Explore Our Blog by Category

Dive into the best of the US and British Virgin Islands with our insider tips, guides, and stories. Whether you’re planning a private boat charter, searching for the best snorkeling spots, or looking for local food and drink experiences, our blog has everything you need to make your island adventure unforgettable.

Browse by category:

Private Boat Charters – Plan the perfect day on the water with expert advice
Snorkeling & Marine Life – Discover sea turtles, coral reefs, and tropical fish
USVI Travel & Charter Tips – Explore St John, St Thomas, and hidden cays
BVI Travel & Charter Tips – Island-hop through Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda, and more
Family Travel – Fun and safe experiences for all ages
Couples & Romantic Travel – Sunsets, secluded beaches, and private charters
Group & Friends Travel – Tips for friends’ adventures and special occasions
Weather & Seasonal Tips – Plan your trip for the best conditions year-round
Food & Drink Experiences – Floating pizza boats, beach bars, and local cuisine
Charter Comfort & Seasickness Tips – Relax and enjoy your day with confidence

Private Boat Charters

Experience the Virgin Islands your way with private boat charters. Customize stops, snorkeling, and meals while avoiding crowds. Perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a stress-free day on turquoise waters.

BVI Customs & Immigration fees are increasing in 2026, including separate entrance fees at The Baths.

BVI Customs & Immigration Fees Are Going Up…Again!

BVI Customs & Immigration fees are going up…again! Whether you're booking a private or group charter, here's what you need to know about the November 2026 increases, the upcoming April 2027 changes to The Baths entrance fees, and a few tips to help you plan your BVI adventure.

Captain Sara

Nov 23 min read

Snorkeling from shore vs. boat in St. John with snorkel gear on a charter boat in the Virgin Islands

Snorkeling From Shore vs. Boat in St. John: Is a Charter Worth It?

Wondering whether a private boat charter is worth it for snorkeling? We break down snorkeling from shore vs. boat in St. John, from cost and convenience to accessing different snorkel spots, avoiding crowds, and fitting more into your day. See the pros and cons of each—and decide which kind of St. John snorkeling adventure is right for you.

Captain Sara

Sep 217 min read

How we choose snorkel spots in the Virgin Islands: Learn how wind, waves, currents, weather, visibility, crowds, and local knowledge shape every private charter itinerary.

How We Choose Snorkel Spots in the Virgin Islands: What Goes Into Every Charter Day

Ever wonder how captains decide where to snorkel? Go behind the scenes to learn how wind, waves, currents, weather, and local knowledge shape every charter day.

Captain Sara

Aug 247 min read

Trunk Bay St. John overlooking turquoise Caribbean water and white sand, named the best beach in the world for 2026

Trunk Bay St. John Was Named the Best Beach in the World—But Is It Really St. John’s Best?

Trunk Bay St. John was named the best beach in the world for 2026—but is it really St. John’s best? Discover what makes Trunk Bay incredible and why some of the island’s other breathtaking beaches might just steal your heart.

Captain Sara

Aug 174 min read

Woman applying reef-safe sunscreen in the Virgin Islands before snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean water

Reef-Safe Sunscreen in the Virgin Islands: Avoid These Banned Ingredients

Planning a Caribbean vacation? Learn why reef-safe sunscreen in the Virgin Islands matters, which sunscreen ingredients are banned in the USVI, and how to choose a mineral sunscreen that protects coral reefs without leaving a thick white cast. From snorkeling and boat days to sea turtles and turquoise water, here’s what every traveler should know before heading to the Virgin Islands.

Captain Sara

Jun 294 min read

Lionfish in the Virgin Islands showcasing the invasive reef predator targeted by local divers and lionfish tournaments

Lionfish in the Virgin Islands: What Every Snorkeler Should Know

Lionfish in the Virgin Islands may look beautiful, but these invasive predators are threatening Caribbean coral reefs and marine life. Learn where lionfish came from, why they’re a problem, and how local divers, conservation groups, and tournaments like the St. Thomas/St. John Lionfish Tournament are helping protect Virgin Islands reefs — and how visitors can help too.

Captain Sara

Jun 154 min read

Empty Cinnamon Bay beach with historic ruins, white sand, turquoise water, and green hills showing what visiting St. John USVI by Season looks like at its most beautiful

Visiting St. John USVI by Season: What to Expect Throughout the Year

Visiting St. John USVI by Season gives you a local look at what to expect year-round – from busy winter months with cruise ships and Christmas Winds, to peaceful hurricane season beaches, Carnival energy in summer, and quiet fall shoulder season. Learn how crowds, weather, and water conditions change so you can plan the perfect trip and experience St. John at its best for your style of vacation.

Captain Sara

May 125 min read

Private boat charter adventures to off the beaten path BVI spots featured in the ultimate “I’ve done the BVI” quiz

How Many of These off the beaten path BVI spots Have You Been To? (Be Honest 👀)

Think you’ve “done” the BVI? White Bay, The Baths, and a few snorkel stops are just the beginning. This checklist of off the beaten path BVI spots challenges you to see how many hidden coves, beaches, lunch stops, and island gems you’ve actually experienced. From Smuggler’s Cove to Oil Nut Bay, see what you’ve missed – and what you can explore next with Blue Water Charters.

Captain Sara

May 75 min read

Private boat charter vs renting a boat in the USVI shown with Beach Bum anchored in calm Caribbean water ready for a day trip

Private Boat Charter vs Renting a Boat in the USVI: What No One Tells You (Until It’s Too Late)

When it comes to Private boat charter vs renting a boat in the USVI, most visitors don’t realize how different the experience really is. A private charter offers local expertise, smoother rides, access to hidden spots, and stress-free boating – while renting puts navigation, safety, and liability on you. Discover why hiring a captain often means seeing more, doing more, and relaxing more in the Virgin Islands.

Captain Sara

Apr 274 min read

Best Sunset Spots St. John: Where to Watch, Snap, and Sip

Searching for the best sunset spots St. John? Discover seasonal sunset locations, local tips, and where to watch the Caribbean sky explode with color.

Captain Sara

Mar 254 min read

Private boat Beach Bum floating in turquoise waters of White Bay during a first time private charter BVI.

First Time Private Charter BVI: Your Ultimate Adventure Starts Here

Planning your first time private charter BVI? From snorkeling at The Baths to sipping cocktails at Willy T, explore hidden beaches, water-access-only bars like Soggy Dollar Bar and Pirate’s Bight, and everything you need to pack for the ultimate private boat adventure with Blue Water Charters.

Captain Sara

Mar 103 min read

Beach Bum anchored in calm, clear water by white sand beach on a first private boat charter USVI experience.

First Private Boat Charter USVI? Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning your first private boat charter USVI? From snorkeling with sea turtles to hidden beaches, water-access-only restaurants, and fully customizable stops, we’ll show you what to pack, where to go, and how to make your day on the water unforgettable with Blue Water Charters.

Captain Sara

Mar 64 min read

Sandy Spit in the BVI, a stunning beach stop during USVI and BVI travel for families, couples, and groups.

USVI and BVI Travel for Families, Couples, and Groups: Which Islands Will Make Your Vacation Unforgettable?

USVI and BVI travel for families, couples, and groups isn’t one-size-fits-all. Snorkel sea turtle hotspots, jump off the Willy T, sip cocktails at Soggy Dollar, or relax at Sandy Spit. Find out which islands match your travel style, and how to customize the perfect day on the water.

Captain Sara

Feb 174 min read

Best Private Boat Charter Itineraries St. John – Expert guide to planning the perfect day on the water.

The Best Private Boat Charter Itineraries in St. John – Create the Ultimate Day in the USVI

Discover the best private boat charter itineraries in St. John with Blue Water Charters. From hidden beaches and snorkeling with sea turtles to floating bars and sunset cruises, these insider-crafted routes turn a good day on the water into the best day of your trip. Plan your dream St. John adventure today!

Captain Sara

Nov 25, 20254 min read

Explore the USVI and BVI like a pro! Learn how to avoid crowds at popular spots with a private boat and make the most of every island stop.

How to Avoid Crowds at Popular Spots with a Private Boat: Insider Tips for USVI & BVI Adventures

Discover insider tips on how to avoid crowds at popular spots with a private boat in the USVI and BVI. From early tacos at Lime Out to calm snorkeling spots and hidden beaches, learn the best timing and secret stops to enjoy the islands without the crowds.

Captain Sara

Nov 11, 20255 min read

Discover the best Instagram spots St. John USVI – Mermaid’s Chair, Lime Out, Reef Bay, Little Lameshur, Pizza Pi – all in one private boat day!

5 Instagram Spots in St. John USVI You Can Hit in One Private Boat Day

Explore the best Instagram spots in St. John, USVI — from Mermaid’s Chair and Lime Out to Little Lameshur, Reef Bay Ruins, and Pizza Pi. Explore them all in one unforgettable day on a private charter with Blue Water Charters. Capture stunning photos, swim, snack, and soak in the island’s most photogenic views.

Captain Sara

Nov 6, 20254 min read

Private Boat Tour vs Group Tour St. John – Discover the Secret to a Stress-Free Island Escape

Skip the crowds and experience St. John your way! Unlike group tours that limit stops for the slowest swimmer, a private boat tour with Blue Water Charters lets you explore hidden beaches, secret snorkeling spots, and secluded coves at your pace. Comfort, personalization, and exclusive access make all the difference – discover why a private boat tour vs group tour St. John is the ultimate island escape.

Captain Sara

Oct 22, 20252 min read

Vibrant Jost Van Dyke sign with Caribbean scenery during a St. John to Jost Van Dyke boat adventure with Blue Water Charters

St. John to Jost Van Dyke Day Trip by Boat: The Ultimate Island-Hopping Adventure 🌴

Experience the perfect St. John to Jost Van Dyke day trip by boat with Blue Water Charters. Explore Sandy Spit, enjoy lunch at Foxy’s Taboo, and sip a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar. With a private BVI charter, discover hidden gems and enjoy Jost Van Dyke at your own pace.

Captain Sara

Oct 16, 20254 min read

USVI vs BVI boat charter: Discover key differences, from snorkeling with sea turtles to beach bars, and find the perfect boat day for your island adventure!

🛥️ USVI vs. BVI Boat Charters: Which Tropical Adventure Floats Your Boat?

USVI vs BVI boat charter: Discover key differences, from snorkeling with sea turtles to beach bars, and find the perfect boat day for your island adventure!

Captain Sara

Aug 1, 20254 min read

Get your BUM on a Boat!

ST JOHN VIRGIN ISLANDS

Explore Our Blog by Category

Private Boat Charters

BVI Customs & Immigration Fees Are Going Up…Again!

Snorkeling From Shore vs. Boat in St. John: Is a Charter Worth It?

How We Choose Snorkel Spots in the Virgin Islands: What Goes Into Every Charter Day

Trunk Bay St. John Was Named the Best Beach in the World—But Is It Really St. John’s Best?

Reef-Safe Sunscreen in the Virgin Islands: Avoid These Banned Ingredients

Lionfish in the Virgin Islands: What Every Snorkeler Should Know

Visiting St. John USVI by Season: What to Expect Throughout the Year

How Many of These off the beaten path BVI spots Have You Been To? (Be Honest 👀)

Private Boat Charter vs Renting a Boat in the USVI: What No One Tells You (Until It’s Too Late)

Best Sunset Spots St. John: Where to Watch, Snap, and Sip

First Time Private Charter BVI: Your Ultimate Adventure Starts Here

First Private Boat Charter USVI? Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

USVI and BVI Travel for Families, Couples, and Groups: Which Islands Will Make Your Vacation Unforgettable?

The Best Private Boat Charter Itineraries in St. John – Create the Ultimate Day in the USVI

How to Avoid Crowds at Popular Spots with a Private Boat: Insider Tips for USVI & BVI Adventures

5 Instagram Spots in St. John USVI You Can Hit in One Private Boat Day

Private Boat Tour vs Group Tour St. John – Discover the Secret to a Stress-Free Island Escape

St. John to Jost Van Dyke Day Trip by Boat: The Ultimate Island-Hopping Adventure 🌴

🛥️ USVI vs. BVI Boat Charters: Which Tropical Adventure Floats Your Boat?