Anyone done a private charter in Tortola?

[sdjen]

Looking at booking this option for our Feb 2018 cruise. I have gotten a couple of quotes that will range from $120 to $180 a person. (the higher priced one includes drinks, lunch and snorkel equipment).

My concern is my parents will be coming with (mid 70s). My dad is NOT good swimmer so I am trying to figure out how he will do (there is no way he would snorkel). Has anyone done this that can provide any info? Wondering if we could chose an option where some could snorkel while others could be on a beach? Was thinking of doing the Baths as one stop but if there are better options I would love to hear them.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[cpfolk]

We chartered through Patouce last March. We visited the Baths and Norman island. The Baths were beautiful, but it is a long swim from where the boats anchor. We did it with five adults and five kids ages 3 through 14. Only the oldest two were strong swimmers. It's a real workout.

The caves are difficult to manage when not a part of a tour group as they groups keep pushing everyone else to the side as if they own the area, quite frustrating. It requires good footwear and a lot of patience. The grandparents stayed on the boat, but that proved to be unfortunate as the constant motion caused serious seasickness in my MIL. It was a serious downer for the remainder of a very expensive trip.

Norman island was our lunch stop, and it had a small restaurant and a quiet little beach area for the kids to play and for the adults to relax. We were going to make another stop at some caves on the island, but the seasickness was too much to bear.

We snorkeled everywhere we went, although nothing was spectacular. To be honest, blue water was all we needed

 

[sdjen]

Thanks for the reply. That is very helpful!

 

[AshleiCal]

We did a private boat charter in December through Lion in Da Sun. It was the single best excursion/vacation attraction we have ever done as a family. We went snorkeling in St John, he took us to an island with an EMPTY beach and an abandoned bar for a while, went to Taboo's for lunch and then walked up to the bubbling pools, and then went to the main Jost Van Dyke beach where the Soggy Dollar Bar is. I'm not sure how many you're traveling with, but I highly recommend them!

 

[aidtrismommy]

Last month we booked with Aristocat Charters. They had two catamarans with 3-4 families each from our ship. The dock was less than 10 minute walk from the ship. We went to Cooper Island to snorkel (saw a sea turtle and fish). The water was so warm and crystal clear. We then had lunch which included hot dogs, different salads, fruit, cookies, sandwiches. We then went to the Baths at Virgin Gorda, swam in and explored then went back to Tortola. It was a full day. $120 for adults, half price for children. It included all snorkel equipment (which was very good), food, and unlimited beer/soda/water/rum punch. It was the highlight of our trip. You can read reviews on trip advisor. They said they had done thousands of these day trips and have never had anyone miss their cruise ship.