Your own boat, your own BVI route. A day aboard Midnight Sun Charters’ 37ft Obsidian feels different from the usual group tours, because you’re steering the plan with your captain around the British Virgin Islands from St. Thomas. Expect 5 to 8 hours on the water, with stops that mix big-name beaches and hands-on snorkeling.

I love two things most: the custom itinerary (you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule), and the fact that the day is built for real time in the water—swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at multiple places instead of only checking off one photo spot. I also like that this is a true private tour for your group of up to six, so you can move at your pace.

One consideration: this experience depends on good weather, and it also asks for real pre-trip paperwork—everyone needs a current valid passport, and BVI customs/entrance fees and fuel are not included.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Private 37ft Obsidian for up to 6 people so the day feels like your own floating beach club
• Captain-led itinerary with flexibility to focus on swimming and snorkeling where conditions feel best
• Route packed with top snorkel stops, including Francis Bay with turtles and sea rays, plus The Indians and Norman Island areas
• Famous beach and bar moments, from Magens Bay to an island hop that lands you at Soggy Dollar Bar for a Painkiller
• What’s included helps your day run smoothly: bottled water with ice and the captain

A 37-Foot Private Charter That Feels Like Having Your Own Day

This isn’t a seat on a shared catamaran. Midnight Sun Charters rents you the whole 37ft Obsidian, which matters more than it sounds. When you’re private, you’re not negotiating with other people’s energy levels—some want snorkeling first, some want to swim slowly, and some just want to float and watch the water change color.

The boat size also supports an actual island-hopping day. With 5 to 8 hours on the water, you get enough time to visit a full set of stops, not just one. The itinerary is written as a plan, but the captain works with your group so the day fits how you want to spend it.

And if you’re wondering whether the captain’s personality makes a difference: the reviews point to captains like Adam and Colin being especially good at making the trip fun and flexible. One report even mentioned snorkeling help like pool noodles and snorkel gear, and another noted the captain dropping the group near the cruise ship to maximize time. That’s the kind of small practical thinking that turns a good charter into a great day.

Price and What You Actually Get for $2,000

The price is $2,000 per group for up to six people. That can sound steep until you do the math: it’s effectively paying for a private boat day, not per-person admission to a big tour.

Here’s where the value becomes clearer:

• You’re paying for privacy. Up to six means fewer compromises and more time doing what your group cares about.
• Water time is the product. Most of the day’s “schedule” is about beaches and snorkel stops, not long drives or long waits.
• Practical inclusions reduce friction: bottled water with ice and the captain are included.

What’s not included is also part of the value equation. Fuel and BVI customs/entrance fees are not included, so plan a little extra budget on top of the charter price. If you’re a group of six, you’re still likely to feel good about the cost compared with piecing together multiple transportation and tour fees. If you’re only a couple people, it’s still a great experience—but the price will feel more “private” than “bargain.”

Your Captain: The Real Superpower of a Custom BVI Day

The heart of this trip is simple: you choose how the day plays, with your captain guiding the route around the British Virgin Islands.

That flexibility matters because BVI days can shift. Wind and sea conditions can change how comfortable snorkeling or beach time feels, and your group might want to linger longer at one spot and shorten another. With a private charter, you’re not fighting a fixed group timetable.

Also, small captain touches can make the day smoother. Reviews mention captains providing pool noodles and snorkel gear and being flexible with “fun stops.” Another report highlighted how the captain built rapport even with teenage kids, which tells me the best captains here know how to keep a mixed-age group engaged.

One more practical note: there’s no hotel pickup/drop-off listed. So you’ll be responsible for getting to the meeting area. If you’re staying near public transportation, that’s helpful.

The Route You’ll Sail: Beaches, Turtles, Caves, and Painkillers

The itinerary is built as an island-hopping sampler that mixes classic beaches with strong snorkeling.

Below is what to expect, in order, plus where each stop can shine and where it might be a mismatch for some groups. Stop order and time windows are based on the trip plan you’ll follow.

Stop 1: Magens Bay Beach (about 1 hour)

You start at Magens Bay Beach, described as a top 10 rated beach in the world. The admission note is simple here: ticket free.

Why it’s a smart first stop: you ease into the day on a beach that’s already known for great beach time. If your group wants a quick swim, sun, and a reset before snorkeling, this is the opening move.

Possible drawback: because it’s famous, you might find it busy depending on the day and the mix of visitors. If you’re hoping for quiet solitude, treat this as your “set the tone” stop and don’t expect total emptiness.

Stop 2: The Baths + Devil’s Bay (about 2 hours)

Next up is The Baths, plus swimming at Devil’s Bay on Virgin Gorda. This stop runs longer than the beach-only stops, which suggests more time walking around and finding the best water moment.

Why it’s worth it: you’re getting a mix of exploring and water time in one block. For many people, the Baths are the day’s “wow” stop because it’s not just laying on sand.

Possible drawback: since it includes an area to explore and then swim, keep your group’s comfort with uneven terrain in mind. If anyone in your party is prone to slippery surfaces or doesn’t like rugged shorelines, plan to go slow and wear grippy footwear.

Stop 3: Sandy Cay (about 1 hour)

Then you head to Sandy Cay, a small island in BVI that’s great for snorkeling or sunbathing. Admission is included for this stop.

Why it works: this is a short, flexible hit of water time. If you want to get back on the boat quickly after snorkeling or if you’re a sunbather who wants less walking, Sandy Cay fits.

Possible drawback: one hour goes by fast. If your group is the type that likes long, slow snorkeling sessions, consider asking your captain whether you can prioritize it when the day’s conditions feel good.

Stop 4: Francis Bay (about 1 hour)

Francis Bay is listed as great snorkeling with turtles and sea rays. Admission is included.

This is a big deal for wildlife lovers because it’s not just “some snorkeling.” It’s a targeted spot where the plan explicitly points to turtles and sea rays. If that’s your priority, you’ll probably feel like this stop pays off quickly.

Possible drawback: wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The listing says it’s great, but water movement and visibility can affect how often you’ll see animals close up. Still, it’s one of the strongest snorkeling mentions in the route.

Stop 5: Norman Island Caves (about 2 hours)

Next is Norman Island Caves, described as a great snorkeling spot. It’s also tied to Crusoe’s Treasure Island and is a good lunch area. Admission is included.

Why it’s a strong “middle of the day” stop: you get two things at once—snorkeling and a planned time slot for lunch. If your group wants to snorkel before eating, then settle down for a break, the two-hour block gives you breathing room.

Possible drawback: caves and shore areas usually mean you’ll spend some time near rock and water. If anyone in your group prefers comfortable, gentle-entry beaches only, you might want to keep snorkeling expectations realistic and focus on what feels safe.

Stop 6: The Indians (about 1 hour)

You continue to The Indians, another great snorkel spot near Norman Island. Admission is included.

Why this is smart: you’re stacking snorkeling-focused stops back to back enough to ride the momentum, but not so long that everyone burns out. If the water is clear and your party is enjoying themselves, this is a chance to hit another strong site while conditions are still in your favor.

Possible drawback: one hour is tight for a full “slow snorkel” plus recovery time on the boat. If you’re a slower swimmer or need breaks between sessions, plan your gear and pace before you enter.

Stop 7: Cooper Island (about 2 hours)

Cooper Island is listed as a great lunch spot, with two hours.

This is a key recovery block. After several snorkeling-heavy stops, this gives you a chance to eat, cool down, and decide what energy level you want for the final leg.

Possible drawback: if your group’s idea of fun is continuous water time, lunch blocks can feel like a pause. But the two-hour window also helps you avoid rushing, which usually makes the last stops more enjoyable.

Stop 8: Soggy Dollar Bar and Jost’s island hop (about 2 hours)

The final stop is an island hop to Jost for Soggy Dollar Bar, where you can enjoy a world famous Painkiller. Admission is included for this part.

Why it works as a finish: a bar stop is a reward moment. After all the water and snorkeling, you get to cool off with a drink and take in the island vibe without needing to pack up snorkel gear again.

Possible drawback: a bar stop adds spending that isn’t included in the charter price. It’s totally worth it if that’s on your wish list, but keep your budget in mind so you’re not surprised.

What to Wear and Bring for Maximum Comfort

You’ll be in swim mode for much of the day, so I keep my packing simple and practical.

Bring:

• Swimwear + quick-dry layers for boat time between stops
• Snorkeling essentials if you have them, even though some captains may provide gear like pool noodles and snorkel equipment based on reviews
• Sun protection (you’ll be in the open for long stretches)
• Grippy footwear if you’re at stops that involve exploring shore areas, especially ones like The Baths and Norman Island Caves where you’ll be moving around near rock

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to travel light: this is still worth it for you. Most of your time is water and beach. You’re not bringing luggage that needs to be packed and unpacked over and over.

Boat Day Reality: How to Think About Time on the Water

This is a private charter, so your schedule will feel more fluid than a big-group tour. Still, remember that you’re moving between islands.

A good way to think about the day:

• The middle is where you’ll stack snorkeling. That’s when you’ll want to be hydrated and ready.
• Lunch blocks (Norman Island and Cooper Island) are your “charge up” moments.
• The last part lands on Jost and Soggy Dollar Bar for a relaxed finish.

Because duration is about 5 to 8 hours, it can feel like a full day, but it’s not all sitting. You’ll be busy—swimming, floating, and repositioning between stops.

Who Should Book Midnight Sun Charters (and Who Might Not)

This charter is a strong fit if you:

• Want privacy and a small group day on the water
• Care about snorkeling spots more than land-based sightseeing
• Like the idea of building your own day with a captain who can be flexible
• Have a mixed group (including people who don’t want to snorkel the entire time), since a private setup makes it easier to split time between swimming and relaxing

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate weather-driven plans. This experience requires good weather.
• You want a fully inclusive all-in price with zero extra spending. Fuel and BVI customs/entrance fees aren’t included.
• You need hotel pickup. There’s no hotel pickup/drop-off listed.

Should You Book This Private BVI Day?

I’d book Midnight Sun Charters’ 37ft Obsidian if you’re aiming for a day where the center of the experience is water time and the schedule bends around your group, not the other way around. The route hits iconic stops like Magens Bay, The Baths, multiple snorkel zones (including Francis Bay with turtles and sea rays), and ends with a classic Jost bar moment at Soggy Dollar Bar for a Painkiller.

If you’re traveling with up to six people and you value flexibility, this is likely one of the more satisfying ways to spend time between St. Thomas and the BVI. Just go in with two practical expectations: bring a valid passport for everyone, and budget a little for what’s not included like fuel and possible fees.

FAQ

How many people are in a group for this charter?

The group size is up to 6 people, and it’s a private tour for just your group.

How much does the charter cost?

The price is $2,000 per group.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the private tour, bottled water with ice, and the captain.

What’s not included?

Fuel is not included, and BVI customs/entrance fees are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel, and passport details are required at the time of booking.

How long is the trip?

The duration is approximately 5 to 8 hours.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.