Jost Van Dyke – Funday!

Jost Van Dyke is the kind of place that feels built for a boat day. You hop off St. Thomas, cruise along the way, and then spend the day hitting the main hangouts plus spots you can only reach by boat. The big win here is the small group setup, which keeps things relaxed and lets your crew handle the details.

What I like most is the open bar on board paired with actual time on the water. And the way the day is structured, you get multiple stops without turning your trip into an endless bus routine.

One thing to think about: you need a valid passport, and the trip is weather dependent. If conditions are rough, plans can change.

Key points worth knowing

• Max group size of 12 means you get more real attention from the captain and crew.
• Snacks plus open bar on the boat keep the mood easy from the first hour.
• Multiple boat stops make it simple to hit Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar without long transfers.
• White Bay swim or snorkel is built in, so you’re not just touring bars.
• BVI customs fee is extra at $85 per person, so budget for that early.
• Crew names pop up often, especially Capt. Brandon, who is repeatedly described as professional and fun.

A Small-Group Boat Day That Hits Jost’s Main Spots

This is a full-day day trip built around time on Jost Van Dyke and transportation that stays on the water. You’re not fighting parking lots, not doing a long shuffle from one point to another. Instead, you use a boat to cover the distances and to reach places that regular schedules just do not reach.

The small-group feel matters more than you might think. When you’re only with a handful of people, the crew can adjust pacing, help with boarding, and keep everyone on track. In the feedback, Capt. Brandon and his team are repeatedly described as staying on top of the day while still keeping it fun, which is exactly what you want when you’re off island and likely under a tight schedule.

The other thing I appreciate is that this tour leans into the island rhythm. Jost isn’t about rushing. It’s about good conversations, sun on your shoulders, and choosing where you want to linger.

Price, What’s Included, and the Real Cost You Should Budget

The stated price is $325.00 per person, and that includes a lot of the “expensive parts” you’d otherwise pay separately. You’re covered for the captain, fuel, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. The highlights also call out snacks and an open bar on board, so you’re not just getting transportation, you’re getting a party-on-purpose vibe.

But here’s the part you should budget right away: the immigration and customs fee is not included and is listed as $85 per person. That means your real total per person is closer to $410 once you account for that required cost.

Also consider shore costs. Food and drinks on land are not included, so after the boat portion, you may still want extra cash if you plan to eat at the bars or grab drinks beyond what you had on board.

From a value standpoint, the math works best if you’d normally buy boat transport plus multiple drinks while you’re out. If you only want soft drinks and you’d prefer to explore at your own pace, then the value is less direct. Still, the itinerary structure helps even “chill” travelers, because you’re saving time and stress versus piecing it together.

Boarding Day: How the Boat Time Sets the Tone

This tour runs about 8 hours, and the flow is designed so you’re using that time well. You head out by boat, you stop at well-known spots, and later you get your swim or snorkel time at White Bay.

The crew is a big deal in the way this experience works. The captain and first mate are specifically called out as making sure the day runs smoothly. When everything clicks, you get the best of both worlds: safety and organization, plus the kind of energy that makes a long day feel like it’s flying by.

One review includes a complaint about a missing first mate and a mismatch between expectations and the actual setup that day. I don’t want to scare you off, but it’s a fair reminder to read conditions closely. If you’re the kind of person who needs everything to match the description exactly, you might want to confirm roles and timing when you check in.

Still, many write-ups praise the same theme over and over: crew members described as professional, friendly, and attentive, including Capt. Brandon with teams like Kristen or Kevin depending on the sailing.

Stop One: Foxy’s Bar in Great Harbour (30 Minutes)

Your first stop is Foxy’s Bar in Great Harbour. This is one of those iconic Jost places where the point is not just the drinks, it’s the vibe. Thirty minutes is short, but it’s also the right kind of short for a first stop. You want enough time to say you did it, grab a drink, and get your bearings before the day stretches out.

There’s no added admission fee listed for this stop, so you can treat it as a low-pressure kickoff. If you’re the type who likes photos, Foxy’s is an easy win early in the day, when everyone’s still fresh and the light is often better before noon.

One practical note: when you’re hopping between bars, having a simple plan helps. Decide early if you’re going for one drink, a quick stroll, or just soaking in the scene.

Stop Two: Corsairs Beach Bar and Restaurant, plus the VooDoo Punch (30 Minutes)

Next up is Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant. This is where the day adds a little personality, including a stop moment built around sipping a VooDoo Punch. Thirty minutes again, short but functional.

The bar name sounds like a “breakfast place,” and one unhappy review said Corsairs was closed for breakfast. So if breakfast is a must-have in your head, don’t build your morning around it. The tour itself is still about the boat day and the island highlights, not a reliable breakfast stop.

If you’re flexible, you’ll probably enjoy this stop more than you expect. A lot of the value here is in moving through Jost in a guided way, so you get to the places people actually go, without trying to figure out a half island on your own.

Stop Three: The Bubbly Pool, or Chill Time at Foxy’s Taboo (45 Minutes)

Then comes the first “active option” on the itinerary: The Bubbly Pool. You can hike to see it, or you can choose to relax at Foxy’s Taboo. That choice is one of the smartest parts of the day, because not everyone wants to turn a boat tour into a fitness project.

Forty-five minutes is enough time for a quick hike and a look around, as long as you don’t treat it like a leisurely afternoon trek. If you’re bringing snorkeling gear or plan to get in the water later, pace yourself here. You’ll want energy for White Bay.

If you choose the relaxation option, that’s not a downgrade. Jost is made for taking breaks between saltwater moments. Sitting in the shade, watching the boats drift in, and letting the day move at island speed is a real part of the experience.

Sandy Cay, or “Sandy Spit Island” (15 Minutes)

After that, you get a short visit to Sandy Cay, described as Sandy Spit Island. This stop is only fifteen minutes, which tells you what it is: a quick look and a photo moment, not a long hang.

Think of this as a palate cleanser. The day is full of bars and beach time, so a brief scenic stop keeps things varied. If you’re the type who gets restless when a schedule is slow, this short stop can actually feel like a relief.

If you’re the type who wants more water time, you’ll probably end up using this stop to reposition yourself mentally. Focus on what you want most later, because you do get proper swim or snorkel time built in.

Soggy Dollar Bar and the Painkiller Hour (2 Hours)

The big “slow down” stop is Soggy Dollar Bar. You get about two hours, and the tour promises classic island sipping, including Painkillers.

This is where you can let the day stretch. You’re not just passing through. Two hours is plenty of time to sit, drink, talk, and watch the sea life in the area if the conditions cooperate.

It’s also a good time to refuel with food if you want it, because the included portions are mainly onboard. Since drinks on land are not included, budget here if you plan to keep the party going.

This is also the moment where the “real trip” starts to feel like your own. You decide how much time you want sitting vs. moving around, and you’re surrounded by the exact kind of Jost atmosphere that makes people return.

White Bay Swim or Snorkel: The Water Part You Actually Came For

The tour includes a swim or snorkel stop at White Bay. This is the part you should get excited about, because it turns the day from a bar-hopping loop into actual water time.

The big value of doing it via this tour is logistics. You don’t have to line up transport, equipment, or timing on your own. The boat handles movement between spots, and the day is set up to give you a real window in the water rather than a rushed dip.

One practical suggestion: bring a plan for visibility and comfort. If you’re snorkeling, have your gear ready before you arrive so you’re not losing time. If you’re swimming only, you still benefit from staying close to the entry area and taking your time in.

If you’re lucky, the cruise portion can include sightings of wildlife. One note in the feedback mentioned whales during the day, which is a reminder that sometimes the sea throws in extra moments when you’re moving by boat.

The Crew Experience: Captains Who Keep It Fun and Safe

The captain and first mate are not window dressing here. This is an all-day boat charter, so the crew quality directly affects how smooth and comfortable your day feels.

In the feedback, Capt. Brandon is repeatedly described as professional, friendly, and good at keeping things running while also making time feel fun. Other combinations also show up, including Brandon with Kevin, Cornelius with Kevin, and pairings like Captain John with Kristen, plus other named crew members such as Caitlin and Sean and Susannah and Kenny.

So what should you do with that information? If you have a choice at booking, ask who’s sailing. If not, just know the overall pattern is that the crew tends to handle boarding, drinks, and pacing well. That’s the kind of control you can feel on a boat day.

Also, one point that stands out is that the crew is described as taking care of customs paperwork, which matters when you’re crossing into BVI. If you hate paperwork, this peace of mind is worth money.

Logistics You Should Sort Out Before You Go

A few basics can make or break a day like this.

First, you need a valid passport. That’s required. Second, you’ll pay an extra $85 per person for immigration and customs fees since it’s not included in the tour price.

Third, the day needs good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. Since the tour is weather dependent, always keep your schedule flexible around it.

Finally, this is a mobile ticket experience and it’s listed as near public transportation. That’s a small detail, but it can make check-in less stressful once you’re on St. Thomas.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This day trip is a strong match if you want a guided, low-effort day that hits multiple famous spots, includes drinks and snacks, and still gives you time in the water.

It’s also a good fit for people who like the “island social” style. The stops are bar-focused, and the pacing is designed around sitting, sipping, and taking in the scenery rather than doing non-stop activity.

If you’re the type who hates crowds, the max group size of twelve helps. You still won’t have a private boat, but you should feel like the day is under control.

If you need a strict schedule, or you’re extremely sensitive to things like breakfast availability on shore, you may find the island pace frustrating. One complaint centered on Corsairs breakfast not being available, and it’s a reminder that island businesses can have limited hours.

Should You Book Jost Van Dyke – Funday? My Call

Book it if you want a single day that mixes classic Jost bar stops with real water time at White Bay, and you like the idea of drinks and snacks handled for you while you focus on enjoying the ride.

Skip or look for something else if $85 customs is a dealbreaker for your budget, or if you’re mainly interested in a low-cost swim with no bar energy. The tour price is not “cheap,” but it’s priced like a real boat charter day with fuel, captain service, and alcohol included.

If you do book, do two things: make sure your passport is valid, and mentally budget for customs plus whatever you want to eat or drink on shore. Once you’ve handled that, you can relax into what this day does best, a smooth boat circuit around Jost with a crew that keeps the day moving and the mood light.

FAQ

How long is the Jost Van Dyke – Funday tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start from?

It’s a full-day tour from St. Thomas. You should let the operator know if you are joining from St. Thomas or St. John.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $325.00 per person.

What is included in the price?

The included items are the captain, fuel, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. Snacks and an open bar are also part of the onboard experience.

What is the immigration and customs fee?

The immigration & customs fee is $85 per person, and it is not included in the tour price.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, a valid passport is required.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Are there admission fees for the stops like Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar?

The stop information lists Admission Ticket Free for the named stops.

Does this tour include snorkeling or swimming?

Yes, you’ll take time to swim or snorkel at White Bay.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.