Private Beach-Hopping Catamaran Charter from St. Thomas
When you want the boat to yourselves and a full day to roam, a private beach-hopping catamaran charter from St. Thomas is the splurge that's actually worth it. The Island Flyer is a fast power catamaran you charter for seven hours to cruise secluded beaches and snorkel reefs around St. Thomas and St. John — your group, your pace. Here's what the whole-boat day includes and who it suits. (Want a shared trip instead? See the St. Thomas snorkel tours on the homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Lock in your date, pay nothing today
A full private day on the water
Whole boat for your group only
Secluded St. Thomas & St. John spots
Gear included; multiple reefs
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and the whole-boat charter price for the Island Flyer.
Why Charter the Whole Boat
A shared snorkel trip is great value, but it follows a fixed route on someone else's clock. A private charter flips that: the Island Flyer is yours for the day, so you choose the beaches, linger where you like, and skip the crowded stops. With a fast power catamaran you can cover far more — St. Thomas's south cays and over to St. John — than a shared sailing trip fits in.
The whole-boat price covers your group, which is what makes it work for families, friend groups or a special occasion: split across the boat it's often comparable to per-person tour pricing, but with total privacy and flexibility.
What a Private Day Looks Like
Your captain plans the route around the weather and what your group wants, but a typical seven-hour charter weaves together:
- Secluded St. Thomas beaches you can't easily reach by land
- A run across to St. John for its famous calm bays and reefs
- Two or three snorkel stops over coral, turtles and reef fish
- Time to swim, paddle or just anchor up and relax
- Lunch and drinks aboard (BYO or arranged — confirm when booking)
Because it's private, nothing is rushed — if the snorkeling is good, you stay; if a beach is crowded, you move on.
What's Included (and What's Not)
Included
The charter covers the boat, crew and the essentials for a day on the water:
- Private 7-hour catamaran charter for your group
- Captain (and crew) and all fuel
- Snorkel gear for the group
- Beach and reef stops around St. Thomas and St. John
Not included
Food and drinks are typically bring-your-own or arranged for an extra fee — confirm catering when you book. Gratuity for the crew (15–20% is standard) and hotel transfers to the marina aren't included. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, towels and cash for tips.
Important Things to Know Before You Book
The headline price is for the whole boat, not per person, so it makes the most sense for a group — the more of you, the better the value. Check the maximum passenger count when you book and have everyone's details ready.
If your route crosses into the British Virgin Islands you'd need passports and customs, but a standard St. Thomas–St. John day stays in U.S. waters, so U.S. citizens just need a photo ID. Charters are weather-dependent; the captain will adjust the route or reschedule for safety, and free cancellation up to 24 hours out keeps it low-risk.
Where It Happens
Who This Charter Is (and Isn't) For
Ideal for families, friend groups and special occasions that want privacy, flexibility and a full day covering both islands. It's not the best pick for:
- Solo travelers or couples on a budget (a shared trip is far cheaper)
- Anyone wanting a quick two- or three-hour outing
- Travelers who'd rather have a fixed itinerary decided for them
Private Catamaran Charter FAQ
Is the price per person or per boat?
Per boat — you charter the whole catamaran for your group. Split across a family or friend group it's often close to per-person tour pricing, but with total privacy and a flexible route.
Can we go to St. John?
Yes — a St. Thomas–St. John day is the classic route and stays in U.S. waters, so U.S. citizens just need a photo ID. Crossing into the British Virgin Islands would require passports and customs.
Is food and drink included?
Usually it's bring-your-own or arranged for an extra fee — confirm catering when you book. Snorkel gear is included.
How many people can come?
It's a whole-boat charter with a set maximum — check the passenger cap when booking. The more of your group aboard, the better the per-person value.
How is this different from a shared snorkel tour?
A shared tour follows a fixed route and time on a boat with strangers. This is your boat, your route and your pace for a full day. If you'd rather keep it cheap and simple, compare the shared snorkel tours on our homepage.
What Charter Guests Say
Worth every penny for our family of six. We hit two empty beaches and snorkeled a reef full of turtles, all on our own schedule. The captain knew exactly where to go.
We split the cost across four couples and it came out reasonable — and so much better than a crowded tour. A full day between St. Thomas and St. John with no one else aboard.
Chartered it for an anniversary. Private, relaxed, and the snorkeling stops were gorgeous. The flexibility to just stay longer where we liked made the day.