Private Catamaran Afternoon: Turtles, Lunch and Laid‑Back Coves off Red Hook

RED HOOK PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE

Private Catamaran Afternoon: Turtles, Lunch and Laid‑Back Coves off Red Hook

A 4‑hour, all‑inclusive private charter aboard Caribe Express’s 36' Aquila—customizable from St. Thomas or St. John—to plan snorkeling, beach time and a relaxed cove finish.

Private Catamaran Afternoon: Turtles, Lunch and Laid‑Back Coves off Red Hook.

Duration
4 hours
Location
Red Hook
Operator
Caribe Express
Category
Private
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Step aboard Caribe Express, a 36' Aquila power catamaran fitted with air conditioning and comfortable seating, and spend a tailored half‑day sailing the US Virgin Islands—snorkeling with sea turtles at Maho Bay, slipping ashore on secluded beaches, taking lunch at Lovango Cay and drifting with a drink in Christmas Cove. The crew supplies gear, snacks and local knowledge so you can pick the pace: explore reefs, linger on sand, or simply watch the islands slide by.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

36' Aquila comfort for a private day on the water
THE BOAT

36' Aquila comfort for a private day on the water

Caribe Express is a 36' Aquila power catamaran with air conditioning and roomy seating; the private charter is designed to be hassle‑free and customizable so your group can focus on the islands rather than logistics.

Snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay
THE WILDLIFE

Snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay

One signature stop is Maho Bay on St. John, where calm, clear water makes it possible to snorkel and encounter sea turtles in physically accessible shallow reef habitat.

Lovango Cay lunch and Christmas Cove lounging
THE STOPS

Lovango Cay lunch and Christmas Cove lounging

The customizable route commonly includes a lunch stop at Lovango Cay and a relaxed finale in Christmas Cove—float, sip a cold drink and, if you like, pick up a slice from the floating Pizza Pi before returning.

What the day feels like

How the half‑day unfolds

Over roughly four hours the crew works with you to shape a private, all‑inclusive day: board the Aquila, motor to snorkeling spots such as Maho Bay, slip ashore on secluded beaches inside the Virgin Islands National Park, pause for lunch and reef swims at Lovango Cay, then finish with drinks and floating time in Christmas Cove before heading home.

36' Aquila comfort for a private day on the water

THE BOAT

36' Aquila comfort for a private day on the water

Caribe Express is a 36' Aquila power catamaran with air conditioning and roomy seating; the private charter is designed to be hassle‑free and customizable so your group can focus on the islands rather than logistics.

Snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay

THE WILDLIFE

Snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay

One signature stop is Maho Bay on St. John, where calm, clear water makes it possible to snorkel and encounter sea turtles in physically accessible shallow reef habitat.

Lovango Cay lunch and Christmas Cove lounging

THE STOPS

Lovango Cay lunch and Christmas Cove lounging

The customizable route commonly includes a lunch stop at Lovango Cay and a relaxed finale in Christmas Cove—float, sip a cold drink and, if you like, pick up a slice from the floating Pizza Pi before returning.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private, all‑inclusive half‑day suits.

1
Small private groupsDesigned as a private charter, the boat accommodates a single group of up to 12 passengers—ideal for friends or colleagues who want an exclusive outing.
2
Celebration partiesThe private format and all‑inclusive setup fit groups celebrating birthdays or special occasions that want a focused, hassle‑free day on the water within the 12‑passenger limit.
3
Couples seeking privacyCouples or small pairs looking for a private, comfortable half‑day at sea can use the customizable itinerary to prioritize quiet coves or extended snorkeling.
4
Groups wanting flexibilityBecause the charter is customizable, small groups that want to choose more snorkeling, beach time, or a relaxed cove finish can set the agenda while staying within the passenger cap.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Pack your swimsuit and any personal sun protection; the trip supplies snorkel gear, floaties, drinks and snacks so you need only bring what you want for comfort and sun safety.

What’s supplied

The charter includes fuel, drinks, snacks, snorkel gear and floaties, plus a local crew to operate the boat and guide the day.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the charter?

The trip is a four‑hour private charter.

Where do we meet the boat?

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

How many people can come on a private charter?

The private charter accommodates up to 12 passengers.

What’s included in the price?

The trip is all‑inclusive for the half‑day and includes fuel, drinks, snacks, snorkel gear and floaties; the crew will also help tailor the itinerary.

Can we customize the stops?

Yes—the itinerary is fully customizable; the crew will work with you to plan the route and timing based on what you want to see and do.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring your swimsuit and any personal items you prefer; basic snorkeling gear and floats are provided on board.