BVI Day Sail

[philbetm]

Hi All,
When Tom and I are on Island in June we decided we really want to take an all day sail to the BVI's . Since it is only going to be the two of us this year we can't do a private charter. I have been looking at the "Bad Kitty" for a trip. If I am understanding correctly...you don't have to have a certain number of people...just be willing to sail with whoever else goes that day. That is not a problem for us since we always take snorkeling trips on cruises and there has been as many as 40 people on there.....question is...are there any other companies that also offer this option ? Just trying to see if we might have other choices .

Thanks,
Sherry

[stjchica]

I believe a lot of people like Kekoa as well...

[philbetm]

stjchica,
Thanks I will check it out right now !

Sherry

[PA Girl]

You mentioned day sail, Bad Kitty is a motor boat. Just mentioning that in case a true sail boat is important to you.

We sailed on Kekoa in February and loved it. The boat is very nice with lots of room to spread out. The crew was very professional and the drink options were top shelf.

[Pia]

As I am office manager (and used to work for Bad Kitty) I can help with any questions you might have

Pia

[philbetm]

I'm sorry...I always just say sail out of habit. We do love to go under sail but not a requirement. We are speed boat owners for over 10 years now and sail just pops out ! I checked the Kekoa, but it doesn't have the trip we want. We want to go a route like Bad Kitty offers not just JVD.


Sherry...

[Ed S]

You should check out Stormy Petrel. Although it was about 5 years ago that we went out with them, it was a great day. If I recall correctly, they accomodate up to ~12 people, head directly up to Virgin Gorda, clear customs, head to the Baths, great tour there, then onto Cooper Island for lunch, then either 1.) a snorkel stop at the Caves (our itinerary)or the Indians, or instead of a snorkel stop a quick stop at JVD.

[philbetm]

Thanks Ed S....googled that but nothing came up. Is it the name of the company or just the boat ? Sounds like it might be a private charter. Since it is just the two of us this time...we can't afford a private one . Need a trip that 2 people can book and be a part of the crowd . Think this is what you can do with Bad Kitty. Most of the private charters are listing flat rates of $600-$700 plus fuel...not doable for just us. But appreciate the reply.

Sherry in SC

[Exit Zero]

Stormy Petrel and Pirates Penny website:

http://www.piratespenny.com/contact.html

I had no trouble finding it on google?

[Ed S]

Thanks Exit Zero. Sherry, I don't see prices on the website, but you can call or email. It is probably in line with other similar excursions. I can't remember what we paid 5 years ago, but the cost is probably in the $130-$150 range per person? (plus customs fees ~$30 pp and gratuity).

[peacenjoy]

We enjoyed a trip with Stormy Petrel last month. I cannot imagine being on a trip with more stops than this one had, as it was still a pretty intense day. We had originally considered Bad Kitty, and I am so glad we downsized.
We did not go to JVD/Soggy Dollar, but instead opted for the snorkel trip to the Indians. I am SO happy we were able to do this, as it was without a doubt, the most beautiful snorkel sight we have ever enjoyed.
It was still a VERY rushed trip, and although I am glad we had this opportunity, I wouldn't do it again. The beaches of St John call to me much louder than the hurried boat trip to the BVI, rush, rush, rush.
Now, I would definitely consider a two or three day trip to enjoy these beautiful BVI islands properly, in addition to a nice long stay on St John.

The fee was $150 per person with the additional $40 customs fee. This was in March. Again, this was a great trip, so glad we did it, just not a repeat for us.

Edit to add - We booked this knowing that it carried a max of 12 people. We were only six, so our shipmates were strangers and it made for a pretty good day. Not a private charter.

[JJShaw]

We did Bad Kitty a few yrs back...the crew was great and we enjoyed all the stops...Bath's, Indians, Pirates Bight for lunch and on to Soggy Dollar...I can't remember if there was another one or not. As I said, the crew was fabulous...BUT we were rushed at each place. We did enjoy the stops but there just wasn't enough time. Just a quick run thru every place... If I had to do it over again I wouldn't do one with so many stops.

[philbetm]

You all just don't know how much I am appreciating all these posts ! It is going to help us so much hearing the pro's and con's ! We are not rich ( in money) by any means and would hate to regret spending that amount on something we might not like ! Def. going to have Tom read all this and hope we make a good decision ! My hubby is a strong swimmer...like a Dolphin...and is a snorkeling fool !!! I on the other hand , due to medical issues, cannot keep up with him. But I love to be on a boat riding and just taking in all the scenery !! Love me some floating in that beautiful Caribbean Sea !! Please keep the comments coming if you have taken any of these day trips ! Knew I could count on all of you good people here !!

Sherry

[psufan]

Last year we decided to try Kekoa. We had newbie friends visiting and thought they might enjoy the experience. We did the Jost trip which consisted of a single snorkle stop and a long afternoon on White Bay after clearing customs in Sopers Hole. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, very relaxing day. It was off-season so Kekoa was not crowded. I don't know if we would have enjoyed it quite as much if the boat was full. Having done only private charters previously we were pleasantly surprised by the experience. The crew was awesome, the boat comfortable, and we got to meet some great fellow passengers, including some forumites. We had such a great time we plan to go out again this June.

[jimg20]

We took a trip like this in 2007 on New Horizons II.

http://www.newhorizonscharters.com/

Their trip is very much like the two you've been discussing. $150 per adult plus $40 customs fee. They leave STT at 0700 and pick up on STJ at 0745. They have a maximum of 18. I don't know how the three boats compare.

We had an excellent 1st mate named Lisa and a captain who was a dud. We felt very rushed as well. They took our luch orders and called them in to minimize the time spent there. It is a long ride. If you've never done this, do it. If you have, you'll probably agree that it doesn't need to be done again.

JIM