Private Sunset Charter + Guided Night Snorkeling in St Thomas

Private Sunset Charter + Guided Night Snorkeling in St. Thomas: An Authentic Underwater Evening

Imagine gliding across the waters of St. Thomas in a luxurious 42-foot custom jet boat, with the sun setting behind lush islands and the promise of discovering marine life after dark. This private evening tour, priced at $1,200 per person, lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and offers an experience that blends relaxation, adventure, and a touch of magic. It’s perfect for small groups, families, or couples seeking a personalized way to explore the Virgin Islands’ vibrant underwater world.

Two things we love about this experience stand out. First, the intimate setting—with only your group on the boat, you’re free to ask questions, relax, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed or crowded. Second, the guided night snorkeling with flashlight exploration, led by knowledgeable guides, transforms an ordinary evening into a chance to see turtles, rays, octopuses, and countless tropical fish in their nighttime habitat. A potential consideration? The activity requires moderate swimming ability and good weather conditions; if the skies turn stormy, the trip may be canceled, though you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate personalized service, cherish marine wildlife, and want a balanced blend of relaxation and adventure. It’s ideal for those celebrating special occasions or families with children comfortable in the water, given the reviews praising friendly guides and safe, well-equipped snorkeling.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: Your group has sole use of the boat, ensuring a personalized outing.
• Stunning Sunset Views: Watch the sun set over the Virgin Islands from the water, either from the boat or during a swim.
• Guided Night Snorkeling: Use flashlights to explore marine life after dark, with expert guides sharing fun facts.
• All-Inclusive Equipment & Snacks: Snorkeling gear, bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic drinks like rum punch are included.
• Ideal for Families & Small Groups: The tour caters well to those traveling with kids or celebrating a special event.
• Weather-Dependent: The activity relies on good weather; cancellations due to bad weather are fully refundable or reschedulable.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

The adventure begins at Aqua Marine Dive Center at Saga Haven Marina with a 5:30 pm start. From there, your private boat heads toward a selected snorkel site—though the specific location isn’t listed, the focus is on spectacular sunset views and avoiding crowds. You’ll enjoy a gentle cruise, with the captain and crew expertly navigating and sharing insights about the area.

Once at the site, the first highlight is watching the sunset—an activity reviewers say “the sunset was amazing from the water.” You can choose to watch the sun slip below the horizon from the boat or take a sunset swim—a calming, almost meditative experience.

As dusk turns to night, the guides equip everyone with underwater flashlights for the night snorkel. This part of the tour is especially memorable, as marine creatures emerge in the dark. Guides are eager to point out turtles, rays, octopuses, eels, and tropical fish, turning what might seem a simple swim into an educational adventure.

What the Guides Bring to the Table

The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides—not only for their ability to spot nocturnal marine animals but also for sharing fun fish facts and snorkeling tips. For example, Erika and Jaime are mentioned as being particularly helpful with kids and making the experience enjoyable for everyone. Their friendly, approachable style helps turn a potentially intimidating activity into a relaxed, fun exploration.

The Boat and Equipment

The custom jet boat offers plenty of space and privacy, with snorkeling gear, flotation devices, pool noodles, and vests provided. The inclusion of snorkel vests and noodles ensures that even less confident swimmers can float comfortably, which is especially reassuring for families.

Food & Drinks

You’ll find bottled water, snacks like cookies, chips, and granola bars, plus alcoholic beverages—notably pirate punch—available for those of age. Reviewers highlight the friendly staff’s hospitality—a nice touch that turns a simple tour into a celebration of the evening.

Timing & Flexibility

The tour’s start time is fixed at 5:30 pm, but the excursion duration adjusts slightly throughout the year based on sunset times. The operator sends real-time texts to confirm the exact timing, which helps you plan your evening accordingly.

Pricing & Value

While at $1,200 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, it offers exclusive access and a tailored experience that many travelers find well worth the cost. The reviews underscore its value, emphasizing personalized guides, beautiful views, and memorable wildlife encounters. For those wanting a private, intimate outing with expert guidance, the price reflects high quality and exclusivity.

Why This Tour Works

The combination of a sunset cruise with night snorkeling provides a multisensory experience that’s both relaxing and exhilarating. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the experienced guides enrich the adventure with their knowledge and enthusiasm. The stunning sunset visuals paired with the intriguing night marine life make for a truly unforgettable evening.

The reviews reinforce that this experience is well-organized and friendly, with guests appreciating the informative guides and safe environment. Families note how fun and inclusive the trip is, while couples enjoy the romantic setting and wildlife sightings.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re looking for a private, guided adventure that combines scenic beauty with active exploration—and you’re comfortable swimming—you’ll likely love this experience. It’s especially suitable for families with confident swimmers, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone wanting to experience St. Thomas from a different perspective—the water at sunset and night.

Those seeking a leisurely, personalized tour with a focus on marine encounters will find this tour offers excellent value. Keep in mind the weather dependency and the need for moderate physical fitness.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from Saga Haven Marina is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own arrival.

When does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:30 pm from Aqua Marine Dive Center. The exact timing of the sunset and snorkeling may shift slightly throughout the year.

What should I bring?
You should bring your swimming gear, though snorkeling equipment and flotation devices are provided. Consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Snacks and drinks are included, but you might want to bring additional personal items.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, but everyone in the water should be comfortable swimming. Kids especially enjoy the guided night snorkel with flashlights.

How many people can join?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates, up to 6 people, making the experience intimate and flexible.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the activity will be canceled and you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, everyone in the water should be able to swim comfortably. Contact Aqua Marine Dive Center for specific requirements if needed.

Can I add more people or diving?
Yes, if you want to include additional guests or divers, contact Aqua Marine Dive Center for arrangements and pricing.

What makes this experience unique?
The combination of private setting, stunning sunset views, and guided night snorkeling with marine wildlife makes this a special way to see the Virgin Islands from the water during two incredible times of day.

Concluding Thoughts

This Private Sunset Charter + Guided Night Snorkeling in St. Thomas offers a distinctive outdoor adventure that balances relaxation and discovery. The personalized service and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience beyond a typical boat trip, turning it into a memorable journey into the underwater world as it transitions from day to night.

You’ll love the stunning sunset views—a perfect backdrop for photos—and the thrill of exploring marine life after dark using flashlights. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a unique way to connect with nature, this tour delivers authentic moments that are hard to match elsewhere.

Travelers who value expert guidance, small groups, and personalized attention will find this experience well worth the investment. Just remember to be comfortable swimming, prepared for weather conditions, and ready for an adventure that reveals the magic of the Virgin Islands under the stars.