All Inclusive St. John Boating Adventure

This St John boating adventure is interesting because it mixes real sailing with two swim stops, then closes the loop back in Cruz Bay so you can keep your afternoon plans flexible. It is built for a relaxed day on the protected western shoreline, where the water tends to feel calmer and the schedule feels easier than a rushed island tour.

Two things I really like about it: the chance to snorkel in a quiet anchorage with provided gear, and the vibe created by Captain Mike, who is friendly, informative, and even doubles as the boat bartender. One thing to think about before you book: this trip is weather dependent, and the whole plan is best when conditions are good enough for time on the water.

Key takeaways

• Private, small group feel: only your group goes, so the pacing stays comfortable.
• Two swim stops: one quiet snorkeling anchorage, plus a second area with more sea life time and beach time.
• All inclusive food and drinks: lunch plus soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are part of the price.
• Snorkeling equipment included: you are not scrambling to find gear on island.
• Captain Mike is a highlight: approachable, informative, and known for making drinks like vanilla killa with lime in a coconut.
• 10:15 AM start from Cruz Bay: you get a full day, not an all-day grind, then you are back for an afternoon happy hour.

A 40-Foot Sailboat Day from Cruz Bay That Stays Relaxed

If you picture St John as sun, blue water, and shoreline you can actually enjoy, this is the kind of day that matches that mood. The trip runs about 5 hours, and it starts at 10:15 AM from Morningstar Sailing and Power Charters at 1 Bay St, Cruz Bay. That timing is smart. It is late enough that you do not feel like you crawled out of bed just to board a boat, but early enough to still have the afternoon for food, bars, or a beach that you choose yourself.

The boat setup also helps the day feel comfortable. You will spend time aboard a 40-foot vessel, with the day planned around protected areas near St John’s western shoreline. That matters because you are not fighting open-water conditions for long stretches.

Also, this is not a huge cattle-call. It is a private tour, so the focus stays on your group and the captain can work the day like a charter, not a factory line.

What All Inclusive Means Here, and Why It Matters

The word all inclusive gets tossed around a lot. In this case, it is practical. You get lunch included, plus soft drinks and alcoholic beverages served during the day. That changes the feel of the trip because you are not constantly checking what you need to buy next, or trying to time your day around where you can spend money.

Lunch being on the boat is a big deal on island days. Once you leave Cruz Bay, you do not want to build your day around meal stops. This itinerary is set up so you can snorkel, swim, and relax, then eat without breaking momentum.

A small extra detail that people remember: Captain Mike is not just focused on sailing. He is known for mixing drinks, and one memorable favorite is the vanilla killa with lime in a coconut. Even if you do not order cocktails, it is nice to know the boat does not feel like a bare-bones rental. It feels more like a day out on a charter.

From Morningstar to Your First Protected Anchorage

You board at Morningstar Sailing and Power Charters in Cruz Bay, and the day is built around a simple pattern: head out, anchor in a calm bay, snorkel and swim, then move on to the next spot. The captain is set up to offer different options for how the boat is run, including the chance for your group to take part while sailing.

Before you jump in, you get fitted with the snorkeling equipment. That is one of those small logistics wins that often gets overlooked. When gear is provided and you are set up on the spot, you waste less time at the waterline and more time actually swimming and looking around.

The first stop is described as a quiet snorkeling spot, in a protected bay on one of the nearby cays. This is the kind of area that tends to make snorkeling easier. Calm water usually means fewer waves to fight, steadier footing, and a calmer experience overall.

One thing I like about this kind of first stop: it is designed so you can take your time. You get the chance to settle in, enjoy the swim, and enjoy sun and relaxation without feeling like you have to “perform” snorkeling for the whole group.

The Snorkeling Stop: What You Should Look For

The trip is centered on snorkeling, and that is why this day works for a wide range of swimmers. You are given equipment, and the captain puts you in a spot where snorkeling is the main event. If you have never snorkeled before, this is also a good kind of trip to start with because the schedule is straightforward: gear on, short orientation, then time in the water.

If you are an experienced snorkeler, you still get value because you are not just doing one quick check-in. You have an anchorage stop built around snorkeling and swimming, then you move on only after you have had time to enjoy it.

A note on where the water quality can shine. Some guests specifically call out excellent snorkeling around Caneel Bay, which gives you an idea of the kinds of clear, protected areas the day can be set up for when conditions align.

Second Swim Area and White Sand Beach Time

After the first anchorage, the day heads to a second area with more swimming and white-sand beach time. This is where the itinerary becomes more than “just snorkeling.” It becomes a classic St John mix: sea life time, then shoreline time.

The second stop is described as a place where you can swim with more sea life and also comb the white sandy beaches along the shoreline. That second part is important. It gives you a break from the water, and it also gives you a chance to enjoy St John at beach level, not just underwater.

In a perfect world, beach time is when you slow down. You toss your towel down, get your sunblock reapplied, and take photos that look better than your phone’s Night Mode. The itinerary is built for that rhythm: swim, relax on land, then get ready for the return.

Sailing Time and Captain Mike: The Human Touch

A lot of day trips say relaxing. What makes this one feel memorable is the captain. Captain Mike is described as approachable and informative, and he also gives people a real sense of sailing the Caribbean seas, not just turning on an engine and coasting to the next stop.

It is also a smart bonus that he can create fun in the middle of a structured day. People mention he is a great bartender too, and that he gives a sailing experience even if you are not a lifelong sailor.

If you enjoy learning while you travel, you will probably appreciate the way the day is guided. If you just want to put your brain in vacation mode, you still benefit because the captain handles the pacing and makes the experience feel easy.

Boats, Groups, and Timing: Who This Fits Best

At $735 per person, this is not a budget snorkel. It is closer to a “treat yourself” day, and that is worth saying out loud. The value comes from what you get for that price: a private group charter feel, included snorkeling gear, included lunch, and both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Duration matters too. About 5 hours means you are not stuck on the boat for a full day, but you also are not doing the too-short “quick dip and go” routine. You get multiple swim moments and beach time without it turning into a long sit under the sun.

Who tends to match this trip:

• Couples or groups who want a private charter experience in Cruz Bay
• People who want snorkeling without packing gear
• Swimmers who like a schedule that is relaxed but still active
• Families and groups where at least some people want sailing time

If your idea of vacation is moving every hour to a new attraction, this might feel slower than you want. But if you like one good plan, done well, with time to actually enjoy the water and shoreline, this is a strong match.

Price and Value: What You Are Really Paying For

Let’s talk money like adults.

You are paying for:

• A private charter style experience from a real operator, not a crowd-transport
• Snorkeling gear provided
• Lunch included
• Drinks included, including alcoholic beverages
• Time on the water designed around two swim moments plus beach time
• Sailing led by Captain Mike, with a reputation for being welcoming and fun

So yes, it is expensive compared to a ticketed group boat. But many group tours add costs on top, like food, drinks, and gear rentals, and they often keep you moving quickly because they have to keep large groups on the same timeline.

Here, the day is set up so the money stays in the experience. You can focus on being in the water and on the shoreline, not on calculating what you still need to buy.

Practical Tips So Your Day Goes Smooth

You are in charge of your comfort. The boat provides snorkeling gear, but you still want to show up ready to enjoy the day.

A few smart moves:

• Bring or plan for sun protection. You will be outside and in and out of the water.
• Bring a dry bag. Even a small one helps keep phones, wallets, and cameras from getting soaked.
• Wear water shoes if you know you prefer grip on sand and rocky edges.
• If you like cocktails, ask about Captain Mike’s go-to favorites. The vanilla killa with lime in a coconut is called out for a reason.

Also, because this is weather dependent, keep your schedule flexible on the day you choose. If the trip needs to move due to poor weather, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This St John Boating Adventure?

Book it if you want a private, all inclusive St John water day that balances snorkeling with real beach time, and you prefer a captain-led experience over a rigid, crowded schedule. The included lunch and drinks make it feel like a true charter day, and Captain Mike’s personality is clearly part of why people remember it.

Skip it or think twice if you want the cheapest possible snorkeling or if you get disappointed by weather changes. Because the day depends on good conditions, you need at least a bit of flexibility.

If you are aiming for a smooth, memorable St John highlight day from Cruz Bay, this is the kind of trip that makes that goal realistic.

FAQ

What is included with the trip?

The price includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

Where does the adventure start and end?

It departs from Morningstar Sailing and Power Charters, 1 Bay St, Cruz Bay, St John 00831, USVI, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the St John boating adventure?

The tour runs about 5 hours.

What time does it depart?

The start time is 10:15 AM.

Is it a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.