The Cost of Boat Charters in St. Thomas and St. John

Aug 19

St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is an amazing location to charter a boat. And just minutes away from St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park!

With crystal clear, turquoise waters and breathtaking views, it's no surprise that the USVI welcomes over two million visitors per year. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventurous trip with your friends, a private charter boat experience in St. Thomas or St. John is worth investing in.

But before you set sail, you may be wondering... Just how much does it costs to charter a boat in the Virgin Islands? Well, don't worry! We're here to give you the low-down.

The Average Boat Charter Cost in St. Thomas and St. John

When it comes to the cost of getting a boat charter in St. Thomas or St. John, there are a few factors to consider. First off, the size of the boat will impact the overall price. Smaller vessels, such as sailboats or small powerboats, can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for a private half-day or full-day boat excursion, depending on the boat's size and age.

For larger yachts and luxury boat charters that can accommodate more people, prices can range from $2,000 to $5,000. Keep in mind that these prices are just for the private boat trip and do not include additional expenses such as fuel, food, and drinks.

Another factor that can impact the cost of chartering a boat in St. John or St. Thomas is the season. Generally speaking, the high season runs from December to March and is the busiest and most expensive time to rent a boat. During the low season, prices can be up to 20% lower.

So be sure to factor in the season when planning your U.S. or British Virgin Island boat charter.

To recap:

Factors that affect the cost of a boat charter:

The season
Year of the boat and equipment
Type of boat
Half-day vs. full day

Generally speaking, with all of those factors, you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $5000 depending on your wants/needs. We often see the average price that most people pay is around $1,000 plus fuel and gratuity.

Ways to Cut Boat Charter Costs

While chartering a boat in St. Thomas or St. John can be pricey, there are ways to cut costs. For example, consider splitting the cost with friends or family to make it more affordable. A family and friends boat trip is one of the top activities in the Virgin Islands!

Also, consider renting a boat for a half-day or sunset excursion instead of a full-day.

Another thing to consider is everything you may need for your boating trip. For example, if you want to go snorkeling, does the boating charter provide the gear for you or do you need to rent separately? Look through your private day charter checklist and see what is going to be included.

Lastly, be sure to shop around for the best deals and inquire about any promotions or discounts that boat charters may be offering.

Charter Boat & Rates with Island Roots Boat Charters

Here at Island Roots Boat Charters, we offer a variety of boats and rates to accommodate various group sizes and budgets. So no matter what type of boating experience you want, we've got you covered on your next Virgin Islands luxury boat charter!

Whether you want to see the unforgettable views around the different islands, explore the more secluded beaches, experience superb snorkeling, or visit some floating restaurants, we have a boating itinerary that you'll love.

Some of the top destinations in the U.S and British Virgin Islands include: Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke, Willy T, Norman Island Caves, the Indians, Sandy Spit, Virgin Gorda & the Baths, Lime Out, Pizza Pi, Waterlemon Cay, Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Salt Pond and more!

Here is a breakdown of our USVI and BVI full day charters, as well as our USVI golden hours charter:

USVI Full Day: 8:45am-3:00pm ($1095 plus fuel)

BVI Full Day: 8:00am-4:00pm ($1395 plus fuel + customs)

BVI Extended Day: 8:00am-5:30pm ($1645 plus fuel + customs)

USVI Golden Hours: 3:45pm-Sunset ($595 plus fuel)

What's Included with Your Charter?

When you book a private boat charter with Island Roots Charters, you can expect the best service on board.

Complimentary pick up and drop off from the National Park Visitor Center near Mongoose Junction or right on the Cruz Bay beach between High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill and Rum Hut St. John.

Alternative pick up locations are available by special request including:The Westin St. John Resort Villas, The Ritz-carlton, St. Thomas, Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground, Sapphire Marina and more!

Our USCG licensed and experienced boat captains have an amazing wealth of knowledge about the islands through the USVI and BVI, so we know all the best spots.

We also provide a 125qt YETI cooler stocked with ice and water. Our boats also come equipped with an equipped bar station (you know, for mixing cocktails).

If you want to experience the best snorkeling locations in St. John, we have top of the line snorkeling equipment for all sizes (including children) as well as pool noodles, mask defoggers, fish identification books, and other underwater toys.

We want you to have an unforgettable experience aboard our boats, and that's why we strive to make your charter as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

Ready to Set Sail for St. John or St. Thomas?

Chartering a boat in St. John or St. Thomas can be a dream come true, but it's important to consider the cost and budget accordingly. By understanding the factors that contribute to the rental price, such as the type of boat, duration, season, and additional expenses, you can plan a memorable and affordable boat charter experience.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get out on the open waters and explore the USVI and BVI on your next luxury private charter boat excursion!

Happy Boating,

The IRC Team