A private boat makes the BVI day feel personal. This 37ft Obsidian charter from St Thomas lets you sail around the British Virgin Islands your way, with a captain who can shape the route as the day unfolds. I love that it’s truly private for up to six, and I also love the mix of big-name swimming and snorkel spots—Magens Bay, The Baths, sea-life areas, and time to eat and relax without rushing.

One thing to plan for: some costs aren’t included. BVI customs/entrance fees and fuel are not part of the price, so your true total may be a bit higher than you expect when you’re only looking at the base number.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Private boat, up to six means no sharing your route with strangers or swapping seats for hours.
• Captain-led, customizable itinerary lets you spend longer where your group actually wants to be.
• A proven BVI lineup of Magens Bay, The Baths, Sandy Cay, Francis Bay, and more.
• Snorkel time built into the day at multiple stops known for clear-water fun.
• Bottled water with ice keeps you comfortable between swims.
• Return timing can be efficient, including drop-off close to your ship when possible.

A 37ft Obsidian Charter: private BVI sightseeing you can steer

If you’ve only done day trips where you follow a script, a private charter feels different fast. Instead of a group tour rhythm, you and your captain can treat the day like a customized plan with real flexibility. You’re out on a 37ft boat built for a full day at sea, and you get that priceless feeling of being able to say: we’ll stay here another round of snorkeling, or we’ll skip the second swim and just enjoy the beach.

The cabin-and-deck layout matters less than the fact that you’re in control. You’ll spend your time where you want it—bays, beaches, and islands—rather than where a schedule decides you must stop. That control also helps with families and mixed-experience groups, since everyone can do a different level of water time without turning the day into a logistics project.

Price and value: $2,000 for up to six people

At $2,000 per group (up to six), the price is best understood as a group deal, not a per-person ticket. If you fill all six spots, you’re looking at about $333 per person before any extras. If you’re only four people, it’s more like $500 each, and you’ll feel that quickly.

So here’s how I’d judge value: this charter is worth it when your group actually wants a private boat day and will use the time. If your crew wants several swim-and-snorkel stops plus a relaxed day on the water, the per-person cost starts to make sense. If you want a super simple beach day with minimal moving around, then you might compare against cheaper shared options.

Also remember two add-ons that aren’t included: BVI customs/entrance fees and fuel. Those can change the final total, so it pays to budget a little extra so the bill doesn’t surprise you.

Getting a great day on the water: time, gear, and comfort

The trip runs about 5 to 8 hours. That time window is long enough to feel like you left St Thomas and got to play in the BVI, but not so long that you’ll feel totally wrecked at the end.

You’ll want to think about practical day-on-the-water comfort:

• Bring swimwear, reef-friendly sunscreen, and something easy to change into.
• Wear water shoes if you’re the type who hates walking on rough spots near beaches.
• Pack a dry bag for phones and documents, because you’re going to be in and out of the water.

Snorkeling gear isn’t listed in the included items, but multiple groups have talked about getting snorkel gear and even pool noodles from their captain. So if you’re traveling with kids or you just want to float and feel safe, you can plan as if gear may be available, while still bringing your own favorites if you prefer to rely on what you brought.

Good weather matters. This experience requires it, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Magens Bay Beach to The Baths: the classic start

Most days kick off with about an hour at Magens Bay Beach. It’s often mentioned as a top beach, and the biggest reason to start here is simple: quick beach payoff. You’ll get sand time early, plus a chance to get settled before you head into the more structured swim-and-snorkel stops.

Why it works: starting with a beach makes the day feel easy. You can arrive, stretch out, and decide how much energy your group wants to spend on the water later.

What to watch for: if you’re the kind of group that wants action immediately, an hour at the beach can feel like a warm-up. Still, it’s a smart trade because it prevents the day from feeling rushed once you’re committed to the more famous snorkeling areas ahead.

Next up is The Baths at Virgin Gorda, where you’ll spend about two hours, including time at Devil’s Bay to swim. This is one of those places where the setting itself is part of the experience—rocky formations, narrow passage areas, and water access that makes the whole stop feel like an adventure.

Why you’ll like it: it’s a contrast from open beaches. You’re not just floating in clear water; you’re moving through a place with character. And because you get swim time alongside exploring, it doesn’t turn into a walk-only stop.

Possible drawback: the Baths are hands-on terrain. If your group is less steady on their feet or you have anyone who needs very flat footing, you’ll want to go at a careful pace and plan for shorter exploration bursts.

Sandy Cay, Francis Bay, and Norman Island Caves: snorkel stops that make sense

After The Baths, the day builds toward the kind of snorkeling moments people remember.

You’ll likely hit Sandy Cay for about an hour. This small island is a straightforward setup: snorkel if you want it, sunbathe if you don’t, and enjoy a change of scenery without a huge time commitment. It’s a great “reset” stop—quick enough that you don’t lose momentum, but long enough to make the water time count.

Then comes Francis Bay, also about one hour, and this is where the sea-life stories matter. Francis Bay is known for snorkel conditions and for seeing animals like turtles and sea rays. If your crew is visiting the BVI hoping for memorable underwater sightings, this stop is one of the key reasons to book this particular route.

Why it works: turtles and sea rays aren’t guaranteed every second, but the area reputation is exactly what you want if snorkel time is the priority. It also gives you a focused snorkel window that fits into the broader day.

After that, you’ll spend about two hours at Norman Island Caves. This stop blends snorkeling with a classic curiosity factor—there’s a connection to the idea of Crusoe’s Treasure Island in the lore around the area. You’ll also have time to handle lunch, since it’s noted as a good place to eat during your stop.

What I like here: it’s a flexible time block. If you want to snorkel hard, you can. If you want to do a lighter swim and focus on views and food, the schedule gives you room to do that without feeling like you’re falling behind.

Potential consideration: caves and rocky areas can be intimidating for new snorkelers. If you’re bringing beginners, do what you’d do anywhere—start slow, keep buoyancy simple, and don’t force it if conditions don’t feel comfortable.

The Indians, Cooper Island, and Jost’s Soggy Dollar Bar: ending with food and fun

Once you’ve covered the big snorkeling blocks, the route turns toward more classic BVI hangout energy.

The Indians is next—about one hour. Like Francis Bay, it’s another strong snorkel location near Norman Island. It’s the kind of stop that makes the day feel like a real island-hopping circuit instead of one or two repeated swims.

Then you’ll move to Cooper Island for about two hours, which is described as a great lunch spot. This is a smart placement late in the day because it gives you time to eat and reset your energy before any final drinks or extra beach time.

Finally, you’ll do the fun stuff: an island hop to Jost for Soggy Dollar Bar, with about two hours. If you’ve heard of the famous Painkiller drink, this is where people go to match the hype with the view. It’s not just a bar stop—it’s a cultural moment in the middle of a day that already includes beaches and snorkeling.

Why this ending is good: by this point, you’ve done the hard part (the water time) and you’re rewarded with a relaxed, social finish.

One thing to consider: bar time can be exactly what you want—or it can eat into rest time if your group is tired. If you have anyone who wants an early exit, talk with your captain so you don’t feel trapped in the late-day “one more drink” cycle.

Who this charter fits best (and when to skip it)

This is a great fit for groups who want to own the day. It’s especially strong for:

• Families and mixed-age groups who need flexibility between beach time and snorkel time.
• Friend groups traveling together who want privacy and a captain who can adapt.
• People who care more about the water experience than checking boxes.

It’s also a strong choice if you want a route that hits multiple famous areas across the BVI rather than just one single spot. The day moves through Magens Bay, The Baths, multiple snorkel locations near Norman Island, and a Jost stop that makes the trip feel complete.

When it might not be the best move: if you’re traveling as just two people and want the lowest cost possible. The “up to six” structure means per-person value depends on filling the boat. Also, because the experience depends on good weather, you’ll want to be flexible with expectations if conditions change.

A nice detail from real-world captain experiences: groups have specifically mentioned having a great time with captains such as Adam, Justin, Sam, and Colin. The main takeaway isn’t just the names—it’s that captains here tend to focus on fun stops and making sure the day works for the people on board.

Should you book this Midnight Sun Charters Obsidian trip?

I’d book it if your group wants a private St Thomas-to-BVI day that feels like island hopping with real swim-and-snorkel time. The value clicks when you fill up to six and you care about getting to the big-water highlights, not just doing a quick photo stop.

I’d pause and compare if you’re a small group trying to keep the budget tight, since fuel and BVI customs/entrance fees aren’t included. Also be honest about mobility: The Baths can involve uneven terrain and active exploration.

If you want a day on your terms—custom stops, beach time, snorkeling windows, and a fun finish with Painkiller energy—this 37ft Obsidian charter is the kind of trip that actually delivers what it promises.

FAQ

How many people can this private charter accommodate?

It’s a private tour for just your group, up to six people.

How long is the charter typically?

The duration is about 5 to 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are private tour, bottled water with ice, and a captain.

What is not included?

It does not include BVI customs/entrance fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, or fuel.

What are some of the main stops during the day?

Common stops include Magens Bay Beach, The Baths (Virgin Gorda), Sandy Cay, Francis Bay, Norman Island Caves, The Indians, Cooper Island, and Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost.

Is snorkeling part of the experience?

Yes. Several stops are built around snorkeling opportunities, including areas where you can see sea life such as turtles and sea rays.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel, and passport details are required at booking.

Do cruise ship passengers need to provide information ahead of time?

Yes. Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and refunds aren’t issued if you miss the tour due to late or non-arrival of your cruise ship.

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