PHYSALIA

Chris and Kaya were tremendous hosts. From the beginning when Kaya had us remove our footwear until Chris brought us safely back to Charlotte Amalie, we made some great family memories to last a lifetime!
Kaya's meal preparations were exquisite and Chris' knowledge of the islands was vast. The sushi night was a fun event, thought of by Kaya!

We are eternally grateful for the professionalism that was extended to our family. Thank you, Chris and Kaya! Hope to see you again!

We booked the catamaran for a trip around St. Thomas. It was absolutely amazing. the crew were beyond accommodating. These guys really enjoy their job and made our experience great. We were laughing the entire time. the boat was extremely clean!
We snorkeled, paddle boarded, took the dinghy everywhere.

We couldn't have asked for more. We will definitely be using them again and recommending them to friends and family

Chris and Kaya were amazing hosts, tour guides, cooks, and sailing experts along with incredible knowledge of St. Thomas and the US Virgin Islands. They facilitated an amazing itinerary that helped create memories our family will cherish for many years. We highly recommend sailing with Chirs and Kaya for a spectacular trip.

"La semana pasada estuvimos embarcados durante una semana en Charter Physalia, visitando las islas de St.Thomas y St.John, y también algunas pequeñas islas alrededor.
Para nosotros era la primera vez que realizábamos un viaje en un Charter y realmente nos encantó la experiencia. La pareja conformada por el Capitán Chris y su ayudante Kaya fueron super amables y empáticos, y especialmente la compañía de su mascota Waldo fue todo un encanto. Fueron súper atentos ante cada necesidad, Kaya preparó comidas realmente fabulosas, y al ser científicos ambos que conocen profundamente la zona, nos dieron clases de biología marina de las Islas Vírgenes que pudimos aprender muchísimo, sobre todo nuestro pequeño Theo de 4 años y medio. Especialmente fueron super amables y pacientes con Theo respetando sus horarios y berrinches, además de facilitar todo lo necesario para disfrutar unas vacaciones en el mar. Solamente tenemos palabras de agradecimiento por la experiencia y queremos recomendar la experiencia a todos nuestro amigos!
Muchas gracias!

This charter was such a wonderful customized experience. I hardly can express my thanks to Kaya and Chris for their attention to detail at every level! From mapping each day’s itinerary in terms of multiple options, I really liked the kayaks around the rocks, and also the rowboat! I especially loved the sailing! That sound of the motor switching off and just the wind and elements, definitely one of the highlights for me. :) No pressure to do anything whatsoever each day. I had only been on a 4 day charter in Thailand many years ago, so I had forgotten what it was like to be on a boat for consecutive days. I had very little motion sickness at all so was happy about that. It fell away completely once we began the journey. Even so, I appreciated the thought they took into choosing the calm mooring points. Both of them are expert mariners in their waters. It was fun discussing everything over dinner (travels, life experiences, etc…). In general I always like being around scientists and researchers so that was a definite bonus of this trip; in French, a lagniappe, “something extra or unexpected.”
Overall, this was a top level experience. To say nothing of the fantastic gourmet food would be a serious oversight! Kaya is a gourmet chef and it really blew us both away! The way she paired up different ingredients, fresh herbs, so much flavor and variation! Every single day, every meal! Thank you guys so much!

We spent seven amazing days onboard with Chris and Kaya and can’t say enough wonderful things! Every day was an amazing adventure, from beach days to the Baths to Scuba diving with sea turtles! Our kids were finishing their scuba certification and were very nervous about it, but Chris and Kaya put them at ease and helped them through every step and by the end of their 4 dives, they were so comfortable and excited about diving! We really appreciated the way Chris and Kaya carefully planned the trip. We had to adjust our itinerary due to the north swell this week and we’re so grateful that they suggested that we do. We would have missed going to the Baths because it was closed - we would have been so sad to miss it!

Now for the food… just wow!!! Every meal was thought out so carefully and the flavors just out of this world! We really enjoyed watching her bake from scratch everything from corn tortillas to sourdough to bread rolls and so much more! The homemade sourdough and bread rolls were literally in the top 5 things I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating in my life and I lived in France so that is saying a lot!! My son said the lemon ricotta pancakes were the best thing he’s ever tasted!

Chris and Kaya worked so hard to make this an amazing trip for us and we are so grateful! We’ll be back for sure! We will really miss Waldo and are also so impressed with how well behaved and fun he was!!

Oh, and our 14 year old daughter is really interested in science and nature and it has been so fun that Kaya and Chris are both scientists! It’s been like having an encyclopedia onboard! We really enjoyed learning so much about all the birds, sea life, and topography of the area!

What an absolutely amazing trip we’ve had!!

Captain Chris and Kaya were the perfect crew for us. Chris exceeded our expectations! He found the perfect spots for our families to snorkel and enjoy the islands.
I would sail with them any day!

Awesome time on the water. They were outstanding and enabled us to all experience a great time. Our group of sailing enthusiasts couldn't have had more fun as they showcased their expert sailing skills. Their great attitude and hospitality made for a festive time that was enjoyed by all and that will be long remembered.

We couldn't have had a better experience.

Chris and Kaya have taken our family under their sails several times. From teaching my wife and daughter how to venture around St Thomas on Hobie Cats to incredible snorkeling pictures of my son with turtles and stingrays in St John. They are great with kids and have and incredible knowledge base and appreciation of the ocean.

Last week we embarked on a week-long journey aboard charter vessel Physalia, visiting the islands of St. Thomas and St. John, as well as other small islands nearby.
For us it was the first time that we went on a charter vacation and we truly loved the experience.
The crew, Captain Chris and first mate Kaya, were incredibly lovable and empathetic, and especially the company of their pet, Waldo, was truly a joy. They were super attentive to all our necessities, Kaya prepared meals that were truly fabulous, and both being marine scientists with profound knowledge of the area, they gave us lessons on marine biology of the Virgin Islands and we were able to learn so much, especially our little Theo of four and a half years of age.
They were especially lovable and patient with Theo, respecting his schedule and tantrums, in addition to facilitating everything necessary for us to enjoy a vacation in the ocean.
We only have words of gratitude for this experience and we want to recommend the experience to all of our friends!
Thank you so much!

This is our first sailing experience and it was fantastic. We could not have selected a better boat or a better crew. Kaya and Chris are amazing hosts, guides, educators, conversationalists, and just great people! We enjoyed all our time spent with them and Waldo! :) Kaya is the most wonderful chef who was very attentive to our preferences. Every meal was a 5 star experience. Kaya is so inventive and meticulous to ensure each meal was a complete dining experience.
Chris is a wonderful dive teacher and very patient to assist my husband in re-learning to dive. The foil was a bonus as well. We never once worried for anything and all our expectations were exceeded! Well done and many thanks!

Anna - 14yrs old

My family took a trip on this yacht and it was amazing! This is the most beautiful and exciting trip I’ve ever been on.

I love boats so much and it’s so refreshing to be on this boat. We went scuba diving and Chris was my instructor. We saw 2 sea turtles and lots of fish! I was so excited to see the turtles because that was one of my goals for the trip.

Kaya is an amazing cook and I’m not usually adventurous as far as food goes - her food is so good!
We’ve also gone to the beach and that was really fun!
I would definitely take this trip again!