Midnight Sun Charters – 37ft OBSIDIAN

Your best island day may be captain-led. Midnight Sun Charters puts you aboard the 37-foot Obsidian for a private day around the British Virgin Islands, with your captain helping shape the route. I like the freedom to choose between beaches, snorkel sites, lunch stops, and famous island bars. I also like the small-group setup, limited to your party of up to six.

The main catch is cost. At $2,000 per group, the boat can offer good value for six people, but fuel and BVI customs or entrance fees are extra. The advertised outing lasts about five to eight hours, while the full list of possible stops would take much longer, so you will need to set priorities before leaving.

Key points to know before booking

• Private 37-foot boat: Only your group takes part, with room for up to six people.
• Captain-led planning: You can build the day around The Baths, snorkeling, lunch, beaches, or Jost Van Dyke.
• Strong captain praise: Adam, Justin, Sam, and Colin are singled out for flexibility, service, and making the day work for different ages.
• BVI paperwork matters: Every participant needs a current passport, and passport details are required when booking.
• Cruise passengers need careful timing: Provide ship and port times, since a missed tour caused by a late or absent ship is not refundable.
• Popular in advance: The charter is booked about 45 days ahead on average, so last-minute planning may be difficult.

A private boat day from St. Thomas

This charter is built for people who would rather set the pace than follow a fixed group schedule. From St. Thomas, you head toward the British Virgin Islands with a captain aboard the Obsidian, then spend the day moving among beaches, coves, islands, snorkeling spots, and lunch stops.

That private format changes the feel of the outing. You are not waiting for a large group to finish lunch or trying to keep up with strangers in the water. If one person wants to snorkel and another wants to sit in the sun, you can discuss the balance with your captain.

The boat carries bottled water with ice, snorkel gear, and pool noodles have been provided on past trips. Those extras are useful, but you should still think of this as a boat charter rather than a fully catered cruise. Food, drinks, fuel, and customs costs are not included in the published price.

Captains are a major part of the experience. Adam helped one group maximize time by dropping them close to their cruise ship. Sam was praised for being flexible and explaining the area well. Colin made a strong impression on a family with teenagers, which matters if your group includes different ages and energy levels. Justin was especially recommended for a route that included Virgin Gorda, The Baths, Norman Island, and a stop at the Pizza Boat.

What $2,000 really buys you

The $2,000 price covers the private boat, captain, and bottled water with ice for up to six people. Split six ways, that is about $333 per person before fuel and BVI customs or entrance fees. For four people, the base cost rises to $500 each, and for two people it becomes a very expensive day on the water.

The value is strongest when you fill the boat and care about privacy. A private captain means you can spend more time at the places your group actually wants to see. You also avoid paying for a standard route that may include stops you do not care about.

Fuel is not included, so ask how that charge will be handled before the day begins. BVI customs or entrance fees are also extra. These costs are important because the route crosses from the US Virgin Islands into the British Virgin Islands.

Lunch is another cost to plan. Cooper Island, Norman Island, and the Soggy Dollar Bar are suggested for food or drinks, but the charter price does not cover your meal or beverages. Bring a payment method suited to the places you plan to visit, and confirm the day’s practical details with the operator.

The Baths and Virgin Gorda

The Baths on Virgin Gorda are the major landmark on this route. The stop allows about two hours to explore the huge granite formations and swim at Devil’s Bay.

This is not simply a beach stop. The rock formations create an unusual setting for walking and swimming, and the combination of shore time and clear water gives the stop more variety than a quick snorkel break. If The Baths is high on your list, tell the captain early so the route can protect enough time for it.

Two hours sounds generous, but it can pass quickly once you account for getting ashore, exploring, and swimming. You should also recognize the tradeoff: spending a full two hours at Virgin Gorda leaves less time for the other islands. Since the possible itinerary includes far more stops than fit into five to eight hours, The Baths may need to be the day’s main event rather than one item among eight.

Magens Bay and the beach option

Magens Bay Beach is listed as a one-hour stop and is known as one of the world’s highly rated beaches. It offers a straightforward choice for anyone who wants sand, swimming, and a little time without a packed activity schedule.

The beach is also a useful opening or closing stop if your group wants a relaxed hour around the boat portion of the day. Unlike the BVI stops, it is in the US Virgin Islands, so it does not require the same international crossing considerations.

The drawback is time. If you are determined to reach Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke, an hour at Magens Bay may not be the best use of a short charter. I would choose it for a group that wants a classic beach stop, not for a group trying to collect every major BVI sight in one outing.

Sandy Cay for a slower hour

Sandy Cay is described as a small island suited to snorkeling or sunbathing. It is the kind of stop that works well when your group wants a little freedom instead of another major attraction.

You might swim, use the pool noodles, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun. The one-hour allocation keeps it from taking over the day, though an hour can feel short if conditions are especially pleasant.

Sandy Cay makes sense for a group with mixed interests. Someone who does not want a long swim can relax while others get into the water. Still, if your group prefers famous sights over quiet island time, this is an easy stop to skip.

Francis Bay and turtle snorkeling

Francis Bay is given an hour and is noted for snorkeling with turtles and sea rays. That makes it one of the more appealing water stops for anyone who wants to see marine life rather than only admire beaches.

The short visit means you should be ready to get into the water promptly. Snorkel gear is available, and the captain can help you fit the stop into the day’s route. As with every water activity, actual sightings and conditions can vary, so treat turtles and rays as a possibility, not a guarantee.

Francis Bay is a good pick for families or groups who want a clear purpose for their snorkel time. It may be less appealing if some members of your party do not swim, since the main draw is in the water rather than onshore.

Norman Island Caves and The Indians

Norman Island offers two separate stops: the caves, with about two hours, and The Indians, with about one hour. Both are presented as strong snorkeling locations.

The caves are linked with the Crusoe’s Treasure Island story and also work as a lunch stop. The two-hour window gives you more room to combine swimming, exploring, and eating. If your group wants a full water-and-meal break, Norman Island may be one of the best uses of limited charter time.

The Indians is another snorkel site near Norman Island. It is better treated as a dedicated water stop rather than a place to linger over lunch. Pairing the two locations could create a strong half-day segment, but doing so also means giving up some beach or bar time elsewhere.

The captain’s flexibility is especially useful here. One group praised a route that included lunch at Norman Island, while another stopped at the Pizza Boat on the return for drinks. Those choices show how the day can shift toward food, snorkeling, or both.

Cooper Island and lunch on the water

Cooper Island is allocated two hours and is described as a good lunch stop. That longer pause gives your group time to eat without treating lunch as something squeezed between two quick swims.

A lunch stop can also help break up the day. Five to eight hours on a boat, with sun and salt water, is more enjoyable when you have time to sit, eat, and reset. Cooper Island is a practical choice if your group wants a meal in the middle of the route.

Keep the cost distinction clear. The stop is included as part of the charter route, but your food and drinks are not included in the $2,000 price. If lunch is important, ask the operator how much time is realistic after accounting for the rest of your route.

Soggy Dollar Bar and the famous Painkiller

Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke gives the day a social finish. The suggested stop lasts two hours and is known for the Painkiller cocktail.

This is a fun choice for adults who want a famous island drink and a relaxed bar stop after snorkeling. It also gives you a taste of island hopping beyond beaches and reefs.

The practical question is timing. Jost Van Dyke is one more destination across the water, and two hours there can make it difficult to include The Baths, several snorkel sites, and lunch in the same five-to-eight-hour charter. You should pick Soggy Dollar because it matters to your group, not because you hope to fit every stop into one day.

How to build a realistic route

The listed stops add up to far more than eight hours even before boat travel is counted. That is not necessarily a problem, since this is a custom charter, but you should plan a short list of priorities.

For a landmark-focused day, choose The Baths and one lunch or snorkeling stop. For a water-focused day, consider Francis Bay, Norman Island, The Indians, and Sandy Cay. For a relaxed beach-and-drinks outing, Magens Bay, Cooper Island, and Soggy Dollar Bar may fit your mood better.

Tell the captain what matters most before departing. A strong captain can help you avoid spending the whole day rushing between islands. The best private charter days usually come from doing a few things well, not from trying to check every box.

Cruise passengers need a tighter plan

Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. This information lets the operator judge whether the charter fits your port call.

Do not book with a careless schedule. The company does not issue refunds if the tour is missed because your ship arrives late or does not arrive. A captain may be able to help maximize your time, as Adam did for one group, but you remain responsible for getting back to the ship.

The charter does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to arrange your own way to the departure point, and the experience is near public transportation.

Passports, weather, and cancellation rules

Because the route enters the British Virgin Islands, every participant must have a current valid passport on the day of travel. At booking, you must provide each person’s passport name, number, expiration date, and country.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the charter is often booked about 45 days ahead, I would reserve early if your dates are fixed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. The trip requires good weather, so if poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Who will like the Obsidian charter most

This boat day suits a group of friends or family members who want privacy and are willing to make decisions together. It is especially good for six people who enjoy snorkeling, swimming, beach time, island hopping, and a flexible schedule.

It also suits families with teenagers. Colin received particular praise for connecting with a group that included teens, while other captains were recognized for flexibility and personal service.

I would think twice if you want a cheap beach transfer, a fixed sightseeing schedule, or an all-inclusive day with meals and drinks covered. The price is hard to justify for a small party, and the extra fuel and customs costs need to be part of your budget.

Should you book Midnight Sun Charters?

Book it if you can fill most of the six seats and want a private day shaped around your group. The strongest reasons are the captain-led planning, the range of BVI stops, the included snorkel equipment and water, and the chance to spend your time where you want.

Before paying, decide on two or three priorities, confirm the fuel and customs charges, and make sure every person has a valid passport. If you are visiting from a cruise ship, build in a careful return plan.

The charter has a 4.9 rating from 135 reviews, with 99 percent recommending it. The praise centers on captains who are flexible, personable, and good at making the most of a limited day. That is the real value here: not simply a boat, but a captain who can turn a long list of islands into a workable day.

FAQ

How much does the private charter cost?

The price is $2,000 per group of up to six people. Fuel and BVI customs or entrance fees are not included.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately five to eight hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The private charter is for up to six people, and only your group participates.

Is a captain included?

Yes. A captain is included with the private tour.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water with ice is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel gear is included. Pool noodles have also been provided on past outings.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though Norman Island and Cooper Island are suggested lunch stops.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. Every participant must have a current valid passport on the day of travel.

What information is needed from cruise ship passengers?

Cruise passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.