Powerboat Yacht Charter Questions

[TouristMike]

My wife and I will be visiting the U.S. and British Virgin Islands in March. Our initial plan is to stay on St. Thomas for 2 or maybe 3 evenings, then to go to St. John via ferry and stay for 2 nights at the Westin and finally to stay for 3-4 nights in a villa on Tortola.

We really want to charter a powerboat for a day, but the cost is a lot higher than I would have expected. I have been considering www.virgin-islands-yacht-charters.com and www.chillaxincharters.com.

I guess I have three questions:

1- Are all day powerboat charters services $1,000+? Are there any cheaper options?

2- Is it practical and/or advisable to try and share a yacht charter for a day with another couple or two?

3- Is there a place on St. Thomas or St. John (or somewhere in the BVI, preferably on Tortola), where people can meet other groups to go on one of these day charters? We have been to several places (North Carolina, Florida, Orange Beach) where there is a charter dock at a marina, usually for fishing charters but some for general/luxury charters, where people congregate and meet boats and other groups. Is there something like this in the Virgin Islands?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

[loria]

If memory serves a captained boat (six persons max) runs about 525 plus tip and gas --(is that correct forumites?)--I have rented boats down there and done days trips with a crew--I thinit is WAY more relaxing to do it with a captain--they know the waters well--the ins and outs of customs, where the best snorkeling is, etc-- while you can certinly have a great day on your own--I found that my having to stay with the boat while others were snorkeling (we couldn't find a mooring at the indians) --and also having to deal with strange waters with a bunch of people that i did not know well (we met up with folks while staying at maho so three couples rented the boat and i captained as i had the experience) --anyway--my dad alwyas insists on getting his own boat--me? gimme a captain!!! and there are LOTS of options.....

[surfnh]

your totals are correct. Tip to captain is usually 20% and gas if you go to tortolla, indians, soggy dollar, and back is around $150 or so.

[SOonthebeach]

I agree with the totals- that's what we have spent. Usually end up at about $800 all in. I highly recommend Captain John Brandi with Palm Tree Charters. He is based on STJ but also picks up at STT. He knows all the best spots and is SO fun.

There are no areas to congregate to join a group that I know of, but this forum is a great place to try to find others that are looking to join. Just post your date and details and see if anyone else will be there at the same time. You can also ask Sue (John's wife, who does the bookings) if she knows of anyone else that has booked around your time that is looking to add people.

Good luck with the planning and have a great time!

[benchill]

Hey Soonthebeach, I have an idea, let's put our groups together and go out with Capt. John!

[SOonthebeach]

Wow- there's a PERFECT plan! And let's give it a name- something like... BVI Booze Cruz, maybe?? I love it!

[emmilu]

My husband and I are still looking to join a powerboat charter sometime during the week of February 17th through the 25th. Open to boat and itinerary- would like to visit Jost if possible. We are staying on Water island. Many thanks