Speed and privacy are a winning match. On a 31-foot 2019 Wellcraft (MV Aquarius) with twin 300hp Yamaha engines, you get a private day on the water where your captain builds the route around what your group wants. It’s a simple idea: hop in at American Yacht Harbor, cruise fast between beaches, and spend real time where you actually want to be.

What I like most is how much control you have. You can slow down for calm swimming or spend extra minutes at a favorite cove; the guidance commonly works out to at least 1.5 hours per stop so you don’t feel rushed. I also love that snorkeling gear is included, plus you’ll have soda, water, and beer aboard—so the “hang out and explore” vibe stays easy.

One consideration: fuel is billed based on actual use (listed as $150 per booking), and some areas like BVI aren’t part of the standard options. If your heart is set on BVI, you’ll need to choose the separate BVI-focused product rather than expecting it to be added to every itinerary.

Key things to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 12: the price is per group, not per person, which can be great value for families and friend groups.
• Modern power and comfort: a 2019 Wellcraft with twin 300hp Yamaha engines helps you cover distance without feeling like you’re stuck in transit.
• Snorkeling equipment onboard: you’re not hunting gear last minute, which makes it easier to fit swims into the day.
• Captain-led flexibility: your route is designed around your priorities, from beach time to snorkeling to more distant cays.
• Premium “less crowd” factor: you’re not riding with a lineup of people and a fixed schedule.
• BVI limits on this option: if you want British Virgin Islands stops, you need the separate booking.

MV Aquarius: the fast, modern boat that changes your day

This charter is built around MV Aquarius, a 2019 31-foot Wellcraft with twin 300hp Yamaha engines. In plain terms, it means you can move between St Thomas and St John stops without the long, exhausting boat “drift” that slower craft sometimes force on you.

The layout helps, too. There’s seating at the bow where your group can talk, tan, and watch for sea life like turtles. That matters more than it sounds. When you have a private boat, you don’t just “ride to the next stop”—you actually get time to enjoy the ride, the views, and the calm moments in between.

On top of that, you get onboard audio: a Fusion sound system with Bluetooth. So if your group wants music while cruising, you can keep it simple and play your playlist instead of trying to coordinate phones one at a time.

Price and value: $885 per group plus fuel and tips

The headline number is $885 per group for up to 12 guests. That’s not per person, so your real cost depends on how many people you have in your party.

Here’s the quick math:

• If you fill the boat (12 people), you’re around $74 per person before add-ons.
• If you’re a smaller group (like 6), it’s closer to $148 per person before add-ons.

Then budget for what’s clearly listed as extra:

• Fuel billed actual use: $150 per booking
• Gratuity for the captain: not included

Even with that fuel add-on, the value can still make sense—especially if you’re comparing to a cruise shore excursion where you pay more for a set schedule and fewer choices. On a private charter, you’re paying for control: the ability to stay longer at the best spot and skip the stop that isn’t working for your group.

How your captain shapes the day around St Thomas and St John

Your captain designs the itinerary, and the whole point is flexibility. The boat tour structure includes multiple famous beaches and coves, but you’re not locked into a rigid checklist. Think of it as a menu with a timeline: the captain recommends stop lengths, and you get to spend the kind of time that matches your energy level.

That’s why this works well for mixed-age groups. Several of the captains highlighted in past trips (including Captain Rogan, Captain Aaron Wallens, Captain Mike, and Captain Bryan) were praised for adjusting the day to what the group wanted: more snorkeling time, more beach time, or a route that hits multiple top spots without feeling hectic.

Practical tip: if snorkeling is a priority, I’d treat the day like a “sequence of swims,” not a single event. Ask your captain to build the stops so you snorkel when conditions and light are likely to be best, then keep beach time for recovery.

The route: American Yacht Harbor to the best beaches and party bay

This charter starts and ends at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St Thomas (with an end back at the meeting point). The itinerary is designed around St Thomas and St John beaches and harbors, with some options listed as ticket-free and others listed as admission ticket included.

Here’s what each stop brings, plus what to watch for:

American Yacht Harbor (Red Hook) — your starting gate

You’ll begin at the marina area in Red Hook, then head out to your first swim or harbor stop. If you’re on a cruise, this start point is often easier than fighting traffic and big group logistics elsewhere.

Honeymoon Beach — for calm water and classic views

Honeymoon Beach shows up more than once in the listed route. That’s usually a good sign for your day because it gives the captain room to adjust timing: you can hit it early for a relaxed start, or return later if the conditions feel right.

Secret Harbour — a solid anchoring point

This stop is great when you want a mix of scenic time and water time without turning the day into constant motion. With a private boat, Secret Harbour can function like your “reset” moment between bigger beach hits.

Brewer’s Bay — sheltered-feeling beach time

Brewer’s Bay is listed with a recommended stop length of about 1.5 hours. That’s usually enough time to swim, settle in, and enjoy the water instead of just sprinting for a quick photo.

Magens Bay Beach — iconic beach with admission handled

Magens Bay is listed with an admission ticket included. That’s useful because it removes one item from your mental checklist, and it’s also one of the best-known beaches in the area for a reason: easy to enjoy even if your group isn’t all hardcore snorkel fans.

Sapphire Beach — another easygoing swim stop

Sapphire Beach is another beach-style stop where the private charter advantage shows up: you can spend time with your group at the pace that feels right. It’s an especially good choice if you want a straightforward “swim, hang, repeat” block.

Coki Point Beach — admission included and a snorkeling-friendly vibe

Coki Point is listed with admission ticket included. Past captains have been praised for delivering strong snorkeling moments (including sea turtles and rays), and Coki Point is one of the types of stops where that kind of day can happen without turning everything into a complicated production.

Lindqvist Beach — another ticket-included swim option

Lindqvist Beach is also admission ticket included. If your group likes beach-and-water time more than moving every hour, Lindqvist fits well as part of a steady rhythm: short boat rides, longer water sessions.

Honeymoon Beach again — flexibility baked into the plan

The second Honeymoon Beach stop is there for timing and conditions. If you had a great swim earlier, you may get a second chance with different light or just more time to relax.

Francis Bay — a quieter, scenic break

Francis Bay is listed as another stop with time built in. This kind of stop can be a relief after the more famous names, because your group can settle down and enjoy the shoreline without feeling like you’re chasing the “top spot.”

Trunk Bay Beach — admission included, and it tends to be a highlight

Trunk Bay is listed with admission ticket included. It’s also the kind of place where snorkeling fits naturally into the visit, so it’s a good candidate for your main swim stop if your group wants sea life and coral without long planning.

Maho Bay Beach — when you want the party energy

Maho Bay is the choice for groups that like the high-energy side of St John/St Thomas. Just plan it as a “destination moment.” If your group prefers quiet, you can still go, but you might enjoy it more if you treat it as one block rather than an all-day linger.

Snorkeling gear and sea-life odds: turtles, rays, and coral

Snorkeling equipment is included, which makes a big difference. You don’t need to rent gear, coordinate it, or worry about whether everyone can find what they need when you’re already on island time.

What I’d tell you to expect is a day built around swims with guidance from your captain. Several captains were specifically praised for finding places to snorkel and for helping the group feel comfortable in the water. If you’re new to snorkeling, that matters. One review shared that their first time felt scary at first, but quickly turned peaceful once they got in—exactly the kind of moment a good captain can smooth out by choosing calm conditions and helping you get oriented.

From the strong patterns in past trips, your best odds for memorable sea-life encounters include:

• sea turtles
• sting rays
• lots of colorful tropical fish

Not every stop will deliver the same wildlife show, and water conditions can change. But the structure here is designed for it: multiple beach and harbor stops plus time to actually snorkel.

Pro tip I’m taking from the practical advice in past trips: bring reef-safe sunscreen. It’s the simple thing that keeps the day smoother, especially when you’re planning multiple swims.

What’s included on board: drinks, music, and the private-boat comfort factor

Your charter includes:

• snorkeling equipment
• soda, water, and beer on board

That’s a very “real vacation” set of inclusions. It means you can keep yourself hydrated without having to stop somewhere mid-day for drinks. If you’re traveling with kids, it also helps avoid the constant snack-and-soda scramble.

Music is another win. The Fusion sound system with Bluetooth makes it easy to bring a playlist and keep the vibe going. A lot of the best moments on a private boat come from the in-between time—cruising, talking on the bow, watching the horizon—so audio can help your group turn transit into part of the fun.

Food is flexible in practice. One review specifically suggested you can bring what you want with you, and some captains were praised for making local punch onboard. So if your group likes to snack between swims, you can keep it simple with your own items, and your captain can still help steer you toward good places when you want an extra food stop.

Practical notes that affect your day: weather, BVI limits, and health protocols

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s important on the water—plan as if you’ll go, but stay ready for adjustments.

Also note the BVI limitation: some stops including BVI are unavailable on this option. If you want to visit BVI, the info here points you to a separate product code booking. I’d treat that as a “decide early” item—don’t count on it being added as a last-minute tweak.

Finally, there’s a health-and-safety approach that’s spelled out clearly. The operator notes monthly testing through RayBiotech for captains and crew, visible Covid-free bracelets, and vessel sanitizing after each trip using established CDC and WHO guidelines. Masks aren’t required since it’s primarily outdoors, but you can wear one if you prefer. For many people, that balance is the sweet spot: outdoors plus straightforward precautions.

Should you book this private powerboat charter?

Book it if you want a day that feels like it was built for your group, not for a schedule. This is especially worth it for:

• families who need flexibility between snorkeling and beach time
• friend groups who can fill most of the boat and reduce per-person cost
• cruisers who want to escape the crowds and still hit major sights with fewer time constraints

Skip it (or at least be cautious) if:

• your trip requires BVI stops but you don’t plan to book the BVI-specific option
• you’re not comfortable with weather-driven schedule changes
• your group expects a perfectly fixed itinerary with no captain input (here, the whole point is the captain shaping the route)

If you’re aiming for a memorable St Thomas and St John day—swimming, snorkeling, and beach hopping with a fast modern boat—this is one of the easiest ways to turn the islands into your own private playground.

FAQ

Is the price per person or per group?

It’s priced per group, up to 12 guests. The listed amount is $885.00 per group, not a per-person price.

What’s included in the charter?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment and soda, water, and beer on board.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 4 to 7 hours (approx.).

Where do we meet the boat?

Pickup and meeting is at American Yacht Harbor in St Thomas (Red Hook area). The tour also ends back at the meeting point.

Can the itinerary include BVI?

Some stops including BVI are unavailable on this option. If you want BVI, the information says to book the separate product code for BVI.

Do we need good weather?

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.