THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard a 36' Aquila for private snorkeling, beach hopping, and sunset sails from Red Hook. Small groups, onboard amenities, and local captains make this a relaxed way to explore St. John’s reef-fringed bays and swim with sea turtles.
Step aboard a 36' Aquila for private snorkeling, beach hopping, and sunset sails from Red Hook. Small groups, onboard amenities, and local captains make this a relaxed way to explore St. John’s reef-fringed bays and swim with sea turtles.
Book with Bonus Time Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bonus Time Charters · Red Hook, St. Thomas
On a bright morning in the U.S. Virgin Islands, stepping aboard the Private Luxury Power Catamaran • 36' Aquila means trading sidewalks for reef-lined horizons. Operated out of Red Hook on St. Thomas with pick-up options at the National Park dock on St. John, this private charter runs half-day, full-day, and sunset trips tailored to groups seeking snorkeling, beach hopping, or an easy day on the water. The boat, Caribe Express, is a 36-foot Aquila power catamaran with air conditioning, shaded interior seating, and an onboard restroom—amenities that lift a Caribbean cruise from rustic to relaxed.
Key features are immediate: coral reefs that fringe bays such as Maho Bay and Scott Beach; white sand beaches at Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach; and the calm turquoise coves of Christmas Cove where Pizza Pi floats. Marine life is the real draw—sea turtles graze seagrass beds nearshore, schools of colorful reef fish patrol staghorn and brain coral, and visibility often makes for cinematic snorkeling. The shoreline here is formed by volcanic island geology overlain by coral growth, creating steep north-facing cliffs and shallow reef flats inside protected bays.
Popular itineraries circle St. John or hop between scenic stops: Maho Bay or Scott Beach for turtles; a coastal cruise beside Virgin Islands National Park to see the rugged north shore; Lime Out or Lovango Cay for tacos and lunch; and Christmas Cove for snorkeling and floats. Captains customize the day around snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, or sunset cocktails—the crew brings snorkel gear, floaties, snacks, and drinks so guests can focus on the water. Meeting points are American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook or the National Park Service Dock in Cruz Bay.
This charter stands out because it pairs comfortable, climate-controlled seating with the flexibility of a private boat: small-group warmth, a local captain who knows the currents and coral heads, and access to corners of the islands larger boats can’t reach. It’s a solid choice for families, couples, and friends who want guided freedom without the logistics. The Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956, protects much of the coastline you’ll pass, and responsible operators brief guests on reef-safe sunscreen and minimal-contact snorkeling to protect those coral communities.
Whether you want a sunset cruise to close a day with low light and calm seas, a half-day focused on turtles, or a full circumnavigation of St. John, this catamaran delivers easy comfort and direct access to the Caribbean’s best shorelines. Bookings accommodate up to twelve guests, with pricing that scales for larger groups; tell the captain your priorities in advance and they’ll plan tide-friendly stops and the best snorkeling windows. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light jacket for evening, and a sense of curiosity always.
Meet at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook (St. Thomas) or the National Park Service Dock in Cruz Bay (St. John); the captain will confirm pick-up details the morning of your charter.
Yes—snorkel gear and floaties are included, but many guests bring personal masks for fit and comfort.
Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included; some charters include light bites—confirm if you want a full lunch stop like Lime Out or Pizza Pi.
The vessel accommodates up to 12 guests; group pricing typically changes after six people—check booking details for exact rates.
Bring motion-sickness remedies if you’re prone; sit midship where motion is less noticeable and ask the crew for recommended spots on calmer days.
Yes—the captain will tailor stops for snorkeling, beach time, or sunset views based on your priorities and local conditions.
Bonus Time Charters is a Red Hook, St. Thomas private charter operator specializing in customized boat trips in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. The company provides half‑day and full‑day private charters, sunset snorkeling cruises, eco‑tour adventures, and bespoke island‑hopping itineraries. Departures originate from Red Hook with routes that commonly include St. John, St. Thomas, and BVI destinations such as Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and The Baths. Each charter emphasizes hands‑on local navigation and guided snorkeling; guests can expect designated stops for swimming with sea turtles, snorkeling vibrant reefs, and visiting iconic beach bars like Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Several full‑day options highlight well known snorkeling sites, wreck dives and landmark beaches, and shorter options focus on golden‑hour views, pizza deliveries from floating pizzerias, and relaxed sunset scenery. The fleet includes 29‑foot and 32‑foot power catamarans used for private bookings. Captains provide local knowledge about marine habitats, navigation, and island history to enhance the experience. Bookings are offered as private charters, allowing groups to customize itineraries, activities and pacing. The company is featured on The Adventure Collective and is known locally for operating a range of day trips between the USVI and BVI, including both eco‑focused and leisure‑oriented options. Safety, local expertise, and flexible private itineraries define the service offering. Offerings include Golden Hours Snorkel & Sunset Cruise, Private Half‑Day Eco‑Tour & Guided Snorkeling Charter, Best of Jost Van Dyke private charter, and multiple full‑day USVI and BVI private charters. Bookings available year‑round by request online.
Book with Bonus Time Charters
