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Catch sea turtles at Maho Bay, cruise St. John’s scenic north shore, and finish the afternoon with sunset and Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove. This private 2–3 hour charter blends snorkeling, island lore, and small-group comfort.
Catch sea turtles at Maho Bay, cruise St. John’s scenic north shore, and finish the afternoon with sunset and Pizza Pi at Christmas Cove. This private 2–3 hour charter blends snorkeling, island lore, and small-group comfort.
Book with Bonus Time Charters
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Operated by Bonus Time Charters · Red Hook, St. Thomas
Golden light skims the bow as you pull out from Red Hook, a ferry town on the southeast shore of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. On the "Golden Hours" Afternoon and Sunset Private Charter, a two to three hour cruise that launches in the late afternoon, the itinerary compresses the best of the USVI into one unhurried passage: a snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay, a slow run along St John’s north shore inside Virgin Islands National Park, and a final stop for sunset and floating pizza at Christmas Cove.
The trip begins at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook or at the National Park dock in Cruz Bay, St John, where experienced captains brief the group, fit snorkel masks, and set a relaxed pace. Expect clear shallow coral gardens at Maho Bay and Scott Bay where green sea turtles graze among seagrass beds; sharp coral heads and vivid reef fish make for easy rewarding snorkeling. Along the way the boat threads the north shore of St John, passing well known features like Trunk Bay’s underwater trail, Cinnamon Bay’s powdery sand, Caneel Bay’s rocky promontories, and the small isles around Waterlemon Cay.
What sets this charter apart is the private small group format and local knowledge. The crew adapts stops to weather and tide, positioning you for the most luminous sunset and steering to quieter anchorages when the popular beaches fill. Boats come equipped with top of the line snorkel gear, children’s life vests, wrap around bow seating, shaded areas under a hard aluminum top, and U S Coast Guard approved safety equipment so you can float above coral gardens or recline on deck with a cool drink.
Cultural notes thread the route: the Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956, protects much of St John’s shoreline and marine habitats; Christmas Cove is home to Pizza Pi, the Caribbean’s famous floating pizzeria, where a quick stop for slices turns sunset into a communal island ritual. Practicalities matter: fuel is billed separately at current pump rates, groups above six incur a per person fee, and crews appreciate a customary twenty percent gratuity for exceptional service.
This cruise is ideal for couples, families, and small groups who want to combine shallow water snorkeling, coastal sightseeing, and a vibrant maritime sunset. Bring reef safe sunscreen, a camera for low angle light, swim shoes for rocky entries, and your favorite beverages in non glass containers. In two hours you will trade landlocked schedules for a rolling horizon, and by sunset you will understand why evenings on these turquoise waters are a daily local pilgrimage. Book a private charter to customize stops, meet turtles, and watch the sky ignite over the bay.
moderate.
2–3 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; able to get in and out of the water and stand on a moving boat.
Meet at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas or at the National Park Service dock in Cruz Bay, St. John; arrive 15 minutes early.
Yes—top of the line snorkel gear and children’s life vests are provided for all passengers.
Bottled water and ice are included; other food and alcohol are not included but you may BYOB—no glass please. Pizza Pi purchases are separate.
Fuel is billed separately based on usage at current pump rates; the crew will estimate fuel cost for your planned route.
Price includes up to six passengers; each additional person after six is billed at fifty dollars per person.
A twenty percent gratuity is customary for excellent service; cash is preferred by crews.
Virgin Islands National Park was established in 1956 and protects much of St. John’s shoreline and marine habitats.
Use reef safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and pack out all trash; small groups help reduce impact on fragile reefs.
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.
Book with Bonus Time Charters