Cistern Point offers easy snorkeling at the end of Manchioneel Bay.
Cooper and Peter Islands
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke
Daysails around the BVI picking up at Jost Van Dyke
We will pick you up at Jost Van Dyke with our private sailing catamaran and powerboat charters.
Pickup location varies depending on where you’re staying.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
*Please note there is an additional remote island pickup fee (varies depending on which boat).
Hodge’s Creek Marina
Hodge’s Creek Marina
For our sailing catamaran trips towards The Baths, Cooper Island and North Sound
We offer trips to The Baths and North Sound on our sailing catamarans from Hodges Creek Marina.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
For cruise ship guests, a taxi ride is provided from Road Town to Hodges Creek Marina, and back.
Please gather on the dock near the Hodge’s Creek Hotel and the crew will walk you to the boat.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Directions to Hodge’s Creek Marina
- Heading east
- 15 minutes east of Road Town (5.2 miles from the main roundabout in town)
- 2 minutes (0.7 miles) east of HLSCC college
- Heading west
- 4 minutes (1.0 miles) west of East End Police Station
- Please gather on the dock near the Hodge’s Creek Hotel and the crew will walk you to the boat.
From West End, on our catamarans, we offer the following itineraries
North Sound (VG)
Stunning scenery, water, and reefs
Saba Rock, Bitter End (BEYC), Leverick Bay
LEARN MORE
Cooper and Peter Islands
HAULOVER BAY & MANCHINEEL BAY
Snorkeling
Cooper Island Beach Club
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
I’m worried about missing my ship
In our 20+ years in business, our guests have never missed their ship.
We regularly take out cruise ship passengers. When you book with us, you’ll be asked your ship’s port arrival and departure time. We will then present the options that work with your ship. These sail times are customized to coordinate with your ship’s arrival and departure time.
Be sure to book early as we often sell out.
How much time do I need to allow?
We offer you plenty of time to reach us in the morning, and plenty of time to return to your ship afterwards.
Our sail starts… at least 1 hour after your ship arrives.
We return… approx. 1 – 1.5 hours before your ship departs.
In our 20+ years in business, our guests have never missed their ship.
For our Jost Van Dyke itinerary, a taxi is provided from the cruise ship pier in Road Town to our boat in West End, and back. (*Cruise ship guests only)
This allows plenty of time to rejoin your ship… Again, our guests have never missed their ship.
Please contact us if you would like to request a customized itinerary or sail time with a private charters.
Can I book with Aristocat through my cruise ship?
No, you CAN’T book with us through your cruise ship.
Please book with us directly online, or email us and we’ll book it for you.
Where do your tours depart from?
- For our Norman Island itinerary, we leave from Village Cay Marina, which is an easy 5-10 min walk from the cruise ship pier in Road Town
- To offer more time at our stops, for our Jost Van Dyke itinerary, a taxi is provided from the cruise ship pier in Road Town to our boat in West End. (*Cruise ship guests only)
What is typically offered for lunch and drinks?
What is typically offered for lunch and drinks?
- A catered lunch is served on our sailing catamarans only
- *Note: In the interest of time, and due to the relatively shorter ship port time, lunch is not served on our 8a – 12p/noon sail.
- A typical lunch consists of:
- Mixed Bean Salad
- Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Tuna Salad
- Deli Meat & Slider Buns
- Fruit
- Carrot Cake
- Typical drinks offered*: (*Note: Not all options are available on our powerboats)
- Water
- Soda (2 or 3 options)
- La Croix
- Beer (at least 2 options)
- Hard Seltzer (at least 1 option)
- Rum
- Vodka
- Tequila
- Fruit punch
- *Note: In the interest of time, and due to the relatively shorter day, lunch is not served on our 8a – 12p/noon sail.
- For private charters, you may have lunch ashore (not included) at one of the many great beach bars/restaurants if you choose…
- Some options include:
- Norman Island: Pirate’s Bight, Willy T
- Jost Van Dyke: Hendo’s Hideout, Soggy Dollar Bar, and several others.
- Cooper Island: Cooper Island Beach Club
- North Sound: Saba Rock, Bitter End Yacht Club
- Some options include:
What ages are allowed on the boats?
- Minimum age: We have no minimum age requirement.
- Enjoyment: Kids of all ages thoroughly enjoy their day out with us.
- Naps: While we don’t have a separate cabin for kids to nap, if you bring a blanket we do have bench style seating where they’re able to rest.
What is the best itinerary for kids?
This depends on their ages and interests…
Our Norman Island itinerary as it offers the most snorkeling, the smoothest sailing, and the calmest anchorages.
Our Jost Van Dyke itinerary offers the most beach time, but less to see snorkeling due to more sand than coral.
Kids – In the water
- Snorkeling
- Kids Life Jackets
- We do have some kids life jackets on board but as you know, kids can be picky, so we recommend bringing theirs along if possible. We have found there’s a much higher chance of them being comfortable in the water if they’re using something they’re familiar with.
- Snorkel Gear
- We have masks, fins, and snorkels for kids. But again, it’s always best to bring gear if they have their own that they’re familiar with.
- Kids Life Jackets
Kids – On the Boat
Kids always enjoy sailing with us! We have “trampolines” (aka safety nets) at the bow that kids love to sit on and watch the water pass underneath and, depending on the conditions, they love getting splashed by occasional waves that hit the hulls and spray up.
Will my boat be overcrowded?
We limit the number of bookings to avoid overcrowding and our continuous feedback confirms this. That being said, if you’re looking for something more private with just your friends and family, we offer private charters which give your group exclusive use of the boat for the day.
Will there be beverages on board (and are they included)?
Of course! We will keep you well refreshed and hydrated with unlimited ice cold drinks including… water, soda, beer, and a selection of spirits & mixers. And yes, they are included!
What do I need to bring?
Just bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen… and leave the rest to us!
We supply snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, pool noodles, life jackets… and plenty of shade.
Will there be snacks on board?
Yes, we provide light snacks throughout the day.
Is gratuity customary?
Gratuity is greatly appreciated by our captains and crew that work hard to ensure a fun and safe day for you and your group.
For shared tours, we do not include gratuity, but it is customary and recommended if you enjoyed your day! 15% gratuity is customary, but this is at your discretion.
Do you take cards or cash?
Payment of the balance in CASH is preferred, but credit cards are also accepted.
How crowded are your shared sails?
Our catamarans can comfortably accommodate 35 people, for your comfort we limit the number of guests on shared sails to 26.
How many people can we bring on our private charter?
The prices are listed with a comfortable amount of people per type of boat with additional fees per person up until our maximum capacity. Our two different powerboats hold 10 or 12 and sailing catamarans hold up to 35.
Please contact us if you have more than 26 people in your group.
I’m coming from a cruise ship, what do I need to know about pricing?
- Most of our tours are 6 – 6.5 hours. However, if your ship’s port time requires a slightly shorter tour, the price is reduced accordingly.
- If you have a more standard port time, please scroll further down.
- If you have a shorter port time, most can be accommodated with our 5 hour and 4 hour tours.
- To see options available for your specific port time, please click “Book Your Daysail” above
- *IMPORTANT*: When you book, you must select the correct port times for your ship. Otherwise, others from your ship won’t find the same tour, we won’t reach our minimum that day, and the tour will be at risk of cancellation.
What is included in the pricing for your sailing catamarans?
- Captain & Crew – Some of the best in the Caribbean!
- LOTS of shade!
- Ice Cold Drinks – Water, soda, beer, and a selection of spirits & mixers!
- Snorkeling Gear
- Paddleboards
- Wind!
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation, Refund, and Gratuity Policy
Shared Sails
- Cancellations of shared sails 5+ days in advance receive a full refund.
- Cancellations of shared sails 3-4 days in advance may forfeit the deposit.
- Cancellations of shared sails within 2 days of the sail date may be charged in full.
Private Charters
- Cancellations of private charters within 7 days of the sail date may be charged in full.
Cruise Ship Guests
- Cancellations due to ship related issues (changes in itinerary, etc.) or anything else out of your control (such as travel delays, etc.) will receive a full refund.
Weather
- Scattered/isolated showers are not uncommon in the BVI so we sail rain or shine, and in overcast conditions.
- Very rarely does the BVI experience full-on rainy days that would require you, or us, to cancel your booking. If this occurs, we will do our best to rebook you on another day. If no other days are available, you will receive a full refund.
- If the conditions are deemed unsafe for any other reason and the sail is cancelled, you will receive a full refund.
No Shows
- No Shows WILL be charged in full.
Gratuity
Our captains and crew work hard to ensure you have a fun, safe, and memorable day.
- Shared Sails: Gratuity is at your discretion, however please note that 15% is customary. If gratuity appears to have been forgotten, a 15% auto-gratuity will be added to your booking.
- Private Charters: A 15% auto-gratuity will be added to private charters.
Home
Private and Shared Daysails in the BVI
by Sailing Catamaran or Powerboat
Whether you want to get there fast, or sit back and enjoy the journey, you have options on our
quick powerboats
or
relaxing sailing catamarans
Sweet Escape
Pegasus
Lickety Split
Sugar Rush
Where We Go
Norman Island
THE CAVES, THE INDIANS, AND MORE
Focus on Snorkeling
Great for Families & Kids
North Sound (VG)
Stunning scenery, water, and reefs
Saba Rock, Bitter End (BEYC), Leverick Bay
Cooper and Peter Islands
HAULOVER BAY & MANCHINEEL BAY
Snorkeling
Cooper Island Beach Club
Top 3 best days on the water ever. Jorn and Luan made our day on the water just perfect. The guidance on where we would like to sail was spot on. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day and sharing a little rum with them.
Haulover Bay
Haulover Bay offers great snorkeling along the shore of Cooper Island.
