Day Cruises
6 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$1,295
per group
Island Roots Charters
Island Roots Charters
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursEco ToursBoat RentalsPrivate Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
With capacity and seating for up to 12 passengers, “Island Roots” offers the MOST AFFORDABLE PRIVATE day charter in its’ class. - All of our trips are unique and customized to the interests of the guests... from bird watchers, to sunbathers, snorkelers, photographers, divers, cocktail connoisseurs, food enthusiasts, folks seeking the “best of” the islands to casual fun boaters just looking to just enjoy the breeze and some time on the water. - A “typical day” might include swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, beaching, cliff jumping, lunch, hiking, history, story telling, music, dancing and more. Guests are welcome to visit the popular spots people often talk about, mentioned in guidebooks, on social media, etc... but also encouraged to explore tons of lesser visited places that have yet to go “mainstream.”
Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$695
per group
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,615 reviews
Excellent
1,607
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
jsefrin
4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We had an awesome day trip to the BVI. By filling out The customs link that Jason sent us, we were able to fast track through customs on Jost Van Dyke. While he went through immigration, we were able to get off the boat and explore the island and down some delicious painkillers. At his suggestion, we spent the day exploring and snorkeling Sandy Spit, Norman Island and having lunch at Willy Ts (where the kids had a blast jumping off the pirate ship). Jason navigated quickly through some rough rainy weather, which might have been the highlight of the kids day, and got us to the Soggy Dollar for one final Painkiller before heading home. We couldn’t have been happier with our day and will certainly go back to Island Roots on any return trip to St John.
Written March 17, 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.
Expedition55928
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Family
We were a family of nine ranging in age from 17 to 81. We spent two days with Captain Jason on Island Roots. One of those days exploring snorkel spots around St John and the other exploring the BVI’s.
Jason is very knowledgeable about the history of the islands and was eager to share that knowledge with us. The weather was not the greatest the day we were to head to Virgin Gorda but Captain Jason adjusted our itinerary and we hopped around the rain showers and were able to snorkel in two different locations where we spotted two different types of octopus, a reef shark and lobster. Swam and walked around Sandy Spit, lunch on Norman Island and then to Jost Van Dyke for the famous Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar.
We look forward to returning to St John and heading out with Captain Jason again to explore more of the islands.
Jason is very knowledgeable about the history of the islands and was eager to share that knowledge with us. The weather was not the greatest the day we were to head to Virgin Gorda but Captain Jason adjusted our itinerary and we hopped around the rain showers and were able to snorkel in two different locations where we spotted two different types of octopus, a reef shark and lobster. Swam and walked around Sandy Spit, lunch on Norman Island and then to Jost Van Dyke for the famous Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar.
We look forward to returning to St John and heading out with Captain Jason again to explore more of the islands.
Written January 1, 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.
Ebl1001
2 contributions
Feb 2021
We took our first vacation since the pandemic hit and visited St. John. First of all, the island is doing an amazing job following covid protocols and making all of us visiting feel safe as well as create a sense of normal I think we all need.
Our captain was Ryan and we can’t say enough about how informative, congenial and fun - he made us feel so comfortable and we really enjoyed his company all while getting a fabulous tour of St John from the water which included a great snorkeling stop and a beautiful sunset! (Our tour was 3:30-6:30pm). The boat seemed brand new and is very comfortable! We would have done a full day charter but they were booked up the week we visited. We loved St John and will be back next year! At the top of our list will be to book a full day charter on Island Roots!!! We can’t recommend enough - one of the major highlights of our trip. Thank you Ryan and Island Roots!!
Our captain was Ryan and we can’t say enough about how informative, congenial and fun - he made us feel so comfortable and we really enjoyed his company all while getting a fabulous tour of St John from the water which included a great snorkeling stop and a beautiful sunset! (Our tour was 3:30-6:30pm). The boat seemed brand new and is very comfortable! We would have done a full day charter but they were booked up the week we visited. We loved St John and will be back next year! At the top of our list will be to book a full day charter on Island Roots!!! We can’t recommend enough - one of the major highlights of our trip. Thank you Ryan and Island Roots!!
Written March 23, 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.
Brandon M
North East, MD9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Captain Ryan was very attentive to our group and made sure that we all felt very comfortable. He had excellent knowledge of the local area and reconditions on where to stop. We were able to squeeze a lot into a day. We enjoyed Jost Van Dyke, Willy T’s & the “Baths”. We will definitely go out with them again if we get the chance.
Written February 9, 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.
sjf0515
Raleigh, NC1 contribution
Jan 2022
We had a wonderful sunset cruise with Island Root Charters for my husbands birthday. From time of booking, to a text the morning of to take our pizza order, to dropping us back off at the Wharfside village, Island Root Charters provided top notch service. They cater to your interests entirely; offering an adventurous itinerary or one for relaxing, sipping and cruising around. We really wanted to see side the southern bays of St. John and a snorkeling spot you can't hit with the bigger boat excursion charters and our Captain, Ryan, who was so personable, accommodated the perfect evening including delicious pizza from Pizza Pi boat with a gorgeous sunset backdrop. We will definitely book with Island Root Charters for our next trip to St. John-- you can't beat the special treatment that this family run business can offer. Thank you IRC!
Written February 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.
LULU
Houston, TX208 contributions
May 2021
We are a family of 5 adults who have traveled extensively and have been lucky enough to have done our fair share of private charters in many parts of the world. Our full day private custom charter (DO IT) with Captain Ryan was possibly one of the best we have done anywhere. Ryan is exceptional. He was incredibly friendly, but beyond that is incredibly knowledgeable; and not in the rehearsed "this is the ____ speel" way we have received in other places. His true depth of understanding of the islands is unmatched and incredibly natural. He absolutely tailored this experience to our preferences in the smoothest fashion; from beginning our trip with the most unique snorkel spot with incredible swarms of pelagic fish at Carval Rock to taking tequila shots at Pizza Pi. He went out of his way to take us to Waterlemon Cay (even though our time was running shorts and we were on the opposite side of STJ). If you're an advanced snorkeler and traveler or an absolute novice in both, trust me you MUST book. I cannot say enough good things about this charter and specifically about Captain Ryan. Honestly, we would have paid double, and plan to book first thing when we return (because we have fallen in love with STJ!). Wish we could have Ryan do all of our charters everywhere!
Island roots itself is exceptionally well run, from the booking to the confirmation emails. Communication was extremely quick, detailed and reliable. They provided lots of information to prepare us for the trip. And oh yeah, THE BOAT. It was absolutely gorgeous and top of the line. SO comfortable.
Island roots itself is exceptionally well run, from the booking to the confirmation emails. Communication was extremely quick, detailed and reliable. They provided lots of information to prepare us for the trip. And oh yeah, THE BOAT. It was absolutely gorgeous and top of the line. SO comfortable.
Written May 25, 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.
John Sikes
2 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Highly recommend Island Roots. We have been coming to the Virgin Islands for 10 years and used several different companies - Island Roots is hands down the best thus far. Capt Jason is extremely accommodating, hospitable, great with kids and keeps a clean boat. He took us to new places with the best snorkeling we have ever experienced. He is extremely knowledgeable and runs a small family-owned business. We will undoubtedly use Island Roots again next year.
Written June 16, 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.
Melissa B
4 contributions
May 2022
We booked a half day, afternoon, with Island Roots to pick up our group of 6 after hiking down Reef Bay Trail. The pickup in Reef Bay was seemless and such a great option that allowed us to enjoy the hike without having to hike back up! On top of this, I reached out to them before the excursion to ask if they'd assist in filling the cooler they provide with beer and seltzer. They did and everyone was happy! We enjoyed our captain and the 2 snorkel stops - Tektites (awesome) and I believe Little St. James (known as Epstein Island). We then boated over to Pizza Pi which is a must stop for tasty pizza and drinks and finished our excursion eating dinner while watching the most perfect sunset. We will book with Island Roots again.
Written June 6, 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.
Andrew L
Hilton Head, SC23 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Friendly, customer oriented family owned business. Best rates, quality boats and first rate captains. We were able to snorkel to new spots around the island, learn some fascinating history and enjoy Pizza Pi in Christmas Bay. I highly recommend this operator for small groups and custom tailored trips around the islands. We enjoyed extra bonus time on the power cat and the gas charges are fair and upfront. Can’t go wrong.
Written March 2, 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.
piersos
1 contribution
Feb 2021
My wife and I booked an all-day charter for one of the first days of our honeymoon. It was a fantastic experience and a great way to see the island of St. John. Our captain was well-prepared, professional, and very knowledgeable about the island.
I would highly recommend Island Root Charters to anyone interested in having an awesome and enjoyable experience on water!
I would highly recommend Island Root Charters to anyone interested in having an awesome and enjoyable experience on water!
Written February 26, 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.
Does the boat have a bathroom or a room to change clothes?
Written September 21, 2018
No, it does not. You could ask to have a meal toward the end of your charter, allowing you to change at the meal site bathrooms.
Written September 22, 2018
HI my husband and I are coming in on June 12 and my birthday is June 13 so we would love a snorkel trip if possible?
Written May 14, 2018
Hello,
My wife and I are planning to bring our three kids (15,13,11) to St John this Jan 4-11, 2010. We would like to plan a one day charter explore the water and islands near by: the Baths, Jost van Dyke, Willy T's...
Please provide a quote for a day-long sailing. Thanks.
Dan
Written May 9, 2018
Island Roots is fantastic. We chartered them and it was the best day of our vacation! Highly recommended!
Written May 11, 2018
Hello,
My wife and I are planning to bring our three kids (15,13,11) to St John this Jan 4-11, 2010. We would like to plan a one day charter explore the water and islands near by: the Baths, Jost van Dyke, Willy T's...
Please provide a quote for a day-long sailing. Thanks.
Dan
Written May 9, 2018
Their rates are on their website. Something like $600 plus fuel and customs. Customs are expensive - about $60 per person now.
Not sure if you can make it to the Baths on a day trip with everything else you were looking for - best to ask the Captain.
Written May 9, 2018
trying to find out how to arrive at island roots for a snorkel cruise. Arriving on May 8th and can not find transportation info to and fro. do you reccommend any charter outfits that are in cruz bay?
Written February 22, 2018
Our boat operates out of Cruz Bay but for cruise ship guests we can arrange for pick up at Sapphire Marina on the East End of St. Thomas.
Guests usually coordinate their own travel from the port to marina.
If you're staying on St. John, we pick up at the National Park Dock in Cruz Bay.
Written February 25, 2018
We are staying in Coral Bay, is there any way to be picked up over here?
Written January 16, 2017
I agree. Call Jason. He was able to pick us up at a different location. He is very easy to work with. Our resort had a nice beach he was able to pull in and we literally stepped off the beach into the boat.
Written January 17, 2017
Interested in day trip to the Baths when we go to St. John in July. How long does it take to get from Cruz Bay to Virgin Gorda? Can trips be customized?
Written February 6, 2016
Going out to the Baths is a long boat trip and can be a but rough as well. It is absolutely worth doing it though on a charter. It's fun to swim up to the beach there and get to explore the area without a tour group. Go on non cruise ship days. You can customize trips through Island Roots and they are very responsive to emails. If you don't do the baths I recommend the triangle trip going to Norman island, Willy T for lunch, Soggy Dollar, and Sandy Spit. These boat days are the best part of the trip always!!!
Written February 7, 2016
JulieandPeterR
South Deerfield, Massachusetts
Hi Jason We are staying on St John starting on feb 22...can we book a tour for the triangle BVI either Thursday or Friday that week?
Thank you !!
Julie and Peter Richardson
Written February 19, 2015
I hope he has availability...you will enjoy it!
Written February 19, 2015
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