Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands: 37ft Private Boat

Island-hop by private boat to snorkel reefs where turtles and rays actually show up

A private snorkeling tour in the British Virgin Islands aboard a 37-foot Midnight Express boat with a live captain guiding you to The Baths, Magens Bay, and multiple reef sites where you enter the water to snorkel with sea turtles and rays. The boat is one of the newest on the island and seats your group alone. The captain steers the itinerary based on conditions and your interests, so you might add Anegada for the day or stop at Soggy Dollar Bar for a Painkiller between dives.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Magens Bay1h
2. The Baths2h · entry included
3. Soggy Dollar Bar2h · entry included

Island hopping and snorkeling tour

• Visit top-rated Magens Bay beach
• Explore The Baths and swim at Devil's Bay
• Snorkel or sunbathe on small island
• Snorkel with turtles and sea rays
• Snorkel and lunch at Crusoe's Treasure Island
• Snorkel near Norman Island
• Enjoy lunch at great spot
• Island hop to Jost for Painkiller drink

The experience

You arrive at the dock and board the Obsidian, a black 37-foot open boat built for comfort and speed. The captain meets you there and runs through the day's options: The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where you swim through rock formations and into Devil's Bay; Magens Bay, rated in the world's top ten beaches; and a series of snorkel sites. Some with turtles and rays, others near Crusoe's Treasure Island or Norman Island. The boat is private, so the route flexes around what you want to do and the conditions on the water that morning.

Snorkeling happens at multiple stops across five to eight hours. You bring your own mask and fins or use what the boat provides. The captain positions you at reefs where sea life actually congregates, not just scenic overlooks. Between water time, the boat moves to the next site or to a lunch spot. If your group wants to island-hop to Jost Van Dyke, the captain can work that in: Soggy Dollar Bar sits right on the beach there, famous enough that the stop is worth the detour.

Cruise ship passengers need to provide ship name, docking time and re-boarding time at booking. The captain times the return to get you back before departure. A valid passport is required for everyone on the day of travel. The tour runs with a live English-speaking captain. Ice is included. Customs and entrance fees for the British Virgin Islands, gratuities, and hotel pickup are separate.

What’s included

• Private boat tour with a live English-speaking captain.
• snorkel access at multiple reef and island sites.
• ice.
• use of snorkel equipment if you don't bring your own.

Options for this experience

2 options

US Virgin Islands tripGuide in English · 09:00, 09:01, 09:02 and 09:03A full-day charter exploring the beautiful US Virgin Islands. Relax on the beaches of St John and St Thomas, snorkel alongside turtles, see Mermaid's Chair, have lunch on the famous Water Island, and much more.

British Virgin Islands tripGuide in English · 09:00, 09:01, 09:03 and 09:05A full-day charter to the stunning BVIs. Explore the world-famous Baths on Virgin Gorda, interact with lemurs on Necker Island, snorkel at the Indians, enjoy lunch aboard the Willy-T, and sip cocktails on Jost van Dyke. Departure points: Fish Hawk Marina, 849J+VH2, St Thomas 00802, USVI; or Virgin Islands National Park Service Headquarters, 86M4+4G5, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, USVI.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 09:05

Book up to10h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Midnight Sun Charters

Is this one for you?Book the British Virgin Isles trip if you want The Baths and Magens Bay as anchors with reef snorkeling in between. Choose the US Virgin Isles trip if those specific islands don't matter and you want a different set of reefs and stops. Either way, a private boat means your group sets the pace and the captain adjusts the route to what you actually want to do that day, rather than following a fixed schedule with other travelers.

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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 difference between the US Virgin Isles and British Virgin Isles trip options?

The British Virgin Isles trip visits The Baths, Magens Bay, and the reef sites around Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke. The US Virgin Isles trip covers different islands and stops. Both are private boat tours with the same captain and boat, so you choose based on which islands and snorkel sites appeal to you.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. The boat carries snorkel equipment you can use. Bring your own if you prefer your own fit and mask.

What is The Baths actually like to swim in?

The Baths on Virgin Gorda is a series of massive granite boulders stacked along the shoreline. You swim between and under them to reach Devil's Bay on the other side. It's a rock formation, not a reef, so the experience is exploring the passages rather than looking for fish.

Can the captain change the itinerary if the weather turns?

Yes. The captain plans the route based on conditions and your interests, so if wind or swell makes one site uncomfortable, you'll move to another snorkel spot or beach that works better that day.

What happens if my cruise ship is delayed and I miss the tour?

Refunds are not issued if the tour is missed due to late arrival or non-arrival of the cruise ship, so confirm your ship's actual docking and re-boarding times when you book.