Sea turtles, reefs, and a smooth sail in one day.

This full-day private charter on the luxury catamaran Second Chance lets you pick your own stops, with 2–3 snorkeling moments built in plus plenty of time to relax on deck. You’ll get a calm ride between islands, and the day is paced like you’re out with friends, not herded with a crowd.

What I like most: the crew vibe. Hosts Ivy and TL (with Captain Justin at the helm) come across as warm, attentive, and comfortable answering questions without turning it into a lecture. I also really enjoy the on-board setup—bean bags on the trampolines, hammock chairs hanging off the back, and paddle boards ready when you want a little action.

The main thing to keep in mind is weather. This experience requires good weather, so if conditions turn poor, you may have to shift plans.

Key points to know before you go

• You choose the route: your group picks where the boat stops for snorkeling (options can include Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove).
• Sea turtle-focused day: the trip is built around swimming with sea turtles and reef snorkeling.
• Deck time is part of the package: bean bags, hammock chairs, and smooth sailing all day.
• Included gear and extras: snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, ice, water, plus lunch and drinks.
• Alcohol included, with a rule: you can enjoy rum punch or painkiller and a 12-pack of light beer, but you must be 18+ to consume alcohol.
• Private = calmer: only your group is on board, so requests and pace are easier to manage.

Starting the day in Red Hook: your 8:30 am launch point

Your day begins at Beach Charters VI Dock B slip 19, 6501, St. Thomas, near the water in Red Hook (start time 8:30 am). You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the trip returns to the same meeting point at the end—nice and simple if you’re planning the rest of your day on land.

This is a full day out on the water, roughly 7 hours 30 minutes. That matters because a lot of half-day boat trips can feel rushed; here, you actually get time to settle in, snorkel more than once, and still have plenty of “do nothing” moments on the deck.

One practical tip: if you’re driving, plan extra time. Some trips note parking availability at the marina for an additional fee when booked with them, so it’s worth asking ahead if you’re relying on your own vehicle. Also, since the meeting point is near public transportation, you can keep your plan flexible if you’d rather skip parking.

Why the crew makes Second Chance feel like a private hangout

A luxury catamaran is great, but the best part is how the crew treats your group. Across the experience, the hosts come up as a real strength—Ivy and TL are friendly and genuinely comfortable hosting. Captain Justin is also repeatedly called out for doing the job well, with a smooth, controlled feel while you’re out sailing.

What that means for you: the day feels less like a checklist and more like a hosted outing. When you’re paying for a private charter, you’re really paying for flexibility, attention, and comfort—and the crew’s style supports that.

You’ll see it in small details: greeting you properly at the boat, keeping refreshment flowing, and helping you get set up for snorkeling or paddle boarding without turning it into a production. People celebrating birthdays and family trips highlight the same theme: the boat becomes a home base for the day.

Snorkeling stops you choose: sea turtles, reefs, and smart pacing

This charter typically works with 2–3 snorkeling stops during the day. The snorkeling locations are examples like Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, and Christmas Cove, but the key point is you’re not locked into one pre-set route. It’s your private trip, so you can choose where you want the boat to go.

Also, the trip is built for sea turtles and reef snorkeling. That’s the headline for a lot of people—seeing turtles and snorkeling over beautiful water. The value here is that you get more than one shot at a good underwater experience, without losing the day to constant travel.

Here’s how each type of stop tends to play out, and what to consider:

Maho on St. John (when you want classic snorkel scenery)

If you choose Maho on St. John, expect a stop that’s popular for snorkeling conditions and sightseeing. The upside of a stop like this is variety: you can look at islands from the water, then switch to underwater time when you’re ready.

The possible downside is that snorkeling can be busy at certain times in the islands. Since this is private, you usually have more control over pacing, but you can still run into crowd energy if timing lines up.

Lovango Cay (when you want a more relaxed feel)

Lovango Cay is often chosen when you want a break from the busier areas. The upside is that it can feel like the boat settles into the day—less hurry, more hangout, and easier decision-making about when to get in the water.

Drawback to keep in mind: you’ll still be following whatever the day’s conditions allow, since this is a weather-dependent experience. If visibility or water conditions aren’t ideal, your captain can adjust timing and plan.

Christmas Cove (for a reef-and-relax mix)

Christmas Cove shows up as another example stop, and it fits that sweet spot of reef time plus simple comfort. You’ll likely want to pair your snorkeling with some deck lounging afterward, since the catamaran setup makes it easy to switch moods.

The consideration here is simple: reef conditions and sea life sightings vary day to day. Your best bet is to treat it as a “snorkel day,” not a guarantee of a specific animal count.

Gear is included, so you can travel light

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing and renting gear. That’s a big deal if you’re already juggling beach stuff in your luggage. You also get paddle boards and hammock swings, so you can mix snorkeling with other activities if you want a break from the water.

And because it’s private, you can decide how long to stay in the water at each stop. One group member might want more time to snorkel, while someone else can choose to relax with sea views.

Living on the catamaran: bean bags, hammocks, and paddle boards

The deck is where this charter earns its keep. While you’re sailing between stops, you can catch sun on the bean bags on top of the trampolines—a fun setup that feels casual but still comfortable.

If you want something calmer, the boat offers the chance to lounge in the hammock chairs that hang off the back. This is one of those details that sounds small until you’re actually on the water. It’s a nice way to watch the sea surface and take breaks between snorkeling.

And when you want movement, you can use paddle boards. They’re included, so you don’t have to decide whether it’s worth renting. You can also use the boards at a pace that fits your group—some people will go right away, while others will want to steady themselves first.

The overall effect: you’re not just doing one activity all day. You’ve got options, and the boat’s design supports shifting between them without stress.

Lunch and drinks: what’s included for real

Food and drinks are handled as part of the trip, not as an afterthought. You’ll get a morning fruit and pastry tray, then lunch later with freshly sliced turkey and cheese and a veggie wrap, plus chips. Soda and water are available throughout the day.

On the drinks side, the charter includes alcohol for those who are 18+. You’ll get rum punch or painkiller—the booking notes it as guest choice—plus a 12-pack of light beer. Alcohol is included in the sense that it’s part of your cost, so you can budget the day without worrying about surprise bar pricing.

One helpful way to think about this: a day on the water gets expensive quickly when you add food, water, and drinks. Here, those essentials are covered, which makes the trip feel more like a complete package than a “boat rental with extras.”

Gratuities are the only thing not included, so plan for that at the end if you want to tip.

The $250 per person value: when it’s worth it

At $250 per person, the price isn’t “cheap.” But it’s also not random. You’re paying for a private luxury catamaran day with snorkeling gear, paddle boards, lunch, ice, water, and drinks.

This is the kind of cost that becomes a clear deal when:

• you’re splitting between a group of friends or family
• you care about a private pace over joining a larger group
• you want the included comfort perks (hammocks, bean-bag deck time, boards)
• you’re aiming for a more “hosted” day with attentive hosts and a capable captain

If you’re traveling solo, it can still be worth it if you’re the type who wants maximum comfort and control. But if you’re hoping for the lowest possible price, you may find other boats cheaper.

The sweet spot is groups who want a relaxed, flexible day around the islands without the hassle of planning every small detail.

Who should book this charter, and who might not

This charter fits best if you want a full day with a mix of snorkeling and relaxation. The sea turtle focus, the ability to choose stops, and the included gear make it a strong match for couples, families, and groups who want variety.

It’s also a great pick if you like comfort. The hammock chairs, deck lounging areas, and paddle boards mean you can do the day your way—snorkel more, snorkel less, or mostly chill.

A group that might prefer something different: if you want a tight, fixed schedule with set timing down to the minute, private charters can feel more fluid because your captain can adjust based on conditions and your choices. Since good weather is required, you should also be okay with the idea that plans can shift if seas aren’t cooperating.

Should you book Second Chance on your St. Thomas day?

If your dream day includes sea turtles, reef snorkeling, and an easygoing sail with real downtime on deck, I’d book it. The crew—especially Ivy and TL—sets a welcoming tone, and Captain Justin helps keep the ride calm.

I also think the included food and drinks push this into a more sensible value category than many “pay extra for everything” excursions. And because the trip is private, your group gets more control over how the day actually feels.

If you’re traveling during a time when weather can be unpredictable, just keep a flexible mindset and plan your schedule so you have room for a possible date shift.

FAQ

What time does the private charter start in St. Thomas?

The tour starts at 8:30 am at Beach Charters VI Dock B slip 19 in Red Hook, St. Thomas.

How long is the sailing catamaran day trip?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How many snorkeling stops should I expect?

You can expect 2–3 snorkeling stops during the day. Options may include Maho on St. John, Lovango Cay, Christmas Cove, and others depending on what you choose.

Is this trip private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What snorkeling and water activities are included?

Included items cover snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and hammock swings.

What food and drinks are included?

A morning fruit and pastry tray and lunch are included (turkey and cheese plus a veggie wrap, with chips). Drinks include water and soda, plus alcoholic options such as rum punch or painkiller and a 12-pack of light beer.

Are there age limits for alcohol?

Yes. You must be 18 or older to consume alcohol.

Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you tell me how many people are in your group and your snorkeling comfort level, I can help you decide whether this is the right day to schedule first or to place as a backup.