WSJ May 10-17

We'll be heading to St John the week of May 10-17. We are looking to book a boat for a day, hitting some snorkel spots, lunch at Foxy's Taboo and end the day at Soggy Dollar.

Looking to see if anyone else is interested to split the costs.

Darn, we're there the 24th thru the 31st. I would have loved to hung out with 2 experts.

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I'm sorry we'll miss you. We get there the 18th.

hefleycatz said:

Darn, we're there the 24th thru the 31st. I would have loved to hung out with 2 experts.

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emuyshondt said:

I'm sorry we'll miss you. We get there the 18th.

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Two close misses.....Originally, we were going to go over Memorial Day Week, but switched to our Anniversary week. We opted to head to Disney over Memorial Day Weekend.

I was trying to get more into June, but this was the only dates available and I was just happy to get anything. . We our celebrating our 30th anniversary early (9/7). Hoping to be at Pittsburgh Steelers game on our actual anniversary day. Dream come true for me not so much for DH...but you know the saying, if Momma's happy...

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Nice idea. We will be there April 20-28 for the first time, so it won't work with us. Good luck with finding people to participate. Sounds like a fun day.

tomandrobin said:

We'll be heading to St John the week of May 10-17. We are looking to book a boat for a day, hitting some snorkel spots, lunch at Foxy's Taboo and end the day at Soggy Dollar.

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Tom - Who are you planning to use for a boat charter? We are going with Palm Tree (Capt John Brandi) this year. I hear he can be somewhat of a character (which hopefully is a good thing for us...) and he knows the waters quite well.

I wish it were not so expensive - as we would probably do more boat days.
I understand that there is a proposed law modifying the current 6-PAC regulations for the USVI. It seems to be a hot button issue. Not sure if it affects charters like these, but it does increase competition - which can benefit the consumers (hopefully).

DavidnRobin said:

Tom - Who are you planning to use for a boat charter? We are going with Palm Tree (Capt John Brandi) this year. I hear he can be somewhat of a character (which hopefully is a good thing for us...) and he knows the waters quite well.

I wish it were not so expensive - as we would probably do more boat days.
I understand that there is a proposed law modifying the current 6-PAC regulations for the USVI. It seems to be a hot button issue. Not sure if it affects charters like these, but it does increase competition - which can benefit the consumers (hopefully).

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We have not finalized a charter yet.

And yes, the expenses can add up quickly.

tomandrobin said:

We have not finalized a charter yet.

And yes, the expenses can add up quickly.

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We are going to be at WSJ from May 9-16 with a group of 7 or 8. I had looked into an excursion to Jost Van Dyke a few months back, but didn't finalize anything.

What is the approximate cost of a charter?

shockdoct said:

We are going to be at WSJ from May 9-16 with a group of 7 or 8. I had looked into an excursion to Jost Van Dyke a few months back, but didn't finalize anything.

What is the approximate cost of a charter?

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To JVD only?
Kids?

Right now (there is a proposed regulation change in the mix) - having more than 6 limits you as many captains/boats have only a '6-PAC' license.

Be aware that the BVI fee has gone up to $40pp.
Need a Passport (important)
Also, tips are expected.

No kids, all adults. We all would have passports. Wouldn't mind a few snorkeling spots before making our way to JVD to hit up the spots there.

Good to know about the possible limitations of having more than 6 passengers.

shockdoct said:

No kids, all adults. We all would have passports. Wouldn't mind a few snorkeling spots before making our way to JVD to hit up the spots there.

Good to know about the possible limitations of having more than 6 passengers.

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I would be prepared to spend at least $150pp

Having no more than 6 gives flexibility to hire private captain/charter and then telling them what you want to go (e.g. snorkel Waterlemon before heading over). You may find some flexibility with >6, but will need to call around.

I suggest TripAdvisor - search St John Activities
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147409-Activities-c25-St_John_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

Yup....The max of 6 for most charters. Bigger boats like Bad Kitty are much, much more expensive.

Last year, the cost was around $600-$650 for 4 of us for the day.

DavidnRobin said:

Having no more than 6 gives flexibility to hire private captain/charter and then telling them what you want to go (e.g. snorkel Waterlemon before heading over). You may find some flexibility with >6, but will need to call around.

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Funny you wrote Waterlemon Cay cause that will be a "must" stop on our charter. We have done it the hard way.....Remote parking, marching along the shore thru mosquito hell to Leinster Bay, then swim 1/4-1/3 of a mile to Waterlemon Cay......then of course, go back. Its a long trek, but is so worth the trouble.

at the resort....

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Rates: 29 foot Fountain Center Console with twin 200hp engines: $540.00 Full Day, $490.00 Half Day. 31 foot Fountain Center Console with twin 300 hp engines: $660.00 Full Day; $610 Half Day.

For the sophisticated traveler: Luxury Excursion with Magic Moments
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Cruz Bay Watersports Excursions

"Baths of Virgin Gorda" & "The Caves of Norman Island"
Join the fun crew of "Island Time" to one of the most extraordinary destinations in the Virgin Islands. Snorkel and hike through the famous giant granite boulders and unique grottoes with crystal clear waters, then finish the day snorkeling at the Caves Norman Island, where the friendliest fish in the Caribbean live!

Full day excursion includes: Continental breakfast, deli style lunch, non-alcoholic beverages and snorkel gear.

Jost Van Dyke "Foxy's & White Bay"
Sail aboard "Island Spirit" to visit the island that has become a legend among sailors and Caribbean travelers. Enjoy a snorkel stop in the morning at a beautiful off shore reef or cay. Then, head to Jost Van Dyke for lunch at Foxy's famous beach bar. Finish the day relaxing on the beautiful white sand beach in White Bay, home of the "Soggy Dollar Bar".

Includes: Continental breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages, & snorkel gear. Guests purchase lunch at Foxy's.

Two Fish Flying

Here's how a day trip works:

Number of guests: "Two Fish Flying" is certified for up to 6 guests.

Where to meet: VI National Park dock in Cruz Bay.

What to bring: Towels, sunscreen, camera, boat shoes/flip flops, cover ups, hats, drinks and snacks. A dry bag or baggie for your wallet or camera is also highly recommended. Most places we anchor will not have a dock unless you specifically request such locations, so plan to get wet to and from the boat.

Lunch: Bring your own or we can suggest and stop at one of our many favorite places along the way.

We provide: Adult snorkel gear, a cooler with ice and drinking water.

Planning your trip: A valid passport is necessary when traveling to the British Virgin Islands, as it is required to check in with BVI Customs on arrival and then back into US when returning to St. John. Please let us know if you have a non US passport when reserving the boat. It is necessary to collect passport and other passenger information at the time of the reservation so we can prepare the paperwork needed.
Rates

Payment for your charter is usually accepted at the end of the day.
Cash or travelers checks are accepted.
Payment for fuel at the fuel dock is cash or credit card.

Full Day: We meet at the dock 8:30 and drop you back on the dock at 4:30
$495 plus re-fueling charges and Customs fees

Half Day: 8:30 to 12:30 or 1:00 to 5:00
$350 plus re-fueling charges
*Half day trips are only available around St. John and US waters

Fuel: Fuel for your trip is approximately $100-$175 depending on destinations and price per gallon.

parties of more than 6

Wow, it is definitely cheaper to have 6!!! We are a party of 8, and our private charter to the BVI is significantly more per person! For us it is a scuba charter, but the cost would be the same no matter our activities. I will have to keep this in mind for the future!

I am just giving the thread a bump.

shockdoct said:

No kids, all adults. We all would have passports. Wouldn't mind a few snorkeling spots before making our way to JVD to hit up the spots there.

Good to know about the possible limitations of having more than 6 passengers.

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For groups over 6 but less than 12, take a look at Born to Rhumb. I believe Capt Kevin runs it. I've never been out with him but have heard good things. His boat is one of the few that is licensed for more than 6 but is not a 60 pax boat.

Crasherino said:

For groups over 6 but less than 12, take a look at Born to Rhumb. I believe Capt Kevin runs it. I've never been out with him but have heard good things. His boat is one of the few that is licensed for more than 6 but is not a 60 pax boat.

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We will probably be booking with them for our July trip.

We made our reservation with Beachwalker Charters on Two Fish Flying, for May 16 (Friday).

We are hitting the North Shore of ST John, stopping at Waterlemon Cay and one other stop (TBD), then over to Sandy Spit and Foxy's Taboo for lunch, then over to Soggy Dollar.

Simple and sweet.

Has anyone done The Baths trip with Cruz bay ? Looks similar to the Bad Kitty trip but without going to JVD

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I did that trip last year. It was nice. I didn't like their second snorkeling stop. I would have preferred they'd gone to the Indians. However, it was a good trip.

I don't particularly care for the stop at Cooper's Island that both boats do for lunch. It is very expensive for not so great food. You can take your own sandwiches, if you like. I suppose it would have been better to just stay longer at the Baths, and maybe explore Virgin Gorda a little more.

emuyshondt said:

I did that trip last year. It was nice. I didn't like their second snorkeling stop. I would have preferred they'd gone to the Indians. However, it was a good trip.

I don't particularly care for the stop at Cooper's Island that both boats do for lunch. It is very expensive for not so great food. You can take your own sandwiches, if you like. I suppose it would have been better to just stay longer at the Baths, and maybe explore Virgin Gorda a little more.

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I agree....I don't like the programmed stops. I rather spend all my time at The Baths, then go to Normandy Caves, Indian or Cooper Island.