REVIEW · ST THOMAS
Jost Van Dyke Funday & Willy T (Foxy’s, Soggy Dollar, Willy-T)
Book on Viator →Operated by Stormy Pirates Boat Charters · Bookable on Viator
Eight hours, three islands, one big swim. This BVI-style bar hop takes you to Foxy’s, the Soggy Dollar, and the Willy-T on Norman Island—plus a quick photo moment at Sandy Spit—while the crew handles the heavy lifting like customs. The vibe is relaxed, the pacing is efficient, and you’re not stuck doing only beach time or only boat time.
I especially like the mix of classic stops (Foxy’s Bar in Great Harbor and the Soggy Dollar in White Bay) with one big “I can’t believe this is real” moment: jumping off the Willy-T’s deck. I also like that you get an open bar on the boat, so you’re not calculating your budget every time you want a drink. One thing to plan for: this is an international excursion, so you’ll need a valid passport and you should expect extra costs like the customs/immigration fee.
In This Review
- The BVI day that packs a lot of coastline
- Key things I’d circle before you go
- Great Harbor first: start with Foxy’s and an easy-to-follow pace
- Corsairs Beach Bar: a quick stop that fuels the rest of the day
- Soggy Dollar and White Bay: the time that turns into a swim day
- Diamond Cay: Bubbly Pool hike, snorkel, or Foxy’s Taboo downtime
- Sandy Spit: a fast photo stop with real pop-culture fame
- Norman Island and the Willy-T: the pirate ship moment you’ll remember
- What you’re really paying for: $335 plus the fees you can’t ignore
- Weather and passports: the two things that decide the whole day
- How the crew changes the feel (and why that matters)
- Who should book the Jost Van Dyke Funday?
- Should you book this tour?
- FAQ
- Do I need a passport for this excursion?
- What additional fees should I expect besides the $335 price?
- Is food included in the tour price?
- What’s included for drinks while we’re on the boat?
- How long is the day and how big is the group?
- Can I choose between snorkeling and hiking at Diamond Cay?
- Is it hard to get to shore at Soggy Dollar?
- What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
The BVI day that packs a lot of coastline

The best part is how the day runs like a guided sampler platter of the British Virgin Islands—quick wandering in Great Harbor, a real stretch of time at White Bay, then Diamond Cay options, and finally Norman Island for the pirate ship. Crew members I’ve seen on this route include captains like Heather, Tyler, Brandon, and Kenny, and mates like Tara, Susannah, and Lacey—so you’ll likely get that familiar “we’ve done this all season” confidence.
The only drawback I’d flag is practical, not dramatic: shore access at Soggy Dollar involves entering the water to get to land, so you’ll want to be comfortable with that. If you’re expecting a simple beach walk-off from the dock, this is not that kind of day.
Key things I’d circle before you go
- Small group feel (max 12 travelers): easier to meet people and actually hear the crew over the chatter.
- Customs handled while you wander: you don’t wait around in a line on the dock for long stretches.
- Open bar on the boat: alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic options while you’re on board.
- Choice-driven time at Diamond Cay: hike to the Bubbly Pool, snorkel, or just relax.
- White Bay shore access uses water: bring the right shoes and be ready for a swim-in landing.
- Willy-T jump as the finale: quick, memorable, and very “yes, I did that.”
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St Thomas.
Great Harbor first: start with Foxy’s and an easy-to-follow pace

Your day begins in Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke. The crew clears customs while you wander, which is a smart move if you want your vacation to start feeling like vacation—not paperwork. You’ll get a short, focused visit at Foxy’s Bar, one of the classic names that pulls people back to this part of the Caribbean.
In practical terms, that first stop sets the tone. It’s your chance to get oriented, meet your group, and settle into the rhythm. You’ll also hear the crew talk about what’s ahead—where to look, what to watch for near the water, and how to time the little moments that matter.
What to watch for: wear something you can move in. This is a boat day with walking, short hikes, and time at bars where you’ll be standing around taking photos.
Corsairs Beach Bar: a quick stop that fuels the rest of the day

Next up is Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant. The stop is short—about 30 minutes—but it’s the kind of breather that keeps the day from feeling rushed. You’ll meet folks like Vinney and pizza Dave, and you’ll hear about their go-to punch, including the famous VooDoo Punch.
The value here is less about lingering at a single bar and more about keeping your energy up. After this, you still have White Bay time, Diamond Cay options, and the Norman Island finish. A quick stop that delivers drinks and good people is exactly what this kind of tour needs.
My advice: if you like taking photos, use this stop to grab them early. Later in the day you’ll be moving around more, and you’ll be glad you got the early shots out of the way.
Soggy Dollar and White Bay: the time that turns into a swim day

Then comes the big one: Soggy Dollar Bar and White Bay Beach. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough time to do more than just say you were there. You can hang out, order a drink, and soak up the beach energy.
Here’s the key practical detail: you must enter the water in White Bay to get to shore. That means you shouldn’t plan on a dry, shoes-stay-on-the-whole-time situation. Bring towels, and think about what you’re wearing for that water-to-shore moment. A bathing suit underneath helps.
Also, this stop matters because it gives you the “this is why people come back” experience. Soggy Dollar is tied to the whole Jost Van Dyke identity, and the white-sand, open-water feel makes the rest of the day land differently. You’re not just moving between dots on a map—you’re taking a real break.
Possible drawback: if windy conditions or choppy water make you uncomfortable in the water, this is where that will be felt first. The crew can’t control weather, so choose accordingly.
Diamond Cay: Bubbly Pool hike, snorkel, or Foxy’s Taboo downtime

After White Bay, you head toward Diamond Cay, where the plan gives you choices. You can hike to the Bubbly Pool, snorkel, or simply relax and enjoy the view at Foxy’s Taboo. The Bubbly Pool-related time is about 45 minutes, and admission for the Bubbly Pool is included.
This is a great stop for two reasons. First, it breaks up the bar momentum with something water-and-nature focused. Second, it’s flexible—if you don’t feel like a hike, you can still have an enjoyable, low-effort half hour with a drink in hand.
What to consider: the hike is short by tour standards, but it’s still a hike. If you’re not steady on your feet, go for Foxy’s Taboo or snorkeling instead.
If you snorkel: keep your expectations realistic. This is a fun add-on option on a bar hopping day, not a dedicated dive trip with long gear prep.
Sandy Spit: a fast photo stop with real pop-culture fame

You’ll pass Sandy Spit for a quick photo moment. It’s described as an island featured in Corona commercials, so the stop is basically for that visual recognition: grab a picture, take in the view, and move on.
The value here is not time—it’s perspective. You see a different shape of coastline and a different feel of the water than you got at Jost and Norman. Then you’re back on board, with the day still moving forward.
Tip: have your phone ready before the stop. That “quick photo” window is meant to stay quick.
Norman Island and the Willy-T: the pirate ship moment you’ll remember

Finally, you land at Norman Island for The Pirate Ship, known as the Willy-T. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, mostly for drinks and that signature thrill.
The Willy-T is where you can do a jump or two off the top of the deck. If you’re the type who needs one bold “yes” moment on vacation, this is it. If you’re not into jumping, you can still hang out, watch others, and enjoy the open-air feel while you sip something cold.
This stop is also a nice finishing touch because it’s different from the earlier bars. Earlier stops feel like beach-and-bar culture. The Willy-T feels like a party ship at anchor: lots of movement, lots of photos, and a more playful crowd.
Bring a towel: even if you don’t plan to jump, the air and water can leave you feeling damp.
What you’re really paying for: $335 plus the fees you can’t ignore

At $335 per person, this isn’t a cheap excursion—but it’s also not only “a boat ride.” Your price covers the core operating costs (captain and mate, fuel) and the fun part: an open bar on the boat, plus bottled water and beverages including alcoholic drinks.
Here’s what’s not included:
- Food & drinks while on shore
- Customary 20% crew gratuity
- Immigration & customs fee of $85.00 per person
So the real budgeting move is to treat the $335 as the base, then plan on at least the $85 customs/immigration fee, plus gratuity. After that, you’ll likely want extra cash/card for shore snacks and bar spending.
Why I think it’s good value: you’re getting a true day-out-of-port experience with multiple iconic stops and plenty of drinking included while you’re on board. Most similar “bar hop by boat” styles either charge extra for drinks or cut the time at the best beach location. This route keeps the beach time meaningful and puts the money where you’ll feel it—on the water and in the drinks.
Weather and passports: the two things that decide the whole day
This tour is described as requiring good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
The other hard requirement is your travel documents. Because it’s an international excursion, you need a valid passport. Don’t pack it “somewhere safe” the night before and hope you find it. Put it somewhere you can reach quickly.
My simple packing mindset for this day:
- Passport
- Bathing suit
- Towels
- Extra cash for shore spending
- Phone for photos (especially for Sandy Spit and Willy-T)
Also, plan for being wet. Even on calm days, you’re going to be around water constantly.
How the crew changes the feel (and why that matters)
On this route, crew matters because the day is busy. You’re doing customs coordination, navigating between islands, and timing stops like Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar so you don’t feel like you’re racing.
From the names I’ve seen tied to this operation—Captains Brandon, Heather, Tyler, and Kenny, with mates like Tara, Susannah, Lacey, Kelly, Adam, and others—the common thread is friendly guidance. The tours I enjoy most on island-hopping days are the ones where the crew keeps the mood high without making you feel rushed.
What you can do to help: ask quick questions. The crew is the best shortcut to knowing what’s worth doing in the 30 to 90 minutes you have.
Who should book the Jost Van Dyke Funday?
This is for you if:
- You want the classic Jost Van Dyke + Norman Island combo in one day
- You like bar hopping but also want at least one water/nature option (Diamond Cay)
- You’re comfortable with a swim-in shore moment at White Bay
- You want a small group feel (max 12) with a crew that keeps things moving
It might not be the best fit if:
- You hate being in the water to reach shore
- You want a laid-back day with long beach lounging and no schedule pressure
- You dislike weather uncertainty (the operator needs good weather for this to run well)
Should you book this tour?
If you’re chasing a one-day taste of the BVI’s most famous “saltwater bar” culture, I’d book it. The combination of Foxy’s, Soggy Dollar, a Diamond Cay water option, and the Willy-T jump gives you variety without forcing you into complicated planning. The open bar while you’re on the boat is a real perk, not a minor add-on.
Just go in with clear expectations: this is a day that can get wet, involves a passport, and doesn’t include shore food. If you budget for the $85 customs/immigration fee and plan for towel-and-swim logistics, you’ll have a very memorable day in the BVI.
FAQ
Do I need a passport for this excursion?
Yes. This is an international excursion, and a valid passport is required.
What additional fees should I expect besides the $335 price?
The immigration & customs fee is listed as $85.00 per person, and a customary 20% crew gratuity is not included.
Is food included in the tour price?
No. Food and drinks while you’re on shore are not included.
What’s included for drinks while we’re on the boat?
The included items list says the boats have an open bar, with alcoholic beverages and beverages in general, plus bottled water.
How long is the day and how big is the group?
The duration is about 8 hours, and the tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.
Can I choose between snorkeling and hiking at Diamond Cay?
Yes. Diamond Cay options include hiking to the Bubbly Pool, snorkeling, or relaxing at Foxy’s Taboo.
Is it hard to get to shore at Soggy Dollar?
You should plan for it. The info says you must enter the water in White Bay to get to shore, so bring towels and be ready for that.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






















