An In-Depth Look at the St. John Sail to Lovango Dinner Experience
If you’re visiting St. John in the US Virgin Islands and craving a memorable evening that combines stunning views, good company, and a taste of local cuisine, this sail and dinner tour might just be your perfect choice. Priced at $119 per person and lasting around 4.5 hours, it offers a relaxing cruise from the Westin Resort to the private Lovango Cay, with plenty of opportunities to unwind and indulge.
Two aspects we particularly like: First, the full onboard cocktail service and hors d’oeuvres set the tone for an elegant yet casual evening, making it ideal for couples or groups seeking extra comfort. Second, the dinner at Lovango Resort, prepared by a chef known for seafood and a full raw bar, promises a true taste of coastal flavors.
One potential consideration is that this isn’t a true “sunset cruise” in the traditional sense, as some reviews pointed out. The cruise involves a quick trip to Lovango Cay, with the actual dinner experience taking some time to organize after arrival. So, if you’re expecting a long scenic sail during sunset, this might be less of a sunset-focused experience and more of a combined cruise-and-dining event.
This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed evening with excellent food and drinks, especially those who enjoy water-based activities combined with gourmet dining. It’s perfect for honeymooners, couples celebrating, or anyone wanting a taste of what St. John’s waters and cuisine have to offer.
Key Points
.jpg)
- Stunning Views: You’ll enjoy the sight of the Virgin Islands from a comfortable boat, especially as you sail during the evening.
- Good Value: For just over $100, you get a multi-hour cruise, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a seafood dinner—offering a well-rounded experience.
- Delicious Food: The dinner at Lovango Resort features fresh seafood, a raw bar, and dishes prepared by a noted chef, making it more than just a casual meal.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: The cruise’s casual yet upscale vibe makes it a laid-back way to enjoy the evening.
- Authentic Experience: Many reviews highlight the friendly, attentive crew and the genuine island ambiance.
- Potential Drawback: This isn’t a long sunset cruise; it’s more of a short sail combined with a dinner reservation, which can feel rushed or misleading if you’re expecting a lengthy scenic sail.
Planning more time in St John? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Detailed Look at the Experience
.jpg)
The Itinerary and Setting
Starting at the Westin St. John, the experience kicks off around 5:15 pm with guests boarding the boat, a beautiful vessel equipped to handle up to 40 travelers comfortably. From the get-go, it’s clear this isn’t meant to be a high-energy party—more of a relaxed outing. We loved the way the crew set a friendly tone, making everyone feel like part of a small, intimate group.
Once underway, the full cocktail bar and hors d’oeuvres are served, providing a taste of local flavors—think feta with watermelon, meatballs, and dumplings, as some reviews mentioned. The cruise itself is a chance to take in panoramic views of the Virgin Islands, with the gentle motion of the boat helping you unwind.
The Arrival at Lovango Cay
The boat arrives at Lovango Resort and Beach Club, a lightly upscale but relaxed spot on private Lovango Cay. Many reviews note that the location is stunning, with a “beautiful and casual yet elegant” atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for those who enjoy coastal dining with a view.
Here, your are invited to indulge in a full raw bar, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders. The menu is described as delicious, with the food being one of the tour’s standouts. Several reviewers emphasize the quality of the meal, citing it as some of the best dining experienced during their trip. However, some mention that the waiting time can be longer than expected—so patience is appreciated.
The Dinner Experience
The dinner, prepared by Chef Stephen Belie, is a highlight. It’s more than just a casual on-site meal; it’s a thoughtfully curated seafood feast. Guests have praised the freshness of the seafood, the variety of raw bar offerings, and the overall ambiance—a perfect blend of luxury and laid-back island charm.
A few reviews pointed out that the dinner process can involve some waiting, with one guest noting they waited almost three hours for their meal. This suggests that if you’re hungry or pressed for time, it’s worth planning accordingly. Still, many found that the quality of the food and the setting more than made up for the wait.
The Return Cruise
As the night deepens, the boat departs back toward the Westin, with cordials and desserts served on the moonlit cruise home. The full open bar remains open, allowing guests to keep sipping on cocktails or enjoy the sweet finish of a well-made cordial.
Several reviews describe this part of the trip as wonderfully relaxing, with some noting the opportunity for stargazing and enjoying the cool night air. The casual, intimate atmosphere makes it a lovely way to end the evening.
What the Reviews Say: Authentic Perspectives
.jpg)
Many guests raved about the friendly, attentive crew and the beautiful boat. One reviewer called the crew “phenomenal” and appreciated how they kept drinks full and made everyone feel comfortable. Others highlighted how much they enjoyed the delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during the sail, describing it as “fabulous” and “fun.”
The dinner at Lovango drew consistent praise for its fresh seafood and flavorful dishes. A few noted the food quality surpasses expectations, making the trip feel like real value. However, some reviews pointed out that the wait for dinner could be lengthy, and the limited menu might not suit everyone’s preferences.
Some guests, however, felt the dinner experience was less smooth, citing delays and a feeling of being rushed or uncertain about the logistics. One review even described the experience as misleading because it was billed as a sunset or dinner cruise but involved a quick trip to the island and a somewhat disorganized dinner process.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you enjoy watercraft journeys with a touch of elegance, and you’re seeking good food, drinks, and beautiful scenery, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly suitable for those who value relaxed, intimate atmospheres and don’t mind some waiting around for a delicious meal. It’s ideal for couples, honeymooners, or small groups who want a memorable evening that combines sailing, dining, and island vibes.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
.jpg)
This experience offers a charming blend of sailing, stunning views, and fresh seafood, making it a very appealing option for a special evening. The price point makes it a good value considering the inclusive drinks and the quality of the meal, especially since many reviews praise the deliciousness of the food and the friendliness of the crew.
However, it’s important to go into this expecting a short cruise combined with a dinner reservation, rather than a long sunset sail. If you’re after a full-length sunset cruise with more scenic sailing or a more organized dining experience, you might want to explore other options.
All in all, this tour is best suited for those who want a casual yet upscale evening on the water, complete with cocktails, good company, and a tasty seafood dinner in a beautiful setting.
FAQ
.jpg)
How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours, starting around 5:15 pm and ending back at the Westin.
What’s included in the price?
You get cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during the sail, plus an open bar and cordials on the way back, with all fees and taxes covered.
Is dinner included?
No, the dinner at Lovango Resort is a separate expense. The tour covers the cruise and drinks, but the meal itself must be paid for on-site.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Westin St. John Resort Villas and returns there after the cruise.
Can I accommodate food allergies or restrictions?
Yes, with 72 hours’ notice, alternative food options can be arranged, though they may come with additional costs.
What about accessibility?
For specific accessibility concerns, call the provider directly to confirm if the boat and venue can accommodate your needs.
Is this suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable for families, but the focus on cocktails and fine dining might appeal more to adults.
What should I wear?
Casual chic is perfect—think light layers, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a light jacket for the evening breeze.
In Summary
If you’re after an evening of sailing, good eats, and island scenery, the St. John Sail to Lovango Dinner offers a charming, relaxed experience. It’s especially enjoyable for travelers seeking delicious seafood, friendly crew, and beautiful water views in a setting that strikes a nice balance between casual and upscale. Just keep in mind the potential wait times for dinner and the fact that it’s more of a combination cruise and dining event rather than a pure sunset cruise.
For those who want a romantic night out or a special way to celebrate, this tour delivers a memorable taste of the Virgin Islands’ waters and cuisine without breaking the bank. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply want to unwind after a day of exploring, this cruise offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to experience St. John from a different perspective.