St. Thomas Sailing/Snorkeling private & affordable excursion

[island hopperz]

Okay....our family just returned from our 8 night Royal Caribbean cruise on Radiance of the Seas and I couldn't wait to get on here and tell you about my St. Thomas excursion! BY FAR our best excursion was one we booked privately. Since we are on ship w/ a few thousand people, while at ports it's nice be in a smaller group. I found us a private sail boat to rent for the day. Captain Sharon, her 1st mate "Turtle Tommy" me and 3 members of my family sailed from 9:30am until about 3:30pm one day last week. They prepared a fantastic lunch and took us to some of the best snorkel spots I've ever seen. We took our underwater camera and got pics of Stingrays, many Conch, Coral, tons of colorful fish, sea turtles and even a barracuda! My 10 year old daughter snorkeled with us and had a ball! I HIGHLY recommend this tour and it's on our list of things to do FOR SURE when we visit St. Thomas or St. John in the future. Captain Sharon took some pictures of us with her digital camera and when I returned home today from vacation, I was pleasantly surprised to see she had e-mailed them all to me!

The info below is:

 

Captain Sharon Allen

Co-Captain Russ Charette

(340) 775-7898

www.sailwinifred.com

[NEW 2 CRUISIN]

Thanks for the info!

 

Sounds like you had a great time!

 

There is no pricing on the website. Do you remember what it costs per person for the sailing? Also, would I be responsible for getting 4 others to join us, as they say it sails with 6 people?

 

Thanks!

 

:)

[lucyddr]

We are booked for the Winnifred on May 14. You only have to have 2 people to sail and she accepts 6 maximum! We are really looking forward to our day on the Winifred. Thanks so much for the great review!

[alphakitty]

Yes, what is the price....it sounds wonderful. :)

[mrc1961]

Island Hopperz,

 

Where did your excursion leave from? Red Hook? Were you able to get a taxi there pretty easily?

 

Also, did you go to a beach in St. John as a part of your excursion?

 

Thanks!

 

Jennifer

[andyjo0930]

We did the same excursion our first trip to St. Thomas in 2001. We had a ball. Tommy was a great first mate and we had such a good time. Definitly a great excursion.

[Tyskie]

OK, you have us all "hooked" - can you give us a "ball park" figure re cost?

Jane

[doncolleen]

We used Alaunt Charters in Feb., 2007. It was the highlight of our cruise. Snorkeling off St. John, great food and drinks. Could not have been better. A great deal for $125. per person.

[island hopperz]

Taxi rates are regulated by the Taxi Association and between $10 or $12 per person each way depending upon where your ship docks.

 

Their custom day is $110 per person with their cash discount or $125 per

person with MC/Visa or Traveler's Checks and includes all beverages

(sodas, water, juice, beer, mixed drinks, plus our famous Winifred

PainKiller). They served a delicious tropical lunch in the full shade

of the large cockpit.

 

Sailed from St. Thomas to the St. John National Park and surrounding

cays where we had quality time for snorkeling, swimming, and

relaxing aboard Winifred's spacious decks. We anchored in shallow

waters where the snorkeling was absolutely awesome and the water

was crystal clear. For those who snorkel their gear is excellent and they

specialize in offering expert instruction for new snorkelers. They had

fun floats that make snorkeling easy even for non-swimmers! They also

offer T-shirts for sun protection while snorkeling and have a fresh

water deck shower before serving lunch.

 

First mate "Tommy", who is their Marine Naturalist with extensive knowledge

of the sea, snorkeled with us and found the most amazing sea life

which was perfect for taking pictures! Great to bring along one of

those underwater disposable cameras. We seen turtles, rays, and

of course many colorful tropical reef fish!

 

We departed American Yacht Harbor Marina in Redhook at 9:30 picking up

at C dock returning around 3:00/3:30 in the afternoon. St. Thomas is

a very small island 13 mile long island so it is short 20 minute

scenic taxi tour from your cruise ship dock to our marina. Just as

soon as you step ashore there are MANY taxis waiting for you by your

cruise ship's gang plank to bring you to Winifred in Redhook.

[island hopperz]

Have fun!! We are already trying to figure out when we can go back again! :)