REVIEW · ST THOMAS
Jost Van Dyke – Funday!
Book on Viator →Operated by Stormy Pirates Boat Charters · Bookable on Viator
Jost feels like a private island party. This small-group boat day to Jost Van Dyke mixes classic beach bars with actual time in the water, plus snacks and an open bar on board. I love the way you bounce between big-name spots like Foxy’s and the Soggy Dollar without losing hours to logistics, and then get a real swim/snorkel break at White Bay. One catch: the trip needs good weather and you should budget an extra $85 per person for immigration and customs.
This is a full-day boat-first route, with quick stops and a crew that keeps things moving. I like that you start in Great Harbour, hit Corsairs Beach Bar, make a choice at the Bubbly Pool (walk up or chill), then wrap with a longer hang at Soggy Dollar. Many departures are run by pros like Captain Brandon, with first mates and crew focused on safety and getting you to the fun parts on time.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you book
- The boat-only flow that makes the day work
- Why Foxy’s and the Great Harbour start strong
- Corsairs Beach Bar: punch stops and familiar faces
- The Bubbly Pool choice: hike or chill
- Sandy Cay timing: short stop, big payoff
- Soggy Dollar: the longest stop and the signature vibe
- White Bay swimming and snorkel time you can actually use
- Snacks, open bar, and how the day stays fun
- Captain and crew: safety, paperwork, and the human touch
- Price and value: what $325 really buys
- Timing, weather, and the reality of “good weather required”
- Who this Jost Van Dyke day trip suits best
- Should you book Jost Van Dyke – Funday with Stormy Pirates?
- FAQ
- How long is the Jost Van Dyke Funday tour?
- Where does this tour operate?
- What does the tour cost, and what’s not included?
- What’s included on board?
- How many people are in the group?
- Is a passport required?
- What stops do you visit during the day?
- Is entry paid at the stops?
- What happens if weather is poor?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Key things to know before you book

- Small group on a charter boat: Maximum 12 travelers means less crowding and more hands-on help getting on and off the boat.
- All the “getting there” is handled by boat: You’re not planning ferries between stops, and you can spend more of the day at the bars and in the water.
- Bar-hopping without the bar-hunt: Foxy’s, Corsairs, Bubbly Pool, Sandy Cay, and Soggy Dollar are built into one route.
- Open bar on board plus water time at White Bay: You can drink responsibly on the boat and still have a swim/snorkel window.
- Crew with names you’ll hear a lot: Captains and mates like Brandon and Kevin (and others) are frequently praised for keeping the vibe smooth.
The boat-only flow that makes the day work

The biggest value here is simple: you don’t have to solve the island math yourself. You get driven by boat between the main spots, plus motors to areas that are only practical by private boat. That means less time “in transit” and more time actually being on Jost Van Dyke.
The day is also structured so you don’t feel trapped. Most stops are short and friendly—30 minutes to start, then a longer 2-hour stretch at the end. That pacing keeps the momentum, but it also gives you a chance to choose your own vibe: photos and wandering, or staying planted in a bar’s shade.
And yes, it’s a party day. Still, it’s not chaos. The highlights point to a Captain and first mate running a smooth operation, and safety gets treated as part of the experience, not an afterthought.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in St Thomas.
Why Foxy’s and the Great Harbour start strong
Your first stop is world famous Foxy’s Bar in Great Harbour. It’s a quick hit—about 30 minutes—but it’s a strong opener because it sets the tone. This is the kind of place where arriving early helps. You get that first taste of Jost without feeling like the day already slipped away.
I like that the tour makes Foxy’s the starting point. It’s a low-pressure way to get oriented to the island rhythm. You can sip, take photos, and decide how you want the rest of the day to feel.
Also, Foxy’s shows up again later. There’s time built in where you can hike up to the Bubbly Pool, or relax at Foxy’s Taboo instead. So even if you’re not in walking mode, you still get the Foxy’s connection.
Corsairs Beach Bar: punch stops and familiar faces

After Foxy’s, the route moves to Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant for another 30-minute stop. This is where the tour leans into the good stuff: a VooDoo Punch and time with the people who run the show.
The names Vinney and Pizza Dave show up in the tour details, which is a nice touch. If you’re the type who likes meeting real characters on vacation, this stop has that human element built in, not just a random “drink here” checklist.
Practical note: one low rating mentioned Corsairs being closed for breakfast on a specific day. That’s not a reason to skip the tour—just a reminder to treat shore meals as optional extras. Don’t plan your entire day around a specific breakfast hour.
The Bubbly Pool choice: hike or chill

Next comes the Bubbly Pool stop, with about 45 minutes total. Here’s the smart part: you don’t have to commit to the hike. You can take the walk to the Bubbly Pool, or just relax at Foxy’s Taboo.
That flexibility matters if your group has mixed energy levels. Some people want the photo and the walk. Others want shade, a drink, and a slow reset. Either way, you still get a “Jost moment,” because the Bubbly Pool is one of the better-known natural attractions in the area.
The tour’s choice-based structure also keeps you from feeling behind. You’re not trapped doing one fixed activity for the whole group. You can match your day to your body and your mood.
Sandy Cay timing: short stop, big payoff

Then you swing over to Sandy Cay, also described as Sandy Spit Island, with about 15 minutes there. This is a quick photo-and-sun moment, not a long hang.
Even in a short window, sandy islands are worth it. They create that contrast you want on a boat day: bar shade one minute, open exposure to sun and wind the next. It’s also where you’ll probably notice how different the coastline looks from the water.
If you get motion-sensitive, this is also a good stop to keep it simple. Spend your time on your feet only as long as you feel good. When the schedule moves on, you’re not stuck waiting for a long shore transfer.
Soggy Dollar: the longest stop and the signature vibe

The final bar stop is Soggy Dollar Bar, with about 2 hours. This is your real “settle in” segment. It’s where the day stops rushing and starts feeling like a vacation.
Soggy Dollar is all about the classic Jost beach-bar culture—especially with the mention of Painkillers. If you’ve been curious about the legendary local cocktail vibe, this is the moment to try it.
Two hours is enough to do more than just sip and run. You can find a comfortable spot, cool off, and do that slow vacation thing where you look up every so often instead of checking your phone.
One more reason this stop works well at the end: you’ve already hit the other highlights earlier. By the time you reach Soggy Dollar, you’re not wondering what you missed. You just enjoy what’s in front of you.
White Bay swimming and snorkel time you can actually use

The tour also includes a swim or snorkel time at White Bay. The overview says motors go to hidden spots accessible by private boat, then you get the water time at White Bay.
This is where the day becomes more than bar-hopping. White Bay is your chance to rinse off, cool down, and see what the water looks like when you’re not just looking at it from a boat.
What to bring (based on what’s typical for a boat day, and what’s not provided): plan for sun, salt, and a towel situation you control. The tour includes bottled water and alcohol, but it doesn’t list towels or swim gear. If you snorkel, bring your own mask if you have one. If you don’t, at least bring goggles or plan for a swim instead.
If your goal is swimming plus a relaxed shore-bar finish, this tour fits that exact combo.
Snacks, open bar, and how the day stays fun

The highlights call out snacks and an open bar on board. That matters more than it sounds. On a day trip that’s mostly moving by boat, you want the small comforts that keep energy steady while you’re in motion.
The good part is that the crew keeps things smooth. Multiple reviews praise captains and mates for professionalism and for staying attentive—especially on drink refills. That’s not about being fancy; it’s about reducing interruptions. When the crew handles the logistics, you can stay in the flow.
It’s also included in the value math. You’re not paying for each boat drink or basic hydration on the water. You’re paying for the experience, and then you’re free to spend shore money only if you want it.
Captain and crew: safety, paperwork, and the human touch
This is where the reviews get loud, and it’s also where I’d focus your attention. The tour format depends on a competent Captain and a crew that can manage timing, boarding, and safety.
Brandon and Kevin are specifically mentioned in one set of comments as a strong team, and other pairings like Cornelius and Kevin, or Captains John and mates like Kristen, show up too. The consistent thread is that the crew is described as fun, professional, and helpful—ready to assist getting on and off the boat.
One particularly practical note: one review credited the crew with handling customs paperwork. That’s a real stress reducer. If you’ve ever tried to wrangle paperwork on a tight travel day, you’ll understand why that kind of “we’ve got it” support is worth something.
Price and value: what $325 really buys
At $325 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Jost Van Dyke. But it also isn’t just a bus ticket. You’re paying for:
- a full-day charter-style boat experience
- fuel, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages included
- a multi-stop route that would be harder to piece together yourself
- a small group capped at 12 travelers
- snacks on board
Then add the one extra you must plan for: immigration and customs fee is $85 per person, not included. That fee is a big part of the overall cost, so build it into your budget from the start.
Also budget gratuity if the service feels outstanding. The guidance mentions a customary captain gratuity on the order of 20%. That’s not a “must do,” but it’s the expected lane if you feel genuinely taken care of.
My take: if you want one easy day that hits the top stops plus White Bay water time, this can be good value. If you only want one bar and don’t care about the boat structure, you might be paying for parts you’ll skip.
Timing, weather, and the reality of “good weather required”
This tour requires good weather. That’s not a small detail. Boat days can get adjusted or canceled when conditions aren’t right.
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s reassuring. Just don’t treat the day as guaranteed. If your itinerary has only one day available, keep a backup mindset.
Also note the schedule style: lots of short stops, then a longer final bar segment. That works when the boat ride is smooth. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing whatever helps you handle boat time, because the day is built on moving.
Who this Jost Van Dyke day trip suits best
This tour is a strong fit if you want a classic Jost day without complicated planning. It’s also a good match for groups that enjoy drinks, photos, and sun breaks, and for mixed-energy groups because the Bubbly Pool stop includes a hike-or-chill option.
It’s listed as “most travelers can participate,” which suggests it’s not built for a very athletic crowd only. Still, there is a hike option at the Bubbly Pool. If walking is a problem, go with Foxy’s Taboo for that segment and you’ll still get the experience.
If you love meeting locals, the Corsairs stop is built around named staff energy (Vinney and Pizza Dave). If you want the calm water moment, White Bay snorkeling/swimming is your built-in reset.
Should you book Jost Van Dyke – Funday with Stormy Pirates?
Book it if you want:
- a one-day hits package for Jost Van Dyke, with boat transportation handling the hard parts
- open bar on board plus snacks, without worrying about buying every drink while you’re moving
- time at Foxy’s, Corsairs, Sandy Cay, the Bubbly Pool choice, and a longer finish at Soggy Dollar
- a small group experience with crew attention you can feel
Consider another option if:
- you only want shore time and not a boat-led schedule
- you’re tightly budgeted and can’t handle the extra $85 immigration/customs fee
- your travel dates have no flexibility, since the tour needs good weather to run
If you’re flexible, this is the kind of day that makes the islands feel easy: bars, water, and enough structure to keep you having fun instead of planning.
FAQ
How long is the Jost Van Dyke Funday tour?
It runs about 8 hours (approx.).
Where does this tour operate?
It’s based out of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and visits Jost Van Dyke.
What does the tour cost, and what’s not included?
The price is $325. The immigration and customs fee is $85 per person and is not included. Food or drinks on shore are also not included, and a customary captain gratuity of about 20% may apply based on service.
What’s included on board?
The tour includes the Captain, fuel, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers.
Is a passport required?
Yes, a valid passport is required.
What stops do you visit during the day?
The tour includes stops at Foxy’s Bar, Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant, the Bubbly Pool (or Foxy’s Taboo), Sandy Cay, and Soggy Dollar Bar.
Is entry paid at the stops?
Admission ticket is listed as free for the stops.
What happens if weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the cancellation policy?
The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.






















