Sea turtles and tacos on the same boat?

That’s the vibe with Bonus Time Charters: a private power catamaran day around St. John and St. Thomas, built for serious snorkeling stops like Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay, plus standout lunch stops such as Lime Out and Pizza Pi. I love that the day is planned to hit multiple reef-and-bay swim spots, not just one quick stop. I also like the hands-on feel you get from an experienced captain and a smaller group (up to 8), with real flexibility to shape the day. One thing to plan for: fuel and food are extra, so the final total depends on how far you go and what you order.

You start at 9:00 am, get snorkeling gear plus water and a cooler onboard, and then you’re on the water for about 6 hours total (travel time included). If you’re coming from a cruise, you’ll need to taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet the boat.

Key highlights worth marking on your map

• Sea turtle snorkel timing built around calm-water bays like Maho Bay (and often more time at Little Lameshur)
• Coral and mangrove stops such as Waterlemon Cay (elkhorn coral) and Hurricane Hole (mangroves in protected, easy-floating conditions)
• Floating food you’ll actually remember: Lime Out tacos in Coral Bay and Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove
• Small group private charter on a 29′ or 32′ power catamaran, for up to 8 people
• Captain-led custom control—you can suggest your preferences, but they can also steer you to the best conditions

A Private Catamaran Day on St. John and St. Thomas (9:00 am start)

This is a true private charter, so only your group is on board—great if you want conversation, fewer trade-offs, and less waiting around. The boat is a power catamaran in the 29′ or 32′ range, and the charter runs about 6 hours (approx.). Start time is 9:00 am, and the total duration includes travel time, so you’re not losing half your morning to shuttles.

The meeting point is flexible depending on where you’re staying, but there’s one clear note for cruise passengers: you should taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet the crew. If you’re not on a cruise, you’ll still want to confirm your exact meet-up spot when you book, since “private transportation” is listed as included but cruise pickup is specifically called out as not included.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate (they also note they try to accommodate different groups—more on that later).

Snorkel Circuit Around Virgin Islands National Park: Maho Bay, Waterlemon, Hurricane Hole, Little Lameshur

The core of the day is snorkeling around St. John, with planned stops that make sense for both sea life and swim conditions. The schedule is designed to give you about an hour at each main anchor point, which helps you avoid the “arrive, panic, and sprint” feeling that happens when boats rush.

Maho Bay Beach (about 1 hour)

This is the sea turtle stop. The plan is built around calm water in this north-shore bay, which is ideal when you want the best odds of seeing turtles without fighting rougher seas. It’s also inside the Virgin Islands National Park area, so you’re in the zone where the water clarity and scenery tend to be excellent.

Waterlemon Cay (about 1 hour)

Here the focus shifts to coral. The stop is aimed at healthy populations of critically endangered elkhorn coral, which is a big reason divers and snorkelers chase this part of the island. Coral life can change year to year, but the goal is clear: you’re snorkeling where conservation matters.

Hurricane Hole (about 1 hour)

This is the “easy mode” water stop. The bay conditions are described as pool-like, and the crew targets the healthiest mangrove ecosystem in the Virgin Islands. Mangroves can make for a calmer swim and a more protected feel when the open water is acting up.

Little Lameshur Bay (about 1 hour)

This stop gives you options. You can swim ashore to see centuries-old sugar plantation ruins, or you can stay in the water for more sea turtle chances. It’s one of those rare bays where you don’t have to choose between scenery and snorkeling—you can do both, depending on the day and your group.

One consideration: the sea can change fast in the Virgin Islands. Even with a great plan, the captain may adjust the order or timing to match conditions, wind, and water visibility.

Coral Bay and Christmas Cove Lunch Stops: Lime Out and Pizza Pi

Most snorkel days are missing one ingredient: a meal that feels like part of the adventure. This one leans hard into that with floating food stops.

Lime Out St. John (about 1 hour)

Coral Bay hosts the Caribbean’s only floating taco stand, and your stop is aimed right at Lime Out. The day plan gives you about an hour, which is enough to eat without feeling rushed. It’s also a solid moment for a reset—drink something cold, refuel, and then head back into the water with energy.

Lunch isn’t included in the charter price. That means you’ll be making your own purchases at Lime Out (and later Pizza Pi). If you like choice—chicken vs. something else, a frozen drink vs. water—that flexibility is part of the fun.

Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove

The plan also includes a stop at Christmas Cove for a slice from Pizza Pi, the USVI’s iconic floating pizzeria. It’s not a sit-down meal, so keep expectations casual. Think: a classic local-style stop where the food is the excuse to hang out on the water a little longer.

If you want to keep costs under control, this is where it matters to decide ahead of time: do you want just one meal stop, or do you plan to buy drinks too? BYOB is allowed, and the policy is no glass bottles onboard.

South Shore Cruising for Seclusion and Coastline Views

The day isn’t just snorkel-to-snorkel. There’s also cruising around the South Shore, with a goal of a more secluded vibe and scenic coastline views. That’s a big deal because St. John’s best moments don’t always happen underwater—they happen when you’re moving slowly enough to take in the coastline, change your angle on the bays, and spot where the water looks calmer.

The plan also mentions time for beach moments like Scott Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Trunk Bay. Even if you don’t jump in for every beach stop, the boat time gives you options to swim ashore when conditions are right. And the reef-and-bay focus means you aren’t just sightseeing from a distance—you’re doing it with your feet in the water.

One practical note: because this is a private charter, the captain can steer the day around your preferences, but that flexibility works best when you’re clear. If your group wants more swimming than ruins or more snorkel time than beach time, tell the captain early.

Captain-Led Control: Communication and a Laid-Back Pace

A private charter lives or dies by the captain’s style. The experience you’re aiming for here is exactly that mix: professional seamanship with a day that doesn’t feel rigid.

From the captains associated with this operation—Captain Vic, Captain Bryan, Captain Andrew, and Randy—you’ll see a pattern: strong communication, solid professionalism, and a laid-back attitude that still keeps the day moving. Some groups reported the captain being very informative and helpful while still letting them make choices. Others leaned into the captain’s judgment and still felt in control of the day.

That’s also why customized itineraries are welcomed. If you want a slightly different order of stops, more shore time at a particular bay, or extra time where the water looks best, this format is built for it.

The big practical value: instead of being herded like a timetable, you’re making small decisions with a skipper who can respond in real time. That’s how you end up with a day that feels tailored rather than manufactured.

Price and Value: How $1,095 Works for Up to 8 (Plus Fuel, Lunch, and Tips)

The charter price is $1,095.00 per group (up to 8), and that’s the headline number. For a group, that can be a good value because you’re paying for the boat and captain, then splitting it across your people—especially if you’re traveling with friends or a family unit.

A simple way to think about it: if you fill the boat to 8, the cost is about $137 per person for the charter time itself. The included items matter here:

• snorkeling equipment
• water, ice, and a cooler
• experienced captain
• private transportation (with the cruise taxi note handled separately)

But three add-ons can change your final total:

1. Fuel is not included. It’s billed based on usage at $7 USD/gallon, and the details also list $7.00 per booking—worth confirming how that appears on your final quote.
2. Lunch is on you. Lime Out and Pizza Pi purchases are your responsibility.
3. Gratuities are recommended at 20% of the charter cost if service is excellent.

If your goal is maximum cost predictability, you’ll want to budget for fuel plus whatever you plan to eat and drink onboard. If your goal is one of the best ways to get multiple snorkeling environments and iconic floating food into a single day, this format usually makes sense—especially when you compare it to big-group tours with fewer stops and less flexibility.

What to Bring (and the small choices that save time on a boat day)

This charter handles the essentials for snorkeling and comfort on the water, but you’ll still want to show up ready. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have water plus ice in a cooler.

Here’s what you should plan to bring:

• swimsuits and a quick-dry towel
• sun protection (because St. John sun is real)
• any personal snorkel items you prefer (if you use your own mask, for example)
• a way to pay for lunch at Lime Out and Pizza Pi
• your own drinks if you want BYOB—just no glass bottles

If you’re hoping to hit specific moments—ruins on shore, extra time in turtle water, or a longer lunch—tell the captain early. That’s how you avoid wasting time on the boat later trying to renegotiate priorities.

Also, don’t forget that this experience requires good weather. The operator notes they’ll adjust if needed due to poor conditions, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund in weather-cancel situations.

Should You Book Bonus Time Charters for a St. Thomas–St. John Day?

I’d book this if you want a day that feels purposeful: multiple snorkeling stops with real targets (sea turtles, coral, mangroves), plus meal stops that are part of the story—Lime Out tacos in Coral Bay and a slice at Pizza Pi from Christmas Cove. The private format for up to 8 is a big plus if you care about pace and want a captain who communicates clearly and keeps things easygoing.

You might think twice if you’re traveling on a tight budget or if you hate add-on costs. Fuel is billed separately, lunch isn’t included, and gratuity is recommended. Also, you need good weather—so if you have very inflexible plans, build in buffer time.

If you can handle those practicalities, this is a strong pick for families, friend groups, and snorkel lovers who want St. John and St. Thomas in one efficient, memorable water day—without the noise of a large tour crowd.

FAQ

How long is the full-day private boat charter?

It runs for about 6 hours total, with the start time listed as 9:00 am. Travel time is included in the total duration.

How many people can go on the charter?

The price is per group for up to 8 people, and it’s a private tour/activity limited to your group only.

What’s included with the charter price?

The package includes use of snorkeling equipment, water and ice with a cooler, private transportation, and an experienced captain.

What costs extra besides the $1,095 price?

Fuel is not included and will be billed based on usage at $7 USD per gallon (the details also list $7.00 per booking). Gratuities are recommended at 20% if the service is excellent, and lunch at Lime Out and Pizza Pi is the responsibility of the group. Alcoholic beverages are BYOB, with no glass bottles onboard.

Do you provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the charter.

Can we bring alcohol onboard?

Yes, you can bring your own beverages, but please no glass bottles on board.

Where do cruise passengers meet the boat?

If you’re coming from a cruise, you should taxi to American Yacht Harbor to meet the crew. Cruise port pick-up isn’t included.

What snorkeling and food stops are planned?

The suggested route includes snorkeling at Maho Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Hurricane Hole, and Little Lameshur Bay. Lunch stops include Lime Out in Coral Bay and Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove.

What if the 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.

Can the captain customize the day for our group?

Yes. Customized itineraries are welcomed, and Bonus Time strives to accommodate groups as best as possible. If you have accessibility questions, you’re encouraged to call before booking.