Caribe Express: A Luxe, Full‑Day Catamaran Circumnavigation from Red Hook

RED HOOK PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE

Caribe Express: A Luxe, Full‑Day Catamaran Circumnavigation from Red Hook

A fully customizable 6–7 hour private charter aboard Caribe Express, a 36' Aquila power catamaran departing from St. Thomas or St. John — this guide distills the route options, onboard comforts, and signature snorkeling and beach stops.

Caribe Express: A Luxe, Full‑Day Catamaran Circumnavigation from Red Hook.

Duration
6 - 7 Hours
Location
Red Hook
Operator
Bonus Time Charters
Category
Private
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Step aboard Caribe Express, a 36' Aquila power catamaran outfitted for comfort and ease, and spend a carefully tailored 6–7 hour day exploring the clear waters and protected bays of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Whether your group wants to hunt for sea turtles in Maho Bay, float with a drink near Christmas Cove, or skirt the rugged north shore of Virgin Islands National Park, the charter is built around the day you want to have.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Snorkel with sea turtles
THE WILDLIFE

Snorkel with sea turtles

A top draw for guests is snorkeling with sea turtles at locations such as Maho Bay or Scott Beach — prime, accessible places to slip into clear water and watch marine life.

Circumnavigate St. John or choose a gentler north‑shore loop
THE ROUTE

Circumnavigate St. John or choose a gentler north‑shore loop

The most popular option circumnavigates St. John, routing past Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Caneel Bay and Waterlemon Cay; for windier days the charter can focus on the north shore and Christmas Cove for calmer waters and easy stops.

Floating food and easy island stops
THE SOCIALS

Floating food and easy island stops

Guests commonly stop at Lime Out VI, Lovango Cay, or Christmas Cove — where Pizza Pi, the floating pizzeria, is a popular lunch option before returning to the water to float and swim.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day moves at your pace: a morning drop into turquoise shallows for turtles and coral, lazy cruising along National Park shorelines, beach time at secluded coves, and a relaxed lunch stop at a floating taco or pizza stand — all aboard a shaded, air‑conditioned 36' Aquila with comfortable seating and an onboard restroom.

Snorkel with sea turtles

THE WILDLIFE

Snorkel with sea turtles

A top draw for guests is snorkeling with sea turtles at locations such as Maho Bay or Scott Beach — prime, accessible places to slip into clear water and watch marine life.

Circumnavigate St. John or choose a gentler north‑shore loop

THE ROUTE

Circumnavigate St. John or choose a gentler north‑shore loop

The most popular option circumnavigates St. John, routing past Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Caneel Bay and Waterlemon Cay; for windier days the charter can focus on the north shore and Christmas Cove for calmer waters and easy stops.

Floating food and easy island stops

THE SOCIALS

Floating food and easy island stops

Guests commonly stop at Lime Out VI, Lovango Cay, or Christmas Cove — where Pizza Pi, the floating pizzeria, is a popular lunch option before returning to the water to float and swim.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this charter suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Active SnorkelersIdeal — the trip centers on multiple snorkeling stops (including known turtle locations) and access to reefs and shipwrecks for a day of marine exploration.
2
Groups & CelebrationsWell suited for private groups up to 12 guests seeking a single‑boat, customizable experience with snacks, drinks and room to spread out aboard a luxury catamaran.
3
Comfort‑First TravelersA good match — Caribe Express offers shaded, air‑conditioned interior space, comfortable seating and an onboard restroom for a more elevated day on the water.
4
Families with Young ChildrenPossible, provided the group size and the private nature of the charter suit your needs — the vessel accommodates up to 12 guests, allowing families to have a dedicated, controlled experience on the water.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What’s included

Drinks, snacks, snorkel gear, floaties, ice and bottled water are provided by the operator; come ready to board and enjoy the day.

Show up ready

The charter provides necessary snorkeling equipment and refreshments, so guests are typically asked simply to arrive prepared for water time.

Onboard comforts

The boat includes amenities intended for a comfortable day on the water, with shaded interior space and an onboard restroom to make long days on the sea more pleasant.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the charter?

The private charter runs approximately 6–7 hours.

Where do you depart from?

Departures are from American Yacht Harbor on St. Thomas or the National Park Visitor Center on St. John.

What is the boat and how many people can it hold?

The vessel is Caribe Express, a 36' Aquila power catamaran, and charters accommodate up to 12 guests.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes — snorkel gear and floaties are included, along with snacks, drinks, ice and bottled water.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes — all charters are fully customizable and the captain can tailor the day to your group’s interests.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

Yes — the chartered catamaran has an onboard restroom.

Can we stop for pizza or tacos?

Yes — popular social stops include Lime Out VI for tacos and Christmas Cove where Pizza Pi, the floating pizzeria, is a frequent lunch option.