How Much Does a Boat Charter Cost in the USVI?

Private boat charters in St. Thomas and St. John range from $650 for a 2-hour sunset sail to $2,500+ for a full-day BVI trip. Per-person shared excursions start at $49. Use the calculator below to get an exact estimate based on your group size, trip duration, activity, and charter type.

Charter Cost Calculator

Group Size: 4 people

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2026 USVI Charter Price Guide

Quick reference for typical boat charter pricing across St. Thomas, St. John, and the BVI. Prices vary by boat size, season, and operator.

Activity	Duration	Private Charter	Per Person	Best For
Sunset Sail	2–3 hrs	$650–$1,200	$49–$89	Couples & small groups
Half-Day Snorkeling	3–4 hrs	$800–$1,500	$65–$95	Families
Full-Day Island Hop	6–8 hrs	$1,200–$2,200	$125–$195	Groups of 4–8
BVI Day Trip	7–9 hrs	$1,800–$3,000	$150–$250	Adventurers (passport req.)
Catamaran Charter	4–8 hrs	$1,000–$2,800	$85–$175	Large groups 8+
Parasailing	1–2 hrs	N/A	$95–$150	Thrill seekers
Fishing Charter	4–8 hrs	$800–$2,000	$150–$300	Anglers
Overnight Charter	24+ hrs	$2,500–$6,000+	Varies	Multi-day explorers

* Prices are estimates based on 2026 rates. Peak season (Dec–Apr) may be 10–20% higher. BVI trips require an additional $75–$85/person in customs fees.

What's Included in Charter Prices

✓Typically Included

Captain & crew

Licensed USCG captain and experienced crew included in all charters

Fuel

Fuel is included on most charters — some full-day/BVI trips may add a surcharge

Snorkel gear

Masks, fins, and floats provided on snorkeling trips at no extra cost

Drinks & snacks

Most private charters include an open bar, water, sodas, and light snacks

Bluetooth speaker

Play your own music on board — nearly all boats have a sound system

Additional Costs to Budget

BVI customs fees$75–$85/person

Cash only, paid at customs in the BVI

Gratuity15–20%

Not included — industry standard for charter captains

Fuel surcharge$50–$200

Some BVI or long-distance trips only

Premium drinks upgrade$5–$15/person

Top-shelf liquor on select charters

Money-Saving Tips for USVI Boat Charters

Insider strategies to get the best value on your Virgin Islands boat trip without sacrificing the experience.

Split a private charter

A $1,200 half-day for 6 people = $200/person — often cheaper than per-person tickets and you get the whole boat.

Book in shoulder season

May–June and Nov have great weather with 10–20% lower prices vs. peak season (Dec–Apr).

Go for a sunset sail

2–3 hour sunset trips from $49/person are the best-value boat experience in the USVI — drinks usually included.

Choose a shared excursion

Solo travelers and couples save big on per-person shared trips — snorkeling from $65, full-day from $125.

Depart from St. John

Cruz Bay departures are closer to the best snorkeling — shorter transit = more time in the water for the same price.

Ask about weekday discounts

Some operators offer 10–15% off Monday–Thursday. Message the captain directly through the listing.

Charter Cost FAQ

How much does a private boat charter cost in St. Thomas?

Private boat charters in St. Thomas range from $650 for a 2-hour sunset sail to $2,500+ for a full-day BVI trip. A half-day private charter for up to 6 guests averages $800–$1,200.

How much is a BVI day trip from St. Thomas or St. John?

A private BVI day trip typically costs $1,800–$3,000 for the whole boat (6–12 guests). Per-person shared BVI trips run $150–$250/person. Additional costs include $75–$85 per person in BVI customs fees and a valid passport is required.

How much is a boat trip per person in the USVI?

Per-person shared boat trips in the USVI start at $49/person for sunset sails and $65–$95/person for snorkeling excursions. Private charter costs divided by group size typically work out to $100–$250/person.

Is it cheaper to book a private charter or per-person trip?

For groups of 4+, private charters are usually cheaper per person than buying individual tickets. For example, a $1,000 half-day private charter for 6 people is ~$167/person, vs. $85–$95/person on a shared trip where you share the boat with strangers.

What's the cheapest boat experience in the Virgin Islands?

The cheapest boat experiences are shared sunset sails starting at $49/person and group snorkeling trips from $65/person. These depart from Red Hook, St. Thomas or Cruz Bay, St. John.

Do charter prices include gratuity?

No — gratuity is not included in charter prices. The standard tip for boat captains and crew in the USVI is 15–20% of the charter cost. Cash is preferred but some captains accept Venmo or Zelle.

When is the cheapest time to book a boat charter?

Shoulder season (May–June, November) offers the best rates — typically 10–20% less than peak season (December–April). Weekdays are also cheaper than weekends on many boats.