Private Full Day or Half Day Charter – 37′ Midnight Express

The best part of this charter is the boat itself: a sharp, blue-and-white 37-foot Midnight Express with three 300HP outboards. From St. Thomas, you can reach the British Virgin Islands without booking a flight or waiting for a ferry, then spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and walking through The Baths at Virgin Gorda.

I like the private format, which lets your captain shape the day around your group rather than a fixed crowd schedule. I also like the crew’s personal touch. Captain Jervan is praised for building a custom full-day plan, while Captain Jashae has earned notice for his stories and careful handling of the trip.

The main catch is cost. The charter is $1,950 per group, but fuel, a customary 20 percent captain gratuity, lunch, and BVI customs fees of $75 cash per person are extra. The advertised capacity also needs clarification: the base inclusions cover up to six passengers, with an added fee above six, even though the boat can be booked for a group of up to 12.

Key points to know before you book

• A fast, private Midnight Express: The 37-foot boat has three 300HP outboards, giving you a quick way to cover several islands in one day.
• Two-country island hopping: You can visit the British Virgin Islands from St. Thomas, but everyone needs a passport and must clear customs.
• The Baths is the headline stop: Allow about two hours to walk among giant boulders, rock pools, caverns, and the Cathedral Room.
• Your captain can shape the day: The private setup works well for a custom route, with Captain Jervan specifically praised for accommodating requests.
• Water gear is supplied: Bottled water, soda, ice, a cooler, snorkeling equipment, and swimming noodles are included.
• Budget beyond the $1,950 price: Add fuel, lunch, gratuity, and $75 in cash per person for BVI customs.

Why this private St. Thomas charter is different

Many boat outings around St. Thomas follow a set route and carry a full load of passengers. This one gives your group a private 37-foot Midnight Express and a captain who can adjust the day to your interests. You can focus on the BVI, remain in the US Virgin Islands, or combine stops if time and conditions allow.

The boat is powered by three 300HP outboards. That matters because a high-speed vessel can cover more water than a slower sightseeing boat. You are not limited to one bay or one beach. The trip can include a natural wonder, a snorkeling stop, a beach bar, and a scenic ride between islands.

You should still keep expectations realistic. A full-day charter does not mean unlimited time at every stop. Customs takes time, and places such as The Baths require a shore visit rather than a quick swim from the boat. A half-day option is better for one or two nearby highlights, while the full-day option makes more sense if you want to cross into the BVI and see several places.

Leaving from Compass Point Marina at 8:30 a.m.

Your day begins at Compass Point Marina in Estate Bovoni, St. Thomas, with an 8:30 a.m. start. The captain meets you at the marina and walks your group to the boat. Pickup is offered, but confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking so you know where the morning begins.

Have every passport ready before you leave the dock. If you are going from St. Thomas into the British Virgin Islands, passport checks are part of the day, not an optional extra. This is one of those small details that can affect the whole trip if someone arrives without the proper document.

The boat comes with a cooler and ice, bottled water, soda, snorkeling equipment, and swimming noodles. That covers the basics for a day on the water. You will need to arrange lunch separately, and you should carry cash for the BVI customs charge.

Soper’s Hole and the border crossing

Soper’s Hole, at the West End of Tortola, is the usual BVI entry point described for this route. Plan on about 30 minutes for customs and immigration, though the actual pace can vary. Every passenger must have a passport available.

The BVI customs fee is $75 cash per person. This is a major cost for a large group, so calculate it before deciding if the cross-border route is right for you. Fuel is also extra, and the price is not specified in the tour details, so ask for an estimate before departure.

The border stop is not the most exciting part of the day, but it is the price of visiting another country by boat. You trade some time at the dock for access to Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, and other BVI waters. For many groups, that trade is worthwhile. For others, a USVI-only charter may offer a simpler and cheaper day.

The Baths at Virgin Gorda

The Baths are the natural centerpiece of the BVI route. Giant granite boulders create a maze of narrow passages, small caverns, and pools. The walk leads toward the Cathedral Room, a natural pool tucked inside a rock cave.

You are given about two hours here. That is enough time to explore at a measured pace rather than simply step ashore, take a picture, and hurry back to the boat. Wear secure footwear if you have it, since the attraction involves walking through and around uneven rock formations.

The Baths are not just a beach stop. The appeal is the change of pace. After a fast ride across the water, you get a chance to walk, look closely at the rock formations, and find the small pools and passageways that make the site special.

There is also a practical limit. The Baths are popular, and a private charter does not give you private access to the formation. Your captain can control the route and timing of your boat, but the shore attraction itself is shared. If The Baths is your top priority, tell the captain at the start so the day is built around it.

Norman Island and the Treasure Island connection

Norman Island gets its appeal from both scenery and legend. It is linked with the idea that Robert Louis Stevenson drew inspiration for Treasure Island from the island and its stories of pirates and buried treasure.

The planned time here is about two hours. That gives your group room for a swim, snorkeling, or a relaxed look at the island from the water, depending on the final plan. The supplied snorkeling gear and swimming noodles make this a useful stop for a group that wants time in the sea rather than a day made up only of shore visits.

The details of the stop are flexible because this is a private charter. You may want a longer swim and less time on land, or you may prefer to keep moving toward Jost Van Dyke. Speak up. One of the strongest reasons to book a private boat is the chance to make those choices together with the captain.

Jost Van Dyke for a Painkiller or Rum Punch

Jost Van Dyke is small, relaxed, and well suited to a short stop with a drink and a view. The suggested choices are a Painkiller at Foxy’s or a Rum Punch at the Soggy Dollar.

The planned visit lasts about one hour. That is enough for a taste of the island atmosphere, but not enough for a long beach afternoon plus a full meal. Lunch is not included, so ask the captain how much time is practical if you want to eat here.

The drink stops also bring a clear responsibility. You are on a boat, crossing borders, and returning to St. John before the day ends. Keep the pace sensible and follow the captain’s instructions. The charm of Jost Van Dyke is in the pause, not in trying to turn one hour into an entire island visit.

Returning through Cruz Bay on St. John

On the way back, passengers clear US customs in Cruz Bay on St. John. Set aside another 30 minutes for this process. As with the BVI entry, passports need to be ready for everyone in your group.

This second customs stop is easy to underestimate. You may be tired, wet, and ready to return to St. Thomas, but you still need to allow time for the formalities. The return through Cruz Bay is one reason a full-day schedule can feel full even when the boat is fast.

After clearing customs, the charter can include time in the US Virgin Islands. The route description allows about an hour for historical landmarks and shorelines dating back to the 1600s, with a swim at a well-known beach. The precise USVI stop is not specified, so ask what your captain recommends for the day you book.

A half-day charter or a full-day run

The experience is offered for roughly four to eight hours. The shorter option suits you if you want a private swim, snorkeling session, or nearby island outing without committing to border formalities and a long day.

The longer option is the better match for the full BVI plan. The Baths, Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, two customs stops, and time in the USVI cannot be treated as a quick outing. The listed stop times alone add up to several hours, before you count boat travel, boarding, and any changes made for weather or sea conditions.

A private charter also lets you set priorities. A group with children may want fewer shore changes and more swimming. A group of adults may prefer The Baths and Jost Van Dyke. If your group cannot agree on a plan, a private boat may not solve that problem, but it does give you room to adjust once the day is underway.

What the $1,950 price really buys

At $1,950 per group, this is not a low-cost boat excursion. The value depends heavily on group size. Split among six people, the base price works out to $325 per person before fuel, customs, lunch, and gratuity. With 12 people, the per-person base cost is lower, but an additional passenger fee applies above six.

You are paying for privacy, speed, flexibility, and a substantial boat rather than just a seat on a shared vessel. If your group values its own schedule and wants to reach several islands, that can make good sense. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a shared trip will likely be easier on the budget.

The extra charges deserve careful attention. Fuel is not included. The captain’s customary gratuity is 20 percent, and BVI customs costs $75 cash per person. Lunch is also your responsibility. Ask for the expected fuel cost and the passenger surcharge before you finalize the booking, especially if your group has more than six people.

The captain can make or break the day

The strongest personal praise centers on the captains and their ability to adapt. Captain Jervan is described as very accommodating with a custom full-day plan. Captain Jashae is associated with good stories and a smooth trip to Virgin Gorda.

That matters on a private charter. You are not simply buying a boat. You are depending on the captain to manage timing, border procedures, route choices, and changing conditions. The company is locally owned, and the boats are described as well kept, which adds confidence when you are spending a full day offshore.

You can help the captain do a better job by stating your priorities before leaving the marina. Say if The Baths is essential, if snorkeling matters most, or if you want time at Foxy’s or the Soggy Dollar. A custom itinerary works best when your group gives clear direction.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

This charter suits families, groups of friends, and special-occasion parties that want the boat to themselves. It is particularly useful for groups that cannot agree on a standard excursion, since the day can be shaped around your preferred stops.

It also suits people who want to combine natural sights with island culture. The Baths offers an active shore visit, Norman Island adds pirate lore and water time, and Jost Van Dyke supplies the relaxed bar stop. The result is more varied than a simple beach transfer.

You should think twice if you dislike early starts, customs checks, extra fees, or a long day in the sun. The boat can move quickly, but you still need passports, cash, and patience at the border. Bad weather can also cancel the trip or force a change of date.

The boat is accessible to most people according to the supplied information, and service animals are allowed. Near the marina, public transportation is available. For exact boarding or mobility questions, contact One Caribbean Charters before booking.

How to prepare for a better day

Keep your passport protected but easy to reach. You will need it at Soper’s Hole and again when returning through Cruz Bay.

Bring cash for the $75-per-person BVI customs fee. Pack anything you want for lunch, since lunch is not included, and ask about fuel and the charge for passengers above six.

Use the supplied cooler and ice for drinks and food. The boat provides bottled water, soda, snorkeling equipment, and swimming noodles, so you do not need to build a full gear kit. You may still want sun protection and secure footwear for The Baths, though those items are not specifically listed as included.

Finally, build in flexibility. The experience depends on good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation brings a choice of another date or a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable, so watch the forecast and make decisions early.

Should you book the Midnight Express charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and you want a private, fast boat with a real BVI route. The Baths, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke make a strong combination, and the ability to work with Captain Jervan or Captain Jashae on a custom plan is a genuine advantage.

Choose a USVI-only half-day instead if you want a simpler outing, do not want to pay the BVI customs fee, or prefer less time spent at border checkpoints. Before paying, confirm the fuel estimate, the fee for passengers above six, the pickup details, and the exact route.

For the right group, this is a flexible island day with more freedom than a standard excursion. Just budget honestly. The $1,950 starting price is only the beginning of the total.

FAQ

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. A half-day option is available, while the longer option allows time for several BVI and USVI stops.

Where does the charter start?

The stated meeting point is Compass Point Marina in Estate Bovoni, St. Thomas, USVI. The start time is 8:30 a.m., and pickup is offered.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You need a passport if you are traveling from St. Thomas into the British Virgin Islands. Passports must be available for customs and immigration at Soper’s Hole or another BVI entry point, and for US customs in Cruz Bay on the return.

How much are the BVI customs fees?

BVI customs fees are $75 cash per person. These fees are not included in the charter price.

What is included with the boat?

The charter includes soda, bottled water, a cooler with ice, snorkeling equipment, and swimming noodles. Lunch, fuel, and the captain’s customary 20 percent gratuity are not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time also qualify for a full refund.