Snorkeling in Tortola: Private BVI Boat Charter

Snorkel the BVI's best reefs, then anchor at a floating bar or beachside lunch spot of your choice.

A private boat charter in Tortola and the British Virgin Islands where you snorkel at reefs around Norman Island, Virgin Gorda or the Caves, with all equipment provided, stops at island restaurants or beach bars, and pickup from any dock or resort. The crew adjusts the itinerary to your pace: you pick the snorkel sites, the lunch spot and how long to linger at each stop.

The experience

You arrive at a dock anywhere in the BVI (resort, villa, cruise ship terminal), and the crew meets you there. Once aboard, a safety briefing and a rundown of the day's options take a few minutes, then you're off. The boat stops at three or four spots you choose: snorkel sites like the Caves or the Indians off Norman Island, where tropical fish and coral sit in shallow water; the Baths at Virgin Gorda, where you wade through granite boulders and tidal pools; or quieter anchorages. All snorkel gear is on board and fitted to you.

By midday you head to lunch. Norman Island has casual beachside restaurants; Cooper Island Beach Club serves cocktails and fresh local food; Jost Van Dyke's White Bay is home to the Soggy Dollar Bar, a floating establishment in the shallows where you wade in from the water. After lunch, one more stop (another snorkel site, a swim at White Bay, or a drink aboard the Willy T floating bar), then a scenic cruise back as the afternoon light softens. The pace and the route are yours to set. The crew knows the reefs and the spots where sightings happen.

Pickup is included from any location you name in the BVI. Drop-off works the same way. Soda, water and alcoholic beverages are stocked. The charter runs six to seven hours, though the exact length depends on where you go and how long you stay at each stop.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment for all passengers.
• soda, bottled water and alcoholic beverages.
• pickup from any BVI location.
• a crew that adjusts the day's route and pace to your choices.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Xclusive Charters

Is this one for you?The day runs six to seven hours and involves getting in and out of the water at each snorkel stop, so comfort in shallow reefs and a willingness to move between sites matters. If you want a fixed itinerary and set departure time, a group tour works better. This charter is built for people who want to linger at one reef longer or skip a stop entirely.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling actually like around Norman Island and the Caves?

The Caves and the Indians off Norman Island are shallow reefs where tropical fish and vibrant coral sit close to the surface, so you see them clearly from the water without deep diving. The crew knows which spots have the most activity on any given day.

Can I pick which islands and restaurants we visit, or is the itinerary set?

You choose the stops. Popular options include the Baths at Virgin Gorda for wading through granite pools, snorkel sites at Norman Island or the Caves, and lunch at Norman Island restaurants, Cooper Island Beach Club, or Jost Van Dyke's White Bay. The crew will suggest based on conditions and what you want to do.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkel equipment is provided and fitted to you on board. You don't need to bring anything except sunscreen and a towel.

How does pickup work if I'm staying at different places? A resort, a villa, a cruise ship?

The crew picks you up from any dock or specified location in the British Virgin Islands, whether that's a resort, a private villa, or a cruise ship terminal. You tell them where you're staying and they meet you at the nearest dock.

What's included to eat and drink during the day?

Soda, bottled water and alcoholic beverages are stocked on the boat. Lunch happens at an island restaurant you choose (Norman Island, Cooper Island Beach Club, or Jost Van Dyke), and you order and pay for your meal there.