The best parts of the Virgin Islands aren't on St. John. Christmas Cove, the Indians, the Baths at Virgin Gorda, the Soggy Dollar at Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island's caves — they're all 30 to 90 minutes by boat. A private day charter is the way to see them without joining a crowded group tour out of Red Hook.
Group tour vs private charter
Group day sails are $150–$200 per person and pack 30+ strangers onto a 50-foot boat with a set itinerary. They're fine if you're on a budget and traveling solo. For families, couples, or small groups, a private charter is usually only a little more per person and the experience is a completely different category: your captain, your route, your pace, your music, your lunch.
What a private charter day looks like
Boarding is typically 8:30–9am at one of the Cruz Bay docks. The captain meets you with a quick safety brief, then you set the plan over coffee. Most full-day charters look something like:
- Morning sail (under canvas if there's wind) to a snorkel stop
- Snorkel #1 — typically Christmas Cove or the Indians
- Lunch and a swim at a quieter anchorage
- Afternoon snorkel #2 — the Baths, Waterlemon, or Hansen Bay
- Slow sail home into the late-afternoon light, back at the dock by 4–5pm
What's typically included
On a well-run private charter, the day rate covers the boat, captain and mate, fuel, all snorkel gear, towels, freshwater shower on board, soft drinks, water, beer, and a chef-prepared lunch served at anchor. Premium spirits, BVI customs fees (~$40 per person if you cross over), and crew gratuity (15–20% of the charter rate) are usually additional.
Crossing into the BVI
Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda are in the British Virgin Islands — a separate country. You need a valid passport, and you'll clear customs at West End on the way in. A good captain handles the paperwork; you just need your passport on board.
Sunset Villa's Land & Sea
We pair a stay at Sunset Villa VI with a private day aboard Stella Blue, a 50' Xquisite X5 catamaran. Guests get captain's-choice itineraries, a chef lunch on board, and direct booking through us — no separate broker fee. Read the full Land & Sea page for what's included and sample itineraries, or visit Stella Blue Sail directly.
When to sail
Winter (Dec–Apr) brings reliable easterly trades and clear visibility — peak sailing season. Summer (Jun–Aug) is calmer and warmer with less wind; great for new sailors, but lighter propulsion under canvas. We avoid September and October (hurricane peak) and the boats book six months out for Christmas, New Year's, and Presidents' Week.
Part of the Things to Do in St. John, USVI: The Insider's Guide.
Frequently asked
›How much is a private sailing charter in St. John?
Full-day private catamaran charters typically run body: () => (,800–$3,200 for up to six guests, all-inclusive of crew, lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear. Half-days are $900– body: () => (,800.
›What's included in a St. John day charter?
Captain and mate, fuel, snorkel equipment, lunch, soft drinks, and usually beer and wine. Premium liquor and BVI customs fees are typically extra.
›Do I need to be a sailor to book a private charter?
No. All charters out of St. John are fully crewed. You're a guest, not a skipper.
Keep reading
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St. John Snorkeling: The 8 Best Spots (And What You'll See)
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Waterlemon Cay: The Best Snorkel on St. John (And How to Get There)
A practical guide to snorkeling Waterlemon Cay on St. John's north shore: the Leinster Bay trail, the swim out, what you'll see on the reef, and how to time the current.
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The St. John Honeymoon Guide: 7 Days of Beach, Boat, and Quiet
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