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We had some friends visiting us on Water Island including a couple from England - 8 of us in total. The crew wanted to visit the Baths and also do some shopping in Cruz Bay/STJ. We attempted to charter a boat with a Captain even though we had 3 Captains in our crew. Our Captains all wanted to have fun and not be responsible so hiring a boat with a Captain was important especially because its a long boat ride to/from Virgin Gorda (a little under 2 hours each way). Season at it's peak - the only boat available on the day we needed to make the trip was Dohm's Water Taxi. While it was pricey ($200/hour), the boat was extremely comfortable (it can get pretty rough thru Pillsbury Sound and some runs up the north and down the south side), dry, and Captain Gary and first mate, Desiree, were wonderful. Cap. Gary was great at storytelling and/or describing the surrounding islands and waters.....not too much talking....just the right amount. The check-in at Tortola was quick and easily handled by Gary. We had a wonderful lunch at the restaurant at the top of the Baths. Did a quick (but not too quick) exploration of the Baths, then $3 Safari (each way) back to the boat and off to Cruz Bay (where we had to check back into US Custom/Immigration) and then about an hour shopping in Cruz Bay. Then, back to Water Island where Dohms/Cap. Gary had picked us up in the morning @ 8:30 a.m. at the Water Island Dock. Included in the price was large cooler of refreshments and we also brought our own cooler that had fruits, cheese, and rum. It was a great way to see all the islands at a glance in the surrounding area. Had just the right amount of time at The Baths and Cruz Bay. Got back to the dock just on the 8 hour mark and while it was a long day, we met all our objectives for the trip - which were The Baths, Cruz Bay and overview of surrounding islands) and had a great time.
so rojako, $1600 for the 8 of you? and did you tip also? that was a little expensive, but sounds like a great time! wonder what it would cost for a private taxi to Jost and back for the day? would the taxi stay there all day as well, or leave and come back to get us? If they stayed there all day, would he charge by the hour? just curious.
Yes. Its a little pricey ($1600). Acknowledge that! But, that was the only option at the time. We had some 'strikes against us' going in. (1) There were 8 of us - above the '6 pack'. (2) We really had only 2 days that we could do it because of our friends' travel schedule - either Friday or Sunday. (3) Had to do it in one day and a sailboat (which we would have preferred) wouldn't get us all the way to Virgin Gorda and back in that timeframe. (4) No other power boat charters available that could accomodate 8 people on either Friday or Sunday - with or without a Captain.
Dohm's Water Taxi during season is $200/hour custom trip. Check out their web site as they have a set rate for taxi between some of the islands including Jost, http://www.watertaxi-vi.com/ Looks like its $275 pp with 5 person minimum and you have to clear custom/immigration on both BVI and USVI which is $35 pp.
Expensive? Yes. Worth it.......well, I and my crew all thought it was indeed worth it. Dohm's (with Gary as Captain) did a wonderful job. I was worried about the rough spots that I expected (having sailed the VIs for 20 years I have some knowledge of the area). But, it was smooth. Gary charted a great course that would make the ride easier on us as well as make it interesting. It was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity so we bit the bullet (price) and did it. Rest of the time, we played on Water Island/Honeymoon Beach and one day took our friends around STT one day.
Yes. Gratuity is customary and appreciated.
That is really expensive -- our group is getting a 26' cat w/captain to go out to Virgin Gorda, Caves, Indians, and Norman Island in June for a little under $800 for a full-day (including gas and tip). Granted it is only split 6 ways, but it is still significantly cheaper than Dohm's.
lbrlwyr
The $275 fee to Jost I'm assuming is just one way. At first glance, I thought not too bad, but no where did I read "round trip." Just thought I'd check out all options. Thanks for the info/link about the private taxi tho!
