Where do charters meet?

Meet at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, or at the National Park Service Dock in Cruz Bay on St. John; the captain confirms details the day of the charter.

How long is the cruise and what is the group size?

Typical charters run about two hours and accommodate up to 12 guests; additional pricing applies after six guests as noted in the booking details.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes—Caribe Express is equipped with an onboard restroom for guest convenience.

Can we swim during the charter?

Yes—most itineraries include time to swim or float at calm spots like Scott Beach or Christmas Cove; the crew will advise on safe entry points.

Are food and drinks included?

Most charters include chilled champagne, an open bar with island favorites, and a charcuterie board; confirm any special dietary requests with the operator in advance.

What if the weather changes?

Routes are customized to conditions; operators monitor weather and will adjust the itinerary or reschedule if conditions compromise safety—contact your booking provider for specific policies.

Golden-Hour Escape: Luxury Sunset Charter Aboard the 36' Aquila in the Virgin Islands | Boat Rental | Boat Tour

On warm evenings in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Luxury Sunset Private Charter on the 36' Aquila turns a simple boat ride into a small island ritual. Departing from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, or from the National Park Visitor Center dock in Cruz Bay on St. John, this private two-hour cruise threads calm bays and scenic coastline—Lovango Cay, the north shore of St. John, Scott Beach, and the sheltered basin of Christmas Cove—timed so the sky burns at its richest.

Aboard Caribe Express, a 36' Aquila power catamaran, comfort is built into every detail: air conditioning below deck, comfortable seating, and an onboard restroom let guests relax without fuss. The local crew manages navigation and safety while offering tips on swim spots and photo angles. Most charters include chilled champagne, an open bar stocked with island favorites, and a freshly prepared charcuterie board of meats, cheeses, fruit, and artisan breads; those small luxuries make the moment feel celebratory without fuss.

The marine environment here is a key part of the draw. Turquoise shallows reveal coral gardens and seagrass beds that host reef fish and visiting sea turtles; rocky points show ancient volcanic outcrops and pockets of limestone closer to shore. Birdlife punctuates the horizon—brown pelicans dive for fish, and frigatebirds may shadow the boat on breezier nights. Because much of the coast near St. John falls within the Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956, the shoreline retains a relatively pristine character compared with busier ports.

What sets this charter apart is its combination of intimacy and flexibility. With capacity for up to 12 guests and an emphasis on customization, the captain tailors the route to conditions and group preferences: opt for a longer swim at Scott Beach, linger in Christmas Cove for sunset cocktails, or cruise a quieter channel past sea caves and bays. The boat’s modest size grants access to calmer anchorages that larger yachts bypass, and the crew’s island knowledge turns a pretty sunset into an informed, local experience.

Practicalities are simple: the typical outing is roughly two hours; parking and pickup are coordinated at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook or at the National Park Service Dock in Cruz Bay, and the captain contacts guests the day of the charter. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light layer for the evening breeze, and a camera with a wide lens; the low light favors reflective water and wide-angle horizons. For couples, small groups, or families seeking an elevated, low-effort evening on the water, this charter offers a polished, unmistakably Virgin Islands way to close the day. Reserve early in high season to secure preferred departure times and guarantee the best anchorages and sunset views nightly.

About Bonus Time Charters

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.