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

Snorkeling & Marine Life

Discover vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, eagle rays, and colorful fish in the Virgin Islands. Our guides share tips, gear advice, and hidden snorkeling spots for unforgettable underwater adventures.

Colorful Caribbean reef fish swimming above a healthy coral reef in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

25 U.S. Virgin Islands Reef Fish Every Snorkeler Should Know

Discover the 25 most common reef fish in the U.S. Virgin Islands with this easy-to-use snorkeling guide. Learn how to identify each species, where to find them, and fascinating facts that will make every snorkel more rewarding.

Captain Sara

Jul 1822 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

Saharan Dust in the Virgin Islands creating a light haze over island landscapes during summer travel season

Saharan Dust in the Virgin Islands: What Every Visitor Should Know Before Their Trip

Wondering about Saharan Dust in the Virgin Islands? Each year, dust from Africa's Sahara Desert travels across the Atlantic, bringing occasional hazy skies to the Caribbean. Learn when it arrives, how it affects vacations, what it means for hurricane season, and the surprising role it plays in supporting ocean ecosystems and producing much of the oxygen we breathe.

Captain Sara

Jun 235 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

The real dangers of the Virgin Islands include sunburn, island cocktails, and too much fun on a boat charter

The Real Dangers of the Virgin Islands Are Surprisingly Preventable

The real dangers of the Virgin Islands probably aren’t what you think. From brutal Caribbean sunburns and surprisingly strong “island pours” to sea urchins, snorkeling currents, and driving on the left side of the road, here’s what locals and boat captains wish visitors knew before exploring St. Thomas and St. John. These fun, practical Virgin Islands travel tips will help you stay safe while enjoying paradise.

Captain Sara

May 256 min read

Floating sargassum drifting in clear deep blue Caribbean water

Sargassum in the Caribbean: The Good, the Bad & the Seriously Smelly

Sargassum in the Caribbean is both a vital marine habitat and a frustrating beach nuisance. Learn what causes it, when it arrives in the Virgin Islands, how it affects marine life, and why there are still plenty of crystal-clear coves and beautiful beaches to explore. From sea turtles to hidden snorkeling spots, here’s the good, the bad, and the seriously smelly side of Caribbean sargassum season.

Captain Sara

May 185 min read

Underwater reef scene showcasing Virgin Islands marine life with colorful corals.

7 Surprising Facts About Virgin Islands Marine Life You Probably Didn’t Know

Discover the fascinating world of Virgin Islands marine life beneath the turquoise waters of St. John, St. Thomas, and the British Virgin Islands. From Sailor’s Eyeball algae and cleaning gobies to sea turtles with remoras and damselfish guarding eggs, these surprising reef facts will help you slow down, look closer, and see the Caribbean reef in a whole new way.

Captain Sara

Apr 63 min read

Snorkeling without fins in the Virgin Islands, a classic Virgin Islands snorkeling mistake.

Avoid These Common Virgin Islands Snorkeling Mistakes for an Epic Underwater Adventure

Discover the most common Virgin Islands snorkeling mistakes and how to avoid them. From standing on coral to chasing turtles or not wearing fins, these tips help you snorkel safely and responsibly while making the most of your underwater adventure with Blue Water Charters. Float, glide, and explore the vibrant reefs of the Virgin Islands like a pro!

Captain Sara

Feb 33 min read

Sharks are essential to marine ecosystems. While shark attacks in the Virgin Islands are very rare, reflect on recent events in St. Croix with respect.

Shark Attacks in the Virgin Islands: Understanding Risk, Sharks, and the Ocean After a Tragic Event in St. Croix

A recent fatal shark attack off St. Croix reminds us of the ocean’s power. Learn about shark attacks in the Virgin Islands, their extreme rarity, why sharks are vital to reef health, and how to enjoy snorkeling safely with Blue Water Charters while respecting marine life.

Captain Sara

Jan 134 min read

Snorkeler observing a sea star on a coral reef in the USVI, hidden snorkel spots USVI & BVI

Beyond the Crowds: Discover the Best Hidden Snorkel Spots in the USVI & BVI

Escape the crowds and explore the Virgin Islands’ hidden snorkel spots USVI & BVI. Discover vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles in secluded locations only accessible by boat. Perfect for private snorkeling adventures and off-the-beaten-path experiences, these secret reefs offer unforgettable underwater sights.

Captain Sara

Dec 16, 20253 min read

Exploring St. John underwater: Snorkel vs Scuba USVI starts here.

Snorkeling vs Scuba USVI: Insider Tips from a Diver Who Knows Both Worlds

Snorkeling or scuba – which is right for your USVI vacation? In this guide, we break down snorkeling vs scuba USVI, share how to know when you’re ready to dive deeper, and explain Discover Scuba Diving for beginners. From easy, relaxed snorkeling to trying scuba safely with family, learn how to make the most of your Virgin Islands underwater adventure.

Captain Sara

Oct 29, 20254 min read

Underwater shot of a woman snorkeling with a sea turtle in the clear waters near St. John, USVI

🤿 Snorkeling for the First Time in the USVI? Start Here With These Beginner Tips

Ready to explore the vibrant underwater world of the US Virgin Islands but not sure where to start? Snorkeling is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience St. John’s crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and friendly sea turtles. Whether you’re a total beginner or just need a refresher, these simple tips on gear, technique, and top spots will have you floating like a pro – and loving every minute.

Captain Sara

Oct 1, 20254 min read

Snorkeler’s view of healthy coral reef and turquoise waters in the USVI

🌊 Exploring the Coral Reefs of the US Virgin Islands: A Life-Changing Underwater Adventure

Discover the coral reefs of the US Virgin Islands on a boat tour or snorkeling trip. Explore vibrant marine life, eco-friendly adventures, and unforgettable underwater beauty.

Captain Sara

Sep 23, 20253 min read

Green sea turtle swimming peacefully in clear Caribbean waters

Snorkeling With Sea Turtles? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Dive In! 🐢

Enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles the right way! Learn how to interact safely and protect these endangered creatures during your island vacation.

Captain Sara

Sep 2, 20254 min read

Snorkeler pointing excitedly at a bright starfish on the ocean floor in the Virgin Islands.

Snorkeling in the Virgin Islands? Here’s What’s Actually Swimming Beside You

Curious about what you’ll see while snorkeling in the Virgin Islands? From turtles to jellyfish and more – here’s what’s in the water – and why most marine life is totally chill.

Captain Sara

Aug 27, 20255 min read

A tarpon swimming through small bait fish

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 6 Size

Master fish identification with 6 key traits: shape, behavior, habitat, pattern, color, and size. Learn why size helps—but isn’t the whole story!

Captain Sara

May 19, 20253 min read

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 5: Color

Dive into the secrets of fish identification! Learn how color, shape, and behavior help unlock underwater mysteries – even when colors fade at depth.

Captain Sara

May 12, 20254 min read

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 4 Pattern

Learn how to identify fish using patterns like bars, bands, stripes, lines, spots & ocellated spots. Dive into the next step of fish ID with this fun guide!

Captain Sara

May 5, 20254 min read

Seagrass, coral reef and mangrove habitats

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 3 Habitat

Snorkeling in the USVI? Boost your fish identification skills by learning where fish hide – mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs, and their secret niches!

Captain Sara

Apr 28, 20254 min read

How to use fish behavior to identify fish

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 2 Behavior

Learn how fish behavior helps identify species! In Part 2 of our series, discover how use of the water column, schooling, and swimming pattern can unlock the secrets of fish identification.

Captain Sara

Apr 14, 20254 min read

Get your BUM on a Boat!

ST JOHN VIRGIN ISLANDS

Explore Our Blog by Category

Snorkeling & Marine Life

25 U.S. Virgin Islands Reef Fish Every Snorkeler Should Know

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

Saharan Dust in the Virgin Islands: What Every Visitor Should Know Before Their Trip

Lionfish in the Virgin Islands: What Every Snorkeler Should Know

The Real Dangers of the Virgin Islands Are Surprisingly Preventable

Sargassum in the Caribbean: The Good, the Bad & the Seriously Smelly

7 Surprising Facts About Virgin Islands Marine Life You Probably Didn’t Know

Avoid These Common Virgin Islands Snorkeling Mistakes for an Epic Underwater Adventure

Shark Attacks in the Virgin Islands: Understanding Risk, Sharks, and the Ocean After a Tragic Event in St. Croix

Beyond the Crowds: Discover the Best Hidden Snorkel Spots in the USVI & BVI

Snorkeling vs Scuba USVI: Insider Tips from a Diver Who Knows Both Worlds

🤿 Snorkeling for the First Time in the USVI? Start Here With These Beginner Tips

🌊 Exploring the Coral Reefs of the US Virgin Islands: A Life-Changing Underwater Adventure

Snorkeling With Sea Turtles? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Dive In! 🐢

Snorkeling in the Virgin Islands? Here’s What’s Actually Swimming Beside You

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 6 Size

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 5: Color

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 4 Pattern

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 3 Habitat

Unlock the Secrets of Fish Identification – Part 2 Behavior