St Thomas & St John Catamaran Sailing: Review of a 7-Hour Private Trip on Sv Hydra

Planning a trip to St. Thomas or St. John? So, a private catamaran tour could be, like, a terrific way to check out the US Virgin Islands. Yet, before you book that seven-hour sail on the Sv Hydra, you, too, likely want to know what you’re getting into. This review gives you the lowdown on, well, pretty much everything from the boat itself to the snorkel spots you might see. Hopefully, that will allow you to decide if this adventure is truly the right one for your vacation.

What is the Sv Hydra Catamaran Experience?

The Sv Hydra is, in effect, a catamaran sailboat offering private charters around St. Thomas and St. John. Actually, these trips usually last about seven hours. You could say it is giving you enough time to explore various bays, beaches, and snorkeling locations. Yet, it’s private, and this fact likely means that you get to, more or less, make some choices on the itinerary, too, it’s almost as though providing a bespoke experience. This, in particular, makes it, maybe, pretty cool for families, couples, or smaller groups that wish to have a little escape that’s only theirs. You could see this as escaping those crowded, large-group tours. As a matter of fact, who would not want to have their own boat for the day?

The Boat: What to Expect

The Sv Hydra, very much like most catamarans, it tends to offer quite a bit of space to stretch out and relax. Usually, there’s both a shaded cockpit area and sunny spots for lounging. Arguably, there is making it nice for people with varying sun tolerance levels. The boat usually comes prepared with necessities such as restrooms, snorkeling gear, and a sound system. The inclusion of these pieces usually contributes to comfort and fun throughout your trip. After all, who would like not having a restroom close by during a long day on the water? The setup seems pretty nice, you know?

What about Food and Drinks?

So, one thing a lot of tours offer, often included in the cost, might be beverages like water, soda, beer, and possibly rum punch. Maybe you should check when booking! Typically, food options can be somewhat different, spanning from basic snacks and lunch buffets to, actually, more gourmet offerings. By the way, if there are any particular things you want, it’s almost as though you can check and discuss your options with the charter company beforehand. Are you thirsty or hungry? Make certain that this will be handled!

Potential Itinerary & Stop Suggestions

With a private catamaran trip, your itinerary may be somewhat flexible. That gives you the ability to tailor the day depending on what you’re really keen to see. Below are some common stops your captain might suggest. After all, they may have a little insider knowledge, it is pretty likely.

Snorkeling Spots

St. Thomas and St. John seem to boast some seriously awesome snorkeling sites, filled with really beautiful reefs and fish. Often, the popular spots may feature:

• Trunk Bay (St. John): So, famous for its underwater snorkeling trail, the beach is nearly wonderful and typically a great location for beginner snorkelers. You might want to check out this location!
• Honeymoon Beach (St. John): That might be a little calmer and tends to offer clear waters and very good snorkeling, generally perfect for, well, unwinding. Are you planning a Honeymoon soon?
• Waterlemon Cay (St. John): It may be known for, actually, its amazing sea life, actually a very cool spot if you’re really into seeing turtles and rays. What an incredible place to experience such natural beauty.
• Christmas Cove (Great St. James Island): Usually visited to visit the Pizza Pi boat but also offers snorkeling. The pizza could be pretty good too, and you will be on a boat, so… Why not?

Beaches and Bays

Sometimes you will likely anchor near a stunning beach or perhaps quiet bay simply for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Maybe that could include places like:

• Magens Bay (St. Thomas): This seems to be famed for its pretty crescent shape and tranquil waters, potentially perfect just for swimming and lounging around. Do you picture yourself lying in the sun already?
• Cinnamon Bay (St. John): Usually providing a nice, long beach, is that offering a little room to spread out and possibly do some beachcombing? Maybe that is just the location for you!
• Hawksnest Bay (St. John): Arguably a series of small, calm beaches are what makes that such an attractive place, mostly for a chilled-out stop. That sounds great, right?

What Makes This Trip Different?

What actually makes the Sv Hydra or even any private catamaran tour unique? I think it’s the personalized touch. On this occasion, you are in command and will usually tailor the day’s plans to what best fits your party’s desires. That usually includes deciding how much time you actually spend snorkeling, where to have lunch, and when to simply, you know, cruise and unwind. Are you in charge of making the decisions on your trip? Then this may be, arguably, ideal.

The Crew Effect

Of course, it must be that the crew also definitely has a major influence. Typically, these trips will give you a captain and possibly mate that know the area very well. That gives them the power to share a couple of insights on the islands. Often, they share info with you on history and points of interest that you may sail past. You might find that good crew is going to, more or less, elevate the whole experience. It sounds like something worth paying attention to.

Who is This Trip Good For?

Private catamaran tours, like that of the Sv Hydra, have a tendency to cater to, in effect, a couple of different types of travelers:

• Families: You will likely find that the privacy and adaptable itinerary will allow this type of excursion truly easy to keep everybody, even younger children, well entertained and comfortable.
• Couples: Thinking of some thing romantic? It is likely you’ll have an amazing time basking in the sun while sailing on crystal-clear waters. Is that your style?
• Small Groups: That often works well just for groups of friends really wanting a customized experience that’s not cramped. It looks as though having the ability to move and not be stuck next to random people might be seriously nice.

Booking Info and What to Consider

So, if this looks intriguing, well, below are some things you might keep in mind as you’re making your booking:

• Cost: Be aware that private charters tend to have a tendency to be higher priced than per-person tours. Then again, it will get you exclusivity. Often, the cost is able to change depending on the duration, what number of passengers, and then any add-ons you pick. Check what you will be paying.
• What is Included: Be certain you determine what the purchase price includes. Snorkeling gear? Food? Drinks? Understanding this helps you plan and perhaps budget appropriately. This can keep you away from unexpected surprises, right?
• Reputation: Search for reviews of the charter company in general and also the Sv Hydra, very, very specifically. Were prior customers delighted with the knowledge and professionalism from the crew? Do they find that it provides value for the cost? You might be grateful you took a little extra time researching before you dedicated yourself to purchasing something.
• Booking Ahead: Mainly when you are visiting during peak season, it is typically really smart to book well ahead of time in order to secure your preferred date. Typically, popular tours fill fast!

What to Bring Along?

Making the most of your private catamaran day requires that you have a little preparation in place:

• Sunscreen: Plenty, too it’s almost as though the Caribbean sun is usually pretty intense, really protecting the skin from getting burned.
• Towels: While some charters is able to give you these, then again, you might choose to carry your own.
• Swimsuit: Perhaps an apparent one!
• Hat and Sunglasses: Then again, for additional sun protection, consider wearing these.
• Water Shoes: Perhaps smart for walking on rocky beaches or even while snorkeling.
• Camera: That could be capturing each of those spectacular underwater and topside moments.
• Cash: Usually perfect just for tipping the crew should you think they did a terrific job.

Is a Private Catamaran Trip Worth It?

Ultimately, regardless of whether a seven-hour private catamaran trip on the Sv Hydra suits you really hinges upon what you cherish most within a vacation. So, you may want customization, personalized attention, coupled with an exclusive setting. Maybe you find yourself not liking crowds! As a matter of fact, paying more to receive a bespoke experience is usually really beneficial. That is something to consider, then again.

Nevertheless, in the event you are perfectly content going with larger groups, very, very strictly sticking to a set itinerary, maybe a group tour could potentially be a bit more budget friendly. You will likely see the additional value inside the tailored service plus a bit more flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions