Turtles, Tacos, and Turquoise: Private Island-Hopping by Power Cat in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Snorkel with sea turtles, drift over living reefs, and cap it with boat-side pizza—your custom catamaran day from St. John or St. Thomas.
At first light, the water off Cruz Bay looks like polished glass—blue on blue, a painter’s gradient come to life. The captain idles the twin outboards, and the 29' power catamaran noses past moored sailboats toward open water where trade winds whisper and the current quietly dares you to follow. In minutes, the daily grid fades behind you. Ahead: seagrass meadows, reefs with their own pulse, and a floating pizzeria that doesn’t blink at delivering to a swim ladder.
Trail Wisdom
Go Mineral, Not Chemical
USVI bans sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene—pack a mineral, reef-safe lotion or wear a long-sleeve rash guard.
Swim Smart at Waterlemon
Make a counterclockwise loop around Waterlemon Cay to ride the gentler current and finish with an easy drift back to the boat.
Cash for the Float
Bring a card and small cash for Lime Out VI and Pizza Pi; service can be spotty and tips are appreciated.
Beat the Breezes
North shore can see winter swells—plan morning snorkels for calmer water and save cruising or south-shore bays for the breezier afternoon.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The outer reef fingers at Lameshur Bay, often quieter and rich with soft corals
- •The far (countercurrent) side of Waterlemon Cay for healthier coral and fewer crowds
Wildlife
Green sea turtles, Southern stingrays
Conservation Note
USVI bans certain sunscreen chemicals to protect coral reefs; use mineral sunscreen and never stand on or touch coral. Boats use park moorings to avoid anchor damage.
Virgin Islands National Park was established in 1956 after Laurance Rockefeller donated significant land on St. John; today it safeguards much of the island’s shoreline and surrounding reefs.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Calm seas, Clear snorkeling, Lighter crowds
Challenges: Occasional trade-wind chop, Sun intensity
March–May often brings reliable visibility and manageable winds—ideal for longer snorkel sessions and relaxed crossings between bays.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Early-morning glassy conditions, Family trips
Challenges: Heat and UV exposure, Afternoon squalls, Start of hurricane season (Aug)
Expect bath-warm water and mellow mornings; plan shade breaks, hydrate, and keep an eye on forecasts during late summer.
fall
Best for: Quiet coves, Warmest water, Extended swims
Challenges: Peak hurricane season (Sep–Oct), Some restaurants on seasonal break
A tranquil time with minimal crowds and soft light—just monitor tropical weather and confirm hours at Lime Out or Pizza Pi.
winter
Best for: Peak visibility, Dry air, Active trade winds
Challenges: North swells affecting certain bays, Busier season
Breezy and beautiful; target south and east-facing bays when swells rise on the north side, and book ahead for popular dates.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen or Long-Sleeve Rash GuardEssential
Protects your skin and the coral; USVI law restricts certain chemicals, so mineral blockers and physical coverage are best.
Dry Bag + Phone LanyardEssential
Keeps phones, cards, and a small towel safe from spray and easy to access on a moving deck.
Mask and Snorkel You Trust
The boat can provide gear, but your own well-fitting mask prevents leaks and fog for longer, happier swims.
Motion Sickness Tablets or Ginger Chews
Trade winds and cross-chop can build—take a non-drowsy option 30–60 minutes before departure if you’re prone to seasickness.
Common Questions
Where do charters depart from?
Pickups are typically arranged from Cruz Bay, St. John or Red Hook, St. Thomas. Confirm your meeting point when booking.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, quality masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation are usually onboard. You’re welcome to bring your own for best fit.
Do I need a passport?
Not for USVI-only itineraries. A passport is only needed if you plan to enter the British Virgin Islands, which this trip does not require.
Can kids join?
Yes—private charters are kid-friendly. Life vests and short swims near the boat make it easy for families.
What about food and drinks?
Bring snacks and beverages, or plan stops at Lime Out VI (tacos) and Pizza Pi (floating pizzeria). Some coolers and ice are provided.
What if the water is choppy?
Captains adapt routes to conditions, favoring protected bays when swells rise. Mornings are typically calmer for snorkeling.
What to Pack
Mineral sunscreen and a long-sleeve rash guard to protect skin and reefs; Compact dry bag with phone lanyard for spray and quick access; Lightweight towel and change of clothes for post-swim comfort; Refillable water bottle to stay ahead of the sun and salt.
Did You Know
Virgin Islands National Park protects about 60% of St. John’s land and much of its surrounding marine environment, including turtle-grazed seagrass meadows in bays like Maho.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into STT (Cyril E. King Airport) and ferry to St. John via Red Hook; Book morning departures for calmer seas; Pack cash/card for Lime Out VI and Pizza Pi; Use reef-safe sunscreen or UPF clothing—chemical sunscreens are restricted.
Local Flavor
Post-cruise, grab a cold brew and mahi sandwich at St. John Brewers’ Tap Room in Mongoose Junction, or slide into a patio seat at The Longboard for ceviche and a Painkiller. If you’re on the east end of St. Thomas, Tap & Still in Red Hook does quick, satisfying burgers and local taps before the ferry.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Cyril E. King (STT), St. Thomas. Typical pickup: Cruz Bay (St. John) or Red Hook (St. Thomas). Red Hook–Cruz Bay ferry is ~20 minutes. Driving time: ~25–35 minutes from STT airport to Red Hook. Cell service: Generally good near towns; weaker in remote coves. Permits: None for guests within USVI waters; passports only needed for BVI itineraries.
Sustainability Note
Use park mooring balls, never anchors, in reef areas; wear mineral sunscreen or UPF layers; keep fins off coral and seagrass; pack out every scrap. The reefs here are recovering—your small choices matter.
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