Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, or the NPS Visitor Center dock in Cruz Bay, St. John; the captain will contact you by phone the day of the charter.

What does the trip include?

The crew supplies snorkel gear, floaties, coolers, ice, and bottled water; bring your own food or drinks if you prefer specific items.

Are there age limits or group size rules?

The boat accommodates up to 10 guests; children are welcome but supervise them in the water — additional passenger fees may apply after six guests.

What if I'm prone to seasickness?

Half-day routes keep to protected bays when possible; take preventive medication, pick a mid-ship seat, and focus on the horizon for relief.

Tipping is customary for private charters; 10–20% of the charter cost is a typical range to recognize attentive service.

How do I book Lime Out or a full-day route?

Lime Out and farther destinations are better on a full-day charter; ask the operator about full-day availability and upgrade options.

Half-Day Island Hopping on a 29' World Cat: Snorkel Turtles and Pizza at Christmas Cove

Board Bonus Time, a 29' World Cat power catamaran built for steady cruising and easy island access, and spend a half day tracing the sheltered fingers of sea between St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Launch from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook or from the NPS visitor dock in Cruz Bay, then settle into cushioned seating under Bonus Time's large shaded aluminum top as the captain charts a route around the north shore of St. John or along its wind-scoured south side.

The trip highlights are straightforward: bright coral gardens, shallow bays that hold sea turtles, and beaches with sand so pale they throw light back at your mask when you surface. Most half-day runs focus on Maho Bay, Scott Beach, and Honeymoon Beach for snorkeling; Waterlemon Cay offers a compact reef ecosystem, while Christmas Cove doubles as a social anchorage where Pizza Pi serves floating pizza and cold drinks from a rafted bar. On calmer days the boat can slip you to Tektite, Little Lameshur, or Salt Pond Bay for quieter snorkeling and direct access to the shoreline.

What makes this charter stand out is the flexibility and local knowledge. The crew provides snorkel gear, floaties, coolers, ice, and bottled water; they read wind, swell, and seasonal currents to prioritize spots where visibility and turtle encounters are best. Because the boat is a stable catamaran, it’s forgiving for families or less confident swimmers and quick to anchor in shallow reef passes, letting guests hop in and out at the coral edge.

Expect reefs dominated by branching and boulder corals and a cast of reef residents — green sea turtles, parrotfish, and damsels — rather than deep pelagics. If conditions allow, the south shore offers rugged headlands and quick water access to the Reef Bay sugar mill ruins, a shortcut to local history that skips a long hike.

Practical notes: the half-day option is roughly 3.5 hours and seats up to ten guests; the captain tailors the route to conditions and group preference. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a mask if you prefer your own fit, and waterproof storage for phones. For travelers aiming to reach Lime Out or more distant anchorages, consider upgrading to a full-day charter.

This morning-on-the-water escape combines easy snorkeling, beach time, and local flavors — including that improbable floating pizza — into a compact St. John and St. Thomas circuit that makes the most of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ coral coast. The crew contacts you day-of via phone; meeting at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook or the NPS Visitor Center in Cruz Bay makes embarkation straightforward for guests arriving from St. Thomas or St. John. Pack a light towel and hat.

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.