upside is that a private charter captain can adjust where you swim and how you move between spots, and safety gets prioritized.

Lovango Resort + Beach Club on St John: lunch break plus a final snorkel spot

The last featured stop is Lovango Resort + Beach Club on St John. You get a 2-hour window here, with time to lounge at the beach club and restaurant. Then the boat goes around the corner for a one-of-a-kind snorkel spot with reef fish and a secluded beach break.

This is a smart inclusion because it changes the rhythm of the day. After hours of saltwater and repeated snorkel cycles, having a real land base for a meal and downtime feels worth it. Plus, the charter specifically highlights the snorkeling around the corner after you’ve had a breather, so you are not forced to end the day with another long stretch of water time immediately.

Cost note you should plan for: the Lovango Resort mooring fee is $35 per person, and it is not included. Since it is per person, it matters how many people you have in your group. Also, if the charter uses an alternate marina dock pickup or drop-off point, there may be fees not included.

Snorkel gear, water comfort, and what the included extras mean

The included snorkeling setup is listed clearly: fins, masks, and noodles. That is a practical win for visitors who do not want to pack gear or rent it at another stop. Masks can be a personal fit, but having options in a rental setting is still usually easier than traveling with all the equipment.

On top of that, you get bottled water and ice. Those are small comforts that add up, especially on a hot, long water day. When you have limited shade and your day is anchored around stops, it is nice not to be figuring out where the drinks come from.

From the way captains are described in real experiences, safety and confidence show up as a theme. A captain can handle choppy water with better positioning and a calmer approach, and that can make the difference between feeling tense and feeling relaxed. The charter also emphasizes choosing snorkeling and beach spots, which implies your captain is actively managing the day rather than running a rigid route.

What to watch for: fuel meter, mooring fees, and weather reality

Budgeting for this charter is mostly about two add-ons beyond the base price.

First, fuel will be billed at the end of the trip based on the fuel meter. You should treat the $1,500 as the starting point, not the final total.

Second, Lovango Resort has the mooring fee ($35 per person) not included. If you are planning lunch and drinks at the beach club, those costs are also on you, since only the mooring fee is called out separately.

Then there is the big practical factor: weather. This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is exactly what you want to hear when your whole day depends on water conditions.

Who should book this USVI private charter, and who should skip it

This charter is a strong fit if you want:

• A private group day with up to 12 people
• A blend of snorkeling and beach time, with multiple areas covered
• Included snorkel gear, bottled water, and ice
• A captain who can help shape the day, including families and multi-age groups

It may not be ideal if you want:

• A lowest-cost option. Private boat charters carry a premium, especially with smaller groups.
• A guaranteed single, fixed itinerary with no flexibility. This day is designed around choices, including which snorkeling cove you use at Little Buck Island and which beaches you prioritize on St John and St Thomas.

Should you book this USVI private boat charter?

If your group values comfort, water time, and not dealing with crowd logistics, I think you will appreciate how this charter is set up. The best sign is that captains are repeatedly praised for professional, friendly service and for planning a day that hits what people want, including serious snorkeling and standout spots like Turtle Cove, the Cartanza wreck, and the Mermaids Chair area.

If you are deciding between a private day and a more standard tour, this one has a clear edge: you control the pace, you get gear included, and you spend your day on the water bouncing between the islands that make the US Virgin Islands special.

My practical advice before you book: price it out for your headcount including the Lovango mooring fee, and keep some buffer for the fuel meter. If you do that homework, you avoid surprises and you can focus on the good part, snorkel time and beach time without rushing.

FAQ

What is the price for the USVI Private Boat Charter Adventure?

It is $1,500.00 per group (up to 12).

How long is the private boat charter?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Does the charter include pickup and drop-off?

Pickup is offered from select locations, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included, including fins, masks, and noodles.

Are there any fees not included in the price?

Yes. Fuel is billed at the end of the trip based on the fuel meter, and Lovango Resort mooring fee is $35.00 per person. Alternate marina dock pickup or drop-off fees may also apply.

What does the charter visit in Little Buck Island?

You stop at Little Buck Island to snorkel, either in turtle cove for sea turtles or in Shipwreck cove to explore the 190 ft wreck of the Cartanza.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.