Semi-Private Sunset Cruise in St. Thomas: The Small-Group Sail
If a big party catamaran isn't your idea of a good evening, the semi-private luxury sunset cruise is the most intimate sunset cruise in St. Thomas — capped at just 12 guests and rated a perfect 5.0 across its reviews. You get a premium open bar, a charcuterie spread, and a champagne toast in front of Honeymoon Beach. Here's why it's worth the small step up in price.
The Cruise at a Glance
Why Choose the Semi-Private Cruise
This is the boat for anyone who wants space, quiet and a bit of polish. The group is capped at 12, so you have room to spread out and you actually get to know the crew — reviewers consistently name Captain Joe and Katie and describe the evening as personal rather than packaged. You board a luxury power catamaran near the WICO cruise dock at Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie, so it's also one of the most convenient options if you're staying downtown or arriving by ship.
The route circumnavigates Water and Hassel Islands along the south coast, with a champagne toast in front of Honeymoon Beach as everyone watches for the green flash. After sunset the boat cruises the lit-up Charlotte Amalie harbor on the way back.
What You Get on Board
The premium touches are what set this one apart:
- Group capped at 12 for an intimate, uncrowded evening
- Premium open bar with top-shelf cocktails
- Charcuterie board and hors d'oeuvres
- Champagne sunset toast in front of Honeymoon Beach
- A smooth harbor cruise past the Charlotte Amalie lights after dark
- A modern power catamaran with a clean, roomy bathroom
What's Included — and What's Not
The roughly $119 price covers a genuinely premium evening for the group size.
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Premium open bar | Gratuities (customary — bring cash) |
| Charcuterie + hors d'oeuvres | Transport to Yacht Haven Grande |
| Champagne toast at Honeymoon Beach | A full dinner |
| Harbor cruise after sunset | A layer for after dark |
How the Evening Runs
Meet 20 minutes before departure at the WICO/Havensight dock next to the Yacht Haven Grande marina office.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Check-in | Meet at Yacht Haven Grande, Charlotte Amalie |
| Depart | Head west along the south coast, first cocktails poured |
| Water Island | Circumnavigate Water and Hassel Islands |
| Honeymoon Beach | Charcuterie and champagne sunset toast; watch for the green flash |
| After dark | Smooth cruise past the Charlotte Amalie harbor lights |
Good to Know Before You Book
A few practical notes:
- Arrive 20 minutes before departure at the WICO dock, next to the marina office
- It's a small boat — with only 12 spots it sells out further ahead than the big catamarans
- Gratuities are customary and not included; bring cash for the crew
- Bring a light layer for the breeze after sunset
- Great for couples and special occasions — mention any celebration when you book
What to bring
Beach-casual or smart-casual clothes, a light layer for after dark, flat shoes, a phone or camera, and cash for gratuities.
- Light layer for after dark
- Flat, non-slip shoes
- Phone or camera for the sunset and green flash
- Cash for crew gratuity
Departure Point — Yacht Haven Grande, Charlotte Amalie
Who This Cruise Is For
This is the standout choice for a specific kind of evening:
- Couples wanting a romantic, quiet sunset
- Anyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary or engagement
- Travelers who dislike crowded party boats
- Cruise-ship passengers who want a convenient downtown departure
- Small groups who want space and personal service
Consider another cruise if
You're on a tight budget (the best-value open-bar sail is $95), you want a full dinner (the Harbor Lights dinner sail), or you prefer a livelier social boat with music.
Semi-Private Sunset Cruise St. Thomas — FAQ
How many people are on the semi-private sunset cruise?
The group is capped at 12 guests, which is what gives it the intimate, uncrowded feel. Reviewers repeatedly mention the small group as the best part — you have room to move around and get personal attention from Captain Joe and Katie.
Where does it depart from?
It meets at the WICO/Havensite cruise ship dock next to the Yacht Haven Grande marina office in Charlotte Amalie. Arrive 20 minutes before departure. This is one of the most convenient departures for downtown hotels and cruise-ship passengers.
Is it good for a special occasion?
Yes — it's the top pick for couples, birthdays, anniversaries and engagements thanks to the small group, premium bar and champagne toast at Honeymoon Beach. Mention any celebration when you book so the crew can help make it special.
What food and drink is included?
A premium open bar with top-shelf cocktails plus a charcuterie board and hors d'oeuvres. It's not a full dinner — for a sit-down meal, the Harbor Lights dinner sail includes tacos or barbecue. Gratuities are customary and not included.
Can you really see the green flash?
Sometimes. The green flash is a brief burst of green light right as the sun disappears below a clean ocean horizon. The crew positions the boat off Honeymoon Beach with open western views and watches for it. It's never guaranteed, but a clear evening here gives you a genuine chance.
What Travelers Say
Please book this cruise! Katie and the captain were so pleasant and knowledgeable about the island. The food, drinks and other guests were an added bonus, and we caught a beautiful sunset. We would definitely book again!
The boat is beautiful and exceptionally clean. They only book 12 passengers, which made it very private — no loud party boat. The crew are the gold standard, extremely attentive and knowledgeable of the area.
I have been to St. Thomas 37 times and always take at least one boat cruise. This is by far the best of the best. The champagne sunset sail was awesome and the food was outstanding. I can't wait to return!