My husband and I used Nauti Nymph captained power boat charters two times and highly recommend it. The captains are all very knowledgeable and will let you create your own itinerary depending on what you want to do - - drink, snorkel, etc. We departed in Red Hook around 8:30 and returned at 5:30 after seeing Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Tortolla, Willie T's bar, Peter Island and lunch at Norman Island. I think they are based in STJ as well. But they are voted #1 (by who I don't know exactly) for powerboat rentals. Here is the link: http://www.st-thomas.com/nautinymph/

We had a 27', which was a little choppy, 29' is better esp for 5 people plus captain. You have to pay a $100 captain fee and then pay for gas and customs. Our bill ended up around $500. But we went all the way to Virgin Gorda, which is a hike. Still for 5 people, I think this is the better way to go in that you can see much more - - also ends up probably a little cheaper per person. If you are a good naviagtor, even more reasonable to rent w/o captain.

Good luck!

Kevin, we just back back from STJ on Sat (miss it already!) and had a wonderful day charter on Limnos Charters. We went to Spanishtown in Virgin Gorda, took a quick taxi to the Baths, spent about 1.5 hours there (more than enough, the snorkling is lousy but its a pretty beach and the rocks are awesome) then had a big deli sandwich lunch on the boat, followed by a fantastic snorkle at Norman Islands. They were very friendly and attentive, the boat was large and stable, about 25 of us on board, the drinks flowed, we had room to stretch out and the price was $95.00 which was much cheaper than the others. We did leave a good tip and the staff well deserved it. We saw the Breakaway boat there moored at the Baths and it was one cramped smaller boat, full of people sitting literally cheek to cheek. No room to move at all. I could never have tolerated that all day plus there didn't appear to be a way to get out of the constant sun. They picked us up at the Park Service dock about 8:30 and we got back about 4PM I think. Great, great day and I'm really picky! Good luck. Don't powerboat it alone unless you are already familiar with the water, have a real navigation chart that you can read, and understand that you'll hit some good size swells which will make for a bumpy, long ride in a small boat. We are very experienced boaters and are very glad we didn't go that route!

We rented through Ocean Runners on St. John in October. It was our favorite day of the trip. Our captain was Joel, and I highly recommend him. We had an idea of the places we wanted to stop, we did all that and had extra time. So he took us to some of his favorite snorkeling spots--and it was awesome. After paying for the boat, captain, gas, and tip I think we spent $700 for the day. It was well worth it to be on our own schedule and not to have to deal with any crowds.

Lauren, what size boat did you charter through Ocean Runners and what was the itinerary you had just trying to figure how much to budget over price for gas and oil.

Thanks
Kevin F

I think we ended up paying about $180 for gas--but the gas prices have gone down alot since we were there. We went to Waterlemon Cay, Norman Island, the Indians, three different places on Jost, Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay, Lavongo and Congo Cay, and Henley Cay. Gas would be more if you're going to the baths--I beleive that our captain said it was about an hour and a half each way. If you can, I highly recommend going to the Baths! We went there from Peter Island (much closer than St. John) and had an amazing time on Virgin Gorda. I believe our boat was 25 feet. They say that 6 can fit, but I really don't think with the layout of this boat that 6 people would fit comfortably. We had a cuddy cabin, but if you got one that was not a cuddy cabin, I think there are more seats.

I am going though this planning right now also. Party of 4; Dec 2 STJ arrival; Really want to make the Baths; Lots of freshwater boating experience and can read charts; Not real fond of crowds.

Right now I am leaning toward a private charter and hire a captain. Either Nauti Nymph or Ocean Runner, I'm on the fence between the two. I really think I could handle the boat and navigation, but for $100 why bother?

I am thinking that any public charter could get crowded or be problematic. With a private charter that risk is reduced.

BTW, Limnos quoted me $100 / person.