Wayward Sailor
Wayward Sailor
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About
St. John, VI Day sail charters, voted Best Day Sail Charter boat on St. John for the past five years, specialize in guided snorkeling, eco-tour with marine naturalist, personal service, family oriented; full day sails,half day, sunset sails, Jost van Dyke, BVI; snorkel reefs accessible only by boat, all inclusive, discounted price, fresh Caribbean lunches, homemade brownies, maximum of six guests, safe, comfortable classic 30' sloop, Coast Guard approved, beginner snorkelers welcome.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
150 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
8
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4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Suzy N
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
What an amazing sunset sail with the new captain of Wayward Sailor Daniel Benson. Having been born and raised in the USVI on a sailboat Daniel is a very capable and knowledgeable captain. Thank you for such a relaxing and spectacular sail. Can't wait to return for another sail.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scsu6
Eagan, MN4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had the best time sailing & snorkeling with Captain Phil & Tarn. They were both knowledgeable about the area, snorkeling & sailing. Lots of great stories. I learned a bit about marine life as well. The day goes by so quickly. We did 2 snorkeling segments and explored some amazing areas and saw really amazing fish. 🐠 I would definitely recommend this experience early in your trip so you can get out into the beautiful turquoise water. It’s very safe as well. We were here as a couple, but I would feel completely comfortable taking our kids with us. Phil fits you for the snorkel mask & makes sure your equipment is successful so you can just enjoy your time in the water.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcar06
Mequon, WI5 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Captain Phil was amazingly knowledgeable. Travelled with another couple. We were captured by sharing his stories of his sailing days as well as telling us more of STJ’s history. If he does not feel the trip is going to be worthwhile, he will assure that you get the best ever sailing day. So we rescheduled the day prior due to inconsistent sailing condition. Turned out to be a great sailing day!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Beverly Hills, MI71 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
We hate to submit this review, but our experience was significantly different from that which others described. The winds weren’t great for sailing, but it feels like Phil’s sailing skills might not be what they were in his younger days. He no longer has the first mate referred to in his brochure. The food was not a “delicious Caribbean lunch”. In fact we had some food safety concerns. We also had some mechanical issues with the boat that were resolved after some time, but also were not reassuring. Phil suffered a few minor injuries (which he did not bandage up) during the trip that resulted in him leaving blood behind in several places. We did visit two snorkeling places where snorkeling was good, not great.
I’m just trying to be factual here. As a result of our experience, we cannot recommend this.
I’m just trying to be factual here. As a result of our experience, we cannot recommend this.
Written January 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
escheiner
New York City, NY3 contributions
Feb 2020
Just spent another day sailing with Captain Phil and his mate. Besides being an accomplished sailor, Phil is a great story teller who readily shares his experience, knowledge, and love of the area. Don’t miss the Wayward Sailor!
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrenaldi79
Hilton Head, SC17 contributions
Been on many snorkel trips in Caribbean and Hawaii and captain Phil takes the cake. Super friendly and personal and was great with our 3.5 yr old son who really just wanted to talk and look around.
Captain Phil took us to a great spot with supurb visibility and no other snorkelers. We had the place to ourselves. Saw a ton of marine life and his gear was surprisingly really good. When we got out of the water he had a beer waiting. What else can you ask for?
Not luxurious, but very clean and tidy. You can tell captain Phil takes great pride in his business and in st john. Would totally recommend for a personal experience with a small group or family.
Captain Phil took us to a great spot with supurb visibility and no other snorkelers. We had the place to ourselves. Saw a ton of marine life and his gear was surprisingly really good. When we got out of the water he had a beer waiting. What else can you ask for?
Not luxurious, but very clean and tidy. You can tell captain Phil takes great pride in his business and in st john. Would totally recommend for a personal experience with a small group or family.
Written December 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sbc1209
North Carolina28 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
There's good and there's not so good. First the not so good.... My husband and I mentioned multiple times that we had rented dinghys and sailed several times. We also told Capt Phil and Tarn we've snorkeled 3 times this week. We are also responsible thirtysomethings. We felt like Capt Phil ignored all of this and provided over the top instructions on everything. We felt very much like the day was all his agenda. From the time we met him, we felt very uncomfortable having drinks on the boat. In fact, it is stated on the website that they provide beer and soft drinks. Clearly, when the selection is lukewarm Budweiser and Miller Light, they don't want you to have a drink. I respect that Capt Phil is a recovered alcoholic; however, we are not. We wanted to relax and enjoy our $300+ sail, but we felt more like we were in Navy Seals training. We felt it was awkward, sort of like Big Brother watching us, when they insisted that we put everything on the same tab. Honestly, I think they were counting our painkillers at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Agree with reviewers that said he's dictatorial, and if you are the slightest bit independent or knowledgable of a boat, the ridgedness can be too much.
We've chartered a private sailboat in the past and were able to have a lot of fun. We feel that the Wayward Sailor should market toward families or specifically those looking to have an educational, instructional day at sea.
On a positive note, Capt Phil and Tarn ensured we were safe and sound the entire trip. He is extremely knowledgable, and had the conditions been better for snorkeling I'm sure we would have seen and learned a great deal.
We've chartered a private sailboat in the past and were able to have a lot of fun. We feel that the Wayward Sailor should market toward families or specifically those looking to have an educational, instructional day at sea.
On a positive note, Capt Phil and Tarn ensured we were safe and sound the entire trip. He is extremely knowledgable, and had the conditions been better for snorkeling I'm sure we would have seen and learned a great deal.
Written November 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LarryEastLansing
East Lansing, MI20 contributions
Feb 2011
We recently took theday sail/snorkel with Captain Phil, and found it to be one of the highights of our week in St John. It was a well organized trip that was alot of fun. Captain Phil (and his first mate Tarn) were professional and helpful in getting everyone set up and into the water just off of a small, uninhabited island. We saw tons of cool coral and fish, a large turtle, squid, and a ray, and spent just the right amount of time in the water. He gave us good explanations of what we were seeing without talking too much. He's a personable, interesting guy that is in incredible shape for being over 70 years old!
We'd definitely recommend sailing with him, for both beginning and experienced snorkelers.
We'd definitely recommend sailing with him, for both beginning and experienced snorkelers.
Written February 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edventures
1 contribution
Sep 2019
Phil and Rachel were great. They fllled our day with gorgeous views and a lovely sail. The great stories and a delicious lunch were an added bonus. The snorkeling was memorable and Phil went out of his way to find a spot where the clarity in the water (post tropical storm “Karen”) was good. Highly recommend! You won’t be disappointed. PS - Phil had me searching for Octopus in disguise the next day. Linda and Ed
Written September 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katieandfam
1 contribution
Jul 2019 • Family
My husband and I and our 10 year old daughter recently spent the day with Captain Phil and his helpers (Tarn and Michelle). The sail boat is beautiful and super clean. Captain Phil has been sailing for a very long time and knows many things about the ocean and sea life, which was fun to listen to. We sailed to another island and snorkeled twice during the day. It was the best snorkeling we did during our vacation. Captain Phil took the time to be sure our gear fit properly. Our daughter hadn’t snorkeled before so he spent extra time with her. The lunch was lovely and the helpers were quick to help with sunscreen, drinks, towels, etc. Highly recommend!
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayward Sailor (St. John) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Wayward Sailor Information
Excellent Reviews | 136 |
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Very Good Reviews | 8 |
Wayward Sailor Photos | 56 |