A private boat changes your whole St. Lucia day. I love how this half-day charter leaves from Vigie Marina and lets you choose the focus—whale watching, snorkeling, or fishing—so the captain can adjust as conditions shift. You’re not stuck with a rigid schedule.

I also like the planned break at Anse Cochon, where you get about 45 minutes to swim and snorkel with free admission for that stop. The crew you’ll meet is friendly and hands-on, and guides like Jason and Robert are known for keeping things smooth—right down to making guests with mobility concerns feel comfortable.

The main trade-off is simple: it’s about four hours, and lunch isn’t included, so plan to eat before you go.

Key things to know before you go

• Private powerboat, max 6 people on a 31 ft vessel, so the pace stays in your control
• Flexible “choose your activity” routing for whale watching, snorkeling, or fishing
• Anse Cochon swim/snorkel stop with about 45 minutes on the beach and no admission fee
• Marigot Bay time for a cocktail plus snacks and rum punch onboard
• Snorkeling gear and fishing equipment included, so you can travel light

A 4-hour private powerboat that keeps St. Lucia personal

This is a private coastal cruise built for small groups. Your boat seats up to 6 passengers, and you set off on a private powerboat along St. Lucia’s west side. That matters because you’re not fighting for space or trying to do the same thing as 30 other people.

The tour runs about 4 hours from Vigie Marina. It’s the kind of half-day that works when you want a real “on the water” experience without losing your whole day to travel time and long waits. You’ll also have a mobile ticket, which is usually one less thing to manage on vacation.

Your flexible plan: whale watching, snorkeling, or fishing

Here’s the core idea: you pick the activity direction, and the captain steers the day around it. You can aim for whale watching, or shift to snorkeling, or go fishing—and because it’s private, the itinerary can stay flexible instead of feeling like a conveyor belt.

What I like about this approach is how it handles reality. Seas, wind, and visibility aren’t always predictable on the water. With a private captain, you’re more likely to get a route that fits what the day is actually offering.

You’ll get snorkeling gear included, plus fishing equipment if you choose that option. That’s value you’d otherwise pay for separately, or you’d have to bring your own gear. The crew can also help you get set up quickly so you spend more time in the water and less time figuring things out.

Cruising the west coast toward the Pitons and Sugar Beach

You’ll depart from Vigie Marina and start cruising up the island’s west coastline. Along the way, you’ll travel toward the Pitons Mountains and Sugar Beach area. Even if you’re not doing anything fancy with the camera, this is the part where the coastline view starts to feel like the main event.

This leg is more than just transportation. It’s where the cruise earns its keep: you’re getting a moving viewpoint of the coast rather than a static one. If you’re the type who enjoys looking, this is the stretch you’ll probably remember.

If your group has a specific goal—like snorkeling conditions—this is also the time when your crew can shape how the day unfolds. The “private” part shows up in how much the crew pays attention to what you want and what the water looks like.

Anse Cochon: 45 minutes of real beach time for swimming and snorkeling

One stop you should pay attention to is Anse Cochon. You’ll get about 45 minutes there for swimming and snorkeling, and the stop lists admission as free. That’s a good length for a half-day tour. Long enough to get out, cool down, and do something active. Short enough that you don’t feel rushed the moment you get off the boat.

There’s also a practical benefit here: the snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to pad your day with shopping or logistics. You can just go from boat to water and get moving.

A quick reality check: snorkeling on vacation is usually best when your expectations are simple. Think: clear water when it’s available, quick swims, and fun around shorelines. If you’re hoping for a specific type of fish or coral, you’ll still enjoy it more by treating it as a great coastal snorkel stop rather than a guaranteed “perfect visibility” spectacle.

Marigot Bay and the cocktail break that adds flavor to the cruise

After the beach stop, the route continues through Marigot Bay. This is where the day shifts from “water time” to “small treat time.”

You’ll travel through Marigot Bay and have a chance to stop at one of the waterside restaurants for a cocktail. That’s not just a nice photo moment. A quick restaurant stop helps break up the cruise so it doesn’t feel like one long stretch on the water.

Onboard, the day includes snacks and an open-bar style setup centered on soft drinks, mineral water, and rum punch. Extra drinks and beers cost extra, so it’s smart to decide in advance what level of drinking you want. If you’re only doing one cocktail ashore, you’ll likely be fine. If you’re planning on several rounds of extras, the cost can add up.

Crew and comfort: friendly guidance, plus upgraded boat help

This trip lives or dies on the crew, and the crew here seems to bring real energy and care. The day is guided by a friendly crew and an expert captain, and people highlight how fast and smooth the experience feels—especially getting to the best spots for snorkeling.

I also take comfort from the fact that the crew works with different needs. One group had a guest with slight mobility issues, and the crew’s attentiveness helped the person feel comfortable. That’s the kind of detail that doesn’t show up on a brochure, but it matters a lot once you’re on a boat.

There’s another small win you might get: groups have been upgraded to a larger boat. Not every booking will get that, but it’s a sign the operator is paying attention to the experience rather than just running the simplest version of it.

Finally, there’s the cleanliness angle. The operator notes that offices, boats, and equipment are sanitized using electrostatic cleaning machines, and that sanitizer and hand-washing products are provided. Every surface is sanitized regularly, which is the sort of practical step that helps you relax more while you cruise.

Price and value: when $860 per group makes sense

The price is $860.00 per group (up to 6 passengers). That’s not cheap on a per-person basis if you’re traveling as a couple. But private boat pricing usually works like this: the real value shows up when you split the cost across a full group.

So who does this fit best? Think families, friend groups, or small groups where everyone wants the same thing—coastline scenery, a beach stop, and the option to snorkel or fish. If you’re traveling with 4–6 people, this starts to look like a strong deal for a half-day that includes gear, snacks, and rum punch.

It also helps that this has strong demand. It’s typically booked around 138 days in advance, which usually signals that people plan around it—often for port days or specific time windows.

And there’s one more value point: you’re paying for flexibility. You’re not just renting a boat and hoping for the best. You’re buying into a captain-led day where your activity choice matters.

What to expect during the timing of your half-day

The tour runs about four hours from start to finish. You leave from Vigie Marina, go along the west coast, hit Anse Cochon (about 45 minutes), pass through Marigot Bay, then return.

This timing is ideal if you want an active morning or afternoon. It’s also useful if you have a cruise ship schedule, because the experience includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship port.

If you’re doing this from land, round-trip transportation is included from select St. Lucia hotels. Either way, you’ll want to be on time. With a private boat, late arrivals can quickly eat into your water time.

How to make the most of it (without overplanning)

You don’t need to overthink this day, but a few smart choices will help you enjoy it more.

• If snorkeling is your priority, keep your schedule simple and let the crew set you up.
• Wear swim-ready clothes and plan for quick changes. You’ll be in and out of the water during the beach stop.
• Bring sunscreen and something for sun protection. The day is water-heavy and time flies fast once you’re off the boat.
• If you get motion sickness easily, consider bringing something you already know works for you. A boat cruise can be smooth, but the sea is still the sea.

Also: because lunch isn’t included, you’ll feel better if you eat beforehand. Then you can enjoy snacks and rum punch on board without the day feeling like it’s missing a full meal.

Who should book this private coastal cruise?

This one is a good match if you want:

• A true private experience with only your group on board
• A half-day that mixes scenery, a swim/snorkel beach stop, and a Marigot Bay break
• Flexibility to choose whale watching, fishing, or snorkeling
• Included gear like snorkeling equipment and fishing equipment

It’s also a strong pick for cruise passengers because the tour includes port pickup and drop-off, and you’ll coordinate docking and re-boarding timing when booking.

If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, the concept is still appealing, but you’ll need to weigh the price against other options in St. Lucia. You’re paying for privacy and flexibility first.

Should you book the Private Custom Coastal Cruise?

Yes, if your group wants a hands-on, captain-led day on the water and you value flexibility. The mix of a private boat (small group up to 6), a focused stop at Anse Cochon, and time through Marigot Bay makes this feel like a complete coastal outing, not just a quick ride.

Book it especially if snorkeling or fishing is part of your plan and you don’t want the hassle of sourcing gear. The crew attention—highlighted by guides like Jason and Robert—and the fact that they work to keep guests comfortable (including those with mobility concerns) is a real plus.

Skip it if you’re hungry for a full-day meal-and-activity schedule. This is half-day, and lunch isn’t included. Eat first, enjoy the snacks and drinks onboard, and treat the cocktail stop as a fun add-on rather than your main food plan.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

The boat holds a maximum of 6 passengers. It’s a 31 ft private powerboat.

What activities can we choose during the cruise?

You can choose to focus on whale watching, snorkeling, or fishing. The itinerary can be flexible to match your pick.

What’s included for snorkeling or fishing?

Snorkeling gear is included, and fishing equipment is included as well.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, but there are snacks on the boat, and soft drinks, mineral water, and rum punch are provided.

Where does the tour start and end?

The experience is associated with Hackshaw’s Boat Charters St. Lucia (Seraphine Rd, Castries). It ends back at the meeting point.

Does the tour include transportation?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship port. The overview also mentions round-trip transportation from select St Lucia hotels.