CRUZ BAY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sail to White Bay: A Full-Day Catamaran Passage to Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar Bar
A full-day cruise from St. John aboard a 55‑foot luxury catamaran for morning snorkeling in Virgin Islands National Park, a beach stop at White Bay, and a leisurely return with an open bar.
Sail to White Bay: A Full-Day Catamaran Passage to Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar Bar.
Adventure brief
Sail to White Bay: A Full-Day Catamaran Passage to Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar Bar
Board a luxury 55‑foot sailing catamaran in Cruz Bay and spend a full day skimming the clear water of the Virgin Islands. The route threads a morning snorkel among healthy coral reefs, a customs call at Great Harbor, and a long afternoon at White Bay — home to the world‑famous Soggy Dollar Bar — before returning to St. John with a continental breakfast served aboard and an open bar on the homeward leg.
The British Virgin Islands offer some of the most vivid and unspoiled maritime adventures in the Caribbean. Among the archipelago’s stops, Jost Van Dyke stands out with its pristine beaches and vibrant island culture—a destination perfectly showcased by Cruz Bay Watersports’ full-day catamaran excursion. Departing from the Westin Resort on St. John, guests board a luxurious 55-foot sailing catamaran that balances relaxation with active discovery.
This trip carries travelers along the North Shore of St. John, where crystalline waters shimmer over the coral reefs of Virgin Islands National Park—a federally protected marine sanctuary established in 1956, encompassing lush reefs, seagrass beds, and the occasional sea turtle or parrotfish. The morning includes guided snorkeling through these vibrant ecosystems, offering a chance to spot brightly colored marine life in their natural habitat.
Following the underwater adventure, the cruise continues to Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke, where guests clear customs before sailing just minutes to the iconic White Bay. Home to the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, this beach beckons with turquoise waters and powder-soft sand. Here, visitors have time to savor a world-famous Painkiller cocktail, join in a beachside ring toss, or lounge in hammocks strung between swaying palms. The open bar aboard the return voyage caps off the day with refreshing beverages as the catamaran cruises back to St. John.
Cruz Bay Watersports distinguishes itself by combining seamless logistics, an intimate group size, and thoughtful amenities like continental breakfast, sanitized snorkel gear, and fresh water showers. Their emphasis on safety, comfort, and environmental stewardship makes them an essential part of the Virgin Islands outdoor recreation scene. For travelers seeking a blend of island culture, marine adventure, and laid-back luxury, this day sailing experience delivers an authentic snapshot of what the British Virgin Islands are all about.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
The voyage combines reef snorkeling, a customs stop, and a long beach layover at White Bay before clearing back into the U.S. and returning to St. John.
Depart Westin Resort, St. John
Guests check in and board the catamaran at the Westin Resort in Cruz Bay to begin the full‑day excursion.
Morning Snorkel — North Shore Reefs
A light continental breakfast is served as the boat cruises to a morning snorkel over one of the coral reefs surrounding St. John.
Great Harbor — Customs Clearance
The boat calls into Great Harbor to clear into the British Virgin Islands before proceeding to White Bay.
White Bay & Soggy Dollar Bar
A short sail brings guests to White Bay for beach time, swimming, snorkeling and visits to the famed Soggy Dollar Bar.
Return Sail & U.S. Customs
On the return voyage the boat offers a full open bar and stops to clear U.S. customs before disembarking back at St. John.
This tour requires a valid passport, a 30‑minute pre‑departure check‑in, and compliance with customs footwear rules (boats operate as barefoot vessels but shoes are required to clear customs). All departures are weather dependent and subject to minimum participant requirements.
What the day feels like
What it Feels Like
The day evolves from easy rolling sail to splashy activity and then to leisurely beach time: a continental breakfast as the boat slips north of St. John, a shallow reef snorkel, a short customs call in Great Harbor, and a long afternoon in White Bay where swimming, hammock naps, the Ring Toss game and (for those 18 and over) the iconic Painkiller cocktail set the pace before a convivial open‑bar sail back.
THE VESSEL
55‑Foot Luxury Catamaran
This full‑day sail is run aboard a stable, 55‑foot catamaran that serves breakfast, hosts the open bar on the return and gives easy access to snorkeling sites and beach landings.
THE REEF
Snorkel Virgin Islands National Park
A morning stop on the north shore of St. John puts guests over coral reefs for snorkeling in clear, protected water — a principal reason to choose this outing.
THE BEACH
White Bay & the Soggy Dollar Bar
After clearing customs at Great Harbor the boat drops anchor at White Bay, where the Soggy Dollar Bar, hammock‑lined sand and turquoise water define the island stop on this itinerary.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should choose something else.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Valid passport, swimwear, towel, sun protection and reef‑safe sunscreen; shoes are required for clearing customs even though the boats are operated as barefoot vessels.
Plan to check in 30 minutes before departure at the Westin Resort, St. John; the outing is a full‑day sail with onboard continental breakfast and an open bar on the return.
All tours are weather dependent and subject to meeting minimum participant requirements; monitor weather and operator communications on the day of travel.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is a passport required for this trip?
Yes. A valid passport is required because the itinerary includes clearing into the British Virgin Islands and returning through U.S. customs.
Where does the tour depart from?
The trip departs from the Westin Resort in Cruz Bay, St. John; guests should check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
How long is the excursion?
This is a full‑day sailing excursion that includes a morning snorkel, a beach stop at White Bay, and the return to St. John with an open bar.
Are there age restrictions for alcoholic drinks?
Guests 18 and over can try the signature Painkiller cocktail; standard legal drinking‑age rules apply for alcohol consumption aboard.
What about footwear and boarding the boat?
Boats operate as barefoot vessels for safety and deck care, but shoes are required when clearing customs ashore.
What happens if weather interferes with the trip?
All tours are weather dependent and departures are subject to cancellation or change based on conditions and minimum participant requirements.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-21T01:30:49.017Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.