House boat

Catalyst Caribbean Charters

Photo gallery for Catalyst Caribbean Charters

Catalyst Sailing in the BVI
Our Forward cabins with queen sized beds
Ensuite Bathroom with Shower / Tub, vanity and electric head.
Aft cabin with double bed and en-suite bathroom
Cockpit outdoor dining with plenty of space for 6 guests

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6130.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Ocean view

Explore the area

Map
St Thomas, VI
  • Sapphire Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Secret Harbour Beach
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Lindquist Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

Catalyst Caribbean Charters

Catalyst is a 44 foot St Francis catamaran, with 3 cabins providing comfortable accommodations for up to 6 guests. Captain Al has been at the helm for 12 years now, and has continually upgraded Catalyst in every way, making her the busiest and best charter option in the Caribbean. Catalyst is COI certified, meaning that she has met or exceeded all the latest marine safety standards.

A normal day will start with a fabulous breakfast while you take in the scenery of another fantastic beach, then off for some sailing in The Sir Francis Drake Channel while we make our way to one of the many coral reefs where you will snorkel through pristine waters. Once back on the boat, you will be served a delicious lunch, then relax on the trampolines as we take a short sail to a hike where you can search for pirate treasure, or just enjoy this scenic paradise. Now its happy hour and time to head off to one of the BVI's famous beach bars for a painkiller and some swimming. From here the evening can take many different directions, maybe dinner on the boat under the stars while you enjoy the chefs succulent meal, then off to The Willie T for some dancing at a floating bar. This is the best vacation ever'

Captain Al has set up 3 different types of Charters, the most popular being a Half Board which includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners and domestic bar...The all inclusive option is just that, with then addition of a chef and a full bar...The Captain Only option gives you the use of the captain and the boat along with all water sports. Catalyst is the only boat in the Caribbean that offers all these options.

All packages include on board water sports (water skiing, wake boarding, Stand up paddle board, etc) and scuba diving for certified divers. Captain Al is also a PADI certified dive instructor, and can teach a resort course for those that just want to try, or a full certification course.

Keywords: Catamaran, charter boat, sail, BVI, USVI

Property manager

Alan Roberts

Languages

English, German, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Ocean view
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 18
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Red Hook

Located in St. Thomas, this houseboat is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour Beach. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
St Thomas, VI

What's nearby

  • Sapphire Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Secret Harbour Beach - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Lindquist Beach - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Cowpet Bay - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Coki Point Beach - 10 min drive - 4.4 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sapphire Beach Bar - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Sunset Grille @ Secret Harbour Beach Resort - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪An Hour Late - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Tarpon’s Table - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Coconut Cove - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Catalyst Caribbean Charters pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Catalyst Caribbean Charters located?

Nestled on the beach, this St. Thomas houseboat is within 1 mi (2 km) of American Yacht Harbor, Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour Beach. Turquoise Beach and Cabes Point are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen R., Truckee

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

Wonderful first sailing experience. The captain made great meals and took us to beautiful locations around the islands
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

40th Birthday Trip of a Lifetime

Captain Alan is an amazing Captain, chef, tour guide, and host. He took us to numerous beautiful beaches where we could kayak, paddle board, or ride the dinghy to shore. We saw so many turtles, dolphins, sting rays, and more. Every day was a new adventure of swimming, snorkeling, hiking, beaching, and exploring. Seeing the islands from the water is such a treat and the sail between the beaches was as beautiful as the destinations. Despite our varied preferences and dietary restrictions, Captain Alan's exceeded our expectations at each meal. The boat was perfectly appointed. Bring your bathing suit and cover up, and go - Captain Alan will take care of the rest!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Grant D.

Expectations are high

You will not be disappointed, Captain Alan does a great job as skipper, dive master and chef. Our family had a wonderful time every step of the way, we only wish we had booked more days.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tracy P.

Dream Vacation!

Are you dreaming of the “perfect” vacation? One where you can relax, unwind and enjoy life’s best moments? Well, look no further than renting the Catalyst! The Catalyst is a 44 foot catamaran that travels to the best sites and islands in the British Virgin Islands. Your captain(and owner), Captain Alan Roberts, is not only the perfect guide and host, he is also an outstanding chef, who creates gourmet delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Captain Alan brought us to the best snorkeling sites and we saw the most colorful fish, beautiful coral and plant life. We would swim back to the boat and awaiting us would be culinary delights, like seared tuna with calamari salad and seaweed! Yum! Captain Alan is an amazing chef and attended to all our needs. He had great suggestions for things to do while on island and was quite the gracious host while we were aboard. We wanted for nothing. He also taught us a new game while we were moored. We got to experience the thrill of sailing, but also had the opportunity to explore the islands—maybe a hike or take an open air taxi ride up to the highest point on Virgin Gorda—the views were spectacular. We swam and paddle boarded right off the boat into beautiful white sand beaches and often found a local watering hole to quench our thirst. So if you are looking for a vacation that offers both relaxation, fun and adventure, book the Catalyst and sail off into the sunset!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sharon O., Minnetrista, MN

No Shoes, No Regrets!

We just returned from an amazing week on the Catalyst. If you have any reservations, don’t. Captain Alan Roberts is clearly capable, responsible, and knowledgeable. The booking\payment process was super easy. Captain Alan was trustworthy, gracious, and quick to respond to questions or provide information and instructions. Captain Alan is a top-notch Captain, Chef and tour guide. He devised our route based on the things we wanted to do\see and the time we had. He served up one amazing bay after another with a variety of activities at each one. When we arrived, Captain Alan pointed out where to snorkel, the calm waters for paddle boarding, or a little known spot for happy hour and live music. In some situations, we needed a taxi on land, so Captain Alan phoned ahead and our driver was waiting. He reviewed dinner choices each night; adding insight into what was served, the price point, history, what they were known for, etc. and made reservations. We opted for half board, which allowed us to take in the local flavor, while having all breakfasts and most lunches on board. We agreed that despite visiting some of the islands’ best restaurants, we preferred what Chef Alan served. In the morning he was ready with coffee when the first of us appeared (or so I heard ;-) ), and had a breakfast spread (& coffee) ready when the rest of us appeared. He made sure everyone had everything they needed before cleaning up the kitchen or starting out on the day’s route. As the sun sloped into the hazy rays of late afternoon, there was usually a call for “Happy Hour” and Captain Alan emerging with island cocktails and snacks. Before the trip, you will complete a preferences sheet. In hindsight, we didn’t give him much to go on… but he still managed to impress all of us. The Catalyst itself was very comfortable, clean, well-cared for, and equipped for anything you might want (stand up paddle boards, kayak, snorkel or scuba gear, fishing gear, etc.). The trampoline\beanbag was perfect to get some sun while sailing to the next island. The boat is equipped with Sirius (choose your station), a hook up for your own device (iPhone, iPad, etc.), or blue tooth. The cockpit was a great spot for getting silly into the night, playing games, watching the Tarpon school around the light from the boat, or marveling at the stars (& mast lights from other boats). Don’t hesitate to sail with Captain Alan. You won’t regret it!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne S.

Wonderful- will sail with Captain Al again!

We booked our first ever catamaran vacation in the BVIs with Captain Al and the Catalyst at the end of January 2017. We only did 5 days (should have done 7)- but it was the best 5 days we could have asked for. We were only with one other couple--- and Captain Al was the captain and chef. We did a half board tour (more to come on that).... First- the Catalyst! 44 feet, clean, wonderful! The beanbag on the front of the Catalyst was my personal favorite! Great place to lay and get sun as Captain Al is sailing. Lots of room to sit on the front of the boat, back of the boat, and in the boat! We all had our own private bedrooms and bathrooms. Great catamaran! Scuba gear (we didn't), snorkeling gear, stand up paddleboards, and sea kayak were also onboard and all of us made great use of them. Second- Captain Al as the chef, host, and guide. All my favorite meals (except 1) were prepared by Captain Al. He's an excellent chef and host. Obviously we communicated beforehand- any food and beverage preferences- but he did an excellent job of cooking. Always asked if he could get us coffee or drinks. Again, he was an excellent host. Very knowledgeable about the islands, sites, bars, restaurants, beaches, snorkeling and/or diving spots, etc. We intentionally had a "loose" itinerary and went with all of Captain Al's suggestions re: islands/beaches to visit, bars, restaurants, hikes, etc. He was always willing to accommodate anything we wanted to do on any schedule we wanted. He understands customer service! Finally- this was the first time we booked a vacation like this (catamaran) and for my husband and I- were in the BVIs. I highly recommend doing half board- as there are certain restaurant and bar experiences (Soggy Dollar, Willie T's, Foxys, etc) that I think you must do--- if you have never been. When we go back and do this again (and we will) we will do "full board" as it allows for all meals on the catamaran and we can go to even more remote beaches and sites as we won't have to worry about getting food. Again- that being said- if it's your first time- we would recommend half board. Also- I would do 7 days. We really wanted to make it to Anegada- but didn't have enough time with only 5 days. However- it gives us a great reason to return! My husband and I do a fair amount of traveling- this by far- is in our top 3 vacations we have ever done. Great experience and I have already referred Captain Al and both boats to coworkers & friends
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Randeen C.

New Years Perfection

We are very lucky to celebrate New Years aboard Catalyst this year. This is our 7th return to Catalyst, but this was our first New Year trip. Although some may think "what's left to see or do" , we can honestly say each vacation has been unique and Captain Al has introduced us to new islands, anchorages, dive sites each visit. Captain Al has been here for more than 10 years and his knowledge of the area, history and current going on's is very helpful. He knows all the best places, and the best times to go visit them (to avoid cruise shippers or has weather extra). He is an easy going Captain, let's us change up the day Or direction on the fly, is always willing to seek out one more dive site or activity for us. In terms of the food ... We usually do the half board charter which allows us to feast in Chef Al meals on board and then try out local restaurants on some islands. To be sure, Capatin Al's meals are top notch masterpieces and many of our most memorable meals have been served on Catalyst. The boat itself is a classic Catamaran, with the interior having nice wood work, comfortable spaces. catalyst has all the water toys, snorkel dive gear you will need, big fluffy sun bed on the trampoline and plenty of shady spaces to escape to. Every time we come back the boat is looking better then we remembered,..very well maintained, new upgrades to keep her looking great and modern. This year when we arrived we found a new rattan wicker couch on the front of the boats!! A couch on a boat... That is how much room there is up there. !! Writing this review makes me miss Catalyst and Captain Al so much... We can't wait for our next Adventure!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Catalyst - May 2014

We just completed the half-board on Catalyst for 7 days - it was phenominal! All island stops were well organized - every detail to include snorkling, swimming, customs, shopping, eating, & reservations were already considered and planned out by our Captain. The meals were delicious, down to the preparation, presentation and taste - with absolutely zero complaints. The catamaran is spacious with plenty of room on top to relax in the sun or take cover under the bimini for shade. The scenery was truly incredible, unlike any other place we've been. Snorkling allowed glimpses of beautiful fish, sea turtles, sting rays and many other sea life in the lovely blue and green clear ocean waters. Our favoirite stop was Saba Rock - watching the tarpin feeding. There was just the right amount of interraction with the Captain, very knowledgeable and he provided great detail on the history and stories of the different islands. A vacation truly designed for disconnecting with very limited decision making necessary.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beth M., Littleton, CO/USA

Dream vacation

Best vacation ever! Those words were said by all of us. This was the first vacation where our teenage son was not bored for one second. We are still daydreaming about all the fabulous memories we have of our week in paradise with Captain Al and his lovely girlfriend. They are two of the sincerest people I have every met. They kept us laughing and smiling everyday. From the moment we woke up until the moment our heads hit the pillow each night, our every whim was catered to. Each morning, we were treated to fabulous breakfast feasts. From there, we spent our days exploring secluded islands and beaches. Each day brought a new snorkeling, swimming, hiking or exploring adventure. The marine and land creatures we got to see were phenomenal! Between activities, we were served delicious lunches with plenty of rum punch/painkillers or whatever you were craving for your afternoon cocktail. Each evenings was spent in a different bay. Dinners were eaten at amazing beach restaurants with gorgeous views, lovely waitstaff and Captain Al always handy to make sure we were happy. Captain Al had great stories about each place we traveled to and made sure that we were in good hands when we explored an island with taxi service. Everywhere we went the locals seemed to know him and be pleased that he was back. The boat itself is very comfortable with private bedrooms and bathrooms. There is plenty of space to kick back relax and take an afternoon nap while sailing from island to island. Although we were miles away from civilization at times, it was always nice to communicate with friends and family through the boat's Wifi connection. I would highly recommend this boat and Captain Al to anyone looking for a dream vacation through the US and British Virgin Islands. The sea, people, food and islands are amazing! As Captain Al says at every new mooring, "The pool is open". You won't be sorry you jumped into this adventure.

About the host

Hosted by Alan Roberts

Host profile image

Languages:

English, German, Spanish