Where do charters depart?

Charters depart from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook on St. Thomas or the National Park Service Dock (National Park Visitor Center) in Cruz Bay on St. John.

How long is the trip?

This listing is a half-day charter of approximately 3.5 hours; itineraries are customizable to prioritize snorkeling or beach time.

Is snorkel gear provided?

Yes—snorkel gear and floaties are included on board, along with bottled water, snacks, beer, wine, and cocktails.

How many people fit on the boat?

Maximum capacity is 12 guests; pricing structure varies after six passengers—confirm rates when booking.

Can we see sea turtles?

Yes—Maho Bay and several north- and south-shore reefs often host green and hawksbill sea turtles, though wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Are restrooms available?

Caribe Express has an onboard restroom, which makes half-day outings more comfortable for families and guests preferring convenience.

Private Half-Day Charter on 36' Aquila — Snorkel Sea Turtles & Christmas Cove in the USVI | Boat Rental | Boat Tour

Caribe Express cuts a low wake across the turquoise shoals of the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering a compact luxury half-day aboard a 36' Aquila power catamaran that feels more like a boutique beach club than a working boat. Departures launch from American Yacht Harbor on St. Thomas or the National Park Visitor Center on St. John, and in roughly three to four hours you can snorkel with hawksbill and green sea turtles at Maho Bay, cruise the sheltered coves of Virgin Islands National Park, and end floating with drinks at the famously festive Christmas Cove.

The marine terrain here is defined by fringing coral reefs, shallow seagrass flats, and limestone-shelved beaches. Water clarity drops into a vivid turquoise against white sand, while reef growth and spurs host colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional juvenile barracuda. On certain full-day runs you can touch the quieter south shore reefs near Salt Pond Bay or pause at the Reef Bay sugar mill ruins for a sea-level glimpse into St. John's colonial past. Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956, protects many of these coastal ecosystems and preserves the island’s cultural sites.

What makes this charter stand out is the platform: a comfortable, air-conditioned cabin, shaded seating, an onboard restroom, and a small crew focused on customization. You tell the captain whether you want long snorkel sessions, multiple beach stops like Cinnamon Bay or Honeymoon Beach, or a relaxed cruise focusing on photo-friendly passages along Caneel Bay. Snacks, bottled water, beer, wine, and cocktails are included, plus snorkel gear and floaties—ideal for groups who want easy access to reef swimming without hauling equipment between beaches.

Families, small groups, and visitors celebrating special occasions will appreciate the private charter format and the captain’s local knowledge. A popular finish is Christmas Cove with Pizza Pi’s floating pizzeria, where guests can anchor in glass-clear shallows and eat pizza off a paddleboard while bobbing in protected water. The crew will advise on wind and swell; north shore is calmer on typical tradewind days, while south shore access depends on conditions.

Practicalities: charters hold up to 12 guests, with variable pricing after six; meet in Red Hook marina if arriving from St. Thomas or at the NPS dock in Cruz Bay for St. John pick-ups. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a lightweight cover, a reef boot or water shoes for rocky shores, and a sense of curiosity—this short escape packs island-scale scenery and marine encounters into a single, effortless half day. Book a private half-day to maximize sightings, tailor pace to swimmers or sunbathers, and let a local captain reveal secret anchorages—an efficient, comfortable way to experience St. John’s reefs, beaches and coastal history without the logistics of a full day.

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.