Day Trip to the Baths on Virgin Gorda from St. John – Photogallery

January 7, 2016 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter Tagged BVI, Charter, Day Trip, Powerboat, St. John, USVI, Virgin Gorda

Are you considering going on a day trip to the Baths on Virgin Gorda from St. John or St. Thomas but wondering if it is worth the ride over? Check out our photogallery below.

Day trip to the Baths on Virgin Gorda

Those pictures are taken at the Baths, which is Virgin Gorda’s key attraction. Encompassing the beaches and rocky shoreline at the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda, The Baths are a collection of massive granite boulders as large as 40 feet in diameter, with white sand beaches and secret rock pools – a truly amazing experience. Of course when you book a day trip to the Baths with us, we can do multiple other stops on the way back, all included in the price (e.g. Snorkeling, Norman Island, Jost van Dyke). More on Information on the Virgin Gorda Day Trip is here.

Exploring the Baths on Virgin Gorda

There are multiple ways to explore the Baths on Virgin Gorda.

We can moor the boat at Spanish Town, then you can take a 5 minute taxi ride right to the top of the baths, exploring them without getting your hair wet. This is a favorite for seniors or families with smaller children or groups that are less comfortable swimming.
If you are sporty, we can also drop you off close to the shore, for you to swim in. You can then do the hike/climb around the Boulders and the Captain will wait at then end to pick you up. This will also make for a nice photo opportunity to see the boulders from the water. If you do this option, make sure you bring a dry bag or waterproof camera.
The third way is is to explore the boulders of the Baths via paddleboard like Lucy does on some of the photos. This is for people who have paddled before or taken a lesson, if you are a novice paddler you should start at one of the calm St. John beaches first. We are happy to bring a paddleboard for you along but the captain is busy keeping the boat safe and cannot do a double act as a SUP Instructor. If you need instruction you can of course book Lucy from SUP-Stjohn.com to come along on the trip

The Baths on Virgin Gorda Photogallery

Which BVI should I visit on day trip from St. John?

December 27, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter, featured, slider Tagged best BVI to visit, BVI, Cooper Island, Day Trip, Jost van Dyke, Norman Island, St. John, USVI, Virgin Gorda, Which BVI should I visit, which BVI to visit, Willy T.

You are planning a trip to St. John and are wondering “‘Which BVI should I visit on day trip from St. John“? Well, firstly you can’t go wrong every single island is beautiful. Secondly, don’t overplan or overthink it! Our captains are really flexible and you can always change itinerary during the day based on weather, wind and what you feel like doing. Still, here is a brief outline to help you choose the right trip for you!

Beach, Bar, Drink & Party

Jost van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay)
Norman Island (Pirates/Willy T. – a stop at Jost on way back is included in price)

Snorkel, Beach, Bar & Drink

Jost van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay) and B-Line – Little Jost van Dyke (Snorkel & Beach bar)
Jost van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay) and Norman Island (Pirates/Aquarium/Caves/Indians) or Peter Island (Willy T.)

“I want to go back to Soggy Dollar but see more than that!”

B-Line (Little Jost van Dyke, Beach Bar & Snorkeling), Bubbly Pools, Sandy Cay, Jost van Dyke (Soggy Dollar)

“I want to see it all!”

Virgin Gorda, Norman Island & Jost van Dyke. Yes, our boat is fast and we can do all islands in one day and get a bit of everything, beautiful Nature at The Baths, Snorkeling at Norman and Drinks at Willy T. and to end the day at Soggy Dollar bar.

Relaxation away from crowds / Good food & Snorkeling

Cooper Island (Cooper Island Beach Club) or Peter Island & Norman (Indians, Caves, Aquarium)

Beautiful Nature

Reef Bay Trail (day trip or half day trip St. John)
Sandy Cay (Jost van Dyke)
Bubbly pools (Jost van Dyke)
The Baths (Virgin Gorda)
Sandy Spit (“Corona Island” / Jost van Dyke)
Sunset Cruise
Full day Snorkeling Trip

Family Fun

Jost van Dyke & Sandy Cay Kids love playing Robinson Crusoe on the uninhabited Cay Sandy Cay and Pizza Pi on way back.
Half day trip “Best of St. John” & Pizza Pi. Get some pizza from the Pizza Boat Pizza Pi, your kids will love it.

“I have not been on boats much and am afraid I might get sick!”

Start with Jost van dyke, our boat is fast and was built for offshore fishing – it will be a quick, smooth ride of 20mins.

“I want to spend some romantic couple time”

B-Line, Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit and Soggy Dollar (Jost van Dyke Trip)
Peter Island: visit their spa & resort for some romantic couple time and then head to Jost van Dyke afterwards.

“I want to paddleboard“

Virgin Gorda. Paddling around the boulders is a truly otherworldy experience. If you don’t want to go that far, Jost, B-Line and Sandy Cay are also nice. If you are an experienced paddler you can do a downwinder from Sandy Cay to Soggy Dollar.

“I want to go snorkeling & fishing!”

Try our half day snokel & half day fishing combo
Or go to Norman Island for Snorkeling, Wily T. or Pirates and then we can go back along the South Shore and fish all the way back (Jost van Dyke stop not possible in this option)

“I have seen it all! – show me something completely different and stunning!”

Anegada

“I need to see how it looks like there!”

Watch the videos below…..

While the choices are unlimited our pricing is simple

Price is based on the furthest island, all other stops are included. The price includes captain and fuel – no hidden extra charges. Not included are BVI customs and mooring fees and gratuity for the captain. We provide water and ice and you can use our Easybreath full face masks for free.

Sunset Cruise: 390$
Half day USVI: 690$
Jost van Dyke, BVI: 990$
Norman Island and Jost: 1190$
Cooper or Peter and Jost: 1290$
Virgin Gorda: 1390$
Anegada: 2490$
Anegada Overnight: 3490$

Our prices are including fuel and subject to change, the prices might not always be updated everywhere but are correct on the booking page.

Island by Island Overview

Jost van Dyke, BVI (closest to St. John)

Named for an early Dutch settler and former pirate, rugged scenery and colorful folklore make up Jost Van Dyke. With fewer than 300 inhabitants, it measures just four miles by three.It retains the island culture that much of the Caribbean has lost. Jost Van Dyke is a little island with a big reputation. It is also home of the Soggy Dollar Bar, the bar that invented the famous Painkiller Cocktail.

If you only want to visit one island, Jost has it all. White Bay is one of the best beaches in the world, Soggy Dollar always makes it on the top 10 beach bar lists and there are a more bars, restaurants and shops to roam around. A day trip from Jost van Dyke.

Norman Island, BVI

Norman Island sits East of St. John and just seven miles south of Tortola at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. It is 2.5 miles long with a total land mass of only 600 acres and feels like it is a million miles from anywhere. It is one of a number of islands reputed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s pirate novel Treasure Island.

After Jost van Dyke it is second closest to St. John. While there is not much to see on the island itself, Norman Island is home to Pirate’s Bight (Pictured above), infamous floating Bar Willy T. and some of the best BVI snorkeling spots (Indians, Caves, Aquarium etc.)

Cooper Island, BVI

Cooper Island sits East of Norman Island and is home of Cooper Island Beach Club. It is a more upscale and relaxed setting vs. for example Soggy Dollar bar and the food is just great. There is also some good snorkeling. It’s not a place where you want to spend the whole day but it is great for a relaxed lunch or afternoon.

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is the third-largest (after Tortola and Anegada) and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Christopher Columbus is said to have named the island “The Fat Virgin”, because the island’s profile on the horizon looks like a fat woman lying on her side. It is a bit of a longer, more expensive ride from St. John.

The Baths are Virgin Gorda’s most famous attraction. They are a sublime jumbled collection of sky-high granite boulders. The rocks are made of volcanic java from about 70million years ago and form a series of grottoes that fill with water and shafts of kaleidoscopic sunlight and look truly otherworldly.

Peter Island

is home to Peter Island Resort & Spa, a casually elegant British Virgin Island resort and spa hidden away on an 1,800-acre oasis of tranquility. It is a great place to spend some romantic couple time before heading to Jost van Dyke to end the day with some painkillers.

Anegada

Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands and a much longer ride. It lies approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Virgin Gorda. Anegada is formed from coral and limestone, rather than being of volcanic origin. While the other islands are mountainous, Anegada is flat and low. It is the only all-coral atoll in the VI and a mere 28 feet above sea level. That’s the place where we ourselves go to relax, it is so small, quiet and laid back.

Going to Anegada for a day can be a bit of a stretch (depending on ocean and due to customs hours), you might consider doing a customs overnight trip to truly have time to explore it’s beauty

READY TO BOOK? CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE (scroll to correct date/month)

Rockhoppin’ Charters – Boat Trips out of Cruz Bay, St. John

December 26, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter, slider Tagged Boat Charter, Charter Boat, Powerboat, Powerboat Rental, St. John

We offer private boat charters out of Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI. Our Powerboat is a 32 FS Regulator with twin Yamaha 300s and based in Cruz Bay, St. John. It is a very comfortable charter boat with cushioned, forward-facing seating and it is fully licensed and insured. It will provide a very comfortable, mostly dry ride.

St. John, Power Boat Charter Options:

Day Trips (USVI & BVI Waters) from 890$ incl. captain and fuel
Half Day Trips (USVI Waters only) 690$ incl. captain and fuel
Sunset Cruises (USVI Waters only) 350$ incl. captain and fuel

These are private, captained charters for you and your friends / family. Up to 6 people.

USVI Charter (no passport required)

USVI Boat Charter

Snorkel and swim or paddleboard in turquoise waters. Explore the white, sandy beaches & amazing nature, See sea turtles, sting rays, dolphins and colorful fish. Explore the North Shore Beaches, see the petroglyphs, waterfalls Circumnavigate St. John, Explore the East End/Coral Bay. Watch the sunset from the water

Popular destinations itineraries include but are not limited to.

Half Day Trip: Best of St. John North Shore
Half Day Trip: Reef Bay, Petroglyphs, Waterfalls, Pools, Sugar Mill
3/4 Day Trip: Best of St. John without going all the way around, best option with young kids.
Full Day Trip: Circumnavigate St. John including trip to Lime Out
Sunset Cruise.

BVI Boat Charter (passport required)

Jost van Dyke
Willy T / Norman Island (includes stop at Jost)
Cooper Island (includes stop at Jost and Norman)
Virgin Gorda (includes stop at Norman and/or Willy T.)
Anegada

Jost van Dyke is a quick ride and possible in virtually any weather. Virgin Gorda and Anegada are longer rides and there are days with strong winds / big seas where this trip is not recommended/enjoyable. You can always change destination closer to booking.

All our charters are private charters and can be customized to your liking. The price is based on the furthest destination. The only limit # of stops is the time.

Check availbility below by scrolling to desired date (right now we start taking bookings January 1st 2023 but may open mid-December)

Half day snorkeling half day fishing charter

December 18, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter Tagged fishing charter, fishing st. john, Norman Island, Snorkeling, St. John, USVI

If you would like to do some fishing while on St. John without going on a hard core full day fishing charter, this trip might be for you.

We will first head to Norman Island where you can snorkel the Indians, Caves or Aquarium, then you can have lunch at Pirate’s or The Club and then we take a route South of St. John on the way back (we can start fishing as soon as we hit USVI waters.
We take a maximum of 6 people on this charter.

Snorkeling and Lunch at Norman Island

We start our trip at 9:00 AM at National Park Dock and head to Tortola West End to check you into BVI customs. From there we can go head to some of the snorkeling spots around Norman Island like Indians, Caves or Aquarium.

The water is super nice and clear and you will see tons of different sea life.

As with all trips, you can use our Easybreath Full Face Masks (or traditional fins and masks) for free.

When you have spent enough time snorkeling we can stop for lunch, you have the choice between 2 restaurants at Norman Island, “Pirate’s Bight” and “The Club”

Pirates Bight is the traditional lunch choice at Norman Island, they serve Fish Tacos, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Fajitas, Grilled Mahi Sandwich, Chicken Roti, BBQ Bay Back Ribs, Blacken Tuna, Stuffed Eggplant or a tradtional burger.

The Club is a relatively new restaurant in the temporary structure that housed Pirate’s Bight during the remodel, it is slightly more upscale and expensive, they serve Maki Rolls, Paella Tasters, Open Face Sandwiches, Fritters and more.

Fishing on the way back to St. John

the second half will be spend fishing, iwe can fish along St. John’s South Shore all the way back. After the trip, Captain Steve will clean the fish for you and you can keep enough fish for a big dinner.

Half Day Snorkeling Half Day Fishing Charter Pricing:

Norman Island (Pirates, Willy T., Snorkeling) and fishing on way back (along St. John South Shore): 900$ incl. captain, fuel and fishing equipment use plus BVI customs
other options are available upon request call/text Captain Steve on 340-626-2859 for more information

Booking a Fishing Charter from St. John, USVI

Email us on rockhoppinusvi(at)gmail.com or use the form below to to make a booking. Select your date in the calendar and pay a 150$ deposit. The rest is due on day of charter (after trip, cash, card or cheque). All prices include captain, fuel, water, ice, fishing rods and bait. Not included: BVI customs/mooring fees and gratuity. Should we have to cancel the trip due to adverse weather (which we don’t expect) the deposit will of course be refunded.

If you catch some fish that you would like to take home with you for dinner Captain Steve can clean it for you.

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Visit Pizza Pi, the USVI Pizza boat – Open for new Season

November 14, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter Tagged Charter, Day Trip, Pizza Boat, Pizza Pi, Powerboat, Rockhoppin, St. John, St. Thomas, VI

UPDATE: Pizza Pi has just re-opened for the season. They will now be there 7 days a week 11am – 6pm. Rain or shine

Day Trips, Half Day Trips and Sunset Cruises in St. John waters are great because you save the time, money and hassle of checking into BVI customs (they have just increased the fees once more). However, the downside so far has been that there are not really any restaurants or bars with docks in the St. John waters.

Not any more, there is a Pizza Pi, a food boat (a 100% customized 37 ft. G.L. Watson design built in 1996 in Sheffield, England) that has taken the familiar food truck concept to the water where it prepares and serves delicious pizza at Christmas Cove, just off Great St. James Island, a short ride from St. John.

Sasha and Tara Bouis are serving fresh baked pizza served on delicious made-from-scratch slow-fermentation New York style crust. Each pizza is made to order with fresh local ingredients. They offer a gluten-free menu and they have even partnered with a local ice-creamery, Scoops and Brew, to serve the best ice cream in the islands! On top of that they provide Wifi Access.

You can check out their menu here. Stay tuned, we hear they will be announcing an exciting new menu next week. Read the full story of Pizza Pi here.

Pizza Pi USVI Hours of Operation:

7 days a week 11am – 6pm. Rain or shine

So, how about a day trip “Best of St. John” with a stop at Pizza Pi or a sunset cruise, eating delicious pizza while the sun goes down?

Pizza Pi Pizza Boat Photogallery

Check out our Pizza Pi Photogallery here and here.

Book your unforgettable boat trip to Pizza Pi here:

We can visit Pizza Pi on the day trips and half day trips St. John or on the way back from Jost van Dyke.

B-Line Beach Bar – Day Trip St. John – Jost van Dyke

September 27, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter Tagged B-Line, Beach Bar, BVI, Day Trip, Jost van Dyke, Little Jost van Dyke, Powerboat, Private Charter, St. John, USVI

A day trip St. John – Jost van Dyke on our 32 FS Regulator Powerboat can be so much more than just Soggy Dollar. We can for example stop at B-Line at Little Jost van Dyke. It is a charming, low-key bar, that has great drinks, friendly staff on a beautiful beach.

B-Line Beach Bar – Little Jost van Dyke

Their signature drink is the “Passion Confusion” is a mix between a painkiller and a rum punch, with lots of rum soaked pineapple, stop by and try one!

They are open from 10am-10pm daily serving ice cold beer and rum drinks. On weekends they serve up the freshest locally caught mahi, tuna, and wahoo. Hot off the grill items include fish tacos, spicy tuna wrap, veggie burgers, kosher beef hot dogs, and their signature dish fish n foil. You can check out their website here.

You won’t get bored. You can play cornhole, board games and there also is great snorkeling on the reef that is right around the corner. Oh and don’t forget to leave your name on the wooden roof of the bar. Feeling lazy? They also have a soft white sand beach for laying around and doing nothing at all.

From there we can head over to Sandy Spit for your personal perfect postcard shot. After a lot of erosion what is left of Sandy Spit is tiny, so make sure you visit it before it is gone!

From there we can head to the bubbly pools and then our last stop usually is White Bay, Jost van Dyke. Tired of the Burgers at Soggy Dollar Bar? Try out the other places: One Love, Jewel’s and Getrude’s have really great meals.

Thank you for a great season!

September 6, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter Tagged Charter, Day Trips, Powerboat, St. John, USVI

The first storms have passed, it is the end of a great season and time to thank our awesome captains, wonderful customers and fantastic friends for all the good times we had on www.rockhoppin.com. Thanks for booking with us and we hope to see you again in the upcoming 2015/2016 season! We will remain open in September and are hopeful that “Erika” and “Danny” were the only storms for the season but will tow the boat out of water again in case of another warning. Until then, here are some of our favorite memories from the past season.

Pirates Bight, Norman Island, BVI

September 5, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter, Paddleboard Tagged BVI, Day Trip, Norman Island, Pirates Bight, St. John, USVI

Pirates Bight sits on the hauntingly beautiful Norman Island, which is said to be the inspiration for Robert Lewis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” The restaurant and bar opened in 2002 and has since become a destination of choice for the sailors and visitors who flock year-round to the British Virgin Islands for its renowned sunshine, seas and beaches. The bar and restaurant earned its reputation as a family place of relaxed afternoons, legendary parties into the night, and the famous cannon shot at happy hour each night.

Now, when the yachts, sailboats and other vessels arrive at this historic spot, they will find a transformed destination. Led by Lane Pettigrew, described by Architectural Digest as “the Caribbean’s architect laureate,” a team of designers, construction crews from Meridian Construction and hospitality experts re-imagined and rebuilt the Pirate Bight experience.

A revamped food menu includes a fresh takes on Caribbean classics like fried conch and barbequed ribs, while also extending into freshly caught local fish and locally sourced produce. You can check out their menu Pirates Bight Norman Island Menu.

While much has changed, the spirit of fun and adventure remain at the heart of the experience. Pirates Bight is a great stop on a day trip to the BVIs. You can relax and have lunch there on the way back from the Baths (Virgin Gorda Day Trip) or after snorkeling and before having drinks at Willy T. if you are doing the Norman Island Day Trip.

If you are taking a paddleboard on your day trip, you can also paddle from Willy T. over to Pirates. It takes about 10 minutes, it is mostly upwind but on the way back to Willy T. you will usually have downwind. The beach is flat, sandy and easily accessible. With food or drinks you can use the comfortable beach chairs for free. Aside from the beach, food and drinks there are also restrooms of course and a little souvenir shops with some nice T-Shirts and Cover-Ups for sale.

“The Club” on Norman Island

the temporary structure that hosted Pirate’s after the original burned down now is home to a new bar / restaurant called “The Club” which serves great food, check out their menu here.

More information on Pirates Bight, Norman Island:

http://www.piratesbight.com/
http://www.theclubbvi.com/index.htm
https://www.facebook.com/PiratesBightNormanIsland
They are closed for the season now and will open in October for the 2015/2016 season (restaurant and bar is closed, the anchorage remains open). “Prepare for reinventions and exciting innovations”

Day Trip St. John – Cooper Island (BVI)

July 23, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter Tagged BVI, Caves, Charter, Cooper Island, Day Trip, Indians, Norman Island, Powerboat, St. John, The Aquarium, USVI, Willy T.

We have quite a few repeat guest and returning St. John visitors who have been to Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke and are asking for something new. Cooper Island is a lesser known, small, isolated island and can only be accessed by private boat.

Where is Cooper Island, BVI?

It is on the South Side of Tortola and about half way between Norman Island and Virgin Gorda.

It hosts a small, eco-friendly (75% of their power is solar generated), beautiful resort which has just undergone major renovations. There is great fresh food (it is famous for the chicken roti), awesome cocktails, a beautiful beach and good snorkeling. There are even some tables in the water.

Day Trip St. John – Cooper Island

Here is a quick write up and a few pics and a video from a day trip from St. John to Cooper Island last Tuesday. We met our guests at High Tide at 9:00 AM, filled out the customs forms and checked into the BVI at Tortola Westend. From there we headed straight to Cooper Island.

We arrived there before the rush, beating the bigger boats and went for some snorkeling right off the beach where we saw Barracudas, squid and lots of colorful fish.

We spent some time wandering around the resort, checking out the shop and the coffee bar and then sat down in the comfortable loungers for lunch.

Lunch at Cooper Island Beach Club

We had some excellent Chicken Roti in the beautiful and relaxed setting and then left to snorkel some of the famous but also the lesser known snorkeling spots in the area.

After the snorkeling we went to famous Party Boat Willy T. for some cocktails and of course jumped of the deck. Our jumps were quite stylish compared to the lady after us, who landed flat on her belly.

From there we went along the South Shore of St. John, passing impressive Ram’s head and stopped for another snorkel at Tektike, which can only be accessed by boat.

Snorkeling Tektike

The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spots on the island of St. John. The name, Tektite, refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay a small cove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. The Tektite Project was conducted in 1969 in a cooperative effort by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Navy, NASA and the General Electric Co. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects on human beings of living and working underwater for prolonged periods of time. More information on the Tektite Project is here.

You will see a very wide variety of fish and amazing coral formations.

We saw some moving sand and after a bit of patience spotted the beautiful ray.

After a great day on the water, we arrived back in Cruz Bay, St. John right in time for a beautiful sunset. Here is what our guests had to say about the trip:

5* “Absolutely fabulous!! Had a fabulous time with Captain Steve!” M.H., April,2015

5* “Great day in the BVIs with Captain Steve and Lucy. They will totally customize your trip to what you would like to see and do for the day. We have chartered from other companies in the past and Rockhoppin Adventures is by far the most professional, well run of any that we have used in St. John”, E.H. April 2015

Day Trip St. John Cooper Island Video

Send Booking Enquiry Day Trip St. John – Cooper Island

Ready for a great time on the water? You can fill out the form below or send an email to info(at)rockhoppin.com or rockhoppinusvi@gmail.com. We will get back to you within 24 hours, usually faster. We get tons of emails with weird business proposals through the contact form and it does sometimes happen that a booking enquiry lands in the spam folder (or our response lands in your spam folder). You can also text us on 340-514-5527 to make sure it went through.

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Day Trip to Jost van Dyke – Soggy Dollar Bar Oktoberfest Party

June 9, 2015 by go rockhoppin Posted in Boat Charter Tagged BVI, Charter, Jost van Dyke, Oktoberfest, Party, Powerboat, Soggy Dollar Bar, St. John, USVI

The Day trip to Jost van Dyke – Soggy Dollar Bar is still our most popular trip but there has not been much news lately, and there is no need to because why change something that is awesome 365 days per year?