My husband and I are going to St John in May for our (delayed) honeymoon. I would like to surprise him by making arrangements for an all day boat trip to (I think) one of the British VI. Is there a particular island or two we should visit? Can you recommend a boat?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the boat but it operates from the Westin. It is a catamaran that is an all day trip and goes out to Jost Van Dyke and will also stop at another snorkeling stop along the way. Jost is very laid-back and the catamaran I find is very romantic sailing versus going in a motorboat. If you go the motorboat route, I would suggest a smaller one like Stormy Petrol which goes out to Virgin Gorda. We went on both and loved both experiences though they are different. New Horizons II makes more stops if you want that.

Tuxedocat, was it possible the Adventurere Catamaran from WSJ's dock?
I too am interested in this topic as wil be staying at WSJ for a week of our trip in July.
Crest, I've also hear good things about Limnos. T'cat, do you know anything about them?
Thanks.

We had a great trip on The Adventurer a couple of years ago - snorkeling en route to JVD, lunch at Foxy's, then a stop at White Bay and the Soggy Dollar.

I think there are two key questions: would you prefer a sailboat or motorboat, and how important is it for you to see The Baths? (they're too far for a daysail and require a motor!).

I've read good things about the catamaran Snubadu including an article in Caribbean Travel. I believe the itinerary is flexible and food is very good. It sounded romantic if that is what you are looking for. We're a family of four going in April so we opted for the New Horizens II speed boat.

CaliNurse: I think the Adventurer may very well be the catamaran we went on. It was a fabulous and relaxing experience. The catamaran tends to be smoother than a regular sailboat and there is plenty of room to move around and sit. Some shade. They have some small snacks and as much beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as you like. You leave the dock around 8 or 9 a.m., and they take you to a snorkel spot (where depends on the weather) and you snorkel for about 30-45 minutes and then it's off to Jost Van Dyke (I think it was like a 1 and 1/2 hour sail)where you have lunch at Foxy's (you pay for this separately). After lunch, they sail to another side of Jost Van Dyke (White Bay) where there is no dock so you have to swim ashore (don't worry, the water's only about 5 feet deep) to a gorgeous stretch of perfect white sand beach and a string of beachside tiki bars, the most famous being the Soggy Dollar bar (for the obvious reason). You just while away the afternoon on the beach, or in a hammock or on a rickety bar stool. Late afternoon, you get back onto the catamaran and take the lovely sail back... still drinking those free beverages. We got back just around 5 p.m. in time to shower and relax before dinner. The Limnios also operates out of the Westin and is a different thing altogether. It is a large motorboat which can accomodate up to something like 30 people. They also offer snacks and limitless beverages. It goes to Virgin Gorda, stopping in Spanishtown to clear customs and then you take a taxi to the Baths. I love the Baths even though it can get a bit crowded, but hey, it's not crowded like Miami beach. You stay at the Baths for about an hour or so and then it's back to the boat for a simple lunch of coldcuts, salads, etc. Limnios usually goes to Norman Island so folks can snorkel the caves which inspired the story of Treasure Island. And then it's back to base. We enjoyed both of these trips but they were different. We did both during an 8 day stay at the Westin. There are also other trips which leave from the ferry dock in Cruz Bay and can easily assessed too, such as Stormy Petrol and New Horizons II (both motorboats which go to Virgin Gorda plus other island(s). You could also take the passenger ferry to Tortola and explore Tortola for a day.

Hubby and I took a daytrip to Jost and Foxys last May out of the Westin. The boat was a catamaran called the Island Spirit. We had an amazing time and the ride was smooth and enjoyable.

We went with Pirates Penny, which is a sister to Stormey Petrol.
The good thing about them is the small group of 6-8. It was recommended by a friend who lives there. FYI, she also recommends New Horizons.
We snorkeled at Virgin Gorda on the way to Cooper, where we lunched and Peter Island on the return.
Cooper is an storybook island in my book...isolated and gorgeous! Delicious Chicken Roti!
Virgin Gorda is wonderful too, much like a NATURAL waterpark!

Have a wonderful trip!

Belle

Sorry for the typo. The name of the catamaran is Scubadu and this website should help http://www.sailvi.com/

I think New Horizons I or II would be a great choice if you want to do more islands. I remember it goes to both Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke and one or two other islands too. Seems you really get your money's worth even if the schedule is a bit tighter.

Thank you for the suggestions!
The Adventurer catamaran sail to Jost Van Dyke seems to be just what I am looking for.

Since we will be there two weeks, I will also check out the motorboats as a possible second trip.

This site is such a great source of knowledge. I am sooo looking forward to our first visit to St. John!

The Adventurer catamaran is no longer sailing out of St. John. They moved their operations to St. Thomas. The Calypso sails out of Cruz Bay and The Island Spirit sails out from the Westin.

Try the Limnos charter. It is awesome. My son worked in STt for 5 yrs and always sends family and friends on it. Check my previous post on St John & thomas "from a resident." Book early, they really do fill up. I recommend Virgin Gorda since Jost vandyk is just a beach and a couple bars really...still fun