Best of the US and British Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands
Exploring the US Virgin Islands by boat is hands-down the best way to see what makes this place so special. From the lush green hills of St. John to the lively harbors and hidden coves of St. Thomas, there’s no shortage of beauty to soak in from the water. Most of our full-day charters make a loop around one of these two islands—giving you a mix of stunning views, top-tier snorkeling, and beach stops along the way.
One of the highlights? Cruising through Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. This protected area is home to some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, with clear water, healthy reefs, and plenty of sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish. Spots like Maho Bay, Salt Pond Bay, and Waterlemon Cay are always a hit, whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or just floating with a drink in hand.
And it’s not just the big-name islands. A boat day gives you access to some of the smaller, lesser-known gems like Lovango Cay, Henley Cay, and Honeymoon Beach on Water Island.
The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are just a short ride from the USVI, but they feel like a world of their own—calm turquoise waters, wild natural beauty, and some of the most iconic stops in the Caribbean.
A typical day might include snorkeling the legendary Indians off Norman Island, where the coral reefs are teeming with marine life. Or exploring the massive granite boulders and crystal-clear pools at The Baths on Virgin Gorda—a must-see experience that’s just as magical as the photos make it look.
You’ll also find plenty of ways to mix in a little fun on land. White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is home to the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar, and nearby Great Harbour is where you’ll find the legendary Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Between those stops, you can explore chill beach bars, snorkel remote coves, or relax on tiny islands like Sandy Cay or Sandy Spit—both perfect for that castaway island feel.
Whether you’re up for a full day of island-hopping or just want to relax with a Painkiller, the BVIs offer the perfect mix of laid-back vibes and jaw-dropping scenery—all best experienced by boat.
Beaches of The Virgin Islands
When it comes to beaches, the Virgin Islands have the kind that show up on postcards—and the best way to experience them is by boat. With so many stunning shorelines scattered across both the US and British territories, you’ll have your pick of iconic hot spots and hidden gems, all just a short cruise away.
Beaches in the US Virgin Islands
In the US Virgin Islands, some of the most beautiful beaches line the coast of St. John—many of them inside Virgin Islands National Park. Places like Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay are famous for their powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and incredible snorkeling right off the beach.
Over on St. Thomas, don’t miss a visit to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, known for its laid-back vibe and beach bar access just steps from the sand.
Beaches in the British Virgin Islands
In the British Virgin Islands, the beach scene is just as beautiful. White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is legendary—not just for its beauty, but for beach bars like the Soggy Dollar where the Painkiller cocktail was born.
You can also drop anchor at quiet, untouched spots like Sandy Cay or Sandy Spit, where the beach is yours for the day. And if you’re cruising around Virgin Gorda, you can’t miss the incredible boulder-strewn beaches at The Baths—a one-of-a-kind place to swim, climb, and explore.
Food & Drinks on the Water
One of the best parts of exploring the Virgin Islands by boat? You’re never far from your next great meal—or cocktail. The islands are dotted with floating restaurants, beachfront bars, and island-style eateries that are best (and sometimes only) accessed by boat. It’s all part of the adventure.
Food & Drink in the USVI
In the US Virgin Islands, you’ve got some iconic stops that are reason enough to plan your day around lunch. First up is Lime Out VI, a floating taco bar off the south shore of St. John, where you can enjoy gourmet tacos and craft cocktails in the middle of the Caribbean.
For something a bit more upscale, Lovango Cay Resort + Beach Club offers lunch, cocktails, and gorgeous views just off St. John. And when you’re wrapping up your day in Cruz Bay, The Beach Bar is a longtime favorite for drinks, bites, and watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Closer to St. Thomas, Pizza Pi floats in Christmas Cove, serving up fresh, made-to-order pizzas from a repurposed sailboat—yes, they’ll deliver your pie right to the swim platform. If you’re anchoring near Water Island, head ashore to Dinghy’s Beach Bar, a laid-back beach hangout with tropical drinks, live music, and sand-between-your-toes vibes.
Food & Drink in the BVI
Hop over to the British Virgin Islands, and the fun keep coming. The Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, is the birthplace of the Painkiller—a rum-heavy, creamy, fruity cocktail that goes down a little too easy. Not far away, Foxy’s Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour is a legendary stop for BBQ, music, and that classic island party vibe.
Looking for something wild? Head to Willy T, the floating bar and restaurant off Norman Island, where the drinks are strong, the energy is high, and the stories are unforgettable. For something a little more chill, Pirate’s Bight (also on Norman Island) serves up cold drinks and fresh seafood with a relaxed beachfront atmosphere. If you’re cruising around Peter Island, stop in at the Drunken Pelican, a newer favorite known for its cocktails, local flavor, and laid-back scene.
Snorkeling in the Virgin Islands
If you love snorkeling—or just want to give it a try—there’s no better place than the Virgin Islands. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an incredible variety of marine life, this region is truly a snorkeler’s paradise. And the best part? The most breathtaking spots are only accessible by boat.
Snorkeling in the USVI
In the US Virgin Islands, St. John is packed with unforgettable snorkeling stops. Maho Bay and Salt Pond Bay are known for calm waters and frequent sea turtle sightings, perfect for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike.
For a unique adventure, head into Hurricane Hole, where the mangrove roots are home to juvenile reef fish and other marine life. Waterlemon Cay offers a fantastic drift snorkel with colorful coral and spotted rays, while nearby Pelican Rock near Hansen Bay is a quieter, off-the-beaten-path gem teeming with sea life.
Closer to St. Thomas, Christmas Cove is a great stop not just for lunch at Pizza Pi, but also for snorkeling a beautiful coral reef and checking out a small shipwreck just off the reef’s edge. It’s a great mix of marine life, history, and clear, easy-to-explore waters.
Snorkeling in the bVI
Over in the British Virgin Islands, the snorkeling continues to impress. The Indians near Norman Island are a must-see, with towering rock formations, coral-lined walls, and schools of tropical fish. Just around the corner, the Caves of Norman Island are another highlight, where you can snorkel into partially submerged caves once rumored to hide pirate treasure.
Smuggler’s Cove on Tortola is a more relaxed, quiet beach stop with some excellent near-shore snorkeling, and for the more adventurous, the RMS Rhone shipwreck off Salt Island is one of the Caribbean’s most famous underwater sites—rich in marine life and history.
Scuba Diving in the Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are home to some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean—with vibrant reefs, dramatic underwater formations, and marine life around every corner. Sites like Buck Island, Cow & Calf Rock, Eagle Shoal, and French Cap are local favorites, offering everything from beginner-friendly dives to deeper, more adventurous sites for the experienced diver.
While Bonus Time Charters doesn’t offer diving excursions directly, we’re proud to connect our guests with two top-notch local dive operators in Red Hook, St. Thomas.
Our longtime friends at Red Hook Dive Center are known for their professional, safety-focused dive trips and in-depth local knowledge. They’re a fantastic resource for certified divers looking to explore the area.
We also work closely with Aqua Marine Dive Center, which offers both trips for certified divers and Discover Scuba Diving sessions for first-timers who want to try scuba without committing to full certification.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Your perfect day in the Virgin Islands is just a click away. Check our calendar, pick your date, and let’s start planning an unforgettable day at sea.
