REVIEW · ST JOHN
St. John Jost Van Dyke & Soggy Dollar Snorkel Sail with Breakfast – Westin
Book on Viator →Operated by Cruz Bay Watersports · Bookable on Viator
Snorkel, cruise, and sip in one long day. This St. John to Jost Van Dyke trip stacks three big wins into a single catamaran day: a light breakfast on the cruise, a morning snorkel near Jost’s coral reef areas, and time at White Bay by the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, all wrapped up with an open bar on the return.
I especially like how the crew keeps the day moving in a friendly, hands-on way—people come back talking about good guidance, quick drink service, and a calm, professional feel. On recent sails, captains and mates including Captain Brent and crew like Riley and Eric have run a smooth operation from check-in to customs and back.
One thing to consider: it’s a full day (about 8 hours), and the best plans depend on weather and water conditions. If you’re not into a more popular beach vibe—or you’re sensitive to motion—plan to bring a little patience and stick close to crew instructions during the snorkel.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- Why Jost Van Dyke from St. John is a smart use of your day
- Price and what you really get for $299
- Morning cruise: breakfast, crew vibe, and an easy start
- Snorkeling near Jost: how to make the most of the reef time
- White Bay and the Soggy Dollar Bar zone: beach time that feels like a choice
- Happy hour on the way back: open bar without losing the views
- What the boat experience feels like (and why group size matters)
- Logistics that actually matter: passports, timing, and what to pack
- Who this trip is best for
- Should you book this Jost Van Dyke sail with breakfast?
- FAQ
- Do I need a passport for this trip?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where is the meeting point?
- How long is the excursion?
- What’s included in the price?
- What isn’t included?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What happens if weather is bad?
- Are there options for food allergies?
Key things I’d plan around
- Open-bar happy hour on the return keeps the ride fun without pulling focus from the beach time
- Breakfast + snorkeling gear included means you’re not scrambling for basics after you leave St. John
- White Bay timing near Soggy Dollar gives you options for hanging out, grabbing a drink, or eating nearby
- Small-enough group feeling even with up to 49 people on board
- Guided snorkel helps you actually see fish, corals, and sometimes sea turtles (when conditions cooperate)
- Crew-run customs timing can help you maximize beach time once you get to Jost
Why Jost Van Dyke from St. John is a smart use of your day
Jost Van Dyke is the kind of place you come for the water, the sand, and the famous beach bar energy. The trick is getting there and back without turning your “vacation day” into travel stress. This tour solves that by bundling transportation (by sea), breakfast, snorkeling, and beach time into one outing.
Starting from the Westin St. John Resort Villas in Cruz Bay at 8:00 am, you avoid the common problem of splitting your day into separate ferry + snorkel + beach plans. Instead, the catamaran becomes your main time machine. You’re already in the right mindset when breakfast lands on your table and you’re looking at water where fish actually live.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in St John
Price and what you really get for $299
At $299 per person for about 8 hours, the price looks steep on paper—until you break down what’s included.
You’re getting:
- Continental breakfast on board
- Full open bar (not just beer)
- Snorkeling equipment
- All fees and taxes, plus customs fees
- Return transport back to the meeting point
And the big hidden value: you’re not paying extra for the “logistics layer.” Customs and timing can chew up time and attention on island-hopping days. Here, the operation is set up to handle the handoffs so you spend more hours in the sun and less time figuring out paperwork and meeting points.
What’s not included is gratuity. So if you like to tip in cash, budget for that at the end rather than panicking on day one.
Morning cruise: breakfast, crew vibe, and an easy start
Your day begins at the Westin in Cruz Bay (300B Chocolate Hole Rd). You’ll board in the morning and settle in while the boat heads toward Jost.
The breakfast is a light continental style meal—think enough to fuel you for a snorkel without feeling heavy. That matters because the morning is when you’re most likely to feel fresh and focused in the water.
Then comes the energy shift: the crew runs the day like a well-timed class field trip—minus the boredom. People have mentioned that crew members stay attentive and keep drink service moving, so you’re not stuck waiting while others enjoy the boat.
On boats like this, the best days usually happen when you listen early. Pay attention to what the crew says about the snorkel conditions and where to look. It’s the difference between a quick “I saw a fish” moment and an actual wildlife-viewing session.
Snorkeling near Jost: how to make the most of the reef time
The snorkel portion is the core activity: you’ll head to a reef area near Jost Van Dyke for morning snorkeling around the coral reef environment.
A few practical tips to get more out of it:
- Follow the crew’s guidance on where to look. Snorkeling is mostly effort vs. payoff; you want to end up in the right spot fast.
- Stay calm and float. Most of the fun is watching fish pass instead of chasing them.
- If conditions feel strong, treat that as normal. One traveler noted that some snorkel areas can involve noticeable current. The right move is to do exactly what the crew tells you and keep your own comfort first.
When snorkeling goes well, you can have standout wildlife moments. People have reported seeing sea turtles, stingrays, corals, and plenty of fish during the snorkel stop. You can’t guarantee sightings every time, but this is the kind of trip where the odds are good if water and visibility cooperate.
Also, snorkeling equipment is included—so you don’t need to pack your own mask/snorkel unless you strongly prefer a personal setup.
White Bay and the Soggy Dollar Bar zone: beach time that feels like a choice
After snorkeling, you land at White Bay, which sits near the Soggy Dollar Bar—the famous name you probably came for.
This is where the tour changes tone from active to relaxed. Beach time is the payoff part of the day: you get to decide what your version of fun is:
- sit in the sand and work on sunburn (carefully)
- take a dip when you want
- grab a drink and refuel
- take photos of the area and the North Shore views from the water you already rode in on
One smart angle for your planning: White Bay has more than one option for food and drink close by. Some people have opted to eat at nearby spots such as Hendo’s Hideout instead of going straight to Soggy Dollar. If you don’t want the busiest spot every time, you can still get the beach-day vibe without committing to one bar.
A note on beach atmosphere: Jost can feel busy, especially around peak travel seasons. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it does change the feel. If you want quiet solitude, you’ll need to manage expectations.
Happy hour on the way back: open bar without losing the views
The return sail is when the mood often turns into full vacation mode. There’s happy hour on the cruise back to St. John with an open bar, so you can enjoy drinks while you watch the coastline roll by.
This is also a good window for photos and just plain chilling. The tour includes opportunities like taking pictures of the North Shore from the water—exactly the kind of perspective you can’t get from the shore.
And because the crew is running the day, drink service doesn’t feel like a constant hunt for someone to notice your cup. People have mentioned that service can be proactive, with crew keeping refills flowing before you even think about it.
What the boat experience feels like (and why group size matters)
The tour caps at 49 travelers, which is the sort of number that can go either way—too many people can ruin a day. Here, the boat setup helps. One traveler specifically noted that even with a group of about 34, it didn’t feel crowded, thanks to the layout and how the crew managed the flow.
The boat also offers on-board distractions beyond just staring at the water:
- games
- hammocks
- music and general hangout energy
If your group includes different comfort levels—snorkel fans, shade seekers, folks who just want to drink something cold—this is one of those trips that lets everyone participate without forcing a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Cleanliness shows up in the feedback too. Some people praised the boat as clean and well kept, and bathroom cleanliness came up in the conversation as well. One person listed a few small onboard frustrations, so it’s fair to say details can vary, but the overall impression stays positive.
Logistics that actually matter: passports, timing, and what to pack
Two non-negotiables:
- You’ll need a valid passport for all passengers.
- The trip is weather dependent. If conditions are poor, you’ll get a different date or a full refund.
For timing, you’re looking at 8:00 am start and about 8 hours total. That means you’ll want to eat breakfast beforehand if you arrive hungry, but also don’t assume you’ll skip what’s provided. The cruise breakfast is built into the schedule.
What about towels? One person said you don’t necessarily need to bring one. Still, I’d pack one small towel anyway if it doesn’t ruin your carry space—because you’ll thank yourself if it turns out you want it.
Sunscreen, a hat, and motion-sickness basics are smart. Even if the ride is smooth, you’re spending hours on open water.
Who this trip is best for
This tour is a strong fit if you want a classic “day on the water” with an easy rhythm:
- you want snorkeling + a real beach stop in one outing
- your group includes people who’d rather relax than snorkel all day
- you like the idea of an open bar happy hour as part of the experience
- you want the crew to manage the details so you can focus on the fun
It’s also a good option for families and mixed-age groups, especially if you want support in the water. Some people mentioned that crew helped a first-time snorkeler feel comfortable, which is exactly what you hope for if anyone in your group is nervous.
If you’re the type who hates crowds, or you’re chasing a totally isolated beach fantasy, pick your expectations carefully. White Bay near Soggy Dollar is popular by design.
Should you book this Jost Van Dyke sail with breakfast?
If your goal is maximum time on Jost with minimal planning stress, I’d say yes. You’re buying convenience plus real included value: breakfast, snorkeling gear, customs-handling, and an open bar segment. At $299, it makes sense when you’d otherwise pay separately for transport, gear, and food/drinks—or lose hours to logistics.
Book it if:
- you want a morning snorkel and a legit beach afternoon
- you’re okay with a full day schedule
- you plan to follow crew instructions for best water conditions
Skip it or choose a different style if:
- you want quiet, no-people beach time
- you get easily seasick and don’t plan ahead
- your schedule can’t handle the weather-dependent nature of sea days
FAQ
Do I need a passport for this trip?
Yes. A valid passport is required for all passengers.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:00 am.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is the Westin St. John Resort Villas, 300B Chocolate Hole Rd, Great, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, USVI.
How long is the excursion?
It runs about 8 hours (approx.).
What’s included in the price?
A light continental breakfast, a full open bar with alcoholic beverages, all fees and taxes including customs fees, and snorkeling equipment are included.
What isn’t included?
Gratuity is not included.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 49 travelers.
What happens if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are there options for food allergies?
Alternative food items can be arranged with 72 hours advanced notice, and may involve additional costs.
