Why a Charter Boat from St. John Gives You the Ultimate Island Experience

For those traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands and staying in St. John, you’re headed for one of the most beautiful and boat-friendly places in the Caribbean. St. John is absolutely stunning, with the best beaches in the world, like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay.

Most travelers set aside a day or two to take charter boat trips to other scenic locations that can only be reached by boat. This is where the real adventure is and often when the most unforgettable experiences happen.

From the secret and secluded BVI hangouts to the geological wonders and epic snorkeling, a charter boat trip adds something unique and special to an otherwise typical USVI vacation. This is especially true when you depart with Island Roots Charters from Cruz Bay in St. John!

Here we’ll feature the top three destinations in the Virgin Islands that can only be experienced by boat, along with practical details about access, water taxi availability, and why a private charter is often the best vacation option.

1. Jost Van Dyke Belongs on Your Itinerary

Image: Jost Van Dyke / Photo credit: Island Roots Charters

Jost Van Dyke is one of the most celebrated destinations in the Caribbean that we recently featured in-depth in this blog. It’s one of the top islands in the Virgin Islands that tourists can only reach by boat from St. John. Jost is known for White Bay Beach’s fine, powdery soft sand and its iconic beach bars. The trip to Jost from St. John makes for a classic charter boat day trip. Jost embodies Island Time and the Caribbean’s laid-back vibe. The locals are friendly and its beach culture makes it a one-of-a-kind bucket-list stop.

Plus, there are legendary spots like the Soggy Dollar Bar (where the Painkiller cocktail was born), Foxy’s Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour, and picturesque postcard beaches that make the ride all worth it.

Upon arrival at Jost by boat from the USVI, we have to clear customs first, but our captain makes that process very streamlined and easy. While our captain handles customs, our guests just sit back, relax, pop a cold one, and take in the view. Then once that process is done we anchor offshore and wade in toward the secluded Caribbean paradise of Jost Van Dyke.

Although water taxis do go to Jost, most of the time the water taxis don’t operate on a timeline that vacationers need to work around.

There is also a public ferry that can be taken to Jost. It's less expensive, but operates on a set schedule. There is no flexibility or options for other stops, and allows limited time at Jost. Plus, the ferry to Jost drops passengers at Great Harbour and then you have to taxi by land to White Bay.

An Island Roots Charters boat trip from Cruz Bay, USVI to Jost, BVI provides vacationers:

Flexible departure and return times that are tailored to your group
A customizable itinerary (e.g., combining snorkeling, beach bars, and hidden coves)
On-board crew that handles anchoring, routes, and local logistics
No waiting for water taxi slots or needing coordination at docks

On Reddit and traveler forums, many people who have tried both a charter boat and a water taxi to Jost say that a charter, even if it’s shared, feels far more relaxed. This is because charters vs. water taxis allow stops along the way, like to The Indians or other BVI snorkel spots. Water taxis just don’t allow tourists to make a full day out on the water; and isn’t that the point of having a great vacation? The freedom and relaxation a charter boat trip offers is far more rewarding than saving a few dollars.

2. The Baths at Virgin Gorda, BVI Are a Natural Boat-Only Access Wonder

The Baths / Photo credit: Island Roots Charters

If there’s one natural formation that defines Caribbean adventure, it’s The Baths on Virgin Gorda. Giant granite boulders create a maze of tidal pools and hidden grottos. The most satisfying reward for finding your way through this maze are the secret beaches that exist on no map. The Baths are a literal playground for adults and children who want to swim, snorkel, and explore. It’s easy to imagine that you’re the only one that knows about this place as you venture through narrow passageways and emerge in places that feel carved by the imagination. Nearby is Devil’s Bay, which has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, and is usually far less crowded than other popular spots.

The Baths are also extremely Instagrammable, so don’t be surprised to see phones out everywhere, and amateur YouTube documentary narrators recording from the most photogenic natural wonder on planet Earth.

There is no regular public water taxi service directly from St. John to The Baths. While ferries and water taxis from major hubs like St. Thomas can get you close to The Baths, availability is typically very limited, which is why it’s better to charter a boat. Locals might be fine compromising and finding cheaper alternatives to get to The Baths, but most vacationers only have a few days or at most a week to get it all in, which is where Island Roots Charters comes in.

Departing directly from St. John on an Island Roots Charters trip to The Baths helps you control how long you spend there, or coordinate a visit at times that have fewer crowds. The biggest reason to charter a trip to The Baths from St. John is to have the option to stop and enjoy other top spots like Norman Island and The Indians.

3. Norman Island / The Caves

Norman Island Caves / Photo credit: Island Roots Charters

Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) could be considered the real Treasure Island, as it was one of the islands that originally inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s book “Treasure Island.” Norman Island features Spyglass Hill, a pirate lookout, which is actually featured in Stevenson’s book. Those traveling to Norman Island can hike up to the top of Spyglass Hill for some amazing views. Stevenson never actually made a trip to Norman Island, but heard about it from a sailor uncle of his.

There were rumors that the treasure (55 chests of silver coins) from a 1750 Spanish treasure galleon, the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, was buried on Norman Island by Owen Lloyd, one of the mutineers who overthrew the vessel while waiting out a storm off of the coast of North Carolina.

The pirate treasure has never been found, but the treasure on Norman Island these days are the three sea caves and reef systems that offer some of the world’s best snorkeling. Snorkelers can see schools of tropical fish, coral gardens, and underwater tunnels filled with light and color.

Only a short boat ride from The Bight at Norman Island is a popular spot for divers called Spyglass Wall. It offers the experience of vibrant coral and sponges with sea creatures like basslets, tangs, and turtles swimming all around you.

Norman Island is a 600-acre private island, owned by Henry Jarecki, that is accessible exclusively by sea.

There aren’t any routine water taxi or ferry options to get to Norman Island from the USVI. USVI boat rental companies will not allow their boats to travel to the BVI. For example, you can rent your own boat from Wharfside Watersports, but they don't allow you to take their boats to the BVI. The only way to visit Norman is by charter boat, either group trips or private.

Private charters from the USVI to the BVI have more flexibility, freedom, and fewer people anyway! Plus, our captains know the best conditions and spots for safe snorkeling. Charter boats stay anchored while you get out and enjoy the water without timing pressures.

If you go to Norman Island, it makes sense to consider visiting The Indians too, which are four rocky pinnacles near Norman Island that have some great snorkeling and diving. They were named The Indians because they resemble a Native American headdress.

Taking a charter trip from St. John to visit islands, and other secret spots that can only be reached by boat makes vacation feel like a true adventure. These are the vacations that everyone talks about for life.

From the laid back beach culture of Jost Van Dyke to the unique geological wonders that are The Baths to the hidden caves around Norman Island, these are experiences you simply cannot get anywhere else in the world.

When you choose a private boat charter you get an experienced captain, the ability to customize your trip, and the option to explore everything at your own pace. Another plus is that a private charter boat can hit up all 3 of these spots in a single day! So you don't have to pick and choose - why not see it all!

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