Private Tour: Customizable Day Trip by Boat from St Thomas

Spend a whole day in the Virgin Islands however you wish on this customizable private day trip by boat from St Thomas. With your own in-the-know captain to ferry you to snorkeling spots, beach bars and hidden coves, you can explore both the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands like a VIP. Snorkeling gear, an ice cooler and water are provided, leaving you the flexibility to bring on board whatever you want to eat and drink during the day.

Your day on the sparkling turquoise waters of the Virgin Islands starts on the eastern end of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Meet your captain and board the Alternate Attitude, your private boat for the day.

A 27-foot (8-meter) Pro-Line with twin engines, the Alternate Attitude provides cushioned seating for up to six passengers — just perfect for a day out with your family or close friends. Plug in your iPod, phone or other mp3 device if you’d like to listen to your own tunes, and dump any drinks and snacks you brought into the provided ice cooler. (Any food and beverages are welcome, including alcohol; you can bring lunch or buy lunch at a restaurant on one of the islands you’ll visit.)

Take off from the marina and admire the Caribbean views as your captain heads to your first stop. Your itinerary is up to you — choose one of the common tours mentioned below, or tell your captain what you’re interested in and he’ll plan a great route. Your responsibilities are simply to relax and enjoy the laid-back island life. You may cross into the waters and isles of the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) if you wish — just make sure you have your passport.

When you return to St Thomas at the end of the day, your fuel cost will be tallied. The price is based on the number of gallons used (recorded by the boat’s digital fuel gauge) and the cost of fuel on the day of your tour.

Common itinerary options:

• Snorkeling spots — Visit Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay on the northern coast of St John, USVI, and then head to the Indians, a group of uninhabited small islands in the BVIs. Snorkel on coral reefs, watch for sea turtles and be wowed by the array of colorful fish.
• Bar crawl — Take a boozy tour of the BVIs’ most popular waterfront watering holes, including the Willie-T, a floating bar and restaurant off Norman Island, and Foxy’s Bar, the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and B-Line Beach Bar on the island of Jost Van Dyke.
• Beach bum — Laze the day away on the beautiful beaches of Cane Garden Bay, Sandy Cay and White Bay.
• Castaway tour — Find blissful seclusion at your captain’s top-secret, off-the-beaten-path beaches.