If you are staying in the US Virgin Islands, you can sample the BVI in a day. A fast boat leaves from American Yacht Harbor at Red Hook on St Thomas or from the National Park Dock in Cruz Bay, St John, at about half past seven in the morning, and the day takes about nine hours. The itinerary on visits The Baths National Park, Devil's Bay National Park, White Bay on Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar Bar, with snorkel gear, snacks and an open bar on board and park fees included. Because the boat crosses an international border, you must bring a valid passport and cash for immigration and customs fees, and customs clearance is part of the day. It is a full, busy trip that gives a very good overview but only a short time at each stop.
This is the most efficient way to see the BVI's greatest hits if you only have one day. The boat clears customs at the BVI port on the way in, then runs to Virgin Gorda for about ninety minutes at The Baths, followed by a quick walk or swim at Devil's Bay. After that, it continues to Jost Van Dyke, where there is about an hour at White Bay and around two hours at the Soggy Dollar Bar.
The group size is capped and the day has been very well reviewed by travelers, which is why it is popular. Book early in high season and keep your passport in a waterproof bag.
Preparation matters more than usual. Check that your passport is valid and that every traveler, including children, carries one. Cash is needed for customs fees and for drinks or food ashore. Wear swimwear under light clothing, bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, and consider seasickness tablets, since the crossing can be bumpy. The itinerary can change if the weather turns, and the booking is non-refundable according to the page, so check the forecast and the terms before you pay.
The trade-off is time. You will not see Tortola, Norman Island or Anegada, and the day is tiring. If you have more time, consider a multi-day stay in the BVI instead, or at least take the ferry to Tortola for an overnight. For cruise passengers, check carefully that the day trip fits within your ship's schedule, as returning late can mean missing the boat. For everyone else it is a fun, efficient way to cross the border, snorkel at a famous site and have a Painkiller on a perfect beach.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group boat day from St Thomas or St John with customs clearance, The Baths, Devil's Bay, White Bay and the Soggy Dollar Bar.
Best time
A calm, dry-season day in high season, with an early start from Red Hook or Cruz Bay.
How long
About nine hours door to dock.
Tips
Bring a valid passport, cash for customs fees, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and motion-sickness tablets.
Quick picks
- Best for
- US Virgin Islands visitors who want the BVI highlights in a single day.
- Families
- Possible with older children who are comfortable on a fast boat; everyone needs a passport.
- Couples
- A lively day with a swim, a beach and a Painkiller to finish.
- Pair with
- A relaxed beach day in St John or St Thomas afterwards.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Do I need a passport?+
Yes. The trip crosses into the British Virgin Islands, so every traveler needs a valid passport. Bring cash for customs fees too.
Where does the boat leave from?+
The booking page lists American Yacht Harbor at Red Hook, St Thomas, or the National Park Dock in Cruz Bay, St John, at around 7:30 am.
Are park fees included?+
The page says entry to The Baths, Devil's Bay and the Soggy Dollar Bar stop is included, while White Bay is free. Food and drink ashore are extra.
How long do we stay at each stop?+
Roughly ninety minutes at The Baths, a short stop at Devil's Bay, about an hour at White Bay and around two hours at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Weather can change this.
Can I cancel?+
The page says the booking is non-refundable, so check the terms and the forecast before you commit.
