That 8-hour boat day can make the whole trip feel shorter. You’re booking a private charter on a 37-foot Intrepid Powerboat, with a captain who lets you steer the plan, swap ideas on the fly, and hit the water stops that fit your group.

Two things I really like: you get snorkeling gear plus bottled water included, and you bring your own drinks so you’re not stuck with overpriced sodas. The other big win is the flexibility—your captain will suggest routes, but you’re not locked into a rigid schedule.

One consideration: this is weather-dependent, and the day is only as smooth as the conditions allow. Also, customs fees and gratuity aren’t included, so budget a bit beyond the base price.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 12 passengers on a 37’ Intrepid with a professional captain at the helm.
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can focus on the fun, not the shopping list.
• Bring-your-own beverages: you’ll have a cooler with ice on board, which keeps costs down.
• Flexible route planning with local guidance: your captain can recommend stops and adjust during the day.
• Powerboat comfort for long stretches at sea: the boat is built for full-day island hopping (one common setup in past trips used triple 350 Yamaha engines).

Your private 37’ Intrepid boat day: how it feels in real life

If you like the idea of doing St Thomas at your own pace, a private powerboat day is hard to beat. Instead of joining a lineup and waiting your turn, you’re in control of the feel of the day: slower swim stops, longer time at a beach, or extra snorkeling if conditions look good.

This charter is built for groups. Up to 12 people fits families, friend crews, and mixed-age groups that still want the freedom to split into “snorkelers” and “just hanging on the water” people. That group size matters because it keeps the day from feeling cramped while still being cost-effective for more than two or four people.

And the boat choice makes sense. The 37’ Intrepid is big enough to stay comfortable for hours, but small enough to access the places larger vessels can’t. In other words, it’s the sweet spot for a full day of island hopping where you want both comfort and options.

Price and value: $1,600 per group can make sense

The price is $1,600 per group for up to 12 passengers. On paper, that can look steep if you’re used to per-person tours. But the math changes once you divide it by a full group.

• With 12 people, you’re effectively around $133 per person for an 8-hour private charter.
• With 8 people, it’s more like $200 per person, which is still often comparable to what you’d pay for a smaller-group private experience.

What you’re really paying for is not just the boat. You’re paying for the captain’s time, local decision-making, and the ability to build a day around your group. That’s why this can be good value if you want multiple swim stops, a flexible plan, and less hassle than a big group boat.

Also, bottled water is included, and you’ll have snorkeling gear available. Those add-ons sneak up fast on island excursions.

The day’s flow: 9:00am start, then back at the dock

The boat day starts at 9:00am and runs about 8 hours. It ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not guessing where the finish line is.

Pickup is offered, and the activity uses a mobile ticket, which is handy when you’re bouncing between beaches, ferry stops, and rental cars. If you’re coordinating with a group, the “meet, depart, return” structure also makes timing easier to manage than an open-ended plan.

In practice, the schedule is what you’d expect for a full water day: time to cruise out, time for snorkeling and stops, time for food breaks (depending on what your captain lines up), then time to get back before the day gets too late.

Custom stops that match your group (and your comfort level)

The main magic here is how the captain runs the day with you. You don’t have to arrive with a locked itinerary. Your captain can suggest options, and you can play it by ear.

From past trips, popular choices include mix-and-match routes around St Thomas, Water Island, and the USVI and beyond into the British Virgin Islands. You might see plans that include places like:

• Virgin Gorda’s Baths
• Jost Van Dyke (often tied to the Soggy Dollar area)
• Maho Bay
• St John snorkeling spots

The drawback of this flexibility is also obvious: if you’re the type who wants a guaranteed checklist of stops, you’ll need to communicate your priorities clearly when you meet your captain. The best days happen when you tell them what matters most—sea turtles, calm water, iconic scenery, or a specific lunch plan—then let them do the problem-solving.

Snorkeling gear included: what to do with that freedom

Snorkeling is one of the biggest reasons to choose this charter. The setup is simple: snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included, and you bring your own drinks.

Past captains have guided days that included sea turtles and excellent coral viewing. The snorkel stops tend to work best when you treat them like short missions: gear on fast, take a minute to orient yourself, then let your captain point you toward where the water looks most alive.

One practical note: since you’re in open water and moving between locations, conditions can change during the day. So it’s smart to snorkel confidently but not recklessly. If the captain suggests a calmer spot for water clarity, take the hint. Those swaps often turn a good day into a standout one.

Famous stops you may get: Baths, Jost Van Dyke, and Water Island

You can’t count on every stop every time, because the day is custom. But there’s enough pattern from previous trips that you can plan around the likely categories of fun.

Virgin Gorda’s Baths

This is the kind of place people talk about because it looks like it belongs in a storybook. The water-and-rock combo makes for memorable swim time, and the area is famous for dramatic shoreline scenery.

The potential downside: it can feel busy depending on conditions and time of day. Your advantage is that you’re private—your captain can often time things better than a fixed schedule group.

Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar area

This stop usually hits two goals: relaxing island vibes and easy access to great water. Jost Van Dyke is the kind of place where you’ll understand why people return again and again.

The tradeoff is that you’ll want to balance time for soaking, snacks, and the water itself. If you spend too long on the beach, you might miss a later snorkeling window. This is exactly where a captain’s experience helps your schedule stay fun instead of frantic.

Water Island

Water Island is a frequent add-on for St Thomas boat days, and it’s a good match for groups that want a mix: swimming, beach time, and an easygoing day rhythm.

If your group includes people who don’t want to snorkel the entire day, Water Island-style stop pacing can keep everyone happy.

Lunch and local flavor: the “captain decides” advantage

This charter doesn’t list a specific included meal, but several past days included lunch breaks—one example noted was a fresh lobster lunch.

Here’s why that matters for you: with a private captain, food timing becomes flexible. If the water is calm and a prime snorkeling spot is working, you’re more likely to squeeze in extra time. If the weather shifts, you can prioritize a stop where food and rest are easy to manage.

Bring your own drinks with a cooler so you’re not stuck buying everything on land. Then keep food simple. Island time is slow. You’ll enjoy the day more if your food plan supports that rather than turning it into another race.

Captains who keep the day smooth: names you might meet

One of the standout themes is the quality of the captain hosting the day. You might be guided by captains like:

• Steve
• Pat
• Kevin
• Nate
• Gus
• Louise
• Weezy
• Brent
• Louise (yes, she comes up more than once in past trips)
• John
• and team members like Becky as a mate in at least one boat-day setup

What you can learn from those examples: this company puts emphasis on local knowledge and practical hosting—help with decisions, smooth handling of the boat, and getting the day right for the people on board.

The boat basics that matter for a full day

You’re on a 37’ Intrepid with space for your group and on-board snorkeling gear. One detailed mention in past trips included triple 350 Yamaha engines, which hints at the kind of power you want for a full-day route.

What you should care about as a rider:

• You want a boat that feels clean and well-maintained so you’re comfortable moving around during stops.
• You want stable handling so the time between snorkeling sites doesn’t feel like a punishment.
• You want enough room for wet gear, towels, and changing plans without everything turning into chaos.

The best part about a powerboat charter is how it turns travel time into part of the experience—cruising, spotting water activity, and arriving with everyone still in good spirits.

Weather and sea conditions: the real constraint

This experience requires good weather. That’s not just fine print—it’s the core of why you should be flexible in your travel calendar.

If conditions aren’t ideal, the day may be moved or you may get an alternative date or refund. So pick a day you can adjust if the forecast changes.

Also, remember that December and nearby months can bring rougher conditions in the Virgin Islands. If you’re traveling in a month where weather can be choppier, plan to stay calm and go with the captain’s judgment.

Who this charter is perfect for

This is a great fit if:

• you want a private day without rigid group constraints
• you’re planning a group of friends or a multi-family day up to 12 people
• you care about snorkeling, but you also want the freedom to adjust
• you’d rather spend money on one high-quality day than on a patchwork of separate tours

It’s also a strong option for mixed-age groups, because a private captain can often shape the day so kids and adults aren’t stuck doing the same thing at the same intensity.

Should you book St Thomas Full-Day Boat Rental on the 37’ Intrepid?

I’d book this if your priority is control: your group wants to set the tone, chase the best water on the day, and snorkel without carrying a load of extra gear. The included snorkeling equipment and bottled water help keep the day simple, and the private format makes the price feel more reasonable when you fill the group.

I’d think twice if you’re the type who needs a guaranteed, fixed itinerary down to the minute. This charter works best when you can roll with your captain’s suggestions and let the day evolve.

If you can be flexible and travel as a group, this is the kind of St Thomas day that tends to become the trip favorite.

FAQ

How many people can be on the boat?

The private charter accommodates up to 12 passengers.

How long is the full-day rental?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00am.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

What’s included for snorkeling and drinks?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water. You bring your own beverages, and there is a cooler with ice on board.

Does the charter include a captain?

Yes. The rental includes a captain.

What is not included in the price?

Customs fees and gratuity are not included.

Is it a private experience?

Yes, it’s private. Only your group participates.

What if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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