post

Indians, Caves, Aquarium – BVI Snorkeling Trip from St. John

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , , , , ,

While it is possible to incorporate some snorkeling into our day trip to Jost van Dyke, most of the prime BVI snorkeling spots are near Norman Island and part of our Norman Island Day Trip. There are no houses or beachgoers nearby so the water is super nice and clear.

The Indians

The Indians are an amazing deep water snorkel and are constantly named among the top 5 BVI snorkeling spots. They lie just north of The Bight at Norman Island and about half way between the easternmost tip of St. John, USVI and the westernmost tip of Peter Island. Four rocky pinnacles rise straight up, about 100' from the ocean floor. Approximately 50' of that is above water. There are lots of blue tangs, parrotfish, cow fish, damsel fish, sergeant majors, jacks, queen angels, wrasse, trunk fish, eels and if you're lucky, you might spot a queen trigger fish.

The Caves

Norman Island is a well-known destination for cruisers and other tourists because of 3 water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of The Bight. The are ideal for snorkeling.

Note: Different from the other spots, both Caves and Indians charge a 20$ mooring fee which has to be paid upon checkin into the BVIs.  These fees can be avoided by going to free spots like the Aquarium but if you don't mind the fee and want to snorkel the Indians and Caves, we can of course go there, just let the Captain know before check-in to the BVI so that he can pay the fees (fees can be paid with credit card).

The Aquarium

is another great but lesser know snorkeling spot which you will most likely have to yourself. The advantage over Indians is that you don't have to pay a mooring fee. The water is super nice and clear and calm and you will see lots of good stuff. From there it's a very quick ride over to Pirate's Bight where you can have some great lunch at "Pirate's" or "The Club"

From there you can head over to Jost van Dyke for some "Painkillers" at infamous Soggy Dollar Bar or take the route along the South Shore of St. John for more snorkeling (Tektike, Booby Rock) or fishing (Norman Island and Fishing Charter)

Ready to go?

Book your Day Trip from St. John to Norman Island here

You can use the calendar below to directly make a booking (select date and hit book now). Not sure yet? Then you can also send us a Booking Enquiry with this form or via email to rockhoppinusvi(at)gmail.com

Online Booking

Or the form below to to make a booking. Select your date and pay a 150$ deposit. The rest is due on day of charter (after trip, cash, card or cheque). All prices include captain and fuel. Not included: BVI customs/mooring fees and gratuity

 

post

Amazing videos of full day snorkeling Trip with Rockhoppin’ Charters

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Want to see some amazing underwater creatures? Captain Steve is the man who will take you to the best spots for snorkeling! Check out those amazing videos of Barracuda, Reef Squid and an Octobus by Photosnorkeler who recently booked a full day snorkeling trip with us!

Barracuda filmed while snorkeling at Booby Rock

Booby Rock is  a great snorkeling spot on the South Shore of St. John that is part of our full day snorkeling trip and can also be a stop on the day trip to Norman Island if you skip Jost and take the South Shore back

Octopus off Little St. James

Little St. James is North of St. John and if you go there you can also stop at Pizza Pi the Pizza boat which is re-opening December 3rd

Reef squid filmed while snorkeling at Tektike

Tektike is  a great snorkeling spot on the South Shore of St. John that is part of our full day snorkeling trip and can also be a stop on the day trip to Norman Island if you skip Jost and take the South Shore back

Carribean Reef Squid #stjohnusvi #stjohn #squid #tektite #newsofstjohn #stjohndaily

A video posted by Photo Snorkeler (@photo_snorkeler) on

 

 

post

FAQ: Boat Trip St. John

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

FAQ:

WHERE DOES THE TRIP START & END?

  • The trip will start out of Cruz Bay, we will normally meet you at  National Park Dock at 8:00 AM for BVI trips, 9:00 for full day USVI trips and 10:00 AM for half day and 3/4 day trips.

  • Our dark blue 32 FS Regulator Boat will pick you up at National Park Dock across from Mongoose Junction. We can’t park the boat there for longer than 15mins so the captain usually circles the harbor, so signal him when you get there and he will pull in. We usually also end the trip there. For BVI trips you can also disembark the boat at the customs dock, after clearing customs. You can reach Captain Steve on 340-626-2859

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

  • The prices are for a private charter for 6 people.  Different from most charters, our prices include captain and fuel – there are no hidden extra charges! Please check with us if you have a group of more than 6.
  • They do not include BVI customs and mooring fees (currently about 80$ per person) & gratuity for captain.
  • We provide water and ice, you are welcome to bring you own food and drink (adult beverages welcome). For beer please bring cans (instead of glass) if possible, for liquor glass bottles are fine. In an effort to reduce plastic waste (all trash from St. John goes to St. Thomas on the barge, they do not burn the trash and their landfill is almost full) we have switched from the small plastic bottles to gallon size jugs and provide cups & pen to write down name or you can bring your own cup/water bottle if you have)
  • The prices are based on a start in Cruz Bay, St. John.  Other starting points (e.g. Red Hook, St. Thomas, Westend Tortola, Road Town) are available upon request and may incur additional fees.
  • You are welcome to use our Easybreath Snorkeling Masks for free (or traditional masks) and fins.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU TAKE?

pricing is for 6 we can take additional passengers for 100$ extra pp

Jost van Dyke and USVI half day or 3/4 day: max 10

Willy T./Norman or full day USVI: 8

Virgin Gorda: 6

Sunset Cruise: 10 (extra charge 50$ per extra person)

WILL WE HAVE THE BOAT TO OURSELVES?

  • The prices are for a private charter for up to 6 people, this means you and your friends/family will have the boat to yourselves. Options and pricing for larger parties are available upon requests.
  • We do occasionally match singles and couples with other parties who are interested in sharing but only if you request so (we will never put any strangers on your charter!)

IS TIPPING EXPECTED?

  • A tip for great service is appreciated by our captains who work hard to keep you safe & comfortable and make sure you have a great day on the water.

HOW MUCH ARE THE BVI Customs fees?

  • About 45$ per person (subject to change), depends on # of people on boat, day of the week and mood of customs officer. You pay them directly in cash on the day.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

  • A valid passport is required for BVI trips. The BVI customs officer can also accept a birth certificate and a picture ID but if you have a passport it is safer to bring that along.

WHERE CAN WE PARK?

  • There is free parking at the gravel lot in between tennis courts and car barge exit. It is about 10 minutes walk to National Park Dock. There is paid parking at Beach Bar and Slim Mans across from Wharfside complex (Strand Street) and another paid lot at the corner where the bank used to be (across from Woody's). Some car rental companies (e.g. Sunshine Jeep Rentals) also offer free parking in town.

DOES THE BOAT HAVE A BATHROOM?

  • Our boat has a small emergency bathroom. Boat toilets are fickle, please don't put toilet paper or sanitary towels etc. into the bowl it will back it up or destroy the pump. Please let the captain know if you need to use the bathroom, he might be able to stop at a restaurant for you which will be more convenient.

CAN I BRING A PADDLEBOARD?

  • We are paddleboard/SUP friendly and you can take your paddleboard on the trip. If you don’t have one with you, you can rent 2 boards for the day for 100$ instead of $130 for stand alone board rental. We get them and load them onto the boat for you!

WHAT SHALL I BRING?

  • Reef safe Sunscreen, longsleeve (lycra), snorkeling gear, waterproof bag for camera/phone, towel, change of clothes (dry shirt/shorts), camera, sunglasses, bugspray, cash (for customs), credit card.
  • For BVI trips you will have to walk through US customs when we check back into St. John, they will require you to wear a shirt and shoes (flip flops are fine)

WHAT KIND OF MERCHANDISE IS AVAILABE?

  • We have a variety of hats and T-Shirts for sale. You can see all models here. We do not have all styles and sizes on the boat, send us a text or email if you want a certain model and we will have it ready for you
  • We also sell reef safe sunscreen and Aloe Vera Gel

high-tide-cruz-bay-stjohn

post

Half day snorkeling half day fishing charter

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , ,

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

norman-island-snorkeling-day-trip-stjohn

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.

snorkeling-charter-stjohn-rockhoppin

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

norman-island-snorkeling

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

 

snorkeling-trip-stjohn-rockhoppin

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-norman-island

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-norman-island

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-fishing-charter-stjohn

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

fishing-charter-stjohn

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.

[

 

post

Easybreath snorkeling mask for your powerboat charter

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , , , ,

We now have 8 Easybreath Snorkeling masks (they come in S/M and L/XL) on board of our 32 FS Regulator Powerboat, which you are welcome to use for free on your Snorkeling Trip with us. You will look a little bit like an Alien, but these masks are truly amazing.

easybreath-snorkeling-mask-stjohn

See and breathe underwater as easily as you would on land

The main obstacle to snorkelling is the difficulty in breathing underwater with a snorkel. Indeed, breathing through your mouth is unnatural, and the snorkel mouthpiece is sometimes considered too intrusive, uncomfortable and unhygienic. That's why Tribord invented the Easybreath, the first full-face snorkelling mask, for breathing underwater as easily and naturally as you would on land with your nose and mouth. Thanks to its large size, this innovative mask also offers users an unobstructed 180° field of vision, and s prevented from fogging up by a double air-flow system that is identical to the system used in domestic extraction fans.

easybreath-snorkeling-mask-stjohn

The Easybreath snorkeling masks have a soft rim that goes around the edge of your face, no more uggly pressure marks from wearing the mask. They have soft elastic straps going over the back of your face in an X-shape, no more rubber squashing your ears.

Everything will look so clear and bright you will be amazed. They only downside is once you have snorkeling with this mask, you do not want to go back to a traditional mask anymore.

Easy Breath Snorkeling Mask Rental on St. John

easybreath-snorkeling-mask-rental-stjohn

Alien invasion on St. John? No, a parcel from France with the Easybreath Snorkeling masks. We also have one mask that has a GoPro Mount so that you can mount your camera right onto the masks for the most amazing photos or videos.

easybreath-snorkeling-mask-stjohn-usvi

Easy Breath Snorkeling Masks benefits at a glance

  • breath through your mouth
  • 180 degrees free of vision
  • no fogging
  • no pressure on your face or head from straps
  • free to use on your day trip or half day snorkeling trip with us

easybreath-snorkeling-mask-stjohn-powerboat

Easybreath Snorkeling Mask Video

More information about the Easybreath Snorkeling Mask

http://www.tribord.co.uk/content/easybreath-snorkeling-mask

Weekly Easybreath Mask Rental on St. John

If you want the Easybreath masks for the whole week, you can rent then with SUP-Stjohn.com

 

 

post

Snorkeling Trip

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , ,

Why book a Snorkeling Trip with us?

Our comfortable 32 FS Regulator with twin Yamaha 250s can take you to the best snorkeling spots, some of which can only be accessed by boats. You will be on a private charter that means only you, your friends and/or family. Our experienced captains will choose the best route in line with what you want to do and wind, weather and crowds. You will avoid the crowds from the bigger boats, because how much fun is it to snorkel with 30 or 40 others in the water?

easybreath-snorkeling-mask-rental-stjohn

We have stepladder which will make it very easy to get in and out of the boat and our captains will give you guidance and help you in and out and watch over your safety. We also have fins and mask on board which you can use for free. Aside from normal masks, we have the new truly magic Easybreath Snorkeling Masks from France, they have a 180degree of vision, don't fog and you can naturally breathe through nose and mouth. More about these masks is here.

snorkeling-stjohn-powerboat

You might see Angel Fish, Parrot Fish, Seargent Majors, Yellow Tail Snapper, Puffer Fish, Rays, Squid to name a few and of course Sea Turtles.

Snorkeling Trip

Snorkeling Trip Options

  • Half Day Snorkeling Trip St. John/USVI waters 10.00 - 14:00: 400$ incl. captain and fuel
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip St. John/USVI waters  (both North and South Side including famous Tektike and Booby Rocks): 600$ incl. captain and fuel
  • Full Day BVI Snorkeling Trip. Visit the famous BVI Snorkeling Spots like Indians, Caves, Aquarium and then do more snorkeling at St. John South Shore (Tektike and Booby Rock), you can stop for lunch and drinks at Pirates Bight or Willy T. on Norman Island: 800$ incl. captain and fuel (850$ if you want to go to Cooper Island as well)
  • Half Day Snorkeling and Half Day Fishing/USVI waters: 700$ incl. captain and fuel

snorkeling-trip-stjohn-private-charter-usvi

Food and Drink

  • We will provide you with water and ice and will have plenty of space in our cooler should you wish to bring your own food and drink.
  • For the St. John/USVI trips we can stop at Pizza Pi, the Pizza Boat for food or we can pick up a delicious "Boater's Lunch" from North Shore Deli (Sandwich, Salad and Desert) for 15$ per person. For the BVI trip we can stop at Cooper Island Beach Club, Pirate's Bight or Willy T.

day-trip-stjohn-usvi-snorkeling

St. John Snorkeling Trip Reviews

"Unbelievable Great Day"

We had an unbelievable great day around St John on Thursday. The snorkeling was the best we have seen!

Reviewed July 2015, by Eric M. who has was on his 5th trip to St. John since 2007 with snorkeling as the main activity during all those trips

“Best Snorkel Charter and SUP Lessons on St. John”
***** Reviewed May 7, 2015

We chartered Rockhoppin' Adventures for an all day snorkel trip around St. John. Our Captain, Steve, discussed the trip, helped to plan the day and assured that every detail was to our liking. Every snorkel spot we visited was different and enjoyable. With Steve's help and guidance we were able to fully appreciate each stop on the trip. The trip was an outstanding value and truly enjoyable.

While on St. John my wife decided to try Stand Up Paddleboard. She started with a lesson from the very skilled and talented Lucy. The lesson was great and she had a wonderful experience for first time SUP.

We would definitely recommend Rockhoppin Adventures for any of activity you're considering on St. John.

Visited April 2015
snorkeling-trip-usvi-bvi-stjohn

St. John Snorkeling Trip Online Booking

Select your date and pay a 150$ deposit. The rest is due on day of charter (after trip, cash, card or cheque). All prices include captain and fuel.

 

Day Visit with Cruise Ship (St. Thomas – St. John)

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , , , ,

Cruise Ship Day Visit St. Thomas - St. John USVI

You arriving on a cruise ship and are wondering what to do on your day visit in St. Thomas? You don't want to spend the day shopping duty free jewelry? Why don't you come over to St. John,USVI for a day trip and visit the great beaches, that constantly make it into the top beaches of the world rankings?

Suggestions for Day Visit with Cruise Ship on St. Thomas

Read More

post

Half day boat trip St. John, USVI (Powerboat Charter)

by Posted in Boat Charter Tagged , , , , ,

Our half day trip typically is 4 hours from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm (other timings are available). We will stay in USVI waters, so you will not need a passport. We have a National Park permit, so we can take you to the North Shore Beaches and Reef Bay- Our most popular half day trips from St. John are:

Other (customs) trips are available. This is a private charter for you and your family / friends only.