Willy T: A Party Boat With A Past

Everyone who has been to the Willy T, a floating bar and grill in the BVI, probably has a wild story to tell. Back in the day, some visitors would jump from the upper deck wearing nothing but courage, creating memorable midair moments that have become legendary.

In a blog we wrote a while back, you can see a Willy T photo showing five people in midair who had all jumped at the same time, with one guy perched atop the railing about to launch. It’s a 10-15ft jump, which can feel like a high dive for first-timers.

For those who want to challenge their fear of heights even more, check out cliff jumping in the Virgin Islands.

Willy T photo credit: Jason Siska / Island Roots Charters (can you spy Island Roots Charters in the image?)

The Original Willy T

There have been three Willy Ts, two prior to the current version.

The very first Willy T boat was built in 1935. This original one was a 95-foot, wooden Baltic Trader schooner that ended up sinking around 1995 after springing a leak. It was named after William Thornton. Born on Jost Van Dyke in the 1700s, Thornton became most well known as the architect who designed the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

The Second Willy T

The original Willy T was replaced by another Willy T (#2), this time steel-hulled and 100 ft. long. This version became famous as a symbol of the kind of rowdy freedom that prevailed in the Virgin Islands; back when guests could get a free T-shirt that said, "I came. I saw. I jumped." if they jumped off the top deck wearing nothing at all.

The parties were known to get a little wild — late nights, body shots, and more (the kind of modern pirate behavior that goes unspoken). Then in 2017, Hurricane Irma struck — like a mallet to a waterlogged coconut — and damaged the second Willy T beyond repair. It was eventually deliberately sunk on August 7, 2019, in Key Bay off Peter Island, where it now serves as a permanent dive site. Before sinking, the hull was decorated with pirate-themed visuals.

This “pirate wreck” now lies at approximately 65 feet (20 meters), with the crow’s nest at about 35 feet, and serves as a popular dive spot and coral reef restoration project.

The Third New Willy T Is Family And Kid Friendly

While there is still no shortage of people wanting to see those wild Willy T photos, these days it is primarily a family-friendly lunch stop to grab some fresh seafood on the way to nearby snorkeling opportunities.Snorkeling around the current Willy T (and the only one that is still afloat) is also a form of treasure hunting in the Virgin Islands, as you never know what “treasure” you’ll find down there from what all the people jumping off have lost or left behind.

The New Willy T Was Built To Be Safe

This new Willy T has a similar layout as its predecessor, which includes a restaurant section, a bar section, and an upper deck for guests. The new boat underwent strict inspection, including environmental, health, and safety checks. The checks helped ensure structural integrity, safe mooring, and compliance with BVI maritime regulations.

The new Willy T is built to withstand commercial use and storms, but like any vessel at the mercy of the sea, it requires ongoing maintenance to remain safe. There are no guarantees when it comes to how it holds up in an actual hurricane, but not even modern party pirates would test that out.

Where Is The Willy T, And How To Get There

The Willy T is in The Bight Bay, off of the north side of Norman Island in the BVI. The coordinates are: 18°18'51.6"N 64°37'07.7"W, if you want to plug them into a map manually, or here is the link to see the exact location on Google Maps.

Google Maps’ measuring tool makes it look like about a 500 ft swim from the shore to the Willy T, but don’t risk it, as there is no known safe way to get to this legendary floating bar other than by private charter boat (speaking of which, we can get you there, book below).

Willy T Menu (As of 2025)

The Willy T actually has really good food that comes out fast. It’s Captain Jason Siska’s favorite place to eat while out on charter trips. They have the best FRESH wahoo sandwiches that he orders every time.

Based on the official 2025 menu, the main items cost around $20. BBQ baby back ribs and the charbroiled mahi mahi sandwich are the most expensive menu items at $21 a piece. British fish and chips (a must since you’re in the BVI!) are $19, and honey stung chicken is $18 (another must-try since you’re in the Caribbean!).

If you’re from Chicago and just want to stick with what feels familiar (culture shock in the VI is real), go for the jumbo hot dog for $16. If you want to go a little more exotic, try the chicken roti for $18, which is basically curried chicken and potato rolled up in a wrap with mango chutney. Don’t drink too many painkillers (easy to do since they are reported to be the best in the area) with this, and maybe skip hurling yourself over the side of the boat or attempting rapid somersaults in the air or belly-flopping into the water far below.

There are burger options too: Sirloin ($16) and Veggie ($14), and much more.

Since you’re already spending money, go ahead and indulge in an “ I love Willy T shirt” and some other merchandise while you’re there.

Willy T FAQs

1. Is the Willy T safe?

Willy T is built to modern safety standards. It undergoes regular inspections for environmental, health, and safety compliance. However, like any vessel at sea, conditions can change quickly, and ongoing maintenance is required to ensure safety.

2. Is the Willy T kid-friendly?

Willy T is family- and kid-friendly during daytime hours. It primarily operates as a floating restaurant where families can enjoy lunch and snorkeling. The wild party days of the past are behind it (most of the time).

3. How high is the jump off the Willy T?

The upper deck is approximately 10–15 feet above the water depending on tides.

4. Where is the Willy T located?

The Willy T is anchored in The Bight Bay off the north side of Norman Island, British Virgin Islands. Coordinates: 18°18'51.6"N 64°37'07.7"W. It is accessible only by boat; there is no safe swimming route from shore.

5. How do I get to the Willy T?

Visitors can reach the Willy T by private charter boat.

6. Is the food at the Willy T good?

The food that Willy T serves includes fresh seafood and island-style cuisine, and considered Captain Jason’s favorite place to eat while at sea.

7. Can you snorkel around the Willy T?

Yes, snorkeling around the Willy T is very popular. Interesting “treasures” left behind from previous visitors is a highlight.