For many Singapore travelers, the ultimate splurge is a day on the water cruising out to Lazarus and St John’s islands. These Southern Islands sit just 20 to 45 minutes from Sentosa Cove, yet offer one of the closest things Singapore has to a private beach, with white sand, clear water and sheltered lagoons. With yacht charter options ranging from compact private boats to large party catamarans and luxury motor yachts, knowing what you really get for your money is essential before you commit to a charter that can easily cost more than S$1,000.
Why Lazarus and St John’s Are Singapore’s Signature Yacht Route
Lazarus Island, sometimes paired with neighboring St John’s Island, has quietly become the default itinerary for most half day yacht charters out of Sentosa Cove. The cove’s curved bay, relatively clear turquoise water and wide arc of sand feel a world away from the city, even though you are only a short cruise south of the mainland. Operators describe it as the most popular Southern Islands route, and several marinas market Lazarus specifically as their go to stop for four hour trips.
From ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, it typically takes 20 to 45 minutes to reach the anchorage off Lazarus, depending on the vessel and route. Some charters, such as those arranged through yacht agencies that work with multiple marinas, also depart from Marina at Keppel Bay or other city marinas, but Sentosa Cove remains the main departure point for leisure charters to the Southern Islands. Once anchored, most itineraries give you time to swim, walk to the beach, or simply relax on deck before a slow cruise back, sometimes via a “skyline tour” past Marina Bay if time and weather allow.
What makes this route especially attractive is how sheltered and calm the waters are around Lazarus compared with more exposed parts of the Singapore Strait. Families appreciate that children can swim off floating mats or paddle around on kayaks in relatively gentle conditions, while groups of friends like the combination of a quiet lagoon, music on board and optional water toys. For many visitors, it is a rare chance to see Singapore from the sea while still having an easy, low stress outing that fits into half a day.
Catamarans vs Motor Yachts vs Small Boats: Key Differences
Most Southern Islands charters fall into three broad vessel types: sailing or power catamarans, monohull motor yachts and smaller private boats. Catamarans are particularly popular for Lazarus trips because their twin hull design offers wide decks and good stability at anchor. Examples include 40 foot sailing catamarans such as AQUAHOLIC, a Fontaine Pajot Lucia 40 based at ONE°15 Marina, and larger power cats around 48 feet like Synergy 1, which can carry groups of up to roughly 30 plus guests in comfort.
Motor yachts are typically monohull vessels, sometimes with a flybridge, that trade a little stability at rest for higher cruising speed and a more traditional luxury yacht feel. Boats like Valencia, based at Marina at Keppel Bay, illustrate this category: elegant lines, a large saloon and sundeck, and more emphasis on indoor comfort and style. These yachts often suit corporate entertaining, sunset city skyline cruises and higher end private occasions where atmosphere is as important as water activities.
Smaller private boats and compact cruisers sit at the more accessible end of the market. These might take 5 to 12 guests and focus on simple, value for money outings rather than extensive amenities. Some fishing style boats and basic cabin cruisers run Southern Islands trips that may not include the full array of inflatables or barbecue facilities, but they still let you reach Lazarus for a swim and beach walk at a lower total spend, especially for small groups that do not need the capacity of a full size catamaran.
For Lazarus and St John’s, catamarans generally give the best balance of deck space, stability and water access, which is why many group charters lean this way. Motor yachts command higher pricing but deliver more privacy and a classic yacht experience, while smaller boats are best for couples or very small groups that want to keep costs tight and do not need all the trimmings.
Group Capacity and Comfort: Matching Boat Size to Your Party
Capacity is one of the main drivers of both price and overall comfort. At the intimate end, a 40 foot sailing catamaran like AQUAHOLIC is priced for up to six guests on its base 4 hour package, with a licensed maximum around 18 guests. This layout gives a cosy, private feel for families or small groups while still offering multiple lounging areas and cabins below deck. For a couple celebrating an anniversary or a group of friends planning a birthday, this kind of vessel keeps the experience exclusive without stepping into the scale of a full party charter.
Stepping up in size, power catamarans such as Synergy 1, which is about 48 feet and configured for up to roughly 33 guests, are well suited to larger birthdays, bachelor or hen parties and small corporate gatherings. These boats often provide three air conditioned cabins, two bathrooms for guests and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating across the saloon, aft cockpit and bow. With this capacity, per person pricing can be surprisingly reasonable for bigger groups, even when the total charter fee sits well above S$1,000.
Large luxury motor yachts and big power catamarans used by charter brokers and club marinas may carry 40 to 50 guests within Singapore’s licensing rules. Yachts in this category, such as the well known EagleWings power catamaran fleet, are typically chosen for company events, product launches or milestone celebrations where a large headcount and premium look are important. These vessels often have sizeable upper decks, indoor dining areas and full galley facilities, but per person space can feel tighter when the boat is near maximum capacity.
When comparing options, consider both the certified maximum and the “comfortable” number of guests. A boat rated for 30 may feel best with 18 to 22 people if you want everyone to move around freely, especially once water toys, coolers and buffet setups are in use. For a relaxed Lazarus day out, many operators recommend keeping numbers a little below the maximum, particularly on smaller monohull motor yachts where deck space is more linear and less open than on catamarans.
Weekday vs Weekend Pricing and Standard 4 Hour Charters
Singapore yacht charters are strongly price sensitive to timing. Most operators quote a base rate for a weekday charter, with a clear surcharge for Fridays, weekends and public holidays. For example, a 4 hour weekday charter on a mid sized luxury catamaran for up to five or six guests can start around S$900 to S$1,300 before taxes, while the same configuration on a weekend may see a surcharge in the order of a few hundred dollars added to the base rate. Larger yachts and high demand vessels often embed this weekend premium into a higher quoted weekend minimum.
Charters in the S$1,400 to S$1,800 range for a four hour trip to Lazarus or the Southern Islands are typical for mid size power catamarans carrying around 16 guests, with options to add more people for an incremental fee per head up to the vessel’s limit. As group size rises and boats get larger, it is common to see half day rates climb into the S$2,000 to S$3,000 range or more for peak weekend dates and high capacity yachts. Public holidays and eve of public holiday slots usually command similar pricing to weekends.
The standard Southern Islands itinerary is a four hour block, which operators find balances travel time, anchoring at Lazarus and a relaxed cruise back without pushing crew duty hours too far. Many providers allow the charter to start in mid morning or mid afternoon. Afternoon departures appeal to those who want to finish with sunset light and an evening skyline, while morning trips suit families with young children and those pairing the charter with afternoon plans back in the city.
If you wish to extend beyond four hours, most companies publish an hourly extension rate. On mid range yachts this can fall somewhere around S$150 to S$350 per extra hour depending on size and class of vessel, with larger luxury yachts charging more. For example, a 4 hour weekday package on a luxury motor catamaran may have an extension rate in the mid hundreds per hour, while some smaller boats offer comparatively modest extension fees. Booking six or eight hours unlocks the possibility of a full day slow cruise, additional swimming stops or a more leisurely city lights tour after dark.
Kayaks, SUPs, Snorkeling and BBQs: Comparing Onboard Amenities
Where Southern Islands charters really differentiate themselves is in the water toys and catering equipment included. Many catamaran focused operators bundle a generous set of toys as standard. For instance, operators offering four hour Lazarus trips on family oriented boats often include kayaks, stand up paddleboards, floating mats, basic snorkel sets and inflatables without additional rental fees. Some, like adventure oriented charters, even advertise optional jet skis or fishing gear as extras for those who want a more active day.
Motor yachts and premium charters may include a smaller core set of water toys but place greater emphasis on comfort, service and food. It is common to find large floating mats and at least one kayak or SUP available, yet the highlight may instead be a catered buffet, crew grilled barbecue or the chance to relax in an air conditioned saloon with panoramic windows. Many yachts maintain Bluetooth sound systems, KTV setups on selected boats and shaded outdoor seating as standard features regardless of vessel type.
Barbecue facilities are a central part of the Lazarus yacht experience for many locals. Some companies allow do it yourself grilling with a gas or electric barbecue on the aft deck, while others offer packages where crew handle the cooking. Larger charter brokers that work with ONE°15 Marina’s kitchens or external caterers can arrange pre marinated meats, seafood and side dishes that are delivered to the boat before departure. Disposable cutlery and basic servingware are usually included, particularly on boats marketed for corporate events and parties around the 30 guest mark.
Snorkeling is possible around Lazarus and St John’s, but visibility varies and is generally modest compared to classic tropical coral destinations. As a result, equipment is often treated as an optional extra rather than the main attraction. Floating mats, kayaks and SUPs tend to see far more use in the sheltered bay, while guests who want clearer snorkeling or dive conditions sometimes opt to charter further afield to islands like Pulau Hantu on longer itineraries.
Sunset, Overnight and Alternative Departure Marinas
Around the Southern Islands, sunset is a particularly attractive time to be on the water. Many operators promote late afternoon departures that position the boat at Lazarus during golden hour before a slow sunset cruise back past Sentosa and, if routing allows, Marina Bay. Two hour sunset cruises that skip the beach and focus just on coastal views also exist on some smaller boats and mid size yachts, designed for those who want the skyline and sea breeze without the logistics of an island stop.
Overnight charters in Singapore waters remain a niche but growing product. Selected catamarans and motor yachts with multiple cabins offer one night packages that build on a standard day charter, often combining a late afternoon departure, evening anchored off Lazarus or another Southern Island and a relaxed breakfast on board before returning to the marina the following morning. Pricing for these itineraries is highly vessel specific, typically sitting well above standard half day rates given the extra crew hours and limited overnight licensing for certain boats.
Although ONE°15 Marina in Sentosa Cove is the most visible departure point for Lazarus and St John’s trips, charter agencies also work with boats berthed at Marina at Keppel Bay and other marinas around the island. For example, a motor yacht moored at Keppel Bay might run a five hour cruise that takes in the Southern Islands and a city skyline circuit, while still offering similar water activities at anchor. Some operators arrange transfers or parking discounts at their home marina, which can be useful for guests staying in different parts of the city.
When comparing offers, ask specifically where your charter will depart and return, how long the cruising legs will be and whether your chosen vessel can operate an overnight or later evening itinerary. Noise restrictions, marina operating hours and local regulations can all influence whether a late night party or dawn return is feasible on a given boat and date.
How to Read the Fine Print and Book Smart
Because yacht charters involve many variables, from fuel surcharges to crew fees and cleaning, reading the fine print is central to making a high value decision. Most four hour Lazarus packages quote a headline rate that includes captain, basic crew, fuel for a standard route, water and ice, and in some cases complimentary use of kayaks, SUPs and floating mats. Additional charges may apply for extended cruising beyond the usual Southern Islands loop, extra hours, jet ski rentals, premium catering or special decorations.
Capacity based pricing structures also vary. Some operators quote for a base number of guests, such as up to 16 or up to 20, then charge a per person supplement for additional guests up to the boat’s limit. Others quote a flat charter fee regardless of whether you bring 8 or 18 people, which can make smaller group outings more expensive per head but keeps the total predictable for bigger parties. When comparing, calculate a per person figure at your actual planned group size rather than the boat’s maximum.
Booking well ahead for weekends, public holidays and popular sunset slots is important, especially from November through Chinese New Year and around school holidays. Many operators require a deposit to confirm, with the balance due closer to sailing. Rescheduling policies typically allow some flexibility for poor weather, but it is worth checking how decisions are made about postponement and whether partial cruising in light rain still counts as a completed charter.
For travelers who are new to Singapore yacht charters, using a yacht broker or booking platform that works with multiple boats can simplify comparison. These services often list several catamarans, motor yachts and small boats on one page with sample capacities and price bands, then confirm exact quotes once you share your preferred date, time slot, group size and special requirements. This can be particularly useful when your dates are fixed and you want to find availability across different marinas and vessel types.
The Takeaway
Lazarus and St John’s islands have become the signature playground for Singapore yacht charters, pairing an accessible escape with the calm waters and sheltered bays that catamarans and motor yachts handle best. Whether you are booking a compact private boat for a family swim, a mid size catamaran for a birthday with kayaks and a barbecue, or a high end motor yacht for corporate entertaining, understanding how capacity, timing and amenities influence price will help you extract maximum value from what is often a significant spend.
In broad terms, catamarans deliver the most deck space and water toy friendly platforms for typical four hour Southern Islands trips, while motor yachts excel for sunset skyline cruises and more formal occasions. Smaller boats, meanwhile, give couples and small groups an affordable way to taste the Lazarus experience without paying for unused capacity. Across all categories, weekday charters and shoulder time slots are the best opportunities to keep costs below weekend peaks, and adding a couple of extra hours can transform a quick outing into a full day on the water.
If you approach the process with clear priorities, realistic expectations about Singapore’s coastal scenery and a close eye on what is and is not included, a Southern Islands charter can be a highlight rather than a financial regret. With thoughtful planning, the combination of yacht, crew and Lazarus lagoon offers one of the most memorable ways to see a different side of Singapore.
FAQ
Q1. How long does it take to reach Lazarus Island by yacht from Sentosa Cove?
Most leisure yachts take around 20 to 45 minutes to cruise from ONE°15 Marina in Sentosa Cove to the anchorage off Lazarus, depending on the vessel and route.
Q2. What is the typical price range for a 4 hour Lazarus charter?
For mid size private charters, four hour weekday trips commonly start in the high hundreds to low thousands of Singapore dollars, with larger catamarans and luxury motor yachts for bigger groups often ranging from about S$1,400 to S$3,000 or more, especially on weekends and holidays.
Q3. Do most yachts include kayaks and stand up paddleboards in the price?
Many catamaran focused operators include basic water toys such as kayaks, stand up paddleboards, floating mats and inflatables as part of the standard Lazarus package, while some motor yachts may offer a smaller selection or charge for certain extras.
Q4. Can I book a shared yacht trip if I do not have a full group?
Yes, some marinas and charter companies occasionally offer shared or per person yacht cruises to the Southern Islands, but most Lazarus trips are still private charters where you book the whole boat for your group.
Q5. Are barbecues allowed on board during Lazarus charters?
Barbecues are a common feature on many yachts, with some offering gas or electric grills for guests to use and others providing crew grilled catering packages where food is prepared for you.
Q6. Is snorkeling worthwhile around Lazarus and St John’s Islands?
Snorkeling is possible and some yachts carry snorkel sets, but water clarity is variable and usually modest compared with classic coral destinations, so most guests focus on swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing rather than serious snorkeling.
Q7. What is the difference between a catamaran and a motor yacht for these trips?
Catamarans offer wide, stable decks and are ideal for casual groups and water activities, while motor yachts are monohull vessels that often cruise faster and provide a more traditional luxury yacht atmosphere, sometimes with more emphasis on indoor comfort and style.
Q8. Can I stay overnight on a yacht at Lazarus Island?
Some yachts with multiple cabins and the appropriate licensing offer overnight charters that include anchoring near the Southern Islands, but availability is limited and pricing is significantly higher than standard half day outings.
Q9. Are there alternative marinas besides ONE°15 for Southern Islands charters?
Yes, in addition to ONE°15 Marina in Sentosa Cove, some yachts depart from Marina at Keppel Bay and other marinas around Singapore, with the exact location depending on where the vessel is berthed.
Q10. How far in advance should I book a yacht for a weekend Lazarus trip?
For popular weekend and public holiday dates, especially during busy seasons and for sunset time slots, it is sensible to book several weeks to a few months ahead to secure your preferred yacht and departure time.