Start with your departure marina. A villa near one end of St. Thomas, a ferry arrival and a cruise-ship berth are different starting points. Choosing the boat first can leave the group with a transfer problem. The two options below use American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook; arrange the journey there before committing to a departure time.
Choose the day you want
A catamaran is worth comparing when your group wants places to sit together and linger at a swim stop. A powerboat is worth comparing when the route and time between stops matter more. Neither label tells you how much shade, how many comfortable seats or which boarding arrangements the actual vessel has. Ask for those details for your specific charter.
Keep the itinerary explicit
Write down the islands you want to visit and ask the operator to confirm the route. A USVI outing and a trip crossing into the British Virgin Islands are different bookings, with different document and fee questions. The selections here focus on USVI outings. Do not infer permission to cross a border from a photograph or an older URL.
Compare the complete group quote
Put the same number of people, hours and departure point into both quotes. Then add fuel, lunch, transfers and any gratuity you choose to budget. A lower headline boat price can stop being the lower total when fuel is billed by use. Keep the operator’s written estimate with the confirmation.
Three questions before you book
Which marina and slip will our exact charter use?
Can all guests sit in the shade at the same time?
Is fuel included, capped or billed by actual use?
Options to investigate
Read the capacity and cost notes, then confirm your exact date and boat with the provider.