Snorkeling in Tortola: Private BVI boat charter

Design your own day on the water instead of following a set itinerary

A private snorkeling charter in Tortola pairs you with a captain and a 37-foot Intrepid powerboat to explore the British Virgin Islands on your terms. Cruise between islands, stop to snorkel at reefs, visit a beach, or head ashore for lunch: your captain adjusts the route based on your group's interests and the day's conditions. The boat holds up to 12 guests and picks up at an agreed BVI location.

The experience

You start with a safety introduction from your captain, then the day becomes what your group wants it to be. Some groups spend most of the time in the water snorkeling. Others split the day between a beach stop and a longer cruise. Your captain knows the islands, the reefs, the lunch spots and the weather, and steers the route around what matters to you. Snorkel gear, floats and a sunshade are on board, along with towels, beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks.

The 37-foot Runaway Bunny is built for this kind of flexibility. With room for up to 12 passengers and a strong swim ladder, the boat handles families, groups of friends and mixed ages without crowding. Fuel, permits and the captain's expertise are all included, so the only variables are where you want to go and how long you want to stay at each stop. You return to your agreed drop-off point at the end of the day.

Pickup is arranged at a location you choose within the BVI, and the charter runs for a full day or a half day depending on which option you book. If you want to add a restaurant lunch ashore, your captain can work that into the plan. You just cover the meal cost yourself.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear, floats and sunshade.
• towels.
• beer, wine, cocktails, seltzer, soft drinks and bottled water.
• fuel, permits and crew.
• kids and infant lifejackets.
• pickup at an agreed BVI location.

Options for this experience

3 options

Half Day Charter - Afternoon RBGuide in English · 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30Lasts 4 hours, includes pickup

Half Day Charter - Morning RBGuide in English · 06:30, 07:30 and 08:30Lasts 4 hours, includes pickup

Full Day Trip - RBGuide in English · 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00Lasts 7 hours; full-day charter trip, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 14:30

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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 49 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 3

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Quintessence charters aboard M/V Apotheoseas

Is this one for you?Book the full day if your group wants time to explore multiple reefs and beaches without rushing. Choose a half day if you're fitting snorkeling into a busier itinerary or arriving late in the morning. The captain's flexibility means you're not locked into a preset schedule, so you can spend extra time at a reef that's good or move on if conditions shift.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

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.

Can I snorkel at multiple reefs in one day on this charter?

Yes. Your captain knows several snorkeling spots around Tortola and the nearby islands and can anchor at more than one reef depending on conditions and how much time your group wants to spend in the water. The route is not fixed, so you decide how many stops and how long to stay at each.

What's included in the snorkel gear?

Snorkel gear, floats and a sunshade are provided. Bring your own mask and fins if you prefer a custom fit, but the basics are on board and ready to use.

How many people can fit on Runaway Bunny?

The boat holds up to 12 guests, so it works for a family, a group of friends or a small corporate outing. Kids and infants get appropriately sized lifejackets, and there's a strong swim ladder for easy entry and exit from the water.

Do I have to visit a beach, or can we just snorkel all day?

It's entirely up to you. Some groups anchor at a beach for lunch or a break. Others stay on the reef. Your captain will suggest options based on the day's conditions and your interests, but you make the call.

What drinks are included?

Beer, wine, cocktails, seltzer, soft drinks and bottled water are all included throughout the day. Soda and water are always available.

Is lunch included?

No, but your captain can arrange a stop at a waterfront restaurant if your group wants to eat ashore. You pay for the meal separately.