From The Berg on St. Thomas, a private boat charter to the British Virgin Islands is one of the best days you can have in the Caribbean. In a single day, you can climb through the giant boulders at The Baths, snorkel the sea caves of Norman Island, sip a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar, and be back on St. Thomas in time for dinner.
A charter is the easiest and most flexible way to experience the BVI. Instead of juggling ferry schedules, taxis, and customs lines, you have a boat, a captain, and a day built around you.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a BVI boat charter from St. Thomas: the types of charters, what they cost, how customs works, the best itineraries, what to bring, and the questions to ask before you book.
Quick Answer: A BVI boat charter from St. Thomas lets you visit several British Virgin Islands in one day, such as The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke, with a captain who handles navigation and customs paperwork. Charters leave from marinas across St. Thomas, including Red Hook, Compass Point, Sapphire, and Charlotte Amalie. Every guest needs a valid passport, and BVI customs fees are usually paid in cash in addition to the charter price.
Day charter boat heading to the BVI
Why Charter a Boat to the BVI?
See more in one day. Ferries usually reach one island at a time. A fast charter boat can visit three or four spots in a single day.
Skip the hassle. Your captain handles the BVI customs paperwork and knows exactly where to clear in, so you spend more time exploring and less time waiting in lines.
Reach boat-only destinations. Some of the BVI's best spots, like The Caves at Norman Island, The Indians, the Willy T, Sandy Spit, and Cooper Island, can only be reached by boat.
Build your own day. Want to snorkel all morning and beach-bar all afternoon? Or spend extra time at The Baths? It's your call.
Travel with your group. A private boat is perfect for families, couples, and friends traveling together, and splitting the cost can make it surprisingly affordable.
Day charter boat guests
Types of Day Boat Charters
Private Powerboat Charter
A fast, private powerboat with a captain, usually for up to six guests. Powerboats are the fastest way to cover a lot of ground, making them ideal for multi-island days like The Baths, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke together.
Best for: Families, couples, and small groups who want to see as much as possible
Private Catamaran or Sailing Charter
A private sailing catamaran offers a smoother, more relaxed ride, with more room to spread out, lounge, and enjoy the scenery. Sailing is slower than a powerboat, so itineraries usually focus on fewer stops.
Best for: Relaxed days on the water and larger groups
Shared Group Tours
Shared tours and day sails let you join other travelers on a set itinerary. They're a budget-friendly way to visit popular BVI spots like Jost Van Dyke and Norman Island.
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and anyone on a budget
Where BVI Charters Depart from St. Thomas
Red Hook (East End): The closest departure point to the BVI, home to American Yacht Harbor.
Compass Point Marina (East End): A popular base for charters and fishing boats.
Sapphire Beach Marina (East End): Convenient for East End stays.
Crown Bay Marina and Charlotte Amalie: Good options if you're staying near town.
Departing from the East End usually means a shorter ride to the BVI and more time at your stops.
Sapphire Beach Marina, St. Thomas
How Much Does a BVI Boat Charter Cost?
Charter prices vary based on the size and type of boat, the length of the trip, the number of guests, and the season. As a general guide:
Shared group tours: Priced per person, making them the most affordable option.
Private full-day powerboat charters: Often start in the range of about $1,500 to $2,500 or more for a small group, before fuel, gratuity, and fees.
Private catamaran charters: Vary widely depending on size and amenities.
What's Usually Not Included
When comparing prices, ask what's included. Common extras include:
Fuel surcharges: Especially on longer, multi-island itineraries.
Gratuity: A tip of 15 to 20 percent for the captain and crew is customary.
BVI customs and entry fees: Usually paid per person, often in cash. Many charter companies quote around $65 to $80 per person, and fees can be higher on Sundays and BVI holidays.
National park fees: Small additional fees for sites like The Baths, The Caves, and The Indians.
Lunch and drinks ashore: Meals at beach bars and restaurants are usually on your own.
Tip: Ask for an all-in estimate per person, including fuel, fees, and gratuity, so there are no surprises on the dock.
day charter guest
Passports, Customs, and the Charter Process
A BVI charter crosses an international border, but your captain makes the process simple.
Before your trip:
Every guest needs a valid passport, including children. U.S. passport cards are accepted for travel by sea.
Your charter company may ask for passport details in advance to register the boat and guests with BVI customs.
Ask whether you need to complete the BVI online embarkation card yourself.
On the day:
Bring your passport and cash for BVI fees.
Your captain will stop at a BVI port of entry, such as West End on Tortola, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, or Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda, to clear customs.
On the way back, your captain will guide you through the U.S. re-entry process, often through U.S. Customs and Border Protection's mobile app.
Day charter boat from St. Thomas to the BVI
The Best BVI Charter Itineraries from St. Thomas
The Classic BVI Day
The Baths → Norman Island → Jost Van Dyke
Start at The Baths on Virgin Gorda to explore the boulders before the crowds arrive, snorkel The Indians and The Caves at Norman Island, and finish with a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay. It's a long, action-packed day best done on a fast powerboat.
The Beach Bar Day
Jost Van Dyke → Sandy Spit → Norman Island
Clear customs in Great Harbour and say hello at Foxy's, swim at Sandy Spit, spend lunch at White Bay, and end the day at the Willy T in The Bight.
The Snorkel Day
The Indians → The Caves → RMS Rhone → Cooper Island
Snorkel the BVI's best reefs and wrecks, including The Indians, The Caves, and the famous RMS Rhone shipwreck, then relax at Cooper Island Beach Club with a rum flight or a house-brewed beer.
The Relaxed Sail
Norman Island → Cooper Island
A slower, laid-back itinerary on a catamaran, with snorkeling at Norman Island, lunch at Pirates Bight, and an afternoon at Cooper Island.
The Willy T, BVI
What to Bring on Your BVI Charter
✅ Valid passport or passport card for every guest
✅ Cash for BVI fees, beach bars, and gratuity
✅ Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
✅ Swimsuit, cover-up, and towel
✅ Waterproof dry bag for your phone and passport
✅ Water shoes for The Baths and rocky beaches
✅ A light layer for the ride, since it can get breezy on the water
✅ Seasickness medication if you're prone to motion sickness
No Passport? Try a USVI Charter
If someone in your group doesn't have a passport, you can still have an amazing charter day without leaving the U.S. Virgin Islands:
St. John: National park beaches and snorkeling at spots like Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay.
Christmas Cove: Snorkel the reef and grab lunch at Pizza Pi, the floating pizzeria.
Turtle Cove at Buck Island: Snorkel with sea turtles off St. Thomas.
Water Island: Relax at Honeymoon Beach.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Is the captain licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard?
How many guests can the boat carry?
What's included in the price, and what's extra? Ask about fuel, BVI fees, park fees, drinks, snacks, and snorkel gear.
How are BVI customs fees paid? Many companies require cash on the day.
What's the weather and cancellation policy?
Can we customize the itinerary?
Is there shade on the boat? Important for long days in the sun.
What time do we depart and return?
Tips for the Perfect Charter Day
Book early. Popular captains and boats book up quickly from December through April. Reserve as soon as you know your dates.
Leave early. Early departures mean calmer seas, better snorkeling, and beating the crowds to The Baths and The Caves.
Plan BVI days early in your trip. If weather cancels your charter, you'll have time to reschedule.
Be flexible. Your captain knows the conditions. If they suggest changing the order of stops or swapping a destination because of weather or crowds, trust their judgment.
Pace yourself. Between the sun, the snorkeling, and the beach bars, it's easy to overdo it. Drink plenty of water.
Tip your crew. A 15 to 20 percent gratuity is customary for great service.
Frequently Asked Questions About BVI Boat Charters
How much does a BVI boat charter from St. Thomas cost?
Prices vary by boat, length of trip, and group size. Private full-day powerboat charters often start around $1,500 to $2,500 or more for a small group, plus fuel, gratuity, and BVI fees. Shared group tours are priced per person and are more affordable.
Do you need a passport for a BVI boat charter?
Yes. Every guest needs a valid passport, including children. U.S. passport cards are accepted for travel by sea.
How much are BVI customs fees on a charter?
BVI customs fees are usually paid per person, often in cash. Many charter companies quote around $65 to $80 per person, with small additional fees for national park sites. Fees can be higher on Sundays and BVI holidays.
Can you visit The Baths, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke in one day?
Yes. On a fast private powerboat, many charters combine The Baths, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke in one full day from St. Thomas.
Where do BVI charters leave from on St. Thomas?
BVI charters leave from marinas across St. Thomas, including Red Hook, Compass Point, Sapphire Beach Marina, Crown Bay, and Charlotte Amalie. East End marinas are closest to the BVI.
What happens if the weather is bad on my charter day?
Most charter companies will reschedule or refund for unsafe weather, but policies vary. Ask about the cancellation policy when booking, and schedule your charter early in your trip.
Is a private charter better than a ferry to the BVI?
A private charter lets you visit several islands in one day, reach boat-only spots like The Caves and the Willy T, and skip ferry schedules and customs lines. Ferries are more affordable but usually reach only one island per day.
Your Home Base for BVI Adventures
The perfect BVI day starts on St. Thomas. Book direct and get our hosts' recommendations for trusted, licensed charter captains and the best BVI itineraries.
