REVIEW · ST LUCIA
Private Luxury Catamaran Cruise in St. Lucia
Book on Viator →Operated by Hackshaw's Boat Charters St. Lucia · Bookable on Viator
Dolphins and rum punch in one tidy package. A private St Lucia catamaran day lets you slow down with a 50ft power catamaran and a crew that works on your time, not the crowd’s. I especially like the included drinks and snack spread, plus the way the day is built around real-looking coastal spots where you can relax, take photos, and work up an appetite for the next stop.
The only real catch is that snorkeling conditions can vary, and the experience runs on good weather. If water clarity is off or the sea is choppy, the marine reserve stop may be limited, so it helps to keep expectations flexible.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Luxury Power Catamaran in St Lucia: What You’re Really Buying
- Price and Value: How $2,000 for Up to 8 Works Out
- Castries Port to Capital Views: A Calm Start in the Morning-or-After-Cruise Light
- Marigot Bay’s Hidden Gym of Marigot Bay: Why This Bay Stop Feels Different
- Fishing Villages Along the Coast: Anse La Ray and Canaries Views
- Snorkeling at a Pristine Marine Reserve (If Conditions Allow)
- Sugar Beach and Jade Mountain Area: The Stops That People Remember
- Snacks, Rum Punch, and On-Board Comfort That Actually Helps
- Meeting Point and How the Day Flows
- Crew, Host Energy, and Why Jade Keeps Coming Up
- How Long Should You Book: 4 Hours vs a Full Day
- The One Thing to Keep in Mind: Weather and Flexibility
- Should You Book This St Lucia Private Catamaran Cruise?
- FAQ
- How much is the private catamaran cruise in St Lucia?
- How long is the cruise?
- Is it a private tour or shared?
- What’s included in the tour?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
- What drinks are included?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is there a place for restroom use during the cruise?
- What if the weather is bad?
Key highlights at a glance
- Private for your group (up to 8), with space to spread out and enjoy the ride
- 50ft Power Catamaran, air-conditioned comfort and a restroom onboard
- Drinks and snacks included, including rum punch and local options
- Route built for great views, from Castries to Marigot Bay to fishing-village coastline
- Snorkeling gear included, and a marine reserve stop is attempted when conditions allow
Luxury Power Catamaran in St Lucia: What You’re Really Buying

This is a private charter on a 50ft power catamaran, not a hop-on cruise. That difference matters. You get a smaller group feel, more personal attention, and the freedom to spend time where the captain thinks it’s best that day.
You’ll also feel the “luxury” in the practical stuff. There’s a restroom onboard, and you’re not relying on constant transfers or packed schedules. Even better, the charter includes private transportation and a cruise ship pick-up by boat in Castries, which helps if you’re stopping over on a cruise.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St Lucia.
Price and Value: How $2,000 for Up to 8 Works Out
The price is $2,000 per group (up to 8 passengers). On paper, that’s a lot. In real life, it can start to look smart when you compare it to buying a bunch of separate tickets or settling for a crowded boat where you’re stuck in the same chair for hours.
What pushes value up here is that you’re not just paying for the boat. You also get:
- snorkeling equipment included
- snacks served throughout the tour
- alcoholic beverages and soft drinks included during the cruise
- air-conditioned vehicle support and private transportation
Plus, you’re buying time. A 4 to 8 hour outing is long enough to get multiple view stops, enjoy the water, and still feel like you had a real day rather than a quick performance.
Castries Port to Capital Views: A Calm Start in the Morning-or-After-Cruise Light

The day starts with a historical port stop in Castries, the capital city. Think of this as the “get oriented” moment, where you’re not rushing into temples and tours—you’re easing into the coast from the water.
This stop is useful even if you’ve already walked Castries before. From the catamaran, you get a cleaner vantage point for the shoreline and the working harbor vibe, and it sets the tone: this isn’t a checklist day. It’s a water day.
Marigot Bay’s Hidden Gym of Marigot Bay: Why This Bay Stop Feels Different

Next comes the famous curved bay area of Marigot Bay, described as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. Whether you’re coming for views, photos, or the simple pleasure of floating in a sheltered cove, this kind of stop is where a power catamaran shines.
A few reasons this works for your day:
- You can slow down and enjoy the scenery instead of racing between attractions.
- It’s the kind of place where “just looking” becomes part of the activity.
- If you want that postcard look without the stress of crowds, the private format helps.
If your schedule allows for swimming or short water time, this is the kind of bay stop that makes it happen—especially because the boat can reposition quickly when conditions are right.
Fishing Villages Along the Coast: Anse La Ray and Canaries Views

Then you’ll get passing views of Anse La Ray, a fishing village, and Canaries, another small coastal community. The phrase pass by might sound like nothing, but on a private charter it’s different—you’re moving through the coastline at a human pace.
What you’re looking at here isn’t just scenery. It’s the working-waterfront feel: small-scale fishing life, low-key shoreline buildings, and the realism that makes St Lucia feel lived-in rather than staged.
This part of the route is also great for photos. You’re not stopping every 20 minutes, so you can frame shots without the constant rush.
Snorkeling at a Pristine Marine Reserve (If Conditions Allow)

One of the biggest question marks for any St Lucia water day is snorkeling. Here, you’re covered for gear: snorkeling equipment is included.
The charter includes the chance to snorkel at a pristine marine reserve if possible. The key detail is that it depends on the day’s conditions. That means you should pack for a “plan A and plan B” day: bring swimwear you don’t mind getting wet, and be ready to enjoy the water even if the best site isn’t perfect.
I also want to flag a fair, honest point from the overall pattern of feedback: snorkeling quality can vary by spot and day. If you’re booking for snorkeling above all else, you’ll still likely have a great time—but keep flexibility. Even when visibility isn’t ideal, you’re still on the water with a nice crew and a great route.
Sugar Beach and Jade Mountain Area: The Stops That People Remember

Even though the route is coastal-focused, there’s a recurring theme of standout water time around Sugar Beach and the Jade Mountain area. That’s the kind of pairing that makes sense in a private charter: dramatic cliffs, calm swim moments when the sea cooperates, and photos that look like you hired a photographer.
If this is a priority for you, it’s worth sharing what you want with the crew ahead of time. The whole point of private is that you’re not stuck with one forced script.
Snacks, Rum Punch, and On-Board Comfort That Actually Helps

This cruise includes more than “a little nibble.” You get local fruit and snacks served throughout the tour, and drinks are built in.
Here’s what’s included:
- Alcoholic beverages such as rum punch, local rums, and soft mixers
- a case of beer
- mineral water and local juices
- soft drinks (soda/pop)
The crew can also accommodate additional drinks and beers for an extra cost if you want to go beyond what’s included.
Food-wise, lunch is not included, but you can add it. If you’re hungry between swims, you can cater lunch on board at an additional cost, or choose a beach restaurant option. The upside of discussing it with the crew is that you can match lunch to your vibe—quick and casual, or a little more planned.
Also: the boat has a restroom onboard. That’s small, until you’re on the water for hours. Then it becomes one of those quiet “luxury” features you’re glad you paid for.
Meeting Point and How the Day Flows

Your meeting point is Seraphine Road (Seraphine Rd, St Lucia), and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip setup makes the day easy to plug into the rest of your stay.
If you’re coming from a cruise ship, there’s a big convenience detail: cruise ship pick-up by boat in Castries is included. That matters because it reduces the hassle of figuring out transport right before you want to be relaxing.
You’ll also receive a confirmation within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability, and you’ll have a mobile ticket. The tour is near public transportation, but since this is private, the goal is still to make your day smooth once you meet up.
Crew, Host Energy, and Why Jade Keeps Coming Up
The crew experience is a major reason this charter scores so high. People consistently mention friendly, courteous service and a captain and hosts who know how to make the day feel personal.
Names that show up in the feedback include Jade (as a host) and chef Ova (connected with onboard food). Jade in particular gets called out as a welcoming presence—helpful, upbeat, and attentive, especially when you’re juggling photos, snorkeling, or just trying to keep the day fun.
If you’re celebrating, this kind of crew matters. One birthday-centered trip is described as a perfect match for the moment, which tells me they’ll help you make it feel special rather than treating it like just another outing.
How Long Should You Book: 4 Hours vs a Full Day
You can book 4 to 8 hours. In practice, your best length depends on what you care about most.
- Choose 4 hours if you want a highlight reel: a couple view stops, a swim/snorkel attempt, and enough time for drinks and snacks without losing a whole day. It’s also great for couples who want something memorable but not exhausting.
- Choose 6 to 8 hours if you want the day to breathe. You’re more likely to get multiple water moments, more time around the best scenery, and a more relaxed pace overall.
Since the best part is often the combination of stops plus time in the water, longer tends to feel more “worth it” if you can swing the schedule.
The One Thing to Keep in Mind: Weather and Flexibility
This experience requires good weather. That’s not a marketing line—it’s because a catamaran day depends on sea conditions, and the snorkeling plan hinges on what the water allows.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you should expect a different date offered or a full refund. Either way, you’ll want to have one or two backup hours in your plan, especially if you’re traveling during a season with fast-changing skies.
Should You Book This St Lucia Private Catamaran Cruise?
Book it if you want a private, luxury-leaning St Lucia boat day with drinks, snacks, and real coastal stops—without the stress of crowd logistics. It’s especially strong for couples, birthdays, and small friend groups that want to feel taken care of from start to finish.
Don’t book it if your only goal is guaranteed, world-class snorkeling every single time. This charter includes gear and tries for a marine reserve snorkel, but the day can shift with conditions.
If you do book, here are two practical tips that will make your day smoother:
- Tell the crew what matters most—views, photos, swimming, or a specific lunch plan—so they can aim the day accordingly.
- Bring a flexible mindset for snorkeling. You’re still on a great route, with included drinks and comfort that make the “not perfect” days far more enjoyable.
FAQ
How much is the private catamaran cruise in St Lucia?
It’s $2,000 per group for up to 8 passengers. Additional guests can be accommodated for a fee.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise runs 4 to 8 hours (approx.) depending on the option you select.
Is it a private tour or shared?
This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.
What’s included in the tour?
Snorkeling equipment, local fruit and snacks, alcoholic beverages (including rum punch and local options), soft drinks and mineral water, an air-conditioned vehicle, a restroom on board, private transportation, and cruise ship pick-up by boat in Castries are included.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. You can add lunch on board for an extra cost, or choose other options like beach restaurants.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
No. Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour.
What drinks are included?
Included drinks include rum punch, local rums, soft drinks, local juices, mineral water, and a case of beer. Additional drinks and beers can be requested for an extra cost.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Seraphine Road (Seraphine Rd, St Lucia) and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is there a place for restroom use during the cruise?
Yes. There is a restroom onboard.
What if the 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. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.





