St John & Jost Van Dyke: Soggy Dollar Sail, Snorkel & Breakfast

Summary

Sail from St John to Jost Van Dyke for snorkeling, cocktails, and lazy hours on White Bay

You’ll sail from St John to Jost Van Dyke with breakfast on deck before snorkeling coral reefs in clear water. After clearing customs, spend lazy hours on White Bay—swim, nap in hammocks or try a Painkiller at Soggy Dollar Bar—before sailing home with an open bar and salt still on your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sea air to wake me up faster than the coffee. We checked in at the Westin on St John just after sunrise—still rubbing sleep out of our eyes—and climbed onto this big catamaran that felt almost too clean for my sandy flip-flops. Our guide (I think her name was Marissa?) handed out breakfast—nothing fancy, but honestly, eating a croissant while gliding past those green hills was enough. The water already smelled like salt and sunscreen mixed together. I kept thinking how weirdly quiet it was except for the boat slicing through the waves.

The first snorkel stop was off some reef I can’t pronounce (Marissa tried to teach us, but I forgot). Slipping into the water felt cold for a second, then perfect. There were these tiny blue fish darting everywhere—I swear one stared at me before vanishing. Afterward, we dried off in the sun and headed toward Jost Van Dyke. Customs in Great Harbor was just a quick formality; a few jokes with the officer about our sunburns and we were cleared.

White Bay is…well, it’s loud in its own way. Music from somewhere, laughter drifting over the sand, people playing that ring toss game (I lost spectacularly). The Soggy Dollar Bar is right there—everyone lines up for a Painkiller cocktail (rum plus something sweet and spicy; I still don’t know what’s in it). I tried to say “thank you” in the local accent and got a grin back. Hammocks under palm trees are real here—not just Instagram stuff. I lay there watching clouds drift by until someone yelled my name for another swim.

Heading back to St John, there was happy hour on board—open bar means rum punch for everyone who wanted it (not me this time; I’d had enough). Sunburned faces, sleepy smiles. We cleared US customs again at Cruz Bay and stumbled off with sand still between our toes. Even now I get flashes of that turquoise water when I close my eyes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jost Van Dyke snorkel and beach day

• Check in at Westin St John
• Board 55′ catamaran
• Enjoy light continental breakfast
• Cruise North Shore of St John
• Snorkel at coral reef
• Clear customs at Great Harbor
• Visit White Bay and Soggy Dollar Bar
• Swim, snorkel, and relax on beach
• Play Ring Toss game
• Guests 18+ try Painkiller cocktail
• Enjoy happy hour with open bar
• Return to St John via Cruz Bay

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this St John & Jost Van Dyke tour?

Yes, a valid passport is required for all passengers since you’ll clear customs entering Jost Van Dyke.

Is breakfast included on the snorkel sail?

Yes, a light continental style breakfast is served onboard as you depart from St John.

Can children join this day trip from St John to Jost Van Dyke?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers can be accommodated.

Is snorkeling gear provided during the tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

What’s special about White Bay on Jost Van Dyke?

White Bay is famous for its powdery sand beach and the Soggy Dollar Bar’s Painkiller cocktails.

Are drinks included on the return sail to St John?

A full open bar is included during happy hour as you head back to St John.

How long do we spend on Jost Van Dyke?

This excursion gives you more time on Jost Van Dyke than other group charters.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is provided; only breakfast is included but there are places to eat at White Bay.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in at the Westin on St John with continental breakfast onboard as you sail along the North Shore, use of snorkeling equipment at your first stop, all fees and customs charges handled by your crew, plenty of time relaxing or swimming at White Bay near Soggy Dollar Bar, plus an open bar for happy hour as you cruise back toward Cruz Bay in the afternoon.