Eight hours on your own boat beats bus tours. This full-day charter on a 37′ Intrepid powerboat is all about freedom: you pick the vibe, your professional captain helps shape the day, and you get the comfort of a real powerboat instead of shoehorning into someone else’s route. Two things I like a lot are the private setup for up to 12 (so it stays fun and not chaotic) and having snorkeling gear plus a cooler ready so you can bring your own drinks.

One consideration: it’s $1,600 per group, and extra costs like customs fees and gratuity aren’t included. Also, the day depends on good weather, since this is a water-based experience.

You start at 9:00 am and you’re back at the meeting point at the end, with pickup offered. The best part is that you don’t need a perfect itinerary in advance—your captain will suggest options and adjust as conditions change.

In the real-world vibe, the names you hear again and again (like Capt. Pat, Capt. Kevin, Capt. Gus, and Capt. Weezy) tend to be the kind of captains who focus on making the day work for your group—whether that means more time in the water or more time exploring.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private charter for up to 12 people with your captain for the day
• Captain-led flexibility so you can play it by ear once you’re out there
• Snorkeling gear included, plus bottled water for the day
• Bring-your-own drinks with a cooler and ice on board
• Strong group value at $1,600 when you split it across friends or family
• It’s weather-dependent, so you’ll want a backup mindset

A 37′ Intrepid powerboat day: what that rental really feels like

This is a full-day private charter, and the boat choice matters. A 37-foot Intrepid powerboat gives you a bigger, more stable platform than smaller skiffs, and you feel the difference when you’re out there moving between coves and beaches. You’re not stuck waiting for other groups, and you’re not stuck following a script.

You’ll be out for about 8 hours, and the ride is guided by a professional captain/guide. The day is designed to be custom, meaning your captain isn’t just transporting you from stop to stop—they’re actively helping with what to do next based on wind, water conditions, and what your group wants most.

One small detail that helps the mood: the charter includes snorkeling equipment and bottled water. That means you’re not wasting time (or money) figuring out gear at the last minute. Instead, you can get to the fun parts sooner.

Price and value: $1,600 per group up to 12

Let’s talk money in a way that’s actually useful. The charter price is $1,600 per group for up to 12 passengers. If you fill the boat, that works out to about $133 per person for an 8-hour day with a captain, snorkeling gear, and water included.

You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for:

• a private boat for your group
• captain-led navigation and routing
• snorkeling equipment
• bottled water
• a cooler setup so you can bring drinks

What’s not included matters too. Customs fees and gratuity are separate, so your true total will depend on where your captain plans to go and how you tip. If you’re a group that would otherwise buy multiple tickets for smaller boat tours, this can feel like a win—especially for families, friend groups, and multigenerational trips where the “everyone gets along on the same day” factor is priceless.

My practical take: this is best when you can pack the headcount (or at least bring together a few families). For two people, it can still be a great day—but it’s a different value story.

9:00 am start and a flexible day plan with your captain

The schedule is simple. You start at 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Pickup is offered, but since it’s listed as offered, I’d confirm the exact pickup details before the day.

The “custom” part is the real engine of this experience. The charter is private, and you can go anywhere you’d like within what the captain advises. You also don’t need to arrive with a rigid plan. Your captain can give suggestions, and you can adjust as you go.

Here’s how that usually plays out in a good charter day:

• You head out early when conditions are fresh.
• You choose whether the focus is snorkeling time, beach time, or scenic cruising.
• If the water isn’t cooperating in one spot, your captain can pivot to another area.
• You build in an easy rhythm: swim, chill, snack, swim again.

This approach helps if your group has different energy levels. Kids or non-swimmers can stay on board and enjoy the ride, while the snorkelers hop in where the captain sets up the best conditions.

Snorkeling gear and cooler setup: the small stuff that makes the day

Snorkeling is included through the use of snorkeling equipment. That matters because rental gear can be a hassle in port days. When gear is already on the boat, you’re more likely to actually use it—and you’ll spend your time in the water instead of hunting down fins and masks.

You also get a cooler with ice, and you can bring your own beverages. This is one of those “looks minor until it isn’t” benefits. Drinking packaged drinks bought in a hurry can ruin your day. Bringing what your group likes keeps things relaxed, and it’s a more budget-friendly way to handle refreshments for 8 hours.

One included comfort item that I appreciate: bottled water. On a hot sea day, you don’t want to be rationing or relying on stops that might not line up with your schedule.

Where you might go: common St Thomas island-hopping options

Because the charter is custom, you’re not locked into one itinerary. Still, you can get a strong sense of what’s possible from the way captains have created fun days for groups.

In the US Virgin Islands area, you’ll often see plans built around:

• St Thomas waters and nearby islands
• St John snorkeling opportunities when the day’s timing and conditions align
• Water Island as an easy add-on for scenery and a calmer vibe

Some groups go farther across the water for a bigger “day trip” feel. Examples that come up include:

• Virgin Gorda Baths (a classic stop that turns the day into a true adventure)
• Jost Van Dyke, often associated with beach time and iconic local hangouts like Soggy Dollar
• Maho Bay, where sea turtles can be part of the snorkeling story

You might also see stops tailored to food and experience:

• a fresh lobster lunch (mentioned as a highlight)
• drinks in spots like Lovango
• lunch stops like Lime Out
• other snorkeling areas and even shipwreck sightings depending on your captain’s plan

A good way to handle this before you leave: tell your captain what you want most—snorkeling, beaches, a specific island, sea life, or a mix. Then let them build the route. That’s exactly how these charters stay enjoyable instead of turning into a checklist.

Customs fees and gratuity: what to budget beyond the $1,600

The charter includes a lot—captain, boat rental, snorkeling gear, and bottled water. But customs fees and gratuity are not included.

What that means in real life: if you’re planning a route that involves crossing into waters that require additional processing, you should expect extra fees. This is also why it’s smart to communicate your “where do we want to go” ideas early with the company so you’re not surprised later.

For gratuity, treat it like part of the day’s reality. The captain is working the whole time, planning stops, handling safety, and making the day feel smooth. If your group had a great day, plan to tip accordingly.

Boat condition and crew service: the repeated themes

The 37-foot Intrepid is often described as clean and well-maintained, and the ride is mentioned as running strong all day in the best-case conditions. That gives you confidence you’re not riding on a tired vessel.

Crew service is another recurring strength. You’ll see patterns like:

• captains adjusting to what the group wants
• helping with itinerary planning without turning it into a lecture
• taking care of the details so you can focus on water time

Name examples that show up in the captain praise include Steve, Pat, Kevin, Gus, Nate, Louise, Weezy, Brent, John, and Louise again in different contexts. Even if you don’t get the exact captain you read about, the key point is the level of attention you should expect. The day is built around your group, not around speed or forcing everyone to keep up.

If there’s one practical takeaway here, it’s that you’ll enjoy this most if you communicate early. Tell your captain:

• snorkel experience level (beginner, comfortable, or advanced)
• how many people want to swim versus just ride
• your ideal mix of beach time and water time
• any must-do stops you care about

Timing, comfort, and how to keep an 8-hour day fun

Eight hours is a full day, and it’s easy to underestimate how quickly sun and salt add up. Your best tools are basic:

• wear sunscreen you trust
• bring swimwear that dries fast or plan for wet time
• have snacks you’ll actually eat
• keep an easy pace so everyone stays happy

Because the captain customizes the day, you’ll want to stay flexible too. If the water is flat and clear, you might do more snorkeling. If conditions aren’t perfect, your captain may shift the route to keep the day safe and enjoyable.

Also, remember you’re doing this as a private group up to 12 people. If your group is large, agree on a simple plan for who’s snorkeling when so you don’t end up waiting around in a crowded moment.

Who this charter is best for in St Thomas

This is a great match for:

• families who want control over the day
• friend groups who want a shared “best day” experience
• anyone who hates rigid tour schedules
• groups that value snorkeling and want the gear included
• people who want to cross beyond the obvious and still keep it easy

It can also be a strong choice for couples who want privacy, as long as you’re comfortable with the group-based pricing structure.

If your group is very into checking boxes and you’re all committed to a specific route, you may find this is still better than prepackaged tours because your captain can optimize timing and conditions. If your group is more relaxed and wants the day to unfold, this format fits that too.

Should you book this St Thomas Full-Day Boat Rental?

Book it if you want a private, captain-led day where you control the pace. The biggest wins are a dedicated boat for your group, snorkeling gear included, and the practical ability to bring your own drinks in a cooler. At $1,600 per group, it’s also one of the more reasonable ways to turn an 8-hour boat day into something you can actually justify for a group.

Consider booking only if you’re okay with two realities: added costs like customs fees and gratuity, and the fact that the day is weather-dependent. If you’re traveling during a season when the water can be rough, keep your expectations flexible and be ready to shift plans.

If your goal is a true day on the water—less waiting, more swimming, and more personal routing—this is the kind of charter I’d pick.

FAQ

How long is the St Thomas full-day powerboat rental?

It’s scheduled for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How many people can be on the boat?

The charter is for a group of up to 12 passengers.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the boat rental with captain, use of snorkeling equipment, and bottled water.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own beverages, and a cooler with ice is on board.

What extra costs should I expect?

Customs fees and gratuity are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those if they apply to your route.

What happens if weather is bad?

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