Midnight Sun Charters – 37ft OBSIDIAN

When it comes to exploring the waters around St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands, a private boat charter can turn a typical vacation day into a personalized adventure. This review looks at the Midnight Sun Charters’ 37-foot OBSIDIAN, a vessel that promises a flexible, intimate experience on the water. Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or a couple craving privacy, this tour offers the chance to tailor your day to your interests.

What we really like about this experience is its customizability—you get to work with your captain to craft an itinerary that suits your mood, whether that’s relaxing on beaches, snorkeling with turtles, or island hopping for a taste of local bars. Plus, the private nature of the tour means no crowded groups, just your crew enjoying the Caribbean in style.

One potential consideration is the price point—at $2,000 for up to 6 people, it’s an investment, but for the exclusivity and flexibility, many find it a worthwhile splurge. This tour is especially appealing for those seeking an authentic, personalized day on the water rather than a cookie-cutter cruise.

If you value flexibility, privacy, and local flavor—and are willing to invest in a memorable day—this private charter could be a perfect fit. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace, enjoy top snorkeling spots, and indulge in island cuisine with a stunning backdrop.

Key Points

• Customizable itinerary: Work with your captain to choose stops and activities.
• Private experience: Only your group participates—no crowds.
• Multiple stops: Beaches, snorkeling, island hopping, and local bars.
• Flexible timing: Tours last from 5 to 8 hours, according to your preference.
• All-inclusive amenities: Bottled water, ice, and a captain are included.
• No hidden costs for the boat or stops: Extra fees are for customs, fuel, and optional extras.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: The Boat and Booking

The voyage begins aboard the Midnight Sun Charters’ 37-foot OBSIDIAN, a vessel designed for comfort and style. While the exact features of the boat aren’t detailed, the reviews highlight an attentive captain and a vessel that’s well-suited for a day out on the water. Booking is straightforward, with the average reservation made about 45 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

The price—$2,000 for up to six guests—may seem steep at first glance. But looking closer, it includes the boat, a dedicated captain, bottled water, and ice, which adds up to good value for a private, tailored experience. You’re paying primarily for exclusivity and flexibility rather than a mass-produced cruise.

The Itinerary: An Adventure to Remember

The tour features a carefully curated sequence of stops, each offering a different flavor of what the Virgin Islands and nearby British Virgin Islands have to offer. What makes it truly special is that you can modify this plan with your captain’s help, but here’s a typical lineup with some insights:

Magens Bay Beach

Starting at Magens Bay, often rated as one of the world’s top beaches, this stop offers about an hour for sunbathing or dipping your toes in the famously calm waters. It’s a perfect introduction to the day, with free admission, and a great place to snap photos or relax before heading to the next stop.

The Baths and Devil’s Bay

A highlight for many, the Baths on Virgin Gorda are a natural wonder of giant granite boulders forming secluded swimming holes and tunnels. The tour allocates around two hours here, giving ample time to explore and swim. The visit includes an admission ticket, making it a hassle-free experience. Reviewers rave about this stop, calling it “a must-see,” with one noting they spent “two hours exploring the baths and swimming at Devil’s Bay.”

Sandy Cay

This tiny island is perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing, with about an hour allocated. Its small size and protected waters mean you can relax without large crowds, especially if your captain finds a good spot. It’s a good place to spot marine life or simply unwind on the sand.

Francis Bay

Known for snorkeling with turtles and sea rays, Francis Bay provides about an hour of underwater fun. Given the reviews, this area is appreciated for its natural beauty and opportunities to see marine life, making it a memorable part of the day.

Norman Island Caves and Pirates’ Lore

Norman Island is famously associated with Crusoe’s Treasure Island and offers about two hours for snorkeling and exploring caves. It’s also a popular lunch spot, often featuring options like local eateries or picnic setups. Reviewers mentioned the caves as a “great snorkeling spot,” and many enjoy the relaxed vibe here.

The Indians

Another snorkel stop near Norman Island, The Indians are known for vibrant coral formations and marine life. With roughly an hour allocated, it’s a nice extension for underwater enthusiasts.

Cooper Island

A top lunch destination, Cooper Island is praised for its relaxed atmosphere and good food options. Around two hours are typically spent here, giving you time to enjoy island fare and perhaps a cold drink before the final leg of the day.

Soggy Dollar Bar and Jost Van Dyke

The journey wraps up with a visit to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the original Painkiller cocktail. Afterward, some tours include a stop at Jost Van Dyke, a small island known for its laid-back vibe. With about two hours here, you get a chance to soak in the local scene, enjoy a cold drink, and reflect on your day.

What Travelers Say

The reviews consistently highlight the personalized service and the knowledgeable captains. One reviewer described their captain, Adam, as “great,” noting he provided snorkel gear and pool noodles, and made sure everyone’s time was maximized—dropping guests right at their cruise ship for quick disembarkation. Another called Captain Justin “the best,” praising his local expertise and the fun stops.

Captains like Sam and Colin also earned praise for their friendliness and flexibility, which turned their trips into memorable adventures. It’s clear that the success of this tour often hinges on the captain’s personality and ability to tailor the day.

Practical Details: What to Expect

The tour is private, so your group gets undivided attention. The timing is flexible, ranging from 5 to 8 hours, depending on your interests and stamina. The boat’s mobility allows you to visit a variety of sites without the crowds or schedule restrictions of larger cruise ships.

You’ll need a current, valid passport and provide your cruise ship details if you’re on a stopover, as entrance fees and customs are not included. The tour is near public transportation, making it reasonably easy to connect from your hotel or cruise dock.

Weather plays a role—if it’s poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, but the ability to rebook or get a full refund is a plus.

The Value Equation

While $2,000 may seem high, it covers the boat, captain, and some amenities, plus the chance to visit several top spots in your own time. For travelers who value privacy, customization, and avoiding crowds, this is a noteworthy investment. The ability to tailor your day means you can prioritize snorkeling over sunbathing or enjoy a leisurely lunch at your preferred spot.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those who appreciate personalized service and want to maximize their time on the water. It’s ideal for families or groups of friends who want a flexible, private outing without the constraints of a larger cruise. If your goal is to explore the Virgin Islands at your own pace, enjoying snorkel spots, beaches, and island bars, this tour offers excellent value.

However, travelers on a strict budget or those seeking a structured, all-inclusive cruise might find other options more suitable. For those who love adventure with a touch of luxury, this private charter delivers a memorable day in paradise.

FAQ

• How many people can fit on the boat?

Up to 6 guests can join for the $2,000 price, making it an intimate experience.

• What’s included in the price?

The boat, captain, bottled water with ice, and all stops are included. Entrance tickets for attractions like The Baths are also covered.

• Are meals provided?

No, meals are not included, but you can stop at places like Cooper Island for lunch or bring your own.

• Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes, your captain will work with you to plan the stops, focusing on your interests.

• Is this suitable for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, but you must provide your ship’s details and timing in advance. The captain will drop you right at your cruise for easy disembarkation.

• How do I book?

Bookings are made online through Viator, with most reservations confirmed within 48 hours, subject to availability.

• What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled less than 24 hours prior, no refund is issued.

• What should I bring?

Bring a valid passport, sun protection, towels, and any personal snorkeling gear if preferred. Bottled water and ice are provided.

• What if the weather is bad?

Tours are weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Is there a recommended age or activity level?

Most travelers can participate, but snorkeling and swimming are involved, so guests should be comfortable in the water.

This private boat experience offers a fantastic way to see the Virgin Islands on your own terms. Whether it’s the iconic beaches, snorkeling with sea turtles, or island hopping to the local bars, you’ll find that the freedom and tailored approach make for a memorable day. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowded tours and truly enjoy the Caribbean’s natural beauty at their own pace.