Frequently Asked Questions
Cruise Ship Guests
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’s for lunch?
- The Norman and Jost Van Dyke itineraries offer a freshly prepared buffet lunch on board. (Note: Due to the relatively shorter day, lunch is not served on our 8a – 12 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:
How are kids accommodated on the boat?
Ages
- 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.
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.
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Aristocat Daysails has achieved the Certificate of Excellence every year since 2010.
Our guests say we are the Best Day Sail in Tortola.
