BOAT RECOMMENDATIONS
Many of our guests inquire about renting a boat. It is very appealing to take a private water tour of St. John and St. Thomas or to the nearby British Virgin Islands (passport required). When our friends and family come to visit, we go out on the water with our favorite family owned companies. If we are power boating we go out with Island Roots Charters. If we want to sail, we call up Morning Star Charters.
Island Roots Charters – Jason (owner) and I share a similar childhood background growing up on St. John. In 2012,
I was crewing aboard a catamaran and witnessed the hard work Jason put into starting his company. He was the
solo captain and I remember he worked 40 days straight, just trying to survive in the competitive boating business.
Since then, he has married the perfect partner, Jill, who is the glue behind the scenes and they have created an
amazing experience for visitors looking for St. John boat charters. Jason & Jill share a deep respect and love for St. John and her natural beauty and it shows in the way they run their tours and business. We consistently have the best days on the water with Island Roots Charters and our guests are always thrilled with the hospitality and boating experience.
Morning Star Charters- Mike & Bridget (owners) were captain and mate operating out of the same bay I worked and lived aboard back in 2011. I loved watching them pull out of the harbor with huge smiles on their faces as they set sail. They are now married and own that very business. Mike’s LOVE of sailing is contagious for all who have the pleasure of sailing with him. He gives you a real sailing experience and is very interactive and knowledgeable about the islands. If you’re lucky you get the dynamic couple and their boys serving you delicious cocktails and food on your tour.
If you can’t make it out with our favorites, below I have separated the boating in the Virgin Islands into four broad categories:
1. Private Power Boat Tours- I recommend this boating experience if you are seeking a private tour of the island or an adventure into the British Virgin Islands. The powerboat rentals come with a private captain/tour guide. Most supply snorkel gear for the day and have coolers onboard for you to bring drinks. Make sure you have a passport for the BVI tour!
- Island Roots Charters: (340) 643-5000 islandrootscharters.com
- Big Blue Excursions: (340) 201-3045 http://www.bigblue-usvi.com
- Salty Daze Charters: Coral Bay Tours (340) 690-7258 https://saltydazeusvi.com/salt-deck/
2. Monohull Sailboat Tour- If you want the adventure of sailing through the Caribbean, a monohull is for you. It’s a very relaxing feeling, gliding through the water with nothing but the sound of the ocean and the wind in your sails. It’s a great way to slow down and unwind. Most boats offer snorkel tours and supply the gear. Sunset sails are usually offered as well.
- Morning Star Charters: (340) 626-8743 morningstarcharter.com
- Cimarron Yacht Charter: (207) 415-6405 cimarronyachtcharter.com
3. Catamaran Sailboat Tour- If you want to enjoy sailing but are worried about seasickness, a catamaran might be for you. It’s a very enjoyable experience that you will be sharing with other guests onboard. Sunset sails and snorkel tours are usually offered.
- Kekoa (340) 244-7245blacksailsvi.com
- Daydreamer Catamaran: (340) 776-6234 cruzbaywatersports.com
4. Deep Sea Fishing - the Virgin Islands are perched at the edge of the 6 mile deep Puerto Rico Trench. There is North and South Drop fishing for some of the hardiest game fish in the world.
- Big Blue Excursions: (340) 201-3045 http://www.bigblue-usvi.com
- Mixed Bag Sportfishing: (340) 513-0389 sportfishingstjohn.com
- Double Header Sportfishing: (340) 777-7317 doubleheadersportfishing.net