Best BVI Day Trips from St. John: Custom Routes, Hidden Gems & Iconic Stops
- Captain Sara
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’re visiting St. John and wondering how to level up your vacation, a day trip to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is the answer. Just a short boat ride away, the BVI offers legendary beach bars, world-class snorkeling, iconic landmarks, and quiet corners that feel untouched.
The key? Doing it by private boat charter – where your day is customized around your vibe, the weather, and real-time crowd conditions. Below, we’ll break down the best BVI day trips from St. John, plus what you need to know before you go.
What You Need to Know Before Your BVI Day Trip
Before we dive into the fun stuff, here are a few important details to help your BVI day trip go smoothly.
Passports & Customs
A valid passport is required to travel from the USVI to the BVI.
You’ll clear customs and immigration both entering the BVI and returning to the U.S.
How it works on your charter:
Your first stop is BVI customs, which typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how busy they are. Only your captain goes inside – you get to relax onboard.
We use three convenient BVI check-in locations, depending on your itinerary:
West End, Tortola: Guests remain on the boat until cleared.
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke: After immigration, you’re free to walk the beach and head straight to Tipsy Shark or Foxy’s (usually just 5-10 minutes).
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda: Guests may take a taxi to The Baths while your captain completes customs.
On the way back, Blue Water Charters is authorized to re-enter the U.S. using a mobile Customs app, meaning no in-person U.S. Customs stop. It’s a faster, smoother, and far more relaxing way to end your day.
Best of all, your captain handles the entire process, making a BVI day trip surprisingly easy and stress-free on a private charter.
Why Go by Private Boat?
Flexibility to avoid crowds
Ability to hit multiple stops in one day
Routes adjusted for wind, swell, and visibility
Local knowledge you won’t get from a guidebook
Don’t Forget Before Your BVI Day Trip
✔ Valid passport for every guest
✔ Beach towel
✔ Sun protection – hats, sunglasses, and sun shirts
✔ Reef-safe sunscreen (required in the Virgin Islands)
✔ Snacks & drinks for the boat (coolers, ice, water, and a few soft drinks are provided)
✔ Cash and card for beach bars, lunch stops, and souvenirs
✔ Motion-sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness
Best BVI Day Trips from St. John by Travel Style
🍹 Bar-Hopper’s Dream
Perfect if your ideal day includes rum drinks, music, and iconic island stops.
Top Stops:
Foxy’s (Jost Van Dyke) – Legendary vibes and Caribbean history
Soggy Dollar Bar – Home of the Painkiller, feet-in-the-sand perfection
Foxy’s Taboo – Laid-back lunch spot with incredible views and the Jost sign
Pirate’s Bight (Norman Island) – Chill, right on the water, and serves a killer bushwhacker
Willy T – Floating bar, wild stories, and unforgettable fun
💡 This route is one of the most popular options for the best BVI day trips from St. John.
🏝 Adventure Day
For travelers who crave iconic sights and a touch of adrenaline, an Adventure Day in the BVI delivers.
Top Stops:
The Baths (Virgin Gorda) – Explore massive granite boulders, hidden caves, and natural pools that are a photographer’s dream.
Willy T – A floating bar with legendary stories, fun energy, and a must-see stop along the way.
The Caves (Norman Island) – Swim-throughs, dramatic underwater scenery, and a peek at marine life make this a snorkeler’s favorite.
⏱ Timing is everything – scheduling your trip on a day with fewer cruise ships in Tortola ensures a quieter, more relaxed experience at popular spots.
💡 Pro Tip: Your captain knows the best times to hit each location to minimize crowds and maximize your adventure.
🐠 Snorkeler’s Delight
Clear water, healthy reefs, and diverse marine life.
Top Stops:
Cooper Island – Colorful fish and excellent visibility
The Aquarium – Calm waters and schools of fish
Pirate’s Bight – Beachside snorkeling with frequent sea turtle sightings.
The Caves – Calm water and 3 caves you can swim into
The Indians – One of the most famous snorkel areas in the BVI
Optional Willy T – If your group wants to mix fun with fins
This is where a private charter shines – conditions change daily, and your route adapts.
🌴 Off-the-Beaten-Track Explorer
For guests who want quieter beaches and local favorites.
Top Stops:
Tipsy Shark – Breakfast with a view on Jost Van Dyke
Beeline Beach – Chill, uncrowded vibes
Sandy Spit – Postcard-perfect, tiny island paradise
Foxy’s Taboo – Relaxed lunch stop
Bubbly Pool – on days with a north swell
Smuggler’s Cove – One of Tortola’s most beautiful beaches
This route proves that the best BVI day trips from St. John don’t have to follow the crowds.
Customize Your Perfect BVI Day
The beauty of a private boat charter is that you don’t have to choose just one itinerary.
Tell your captain something like:
“We want 2 snorkel stops, a great lunch, and chill beach vibes”
“We want iconic spots with fewer crowds”
“Snorkeling first, cocktails later”
Your day is then customized based on:
Weather and sea conditions
Crowd levels
Your group’s energy and interests
✨ Bonus: You can even add Lime Out or Pizza Pi on the way back to St. John for the perfect end-of-day bite.
Why the Best BVI Day Trips from St. John Are with Blue Water Charters
When you charter with Blue Water Charters, you’re not booking a checklist – you’re booking a locally guided experience.
You’ll get:
Custom itineraries built around you
An experienced local captain who know the islands inside and out
Stress-free customs handling
Access to both iconic and hidden BVI spots
A day that flows naturally, not rushed or rigid
Final Thoughts
From legendary beach bars to world-class snorkeling and hidden island gems, the best BVI day trips from St. John offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you want to sip Painkillers, swim with tropical fish, explore natural wonders, or escape the crowds entirely, a private boat charter makes it possible.
Ready to experience the BVI the right way?
📍 Book your private BVI day trip with Blue Water Charters and let the islands set the pace.
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