Private boat days in the BVI feel like your own schedule. This one pairs a 2019 31′ Wellcraft with twin 300hp Yamaha engines for an 8-hour loop of St. Thomas, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands, built around the stops you want. I like the day-planning approach—your captain designs the itinerary—and I also like the onboard setup, including Fusion Bluetooth audio and plenty of snorkeling gear.

One key thing to budget for: the BVI adds a per-person customs fee that you pay directly, and there’s also a fuel surcharge on top of the charter price. In the details you’ll see both a $75 and an $85 customs-fee figure, plus a $250 fuel surcharge per booking, so check what you’re actually charged before you get too excited.

Quick hits: why this MV Aquarius charter is worth a look

• Private powerboat for up to 12 people with a captain who builds the day for your group
• 31-foot Wellcraft with twin 300hp Yamaha engines, a solid size for cruising and comfort
• Fusion Bluetooth sound system so you can play your own music on the water
• Snorkeling equipment included, with named stops like Sandy Spit and the Indians
• Jost Van Dyke options that can include the famous Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar areas
• St. Thomas/St. John pickup flexibility if you arrange it in advance

A Private 31′ Wellcraft Day in the USVI and BVI

If your ideal Caribbean day includes your own boat, your own pace, and the freedom to stop where the water looks best, this charter fits that mood. You’ll start in St. Thomas and spend the day bouncing between islands and harbors across the USVI and British Virgin Islands, with your captain shaping the route around what your group wants to see and do.

The boat itself is a 2019 31′ Wellcraft (MV Aquarius) with twin 300hp Yamaha engines. That matters because you’re not waiting around for long stretches or cramming your day into whatever the biggest group tour allows. With a smaller, private setup, you can usually spend more time where you actually want to be and less time on rigid timing.

You’ll also appreciate the onboard basics done right: drinks on board, a sound system for music, and snorkeling gear so you don’t have to pack for it. The bow seating is set up for conversations, tanning, and even turtle watching when conditions are favorable.

The only real “watch this” factor is that you’re not just paying the base charter price. The BVI has a customs fee you must pay directly, and the booking also lists a fuel surcharge. It’s still good value when split across a full group, but it’s not a “cheap and cheerful” day.

Price That Adds Up (and How to Stretch the Value)

The charter price is $2,295 per group, for up to 12 people. That’s not a per-person deal, so your math should start with how many seats you’ll actually fill.

Here’s the practical way to think about value:

• If you fill the boat with a full group, your per-person cost drops fast.
• If it’s only a few people, you’ll feel the price more, because you’re paying for the whole day of captain, boat, and operating costs.
• You should also add the extras that aren’t included: the BVI customs fee (listed as $75 per person in one place and $85 per person in another detail) and the $250 fuel surcharge per booking.

When I look at a private boat day, I ask one question: Are we using the flexibility? This charter is at its best when you’re serious about choosing stops—like Norman Island and The Baths, or snorkeling at Sandy Spit—and you want your day to run on your terms.

One more detail: the experience is typically booked about 70 days in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t book later, but it’s a sign that weekends, good weather windows, and popular island days go quickly.

How the Captain Builds Your Itinerary Across Harbors

This is a private charter, which means your captain designs the itinerary rather than you following a fixed checklist. The day is built around exploring St. Thomas and St. John harbors first, then pushing into the British Virgin Islands and nearby cays.

You’ll have named “headline” options that your captain can include:

• Jost Van Dyke, including the world-famous areas around Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar
• Snorkeling at Sandy Spit
• Norman Island and The Baths
• Plus, there’s solid snorkeling value if your captain adds the Indians area, which has been specifically mentioned as a great stop

That captain-driven flexibility is the real advantage here. Different groups want different things: some want more time at a beachy spot, others want more water time, and some want a mix with places like Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar as part of the day.

Also, pay attention to the “feel” of the boat. You’ve got seating at the bow for chatting and watching turtles, and the boat is set up so you can keep the day moving without the stress of switching between transport options. In plain terms, this reduces friction, and that makes the trip more enjoyable.

Getting There: Red Hook Start and Optional St. Thomas or St. John Pickup

The standard meeting point is American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, starting at 8:00 am. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

If you’d rather start closer to where you’re staying, there are two other pickup options—if you request in advance:

• Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas)
• Cruz Bay on St. John

This matters more than it sounds. Starting from the right spot saves time and reduces the risk of scrambling to get to Red Hook on a tight morning. If your base is in St. John or you’re already planning to be near Cruz Bay, that option can be a big quality-of-life improvement.

The meeting point is also described as near public transportation, which can help if you’re piecing together an arrival plan.

Jost Van Dyke: Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar in One Day Plan

Jost Van Dyke is one of those BVI names that instantly pulls you in. On this charter, it’s explicitly part of the plan as an island you can visit, including the famous Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar areas.

Why that’s valuable: these aren’t random dots on a map. They’re well-known social spots, so they tend to deliver that classic BVI vibe—easy hanging out, a laid-back atmosphere, and a good chance of seeing other people enjoying the water during the day.

That said, these places can also shape your timing. If your group wants more snorkeling or more time at The Baths, the captain may balance your day so you’re not stuck with only “hangout time.” On a private charter, you get to decide what you want most.

Tip: If Foxy’s or Soggy Dollar is on your list, plan to treat them as a highlight stop, not the only goal. The best days usually include both the scene and at least one serious water activity.

Sandy Spit Snorkeling: Gear Onboard and Clear Time for the Water

Snorkeling is built into this charter. You’ll have snorkeling equipment on board, and the itinerary includes the option to snorkel at Sandy Spit.

The best part of having gear included is you’re not hunting for rental quality on the day you’re most excited to be in the water. You can keep the morning focused on getting underway and spend more time actually snorkeling.

Also, since this is a powerboat day, you’ll want to take advantage of the stop timing. Snorkeling spots are time-sensitive because the lighting and water conditions change. The private format helps because you can follow the captain’s judgment on when to get in and when to move on.

If your captain includes the Indians area too, that’s another highly regarded snorkeling option tied to this type of itinerary. Having multiple snorkeling choices is one of the reasons people rate this charter highly: it gives you more than one chance to find water activity that clicks with your group.

Norman Island and The Baths: The Big Scenery Stop

If you’re picturing boulders, shoreline rock formations, and that “this place is famous for a reason” feeling, Norman Island and The Baths are the BVI anchor. This charter includes the possibility of visiting both.

Why The Baths is worth your attention: it’s not just about swimming. It’s about the walk-around experience, the rock formations, and the way the shoreline creates memorable photo angles and easy exploration for people who enjoy getting out of the boat and moving around.

Where this can be a drawback: The Baths-style stop often involves more walking and uneven footing than a pure beach-and-back plan. The charter notes that it’s best for people with moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean it’s extreme, but it does mean you should be comfortable with short-to-medium periods of movement on uneven ground.

If you’re the type who wants a mix of action (snorkeling) and famous scenery (The Baths), this is a strong combo.

Drinks, Bluetooth Music, and That Bow Seating Feel

The onboard basics are simple and practical, and that’s what makes them work. You’ll get soda, water, and beer on board. That’s enough to keep everyone comfortable during a full morning and afternoon without the constant need to buy something at each stop.

Then there’s the music. Aquarius has a Fusion sound system with Bluetooth. In practice, that means you can play your own playlist while you cruise between islands. It adds a nice social energy, especially if you’re traveling with friends who want the day to feel like a vacation-with-a-soundtrack.

And don’t ignore the bow seating. It’s described as a spot for conversations, tanning, and even turtle watching. That’s a small detail that actually changes the experience. It turns the trip from just “transport between stops” into a moving hangout for the whole day.

The Real Extra Cost: BVI Customs Fee and Fuel Surcharge

Before you fall in love with the idea of this charter, do the math so there are no surprises.

Two costs are explicitly not included:

• A BVI customs fee per person paid directly by the guest. The information you’ll see includes $75 per person in one note, and $85 per person in the exclusion details.
• A fuel surcharge of $250 per booking

If you’re splitting across multiple people, those extras become easier to manage. But if your group is smaller, the base price already dominates the budget, and the added fees make the total feel higher.

This is why I like to advise you to treat the posted price as the starting point, not the final number. Once you know the totals, you’ll be able to decide confidently whether this private boat day is a good value for your travel style.

Seas the Day Health Checks: Monthly Testing and CDC/WHO Sanitizing

This charter provider emphasizes a health-and-cleanliness routine. They partner with RayBiotech and have captains and crew tested for COVID-19 each month. You should also see them wearing Covid Free bracelets.

After each trip, the vessels are sanitized following established CDC and WHO guidelines. Masks aren’t required because the activity is primarily outdoors, but guests can wear masks if they prefer.

Even if you don’t care about the details, the practical takeaway is comfort: you’ll be outdoors most of the time, you’re moving between islands with fresh air, and the operator is using a structured cleaning and health approach.

Who This Charter Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This private charter is best for people who want:

• A private day on a powerboat, not a crowded cruise experience
• Real flexibility in how the day is shaped by your captain
• A mix of iconic BVI stops and snorkeling time
• Comfort with a moderate level of activity for places like The Baths

It’s a great fit for:

• Groups of friends who want a shared day and plan to fill most of the boat’s seats
• Families or small groups where adults want a mix of scenery and sea time
• People who care about keeping momentum—seeing multiple islands without switching between lots of transport steps

It may not be the best match if:

• You’re traveling as just one or two people and the group price feels too high
• You’re not comfortable with moderate movement if the itinerary includes The Baths
• You dislike paying added per-person fees after the fact (because the BVI customs fee is a real component of your total cost)

Should You Book MV Aquarius for Your BVI Day?

I’d book this if your group can fill the boat and you want one day that checks multiple boxes: famous BVI island vibes (including Jost Van Dyke), serious scenery (Norman Island and The Baths), and snorkeling time (Sandy Spit, with possible additional stops like the Indians).

One last practical check: confirm your starting pickup plan and be ready for the extra BVI customs fee plus the fuel surcharge so the total cost doesn’t sting. If those pieces line up, this is a strong value way to experience the USVI and BVI under one captain’s plan instead of being stuck with a rigid group schedule.

FAQ

How long is the private MV Aquarius charter?

The charter runs about 8 hours.

What is the price for this boat charter?

It’s $2,295 per group, up to 12 people. It is not a per-person price.

Where does the charter start and when?

The main start is American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, starting at 8:00 am. The trip ends back at the meeting point.

Can we get picked up in another location besides Red Hook?

Yes, with advance notice you can be picked up at Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie or on St. John at Cruz Bay.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are soda, water, and beer on board, plus use of the snorkeling equipment.

What costs are not included?

Not included are the BVI customs fee (paid directly by the guest) and a fuel surcharge of $250 per booking.

How much is the BVI customs fee?

The details state a customs fee of $75 per person, and the exclusions list $85 per person. You’ll need to pay the fee directly in the BVI.

What places might we visit during the day?

Your captain designs the itinerary, which can include Jost Van Dyke (with stops around Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar), Sandy Spit snorkeling, Norman Island, and The Baths. The Indians snorkeling area is also mentioned as a strong option.

Is there music on board?

Yes. Aquarius has a Fusion sound system with Bluetooth.

What are the cancellation and weather terms?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What are the COVID and mask guidelines?

Captains and crew are tested monthly with RayBiotech, and you’ll see Covid Free bracelets. Vessels are sanitized after each trip using CDC and WHO guidelines. Masks are not required because it’s primarily outdoors, but you can wear them if you prefer.

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