Frequently asked questions

We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance — and further out if you're traveling during peak season (December through April) or around major holidays. Popular dates like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, New Year's, and spring break weekends fill up fast. If your dates are flexible, last-minute availability sometimes exists in the off-season, but booking early is always the safest move to get your first choice of boat and experience.

The USVI has excellent boating weather year-round, but December through April is peak season for good reason — calm seas, clear skies, and water temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s. February, April, and May are a sweet spot: beautiful conditions with slightly fewer crowds at the most popular anchorages. Summer (June–August) is warm and mostly calm, with brief afternoon rain showers that are part of the island's charm. September and October are hurricane season — lower prices, emptier waters, but travel insurance is a must.

Group size is one of the first things we ask about, because it directly shapes which boat makes the most sense. Sailing catamarans are the most popular choice for groups — spacious, stable, and designed for 8 to 12 guests. Smaller parties of 2–6 often prefer a private motor yacht for a more intimate, premium feel. If you have over 12 guests in your group (we can accommodate all the way up to 150+ guests), we can always do multiple boats together (a super fun in-tandem experience!) or if you prefer to be on one large boat, we have some premium options for your large group. If you're not sure, just reach out — telling us your group size and what you're hoping to do is all we need to point you to the right boat.

Absolutely — and that's one of the biggest advantages of a private charter. Before you leave the dock, your captain will check in on what's on your must-do list (sea turtles, a specific beach, a floating taco bar), where you'd like to have lunch, and whether you're first-timers or returning visitors who want to venture off the beaten path. The captain also adjusts in real time for weather, water conditions, and crowd levels. No fixed schedule, no sharing the agenda with strangers — the day is yours.

Cancellation policies vary by boat and are clearly listed on each boat’s booking page on our website before you confirm — no surprises. We always encourage customers to review the policy before booking. If your plans change after confirming, reach out to us and we'll help you understand your options.

Booking through Caribbean Boat Concierge gives you the best of both worlds — the local expertise of someone who genuinely knows every boat and experience in the USVI, without the markups typical of traditional travel agencies. We've personally vetted every operator we list, so you're not picking from an algorithm. You're getting a real recommendation from someone who's been on these boats and knows which ones are worth your day.

We do the research so you don't have to. Caribbean Boat Concierge curates the best charter experiences in the US Virgin Islands, vets every operator personally, and helps match you to the right boat and itinerary for your group. You can browse and book on your own, or reach out and we'll make a specific recommendation based on your group size, occasion, experience level, and what you're hoping to feel at the end of the day. Think of us as the trusted local friend who's done this a hundred times and knows exactly what's worth your time.

That's exactly what we're here for. Just reach out with a little context — how many people, your dates, whether there's something to celebrate, and what kind of experience you're after — and we'll give you an honest, specific recommendation. We know every operator we list and can tell you which boats and routes are the best fit for your exact situation.

Most full-day and half-day charters include snorkeling gear for all guests, a cooler, and full use of the boat and its amenities for the duration. Food and beverage inclusions vary by operator — some charters include drinks, snacks, or a light lunch, while others are BYOB. Everything that's included is clearly listed on each boat’s page on our website before you book, so there are no surprises.

Full-day charters typically run about 8 hours — long enough to visit multiple stops, snorkel, have lunch, and really settle into the day. Half-day charters are usually 4 hours, which is a great option for guests with schedule constraints or those who want the private experience at a lower price point. Sunset cruises are typically 2–3 hours. We can help you figure out the right duration based on your group and what you want out of the day.

Keep it casual and comfortable — a swimsuit is the foundation, layered with a cover-up, light t-shirt, or rash guard for sun protection. Easy slip-on sandals are ideal for the deck as you’ll take off your shoes upon boarding. A wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses are strongly recommended for a full day in the Caribbean sun. Bring a light layer for the ride back if you tend to cool down when the wind picks up.

The essentials: reef-safe sunscreen (lotion only — spray sunscreen is slippery on deck and harmful to the reefs), a towel, swimsuit, cover-up, hat, polarized sunglasses, and easy sandals. To protect your valuables: a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch and a Ziploc for cash and cards. Leave spray sunscreen, glass bottles, and anything you'd hate to lose at the hotel — space on a boat is limited. For BVI day trips, add a passport for everyone (including children) and US dollar cash for customs fees and cash-only beach bars.

It depends on the specific charter. Some operators include drinks, snacks, or a light lunch as part of the experience. Others are set up for guests to bring their own. What's included is always clearly stated on each listing before you book. If you have specific food or beverage needs, reach out and we'll help find the right fit.

Many operators welcome guests to bring their own cooler and beverages — this varies by boat and many boats include a cooler. The specifics are listed on each boat’s booking page, or you can reach out and we'll confirm what's allowed for the experience you're interested in.

Yes — swimming is one of the best parts of the day. Your captain will anchor in calm, protected coves where conditions are safe and comfortable for all skill levels. Every boat carries appropriate safety equipment, and a safety briefing happens before anyone enters the water. If you have guests who are non-swimmers or less confident in the water, let us know when booking and we'll make sure the route and boat are the right match.

Yes. Most catamarans and motor yachts have a covered cockpit or shaded seating area — one of the reasons we typically recommend sailing catamarans for families and anyone spending a full day on the water. If shade is a priority for your group, mention it when you reach out and we'll confirm the boat is set up for it.

Yes — a passport is required for everyone on a BVI day trip, including US citizens and children. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. This is a firm requirement with no exceptions: a forgotten or expired passport on departure day means the trip doesn't happen. Always confirm BVI trips well in advance so there's time to sort out any passport questions before you arrive.

Yes — the BVI is absolutely doable as a day trip from St. Thomas, and it's one of our most popular experiences. Top stops include Jost Van Dyke (home of the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar and White Bay beach), The Baths at Virgin Gorda, and Norman Island. Because the BVI is a separate country, passports are required for everyone on board. We typically recommend a motor yacht for BVI day trips so you spend more time at the destination and less time on the crossing.

Yes. Every operator in the Caribbean Boat Concierge network is vetted before they're listed on our platform — that includes licensing, insurance, and experience. We only list experiences we'd recommend to our own family. Safety briefings happen before every departure, and life jackets are always on board.

The USVI has great weather most of the year, and the vast majority of days proceed without issue. When weather becomes a concern, your operator monitors conditions closely and will contact you proactively. Cancellation and rescheduling policies for weather-related situations are clearly listed on each charter's booking page. We'll always work with you to find the best path forward if something comes up.

Absolutely — and the right boat makes all the difference. Sailing catamarans are especially well-suited for families: the wide, stable deck has virtually no rocking, the swim platform makes getting in and out of the water easy for all ages, and there's always a shaded area for younger kids. Life jackets are on board in all sizes, and captains run a safety briefing before departure. For families with young children or non-swimmers, we'll always recommend anchoring at calm, protected spots — and we'll make sure the charter we suggest is set up for exactly that.

It depends on the vessel. Most private sailing catamarans comfortably accommodate 8–12 guests. Smaller motor yachts are typically better suited for groups of 2–12. If you have a larger group, reach out — we can discuss options including multiple boats. We also have boats that take up to 150+ guests. Whatever your size, we'll match you to a boat where everyone has plenty of space.

Most charters depart from Red Hook Marina or Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas or Cruz Bay National Park Dock in St. John. The exact departure point is listed on each charter's booking page and confirmed with your booking details. If you have questions about getting to the marina from your hotel or villa, just ask — we're happy to help.

Not at all — that's what the captain and crew are there for. You show up, enjoy the ride, and let the professionals handle everything. The vast majority of our guests have never been on a sailboat before. Sailing catamarans in particular are one of the most comfortable ways to be on the water — wide, stable, and nothing like the rocking boats many first-timers imagine.

Some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is accessible only by boat — which makes a charter day so much more special than a beach trip alone. Top spots include:

- Waterlemon Cay (St. John) — Widely considered the best snorkeling in the USVI. Healthy coral reef, sea turtles, and incredible visibility. Boat-only access.
Congo Cay (between St. John & St. Thomas) — Dramatic walls, tarpon, eagle rays.
- Dog Islands (north of St. Thomas) — Big visibility, big schools, no crowds.
- Grass & Mingo Cay (between the islands) — Calm, turtle-heavy, great for mixed groups.
- Saba Island / Flat Cays (south of St. Thomas) — The reliable south-side pick when north swells shut down everything else.
- Trunk Bay Underwater Trail (St. John) — A 225-yard marked trail through coral gardens. Perfect for beginners and kids.
- Maho Bay & Francis Bay (St. John) — The most reliable spots for hawksbill sea turtle sightings. Calm, shallow, and beautiful.
- Buck Island Wreck (St. Thomas) — A sunken ship at 25 feet that's become a thriving artificial reef. A genuine crowd-pleaser.
- The Indians (BVI) — Four dramatic rock spires with a spectacular underwater reef. For those venturing out on a BVI day trip.

All snorkel gear is included.

Yes — on a private charter, hitting multiple stops is one of the great advantages of having the boat to yourselves. A typical full-day charter might include two or three snorkel spots, a beach stop for lunch, and a visit to a spot like Lime Out (the floating taco bar in Coral Bay St. John & Emerald Bay St. Thomas) or the Soggy Dollar Bar on a BVI day trip. Your captain will help shape the day around your priorities while making the most of the conditions.

Most charters depart from St. Thomas (specifically Red Hook Marina or Charlotte Amalie), so the distinction is usually about destination rather than departure point. St. Thomas is the hub — convenient, lively, and the launching point for all USVI and BVI adventures. St. John is just 20–30 minutes away by boat (if you are staying on St. John, your charter can depart from St. John) and is home to some of the most stunning national park beaches in the USVI: Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and more. Many of our most popular day charters naturally include both — departing St. Thomas and spending much of the day exploring St. John's waters.

Yes — and it's one of the most iconic stops in the Caribbean. The Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke (BVI) is the birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail — a legendary combination of rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grated nutmeg. The name comes from guests swimming ashore with wet cash. It's a must-do on any BVI day trip. (Passport required for BVI; cash only at the bar.)

Closer to home, Dinghy's Beach Bar & Grill on Water Island is a great lunch stop accessible without a passport. And Lime Out — a floating taco bar in Coral Bay, St. John & Emerald Bay St. Thomas — is one of the most unique dining experiences in the USVI, accessible only by boat.

Private sailing catamarans are by far the most popular choice. They're spacious, incredibly stable, and ideal for groups of all sizes — from couples to large celebrations. The wide deck, shaded cockpit, and easy-access swim platform make them comfortable for everyone from seasoned sailors to complete first-timers. Our most popular day experience is the Classic USVI Route on a private catamaran: departing from St. Thomas, cruising to St. John, snorkeling with sea turtles, and spending time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Charter pricing varies based on the type of boat, duration, group size, and itinerary. Current pricing for every experience is listed clearly on our website — each boat shows the full price upfront before you book, with no hidden fees. If you'd like help finding options that fit your budget, reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.

Shared charters are less expensive per person — you're joining a pre-set itinerary alongside other guests, which keeps the individual cost down. Private charters cost more in total, but when divided among a group, the per-person difference often narrows considerably — especially for groups of 4 or more. The real difference goes beyond price: on a private charter, the boat is exclusively yours, the itinerary is flexible, and the entire experience is built around your group. Most guests find that difference well worth it.

Yes — gratuity is customary and always appreciated in the charter industry. A tip of 15–20% of the charter price is standard for excellent service. Cash is preferred. We always remind guests to bring cash for gratuity when sharing pre-charter details.

Three things set us apart. First, we've personally vetted every operator and boat we list — we only feature experiences we'd recommend to our own family. Second, we're genuinely local: our team knows the USVI's waters, boats, and hidden spots in a way that no algorithm can replicate. Third, we're a concierge, not just a search engine — you can browse and book independently, or reach out and get a real recommendation tailored to your exact group and goals. We've done the homework so you don't have to.

Simply reach out — by phone, email, or the chat on our website. Tell us a little about your group: how many people, your dates, whether you're celebrating anything, and what you're hoping to experience on the water. We'll give you a specific recommendation with the reasoning behind it. You don't need to know anything about boats or charters — that's exactly the point. We take the guesswork out so you can just show up and enjoy the best day of your trip.

Yes — every operator on our platform has been personally evaluated. That means we've assessed their boats, verified licensing and insurance, and looked at their track record. We only list experiences we'd confidently recommend to someone we know. If we wouldn't put a friend on a boat, it doesn't make it onto our platform. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.

We're a curated booking platform — we don't own any boats. What we own is the expertise: years of experience building relationships with the best operators in the USVI, firsthand knowledge of every experience we list, and a genuine commitment to making sure every booking delivers. Think of us less like a booking site and more like a trusted local friend who happens to know every captain, cove, and charter worth your day.