Where do we meet for the charter?

Meet at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook for St. Thomas departures or at the National Park Service Dock in Cruz Bay for St. John pickups; the captain will confirm details the day of the charter.

Is snorkel gear provided?

Yes—basic snorkel gear and floaties are supplied aboard Down Time, though many guests bring their own masks for fit and comfort.

Can we expect to see sea turtles?

Maho Bay, Scott Beach, and Salt Pond Bay are regular turtle spots, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed—your captain will steer you to the best conditions.

Yes. These are private charters for your group, up to 12 guests, with route and pace customized by the captain.

Is food or alcohol allowed onboard?

Bring your preferred snacks and non-glass beverages; local rules and captain discretion apply for alcohol—confirm while booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation and refund policies vary; check the booking page via the referral link for current terms.

Private USVI Half-Day Charter on 32' World Cat — Snorkel Sea Turtles & Christmas Cove | Boat Rental | Boat Tour

Board Down Time, a 32' World Cat power catamaran, for a half-day private charter that pins you between the coral gardens of St. John and the harbor life of St. Thomas. Departing from American Yacht Harbor on St. Thomas or the NPS Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, St. John, this three-and-a-half-hour cruise is designed for comfort and discovery and carries up to twelve guests.

Most itineraries cruise the protected North Shore of St. John inside Virgin Islands National Park, where translucent water and fringing coral reefs support busy fish life and frequent green and hawksbill sea turtles. Snorkel stops at Maho Bay or Scott Beach put you within easy reach of turtles; clearer, broader sands at Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Caneel Bay, Honeymoon Beach, and Waterlemon Cay offer shallow swim-outs and easy beach breaks. On calmer days captains also run the south shore, visiting Salt Pond Bay, Little Lameshur, Tektite, and Booby Rock—rugged coves backed by volcanic and carbonate rock that read differently from the north shore’s white-sand fringe.

A highlight is Christmas Cove, where Pizza Pi’s floating oven delivers informal lunches amid anchored pontoons and snorkeling patches; it’s a playful end to a half-day that still feels expansive. For history, ask to ride by the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins, visible from certain approach points and a tangible reminder of St. John’s colonial-era sugar plantations.

Down Time’s World Cat hull gives the ride notable stability in choppy water, and the boat’s shaded aluminum top and cushioned seating make island hopping relaxed rather than rushed. Local captains tailor routes by wind and swell; Lime Out and far-flung cays are best reserved for full-day charters but can be discussed if your group prefers a faster pace.

The crew provides snorkel gear, floaties, coolers, ice, and bottled water; bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water shoes, and any preferred snacks or beverages. Meeting logistics are straightforward: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook for St. Thomas departures (parking available) or the National Park Service Dock in Cruz Bay for St. John pickups. Expect friendly guidance on timing and where to swim for turtles.

This private charter condenses the USVI’s strengths—easy snorkeling, turtle encounters, varied shorelines, and a social stop at Christmas Cove—into a half-day format that suits families, small groups, and anyone short on time but hungry for island marine life and soft-sand beaches.

Booking is handled via the referral link, and charters cover up to 12 people; there is a $50 per-person charge after six guests. Your captain contacts you the day of the charter to confirm timing and tailor stops. It’s an efficient, locally run way to visit top snorkel sites and taste Christmas Cove without a full-day commitment or long transfers.

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.