BVI Private Charter to Jost Van Dyke on 32′ Power Catamaran

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back day on the water in the US Virgin Islands, a private charter to Jost Van Dyke offers a refreshing way to explore without the crowds. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews and tour descriptions paint a clear picture of what’s on offer: a flexible, fun-filled day tailored just for your group, with plenty of time to lounge on beaches, snorkel, and enjoy the lively bar scene.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the customized itinerary that lets you choose your stops—whether it’s Sandy Spit for a quick swim or the iconic Soggy Dollar Bar. Second, the private nature of the tour, meaning you’re only with friends or family, not a large crowd. Third, the longer, later start time gives you a more relaxed morning at your own pace.

That said, a possible consideration is the additional costs for things like alcohol, lunch, and customs fees, which can add up. If you’re a group wanting a flexible, intimate day of beach hopping, this tour really shines. It suits travelers who value personalized experiences, want to avoid crowded tours, and enjoy a leisurely pace with plenty of options.

Good To Know

• Private Experience: Only your group and the captain, for a tailored day.
• Flexible Itinerary: Decide what stops interest you most, from sandbars to beach bars.
• Ideal for Relaxed Fun: Perfect for those who enjoy lounging, snorkeling, and island hopping at a slow pace.
• Cost Consideration: Price includes the boat and some amenities but not extras like alcohol or lunch.
• Duration & Timing: Roughly 6 hours starting at 11:00 am, perfect for a full but manageable day.
• Customer Satisfaction: Based on reviews, this trip consistently delivers personalized, memorable outings.

An In-Depth Review of the BVI Private Charter to Jost Van Dyke

Setting the Scene: What’s This Tour About?

This private boat trip offers a 6-hour journey in the British Virgin Islands designed solely for your group, with the freedom to craft your perfect day on the water. Departing from Sapphire Beach Marina in St. Thomas, the Shady Lady catamaran sets the scene for an intimate, relaxed adventure. With no shared tour groups, you’re in charge of your day, with a friendly captain ready to steer you toward your favorite spots.

This tour appeals most to those who prefer a late start—the departure at 11:00 am means you can skip the early wake-up call—and who want to focus entirely on Jost Van Dyke, a small island packed with beaches, bars, and fun spots. The cost is $1,795 per group, accommodating up to ten people, which makes it an attractive option for families, friends, or couples seeking a personalized experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour provides ice, bottled water, a captain (and a mate for larger groups), and snorkeling gear—all essentials for a smooth day on the water. It’s important to note that alcoholic drinks, lunch, fuel, and customs fees are extra, giving you the option to personalize your experience further. The customs fee is set at $80 per person, which can significantly impact your overall budget but is a necessary step when entering the BVI.

Meeting Details & Timing

Your adventure begins at Sapphire Beach Marina at 11:00 am, giving you ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery before heading out. The tour ends back at the marina, making logistics straightforward. The mid-morning start is ideal for making the most of daylight hours, especially if you plan to spend time in the water or exploring the island.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect on the Day

The beauty of this private trip is its flexibility—you can customize stops based on your preferences. Here’s a typical outline based on the description and reviews:

Sandy Spit

The first stop is often Sandy Spit, a tiny, deserted island famously featured in Corona beer commercials. Here, you can snorkel, take photos, or just relax on the soft sand while enjoying the turquoise waters. Having a quick swim at Sandy Spit is a highlight, especially since it’s a photo-worthy spot and an iconic Caribbean image.

Jost Van Dyke & Natural Attractions

Next, you’ll head to Jost Van Dyke, with options to visit the Bubbly Pool, a natural whirlpool with waves that create a bubbling effect—an experience that many reviewers rave about. According to one reviewer, the “Bubbly Pool is a must-visit”, especially for those who love a little nature’s thrill while cooling off.

Beach Bars & Food Stops

The core of the trip is the beach bar hopping. White Bay is famous for its lively scene, and you can choose among Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, Hendo’s Hideout, Foxy’s, Corsairs, and the Soggy Dollar Bar—each offering its own vibe. The Soggy Dollar, in particular, is legendary for its “soggy dollars” and relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews mention that you can’t go wrong with any of them.

If you wish, your captain can guide you to a lunch spot—though the tour doesn’t include it—so you might want to plan ahead or bring snacks and drinks. Some travelers enjoy spending a few hours lounging on white sand beaches, sipping cocktails, and soaking up the lively island atmosphere.

Snorkeling & Water Fun

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, making it easy to explore the vibrant marine life. Expect clear, calm waters perfect for observing tropical fish and coral. The review from a previous guest highlights how “the snorkeling gear made the experience even better,” especially since the waters around Sandy Spit and Jost Van Dyke are known for their visibility.

Authentic & Personal Experience

This tour’s biggest selling point is how personalized it feels. Unlike larger, crowded trips, you get to tell the captain where to go, whether it’s a quick swim or a prolonged stay at your favorite bar. The review mentioning a “fantastic day with top-notch flexibility” underscores just how tailored the experience can be.

Price & Value

At $1,795 for up to ten people, this charter offers a cost-effective way for a group to enjoy a full day on the water. When you factor in the boat, snorkeling gear, ice, and bottled water, the value is clear—especially considering the exclusivity and freedom to create your ideal day. However, additional costs like alcohol, lunch, and customs fees mean you should budget accordingly if you want a fully catered experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private charter is best suited for groups or families who value flexibility and intimacy. If you’re seeking a relaxed pace, want control over your itinerary, and love the idea of hopping between beaches and bars without the pressure of a large group, this will be perfect. It’s especially appealing if you want to avoid the typical “cattle call” tours and prefer an experience tailored to your preferences.

What Are the Drawbacks?

While the tour offers unmatched flexibility, it does come with extra costs that travelers should be aware of upfront: alcohol, lunch, fuel, and customs fees aren’t included. Also, since it’s an entirely private experience, the price might seem steep compared to shared tours, but many find the personalized touch well worth the premium.

Final Thoughts

This private Jost Van Dyke trip in the BVI provides a laid-back, customizable day filled with swimming, snorkeling, and beach bar hopping. The full control over the itinerary means you can tailor the day to your mood—whether that’s relaxing with a cocktail in hand or exploring the natural wonders. The small group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd, making it ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends who want a more personal, stress-free experience.

You’ll love the ability to choose your stops, the comfortable pace, and the authentic island vibe that shines through in reviews from past guests. If you’re looking for an easy, fun day with a hint of adventure and plenty of opportunities for relaxation, this tour is a fantastic choice.

For those who value flexibility over rigid schedules, and want to enjoy Jost Van Dyke at their own pace, this private boat trip offers a memorable, stress-free way to indulge in the best of the BVI.

FAQs

What is included in the price of this tour?
The tour includes the boat, ice in coolers, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a captain (plus a mate for larger groups). Alcohol, lunch, fuel, and customs fees are extra.

How many people can join the tour?
Up to ten guests can be accommodated in a single group, making it ideal for families or friends wanting a private experience.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 11:00 am and lasts approximately 6 hours, returning to the marina at the end of the day.

Can I customize my stops on the day?
Yes, the trip is flexible. You can tell the captain which spots interest you most, such as Sandy Spit, the Bubbly Pool, or specific beach bars.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, allowing you to explore the waters around Sandy Spit and Jost Van Dyke at your leisure.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, alcohol and lunch are not included in the base price and will require extra payment if you wish to indulge. Customs fees are $80 per person.

Is this experience suitable for everyone?
It’s best for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level who enjoy beach activities, swimming, and a relaxed pace. The private setting makes it comfortable for most.

This private Jost Van Dyke trip strikes a great balance between personalized service and island adventure, perfect for those wanting to craft their ideal day in the Caribbean.