Powerboat rental

Travel discussion for St. John
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lovethesun
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:14 pm
Location: Illinois

Powerboat rental

Post by lovethesun »

Hello! I am looking to rent a powerboat for a day on our trip to STJ next summer. I do not need a captain. I see varying prices, from about $400-500. I had several questions I am hoping someone can answer.

How long does it take to get from Cruz Bay to Virgin Gorda by powerboat?

How much should I expect to spend on fuel for this full-day excursion?

Any tips/advice is much appreciated!
Xislandgirl
Posts: 4163
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
Location: Slightly left of center

Post by Xislandgirl »

It has been years since I have done this, mainly because there are so many captained power boat companies that do all of the work for the same price but...
Getting to Virgin Gorda is a pretty long trip and time and fuel will vary greatly based on the seas conditions. If it is rough, it can be a pounding ride that eats up the fuel. I seem to remember it taking almost 2 hours, the last time I went on my own, but that was many years ago.

We are boat owners and we are more than capable of renting a boat and doing it on our own, but with having to clear customs, not knowing where the best snorkeling is based on the conditions, the liability if something goes wrong, and not having the ability to enjoy a few adult beverages, having a captain is the only way we will go.
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Pia
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Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:38 pm
Location: St John

Post by Pia »

For fuel - depending on the size of the powerboat, engine size, efficiency of the engines, ocean conditions, cost per gallon probably in the $300 - $350 range for a trip that goes to the Baths, possibly the Indians and Jost.

Pia
Realtor - St John Properties
pselby
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:54 am
Location: Simpsonville, SC

Post by pselby »

My new bride and I rented a powerboat for a day back in October. It was an awesome experience, but very expensive! We rented from Ocean Runner. The guy who runs the place was very helpful and very thorough in explaining how the boat works, showing you ocean charts, etc. We had considered going to the BVI also, but wound up just exploring around St. John. We visited different beaches from the sea side and also did some snorkeling. You can certainly fill a whole day within the viscinity of St. John. I contacted Ocean Runner a few months before my trip and asked if there was a day he could give me a discount off the rate and he offered 10% off on a Sunday. Refilling the boat with fuel was a bit of sticker shock - the gas pump kept going, and going, and going! It cost $285 to refuel. Boat rental came to $491.00. It was an expensive day, but I think it was worth the money to have that experiennce. PM me if you have more questions.
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