RED HOOK BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Caribe Express: A 36' Aquila Half‑Day Escape from Red Hook
A fully private, 3.5‑hour luxury power‑catamaran charter from Red Hook or St. John for snorkeling with sea turtles, beach stops and a relaxed float at Christmas Cove.
Caribe Express: A 36' Aquila Half‑Day Escape from Red Hook.
Step aboard Caribe Express, a 36' Aquila power catamaran, and trade marinas for the turquoise lee of the USVI: a half‑day private charter built around snorkeling with sea turtles, beach hopping along St. John’s shores and ending, often, with drinks and floating pizza at Christmas Cove.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Luxury, comfort, and simple ease
Caribe Express is a 36' Aquila power catamaran outfitted for comfort — shaded interior, air conditioning, comfortable seating and an onboard restroom — so your half‑day on the water is relaxed and low‑fuss.
Snorkel with sea turtles in Virgin Islands National Park
Most half‑day routes favor the north shore of St. John: clear reefs and shallow bays like Maho Bay (and Scott Beach) where snorkeling with sea turtles is common, all inside the waters of the Virgin Islands National Park.
Float with a drink at Christmas Cove
Many groups finish the trip in Christmas Cove to drift in calm turquoise water, enjoy onboard snacks and drinks and—when available—grab pizza from Pizza Pi, the Caribbean’s famous floating pizzeria.
What the day feels like
What the half‑day feels like
Over a focused 3.5‑hour window you’ll leave the dock and slide into the park’s reefs: quick snorkel stops, short beach hops and long, shaded stretches aboard a stable catamaran. The trip is private and customizable, so the captain stacks the time for what your group wants — snorkeling with sea turtles, a swim off a white sand beach or an easy, floating wind‑down at Christmas Cove with drinks and snacks aboard.
THE BOAT
Luxury, comfort, and simple ease
Caribe Express is a 36' Aquila power catamaran outfitted for comfort — shaded interior, air conditioning, comfortable seating and an onboard restroom — so your half‑day on the water is relaxed and low‑fuss.
THE WILDERNESS
Snorkel with sea turtles in Virgin Islands National Park
Most half‑day routes favor the north shore of St. John: clear reefs and shallow bays like Maho Bay (and Scott Beach) where snorkeling with sea turtles is common, all inside the waters of the Virgin Islands National Park.
THE RITUAL
Float with a drink at Christmas Cove
Many groups finish the trip in Christmas Cove to drift in calm turquoise water, enjoy onboard snacks and drinks and—when available—grab pizza from Pizza Pi, the Caribbean’s famous floating pizzeria.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this half‑day charter fits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a half‑day private charter with a stated duration of 3.5 hours; departures can be from St. Thomas or St. John depending on your meeting point.
Departures launch from American Yacht Harbor on St. Thomas or from the National Park Visitor Center on St. John; confirm your chosen meeting point when you book.
Beer, champagne, cocktails, snacks, bottled water, ice, snorkel gear, floaties and a local crew are included—guests are invited to simply show up and enjoy the trip.
Caribe Express is a 36' Aquila power catamaran equipped with shaded interior, air conditioning, comfortable seating and an onboard restroom for added comfort.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the charter?
The half‑day charter runs approximately 3.5 hours.
Where do we meet the boat?
You can meet at American Yacht Harbor on St. Thomas or at the National Park Visitor Center on St. John, depending on your booking.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes — snorkel gear and floaties are included as part of the charter.
Can we see sea turtles on the trip?
Yes — many half‑day itineraries include snorkeling at Maho Bay or Scott Beach where guests commonly encounter sea turtles.
Can we visit Lime Out on a half‑day?
Trips to Lime Out are usually best enjoyed on a full‑day charter because the ride can take up a large portion of a half‑day; check full‑day options if Lime Out is a priority.
Are food and drinks provided?
Yes — the charter includes snacks, bottled water, ice and alcoholic beverages such as beer and champagne; many groups also arrange Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove when available.