SPECIAL – (Up to 4 Passengers) All Inclusive Day Sail

This is interesting because it’s a private day on calm protected waters, built around snorkeling, sea turtles, and real time on a sailboat, not just a quick sightseeing cruise. You start from Cruz Bay and spend the day hopping between sheltered anchorages and beaches, with a captain who actually wants you to enjoy the sailing part.

Two things I really like are the very open bar setup (including mock-tails, soda, juices, and water) and the fact that snorkeling is supported for different skill levels with gear included. The other big plus is that you’re set up for sea turtle sightings during the day.

One drawback to plan for is that this experience depends on good weather. If conditions do not cooperate, you may need to switch dates, and the trip is listed as non-refundable once you book.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small private group up to 4 keeps the day calm and personal.
• Sea turtles daily plus snorkeling options for different abilities.
• All-inclusive open bar and lunch means fewer surprises during your day.
• 40-foot sailboat time, including opportunities to take the helm.
• Two-water-stop rhythm gives you both underwater time and beach time.
• Weather-dependent operation, since it’s designed for protected calm waters.

All-Inclusive Day Sailing From Cruz Bay

This day sail is built around a simple idea: you should spend your vacation hours relaxing on the water and doing fun stuff that actually fits the location. St John’s protected western shoreline is the whole point. You’ll be out on a boat that’s sized for comfort and sailing, but you’re also getting the shelter of bays and nearby cays so the day stays easygoing.

The operation is also designed for a small party. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That matters when you want a personal pace, more conversation with the crew, and less of the herd-mentality you sometimes get on larger group charters.

Timing is another quiet win. The day sail runs about 5 hours and returns back to the starting point in Cruz Bay with enough time afterward for an afternoon happy hour or more island exploring. That makes it a strong choice if you want a full day feel without sacrificing your evening plans.

The Day’s Flow: Two Snorkel Stops and a Quiet Anchorage

Your day starts in Cruz Bay, specifically at the Saint John Ferry Terminal area. From there, the captain sets a course for a protected bay near cays so you can anchor in calmer water and settle in. This matters because protected anchorages change the entire vibe. You get the water you want for snorkeling, not a constant scramble or bounce.

The plan centers on two main water moments. First comes a snorkeling stop where you’ll be fitted with the equipment needed to snorkel. Then you’ll swim, hang out on the water, and soak up the sun. After that, you head to a second stop for more swimming and sea life, plus time to enjoy white sandy beaches.

Between the stops, you’re not rushed through a checklist. The itinerary is intentionally relaxed, with an optimized schedule meant to keep you out long enough to have a real day, while still getting back to Cruz Bay in time to continue your trip.

A small detail that affects your experience: you’re on a 40-foot sail boat, so the day isn’t just motor cruising. You can even take part at the helm if conditions allow and you want to try.

Snorkeling Gear, Skill Levels, and the Sea Turtle Factor

Snorkeling here is not presented as a single-track activity. The day sail is set up with snorkeling options for all skill levels, and the equipment is included. That means you can show up without having to guess what mask you’ll need or whether your gear will fit right.

The other big draw is the promise of sea turtles. The day sail is described as offering a sea turtle swim daily. In practice, what you should take from that is simple: the crew plans the day with underwater encounters in mind, and they’re actively working toward those sightings rather than treating snorkeling as a quick photo stop.

One more thing I like, based on what the crew does with people on board: Captain Mike is described as willing to teach sailing fundamentals. That kind of teaching energy often carries over into snorkeling days too, because it’s the same theme of making you comfortable and giving you a better experience. You’re not just handed gear and told good luck.

If you’re nervous about snorkeling, this is the kind of trip where you’ll usually feel supported. And if you’re experienced, you’ll still get the benefit of local pacing and chosen spots that make for better water time.

Lunch, Snacks, and the Very Open Bar Setup

Food on a boat can either be forgettable or surprisingly good, and this one is clearly aiming for the second option. Lunch is included, and it’s described as a full gourmet deli lunch menu that you can select prior to your sail.

You also get snacks and bottled water, plus soda or pop. Then there’s the alcoholic beverages plan, which is an open bar style experience. The description is very direct: it includes a full bar, island cocktails, mock-tails, soda, juices, and water.

If you don’t drink alcohol, you can still have a full range of non-alcohol options with the mock-tails and soft drinks. If you do drink, you’ll want to sip slowly and enjoy it, not treat it like a race. Boat days move around with the water, so keep that in mind.

Practical note: towels are not included. Bring one, especially if you plan to step onto beaches or want something dry for the return.

Sailing Time With Captain Mike and a Hands-On Feel

This is not a sit-back-and-wait kind of day sail. The boat experience includes the chance to take the helm of a 40-foot sailboat, and the crew is described as being very willing to teach sailing fundamentals.

Captain Mike is named in the feedback as accommodating and fun, and his local knowledge is highlighted as impressive. Bridget is also mentioned alongside him, which suggests the day has a friendly, organized feel rather than a rushed, just-get-out-there-and-go vibe.

That matters because sailing is part of what you’re paying for. You’re not only paying for water and weather. You’re paying for the skill, the local decision-making, and the chance to feel how a sailboat moves.

Even if you don’t take the helm, you’ll likely get more out of the day when the captain explains what’s happening and why. On a protected-cove day, it’s easier to relax while still getting real sailing context.

Where You’ll Spend Your Time Under the Sun

This sail focuses on the St John area, with the day anchored in protected waters and cays nearby. The whole flow is designed to let you switch between three modes.

1) Calm water for snorkeling and swimming

2) Beach time on white sand

3) Sun time on board during travel and between stops

That combination is part of the value. Many half-day options get you one thing well and leave you short on the rest. Here, you get multiple chances for the activities that matter in the US Virgin Islands: underwater time, beach time, and time to relax.

Also, the day is set to finish back in Cruz Bay. That gives you flexibility. If you want to continue with island exploring, you’re not stuck on the water late.

On some days, the route and stops can vary, based on what the crew decides for water conditions and access. The description of the day stays consistent in structure, but the exact “where” can shift.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Paying For

The pricing info you’ll see here includes two figures: one states $755 as the all-inclusive price for the adventure, and another shows $1,346.67 per group (up to 4). Since those two numbers appear in the provided details, I’d treat your confirmation or checkout price as the source of truth.

Either way, here’s what makes this type of charter feel like value when it works for you: a lot of the usual add-ons are already included. You’re not paying separately for fuel, captain fees, taxes, snorkeling equipment use, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and the full-bar style beverages.

There’s also a specific note that there are no additional fees for customs or immigration because the trip stays local in USVI waters. That’s a meaningful benefit for planning, because it removes uncertainty.

So when you compare this day sail to alternatives, don’t just compare “boat price per hour.” Compare what you’d normally pay on a typical tour day:

• drinks
• food
• snorkeling gear
• fuel and captain costs (if you’re trying to piece together a charter)

If you’re a couple, this can be a great splurge day when you want privacy and an easy schedule. If you’re a group of four, it can start to look even more sensible, because the per-person cost drops while keeping the small-group experience.

Who This Day Sail Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This is a strong match if you want:

• a small private day with up to 4 passengers
• snorkeling with included equipment and support
• sea turtle chances built into the day
• a relaxed itinerary that returns you to Cruz Bay on time
• the comfort of an all-inclusive setup where you can spend your energy on the water, not the bill

It’s especially good for people who like the idea of learning or participating. Captain Mike is described as willing to teach sailing fundamentals, so this isn’t only for “watch me sail” types.

You might want to consider another option if:

• you need a strict no-weather-change plan (this one is good-weather dependent)
• you forgot to pack a towel and don’t want to deal with that mid-trip
• you’re looking for a purely budget-focused outing, because the pricing is built around inclusions

For families, it can work well because the day is relaxed and structured around enjoyable water time. But you should confirm what you’ll need for kids in terms of snorkeling comfort and any personal gear, since towels are not included.

Practical Tips Before You Go From St John

Here are the simple, real-world things that will help you enjoy the day more.

Bring a towel

You’ll want one for beach time and for getting comfortable back on board.

Check your weather window

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are not right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Decide what you’ll do after the sail

Because the trip ends back at the meeting point in Cruz Bay, you can plan an afternoon happy hour or a little exploring right after. This is one of those charters that protects your evening plans.

Use the included snorkeling equipment

The gear is provided for you to use, and you’ll be fitted at the first stop. If you’ve got a favorite mask, you could bring it, but the day sail is designed to supply what you need.

Take advantage of the hands-on sailing offer

If Captain Mike invites you to take the helm, it’s a great way to turn a beautiful day into a memorable one. Ask questions. Most of the fun on sailing days comes from understanding what you’re feeling.

Should You Book This All-Inclusive Day Sail From St John?

Yes, if you want an easy, all-inclusive day on a small private sailboat in St John’s protected waters. The biggest reasons to book are the sea turtle daily promise, snorkeling with included equipment, and the overall comfort of an open bar plus lunch that are already built into the price.

I’d also book if you like the idea of more than scenery. Captain Mike and Bridget are described as welcoming and engaged, with Captain Mike also willing to teach sailing fundamentals. That kind of on-board energy can turn a nice trip into one you talk about later.

Before you click confirm, double-check the exact price that applies to you (the details show both $755 all-inclusive and $1,346.67 per group up to 4). Then pack a towel, keep an eye on the weather, and plan to enjoy Cruz Bay afterward.

FAQ

Where does the day sail start and end?

It starts at the Saint John Ferry Terminal in Cruz Bay, St John, USVI and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the all-inclusive day sail?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Is pickup offered?

Pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

How many passengers is the group limited to?

The special is up to 4 passengers.

What is included in the price?

Included items are fuel, all fees and taxes, bottled water, snacks, snorkeling equipment use, lunch, and a very open bar with alcoholic beverages, mock-tails, soda, juices, and more. Alcoholic beverages are included.

What are not included items?

Gratuity is not included, and towels are not included.

Does the trip involve snorkeling?

Yes. Snorkeling options are offered for all skill levels, and snorkeling equipment use is included.

Are sea turtles part of the experience?

Swim with sea turtles daily is included in the day sail offering.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.