The 15 Best Boat Trips in the Virgin Islands

1.Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 790 reviews · from $250Our pick

Spend about eight hours circling St. John aboard a Stormy Pirates charter, with snorkeling stops, drinks, pizza, and lunch at the floating Lime Out taco boat. Captains and crew members such as Tara, Lacey, Sammy, Robyn, and Brandon are praised for attentive service. Depart from St. Thomas or St. John at 9 a.m.

“Best part of St John’s was our boat day today, we had the best time and Tara, our captain was amazing!”

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2.Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 748 reviews · from $130

Set out from Sapphire Beach Marina with New Horizons & Breakaway Charters for a two-hour sunset cruise around St. Thomas and nearby keys. Expect Champagne, unlimited drinks, appetizers, music, and commentary from crew members such as Nate, Whitney, Max, or Breezy. The boat returns to the same marina, leaving you free for dinner.

“Breezy and Cpt Stewart were so fun. The vibes were incredible and the views were spectacular. Would definitely do again when we visit again.”

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3.High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · from $60Best value

Ride the 750-horsepower Screamin’ Eagle around Charlotte Amalie Harbor with captain Anthony or another local guide. Expect island commentary, fast turns, fishtails, sudden stops, and plenty of spray. The 40-minute trip leaves from Yacht Haven Grande, accepts children at least 42 inches tall, and carries no more than 22 people.

“Highly recommend this well worth the money and time. While on St. Thomas the operator Anthony was fun knowledgeable, and enjoyed to have fun while being safe. The ride was a lot smoother than expected while still getting the thrilling ride.”

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4.Glow Boats LED Night Kayak, Marriott Frenchman’s Cove Dock, USVI

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 456 reviews · from $75

Meet your guide at Marriott Frenchman’s Cove Dock for a beginner-friendly night kayak trip. After a short safety briefing, paddle illuminated kayaks over the reef and look for turtles, stingrays, tarpon, and fish. Guides such as Paul, Sean, Zoe, and Louis add local stories and marine-life insight to this roughly 75-minute outing.

“Wonderful experience!! Our host was amazing and very knowledgeable. We saw all sorts of marine life including sting rays and sea turtles! Highly recommend!”

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5.US Virgin Islands Island Hop & Food Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · from $250

This eight-hour Stormy Pirates trip pairs St. Thomas and St. John scenery with floating tacos at Lime Out, Pizza Pi delivery at Christmas Cove, snorkeling, and a stop at Lovango Resort. Captains and crew such as Grant, Tyler, Sammy, Lacey, and Maeve share island stories while the onboard bar serves beer, soda, water, and rum punch.

“This was an amazing trip. Grant and Tyler are an awesome crew. Grant’s knowledge of the local geography and history really make the trip fun and educational. He did a great job of pointing out all kinds of points of interest. The tacos at LimRead more”

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6.Explore the Virgin Islands on a Private Boat Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 303 reviews

Set out from St. Thomas with a Stormy Pirates captain and up to five companions aboard a private Yamaha-powered boat. Shape the day around St. John beaches, reef snorkeling, Sea Turtles, Lime Out tacos, pirate stories, and island views. Bottled water, soda, rum punch, and beer are included, but lunch, fuel, and a restroom are not.

“Our family has been traveling to St. John for nearly 10 years. We always reserve a private boat charter for one day during our stay. Every other charter has always been top notch. Unfortunately, I can not say the same about our Stormy Pirates Read more”

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7.USVI Private Boat Charters – New, Fast Powerboats for Half and Full Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews

Take a private 31-foot Wellcraft from American Yacht Harbor and let your captain shape the day around snorkeling, beaches, and St. Thomas or St. John. Captain Mike, Bryan, Aaron, Ro, Amanda, Sammy, and Hillary have all led highly praised trips, but your assigned captain may differ. Bring lunch, reef-safe sunscreen, and a willingness to change plans with the weather.

“Captain Bryan promised a great time for our family of four (2 adults/2 kids ages 8 and 10), and he certainly delivered! He helped us choose an itinerary, gave us realistic expectations, and made excellent recommendations (it helps that he really listened to us to see what we were trying to get out of this trip). Never felt rushed or stressed, but he kept us on time to get the most out of our experience. We will definitely return and would recommend this adventure to anyone!”

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8.SeaFari FastCat – Sun, Fun, Swimming, Snorkeling & Boat Party

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · from $89

SeaFari FastCat takes you from Yacht Haven Grande around Water Island on the 1000-horsepower Breeze. You will snorkel from the boat, swim at Honeymoon Beach and Limestone Beach, use floats and paddleboards, and enjoy rum drinks and beer. Keith handles trip details, while Victor and Ashley lead the cruise.

“The manager, Keith, communicated in advance to provide details for the excursion and called the morning-of to confirm our reservation. The crew, Victor and Ashley, were very knowledgeable and even a little funny! ;) They went the extra mile Read more”

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9.Caribbean Blue Charters – Full Day Boat Charter – 35′ Marlin Power Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 174 reviews

You and your group get a private 35-foot Marlin powerboat for about seven and a half hours from Oasis Cove Marina. A skipper such as Nate, Kyle, Brendan, or Anthony can shape the day around swimming, snorkeling, beaches, and stops such as Lovango Cay, Maho Bay, and Lime Out. Gear, floats, music, ice, and hotel pickup are included. Fuel and captain fees cost extra.

“We had a great day with Nate. He took us around St. John and we snorkeled in several beautiful bays and some secluded beaches we would never have gotten to from land. Our first wish was to snorkel with sea turtles and Nate founRead more”

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10.Half or Full-Day Private Boat Charter from St. John or St. Thomas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews

Set out from St. Thomas with Bonus Time Charters on a private 29 or 32-foot power catamaran. Captain Bryan, Andrew, Steve, or Scott can shape your route around snorkeling, beaches, turtles, floating restaurants, and island views. Half-day trips often visit Maho Bay, Scott Beach, and Christmas Cove. Full-day trips can reach Waterlemon Cay, Lime Out, Salt Pond Bay, and Little Lameshur.

“We had an amazing time. Brian customized the trip and took us to amazing snorkel sites. We saw so many fish— we also saw a shark, squid, and sting ray! Incredible experience.”

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11.BVI Apotheoseas boat charter 38ft, Full Day / Half day trips

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews

Book the 38-foot M/V Apotheoseas for four to eight hours from Tortola. Captains Keenan, Nate, or Andrew can shape the day around snorkeling, beaches, island stops, and cruise-ship timing. Your group gets towels, floats, snorkel gear, water, soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and pickup from an agreed location.

“Nathan was a delightful captain and took us to 3 beautiful stops in our short time we had with him. We saw turtles, nurse sharks, sting rays and snorkeled on an amazing reef. Our favorite was the time spent at Willy T's eating fresh Wahoo and jumping off the barge.”

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12.USVI Private Boat Charter Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews

Spend about eight hours on a private boat from St. Thomas, with room for up to 12 people. Your captain can take you to Little Buck Island for turtles or a shipwreck, St. John beaches, St. Thomas coves, and Lovango Beach Club. Snorkel gear, water, ice, pickup, and drop-off are included, while fuel and Lovango’s fee cost extra.

“Had a wonderful time on the water with Carpe Diem Charters. Captain Kevin was excellent and very knowledgeable about the area. We snorkeled in many spots with beautiful fish, turtles, starfish and a few stingrays; floated around, saw Read more”

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13.Luxury Catamaran Champagne Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · from $119

Board Someday Charters at Yacht Haven Grande for a two-hour sunset ride with Captain Joe and crew member Katie. The 12-person limit leaves room to move, while unlimited top-shelf drinks, charcuterie, hors d’oeuvres, island views, and a champagne toast keep the evening relaxed. The route includes Water Island, Hassel Island, Honeymoon Beach, and Charlotte Amalie’s glowing harbor.

“We had a wonderful time. Catie and Joe were great hosts on our sunset cruise. Highly recommend this outing.”

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14.Virgin Islands private Boat Charter Local Legend LL2

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · from $354

Hire Local Legend Charters for a private boat day from Cruz Bay, with room for up to 12 people. Your captain can shape the route around snorkeling, swimming, beaches, hiking, or cliff-jumping. Captain Zach has led memorable outings with three snorkel stops and restaurant visits to ZoZo’s and the Ritz Carlton.

“This was hands down the best excursion we’ve ever taken. The boat was pristine, the captain (Zach) was a doll, the three snorkeling stops were to die for, the food stops at ZoZo’s & Ritz Carlton were so memorable, and the history that Read more”

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15.Luxury Private Sunset Cruise for up to 6 guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews

Sail from Sapphire Beach Marina aboard the 40-foot Frances Anne for a private two-hour sunset cruise for up to six people. Captain Tommy, Kendall, Alex, or another crew member may lead your trip. Expect an open bar, soft drinks, music, charcuterie, optional snorkeling, and a return to the marina.

“Awesome sunset cruise! The captains were amazing and catered to every need. Drinks of all kinds. Thanks you!!”

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