Caribbean Blue Charters – Full Day Boat Charter – 35′ Marlin Power Boat

A private 35-foot powerboat day in the US Virgin Islands is the kind of plan that turns the whole vacation dial up. You get a skipper who can adjust on the fly, then you hop from swim spot to swim spot instead of spending your day ferrying around like a tourist on a schedule. I especially like that this one includes snorkel gear plus a full-size cooler with ice, so the trip feels ready-made from the start.

Two things I really love here: first, the customizable itinerary. Captains like Nate, Kyle, Spence, Brendan, and Anthony come through in the reviews for tailoring stops to the group, whether that means more snorkeling time or more beach time. Second, you’re aiming at the type of spots most people can’t reach easily from land, with stops that can include Lovango Cay and Maho Bay, plus other prime snorkeling areas.

One consideration: this is a full day, but the ocean still has its own rules. You also need to budget for extra costs not included in the base price, like the captain’s fee, fuel, and gratuity, and weather can affect whether the trip runs.

Key things I’d zero in on

• Private group charter up to 6 people for a truly skippered, no-rush day
• Snorkeling gear, floats, and music included, plus a cooler with ice on board
• Hotel pickup is included, which makes the day start easier
• Prime USVI swim stops are part of the plan, such as Lovango Cay, Maho Bay, and The Baths
• Cabin-flex itinerary with captains who adjust to what you want to see
• Budget for add-ons: captain’s fee, fuel, and gratuity are extra

Why this private 35-foot charter is a smart USVI move

USVI works best when you stop treating it like one big “tour day” and start treating it like a string of great swim breaks. This charter fits that mindset. Instead of you trying to connect buses, taxis, ferries, and parking, you show up at the marina and the skipper handles the cruising and the stop choices.

That private setup matters. With just your group onboard, you’re more likely to get the pace you want. If you’re the kind of crew that likes a longer snorkel session, you can ask for it. If you’d rather do shorter bursts with more beach time, you can steer the day that way. Reviews repeatedly point to this flexibility, and that’s exactly what you’re paying for.

And the boat size is a practical sweet spot. A 35-foot Marlin powerboat gives you room to spread out during the ride and keep everyone comfortable between stops, especially compared with smaller boats that can feel tight over 7-plus hours.

From Oasis Cove Marina to the water: what the timing really means

Your day starts at Oasis Cove Marina in St Thomas (6186 Estate Frydenhoj Route 32). The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip setup is easy to plan around, because you’re not guessing where you’ll finish.

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes. In real life, that means you’ll have enough time to do several swim stops, take meaningful beach breaks, and still stay out long enough to enjoy the day without feeling like you’re constantly rushing to the next place.

You should also know the operation window listed is 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (with the marina being the start point). Since the provider says the experience is USVI only, plan on it being a local-only day on the islands, not a multi-island, multi-country marathon.

The snorkeling and swim stops: how the “customizable” part plays out

The headline is that the skipper can customize the itinerary to your group’s interests. That’s not marketing fluff. In a private charter, “custom” usually shows up as two things: fewer wasted stops and more time at the places that match your priorities.

The charter description calls out well-known targets like Lovango Cay, Maho Bay, and The Baths, with options to adjust for what your group wants. In the reviews and related details, you’ll also see other names pop up, including Whistling Cay, Flanagan Island, Booby Rock, and the Ledges of Little St. James. Even if your exact route changes day to day, the bigger takeaway is consistent: this is built for high-quality water time and boat-access spots.

Lovango Cay: why it’s a classic for a reason

When a skipper includes Lovango Cay as a potential stop, you can expect it to be in the mix for snorkel and swim time rather than just a quick “drive by.” It’s the kind of place you can enjoy multiple ways depending on your comfort level in the water.

A key practical angle: in a charter like this, the skipper can decide how much time to give each stop. If your group is eager to snorkel and you’re seeing good conditions, you’ll likely stay longer. If you’ve had enough and want to pivot to a beach, the itinerary can flex.

Maho Bay: good for a beach-and-water day

Maho Bay shows up as another named prime swim spot. If your ideal day is a mix of snorkeling and beach lounging, this sort of stop can help you get that balance. The charter description frames the day as beach-hopping, so you’re not locked into all-water, no-land time.

One practical note: conditions can change. If the water isn’t behaving the way you hoped, your skipper should be able to swap in another location. The overall value here is not that one place is guaranteed, but that you’re not stuck with a fixed plan.

The Baths: a stop that rewards the right pace

The Baths is listed as one of the potential locations. What makes this kind of spot valuable in a private charter is the pacing. You’re not taking a long trek and hoping the timing works out. Instead, the skipper can balance “where you want to go” with “what makes sense for the day.”

Because this charter is designed around customization, you can ask for the tone you want: more exploration time on shore, or a sharper focus on snorkeling breaks.

What wildlife spotting is like on this kind of day

One of the most repeated “wow” notes in the reviews is sea life. You should go in expecting you might see things, not guaranteeing a specific animal parade. Still, multiple accounts mention sea turtles, and at least one review includes a nurse shark sighting and another calls out baracuda and sea turtle sightings.

Here’s how to turn that into a practical plan: pack your patience and keep your snorkeling sessions relaxed. If you rush, you’ll miss the slow moments that are often where the animals hang out. Also, pay attention to what your skipper tells you once you’re in the water. Even a simple “this side is calmer” can make a huge difference in how comfortable the snorkel feels.

Lunch and Lime out: the floaty taco factor

The itinerary options include Lime out, described as a stop for lunch, and it shows up in the reviews as a standout moment. It’s the kind of stop that works because it feels like a break from the “continuous swim” rhythm, but you’re still on the water.

The practical upside of lunch being part of the day plan is that you don’t have to scramble for food once you’re already out cruising. If your group is hungry, having a known lunch option helps.

If your crew wants a more classic beach-lunch vibe, you can still ask your skipper what fits. The charter is built to adjust, so you’re not stuck doing exactly one formula all day.

What you get on board: gear, cooler, and music

This is one of those charters where the included stuff actually matters. You get snorkeling gear and floats, plus music onboard and a full-size cooler with ice. That means you can focus on enjoying the day instead of bringing a bunch of extras.

A cooler is underrated on a long boat day. You’ll be out for about 7 hours 30 minutes, and having chilled drinks and snacks keeps everyone happier between stops. If you’re bringing any personal snacks, plan around the cooler space.

Also, this charter is described as comfortable and hassle-free on a skippered powerboat. In reviews, the boat is described as clean, and captains are praised for being friendly and easy to go with, which is what you want when you’re spending the better part of a day on a boat with your group.

Comfort and group size: who this charter fits best

This is a private tour/activity with pricing for up to 6 people per group. That makes it a strong match for:

• Couples who want a calmer, photo-worthy day on the water
• Families who want one set plan but still want flexibility
• Friend groups who don’t want to share a boat with strangers
• Small celebrations where you’d rather build your own itinerary than follow someone else’s

Reviews mention groups ranging from just a couple to larger family groups (including kids). The recurring theme is that captains adjust to the group and keep the day flowing.

One practical advantage of the private setup: if someone in your group is tired, the skipper can help you re-balance the day, rather than forcing everyone to follow the same snorkeling-heavy pattern.

Price and the extra costs you must plan for

The base price is $875 per group, up to 6 people. On average, it’s booked about 51 days in advance, which tells me this is one of those planners’ favorites for the islands.

Is $875 worth it? Usually, yes, if you compare it to the real cost of trying to get the same access on your own. The charter includes hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, floats, music, and a cooler with ice. More importantly, it’s private. If you’ve ever spent your time on a schedule instead of on the water, you’ll appreciate what “private” buys you.

But here’s the part you should not gloss over. The provider explicitly notes captains fee, fuel, and gratuity are not included. So the total you end up paying will be higher than $875.

A helpful budgeting approach: plan your core budget for $875, then add a second line item for captain’s fee, fuel, and gratuity. One review also suggests tipping based on the total price, not just the captain’s fee, so if you’re trying to be fair, use the full charter total as your mental reference.

Weather, sea conditions, and why timing still matters

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s standard for boat days, but it still matters because it can shift your plans on an island where you have limited vacation days.

Even when the weather cooperates, the sea can still affect which stops are comfortable. In a private charter, the value is that you’re not stuck with one fixed itinerary. The skipper can adjust to the conditions, which often improves how enjoyable the snorkeling feels.

Also, remember that the day is about 7 hours 30 minutes. It’s plenty of time for multiple stops, but it’s not unlimited. If your top priority is “as many snorkel locations as possible,” you’ll likely want to keep transitions moving. If your priority is “one or two amazing snorkel sessions,” you can ask for less bouncing around.

What to bring so you have an easy day

The included items cover the snorkel gear, floats, and the cooler. That means you mainly need personal comfort items. I recommend you bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat or cap, since you’ll be in the sun for most of the day
• Water-friendly footwear if you like it, especially for beach hopping
• Your swimsuit basics, plus a dry layer for after swimming
• A small dry bag for phone and valuables, since you’re on and off the boat multiple times

You’ll be picked up, and you’ll end back at the meeting point, so you can plan your day without complicated transport juggling.

Should you book Caribbean Blue Charters’ full day 35-foot boat?

If your idea of the perfect USVI day is snorkeling plus beach access plus a flexible plan, I think this charter is a strong fit. The private setup, the included gear and cooler, and the emphasis on skippered customization are exactly what you want when you’re aiming to make the day feel special without turning it into a logistics project.

I’d also book it if wildlife sightings are on your wishlist. Multiple captains and recent outings are tied to sea turtle sightings, and you might get lucky with other sea life like nurse sharks or baracuda depending on the day.

Skip booking only if you’re looking for a fully fixed, never-changing itinerary. This charter is about adapting to your group and the day, and the experience shines when you’re ready to steer a little with your skipper.

FAQ

What does the $875 price cover?

The price is $875 per group (up to 6). The charter description states that captains fee, fuel, and gratuity are not included and will be additional charges.

How long is the full day boat charter?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What snorkeling items are included?

The charter includes snorkeling gear and floats. A cooler with ice is also provided on board.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup is included.

Where do we meet, and do we return to the same spot?

You start at Oasis Cove Marina, 6186 Estate Frydenhoj Route 32, St Thomas 00802, USVI, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time is not refunded.