Sun, snorkel, and private beaches is a winning mix. This full-day 35′ Marlin powerboat charter lets you hop between top swimming and snorkeling spots around St Thomas and St John, with captains steering toward places like Lovango Cay, Maho Bay, The Baths, and even the floating taco stop known as Limeout.

I like the customizable itinerary and the way the skipper can shape the day around what your group wants. I also like that snorkeling gear, floats, music, and a full cooler with ice are included, plus hotel pickup to keep the morning simple.

The main consideration: you might feel the day is short—there is so much water to explore that 7.5 hours can disappear fast.

Key things I’d clock before you book

• Private 35′ Marlin powerboat for skippers who run the day, not you
• Snorkel and swim planning around named favorites like Lovango Cay and Maho Bay
• Included gear and floats so you can jump in without a last-minute checklist
• Onboard comfort perks: music and a full-size cooler with ice
• Real flexibility from captains (Nate, Kyle, Anthony, Spence, Brendan are all mentioned in past trips)
• Budget for extras: captains fee, captain gratuity, and fuel are not included

A 35-foot private charter in St Thomas: what that size really means

This is not a crowded catamaran day with a plastic cup of rum and 40 people shouting over each other. You’re on a private powerboat, and that matters because you can actually shift the plan when water conditions, wind, or your group’s energy changes.

A 35-foot Marlin is also a practical sweet spot. It’s big enough to feel comfortable for a full day, and small enough that your skipper can get you to spots that don’t feel like a chore from the shoreline. In at least one recent trip, the boat was described as spacious enough for a larger party—just remember the published price is for up to 6, so confirm capacity when you book.

Bottom line: you’re paying for time on the water plus access.

Price and extras: the real cost picture for a $875 group booking

The rate is $875 per group (up to 6) for about 7 hours 30 minutes. That’s the headline number.

Now read the fine print that actually affects your budget: captains fee, captain gratuity, and fuel charges are not included. That means your final total will be higher than the checkout price you see first. Some people miss this detail at booking time, and it can create sticker shock right before you sail.

If you’re comparing options, I’d do it this way:

• You’re paying for a private boat experience (not just a seat).
• Your money covers onboard inclusions like snorkeling gear, floats, music, and a cooler with ice.
• You’ll also need to plan for the skipper and the boat’s running costs through captains fee, gratuity, and fuel.

If you’re the type who wants zero coordination headaches, this layout can still feel like good value—because you’re not spending your vacation time figuring out ferries, traffic, and logistics.

Where the day starts: Oasis Cove Marina and a pick-up that keeps you on schedule

Your trip begins at Oasis Cove Marina in St Thomas (6186 Estate Frydenhoj Route 32). The charter ends back at the same meeting point.

One thing that makes the morning work: hotel pickup is included. That single detail removes a big chunk of stress, especially if you’re traveling with kids, older parents, or anyone who hates being on the clock before a vacation day even starts.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling paper passes at the dock. And the marina is listed as near public transportation, which is handy if your hotel set-up is unusual.

How the skipper turns a checklist into a personalized day

This charter is built around customization. You tell the captain what kind of day you want—mostly snorkeling, mostly beach time, or a mix—and the skipper sets the route to match.

This is why people keep highlighting their captains: flexibility isn’t just a marketing word here. The day can include multiple snorkel stops, plus beaches only reachable by boat. Several past experiences credit skippers for doing exactly that, including Captain Nate, Captain Kyle, Captain Anthony, Captain Spence, and Captain Brendan.

What you should expect, practically:

• Your skipper helps decide the order of stops so you’re not wasting time traveling.
• You can usually shift between swimming and snorkeling depending on the group’s comfort.
• The captain brings the local eye for where you’ll get the most out of the time.

Lovango Cay and Maho Bay: prime snorkel targets and what makes them worth it

Some destinations are famous because they’re good from the water, not just from a postcard. That’s the logic behind named stops like Lovango Cay and Maho Bay.

Lovango Cay shows up again and again in descriptions of these charters, and it’s strongly associated with sea turtle sightings in past trips. If snorkeling with turtles is on your wish list, this is the area you’d aim for.

Maho Bay is another named swim and snorkel stop. Even if you don’t care about turtles specifically, the appeal is the same: you get to drop in where people come for water time, then move on before the day turns into a long slog.

A realistic consideration: the captain still has to respond to conditions. If winds or water don’t cooperate, you may spend more time at the most comfortable spots and less time at the ones that are harder in rougher conditions.

The Baths and other big-name shore stops: when boat access is the advantage

The charter explicitly lists The Baths as one of the possible destinations. Even if you’ve seen photos, boat access changes how the day feels.

The practical upside is time and ease. When your captain builds the plan around boat access, you’re not trying to coordinate a complicated land-and-water routine. You’re going from water to shore to water on a schedule set by your skipper.

The tradeoff is simple: you don’t control the whole day. You’re sharing the day with the realities of a guided route on a small boat. That’s a fair exchange for the convenience and access.

If you want to spend more time on shore for exploring and photos, tell your captain early. Several groups mention captains who adapt so the itinerary matches what the group wants.

Limeout and beach-hopping timing: using the day, not just riding it

One stop that pops in past trips is Limeout, the floating taco bar. It’s described as a lunch-style stop that can be accessed from the water, and it sounds like one of those on-the-water experiences that becomes the story you retell later.

A powerboat day has two clocks running at once:

• the clock for snorkeling windows and changing conditions
• the clock for keeping everyone happy on a boat

This is where the cooler with ice helps. You don’t have to rely on buying everything on land mid-day. You can keep drinks and snacks ready, then use your time for actual swim breaks and beach time.

Also, music is included. That small detail matters more on a private charter than it does on a tour bus. It helps the boat feel like your space, not just a mode of transport.

The St John and St Thomas snorkel circuit: popular spots beyond the headline names

Even though some highlights are named up front, captains often add extra snorkel stops around the islands. Reviews mention a wide range of places where groups spent time in the water, including:

• Whistling Cay and Flanagan Island (stops included in at least one multi-bay day)
• Booby Rock, with reports of nurse shark sightings
• The Ledges of Little St James, with reports of barracuda and sea turtle sightings

A quick reality check: marine life sightings are never guaranteed. But what’s useful here is the pattern. The captains aren’t just driving you to one predictable spot and calling it a day. They’re taking you through multiple snorkel opportunities, which increases your odds of seeing something memorable.

If you’re a confident snorkeler, tell the captain. If you’re new or just want easy, explain your comfort level. A good skipper will shift where you spend time so everyone has a good day, not just the strongest swimmer.

Comfort and cleanliness on a private boat day

This charter experience is described as comfortable and low hassle. People also specifically mention the boat being very clean, which you’ll appreciate when you’re spending hours onboard and stepping in and out for snorkeling.

Practical comfort includes:

• the cooler with ice
• floats and snorkeling equipment provided
• music onboard
• a skipper who manages the route so you can relax

There’s also a human side to this. Some captains are described as friendly and considerate, including helping calm a group member who was less comfortable during the day. That’s not a guarantee you’ll need it, but it’s a useful sign that these skippers pay attention to the people on the boat.

Is this charter right for you? (And when it’s not)

You’ll probably love this if:

• you want a private St Thomas/St John boat day with customized stops
• snorkeling is a priority, and you want gear and floats included
• you want beach time at spots that are hard to reach from land
• you’re traveling as a small group and want your own plan

You might think twice if:

• you dislike flexible itineraries. This day is set by a captain, so you’re steering with them, not alone.
• your group expects a full 10-hour adventure. At about 7.5 hours, it can feel short once you’re out there and everything is going well.

Also, one detail to clarify when booking: the price is advertised for up to 6, but some write-ups describe larger parties. Confirm the exact headcount limits for your date so you don’t end up negotiating capacity at the dock.

Should you book? My call on Caribbean Blue’s full-day private charter

If your goal is to do a true private powerboat day in the USVI—snorkel, swim, and hit multiple beaches without the land-based hassle—this charter checks a lot of boxes. The included snorkel gear, floats, cooler with ice, and hotel pickup reduce the usual hidden inconveniences, and the repeated praise for captains like Nate, Kyle, Anthony, Spence, and Brendan points to real day-to-day flexibility.

I’d book it if you plan to talk to the skipper about your priorities and accept that the final route is weather- and conditions-driven. And I’d only hold back if your group needs a longer day or you can’t comfortably handle added costs for captains fee, gratuity, and fuel.

FAQ

How long is the Caribbean Blue full day boat charter?

The duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

What is the price for the charter?

The price is $875.00 per group (up to 6).

What’s included on board?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, floats, music, and a cooler with ice. Hotel pickup is also included.

What extra costs are not included?

Captains fee, captains gratuity, and fuel charges are not included and will be an additional charge.

Where do you meet and where does the tour end?

You meet at Oasis Cove Marina in St Thomas, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity and only your group participates.

What areas can the skipper visit?

The charter can include locations such as Lovango Cay, Maho Bay, and The Baths, and there is also an option for a stop at Limeout.

What should I bring for snorkeling?

The charter includes snorkeling gear and floats, so you don’t need to bring that equipment.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.

Does weather matter?

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

When is the activity typically available?

The listed hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Sunday.