Palm Tree Charters
Palm Tree Charters
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Beaches, Bars, Snorkeling, Shopping, Island Hopping. "You Choose the Cruise" Palm Tree Charters is located in Cruz Bay on St. John in the Virgin Islands. Our private charters provide a fun, action packed day at sea exploring the Virgin Islands. We will pick you up on St. John, St. Thomas, or Tortola, BVI.
Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
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Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,994 reviews
Excellent
1,990
Very good
4
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0
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0
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Dlynn Perkins
2 contributions
Jan 2020
We just returned from our trip to St. John, and we have to join the chorus of people saying great things about Jimmy, Bridgett and everyone at Palm Tree Charters! We booked the all-day "Best of the BVIs” excursion which allowed us to see all the beautiful and wonderful beaches of the area. The day started with Bridgett and Jimmy greeting us on the beach to introduce us to our captain and welcome us to Palm Tree Charters. Then we set off with our captain, Kara. She had exceptional driving and parking skills at every stop, she took care of every little detail, and was very skilled and knowledgeable about St. John and the BVIs. We honestly cannot say enough about how wonderful Kara and the entire charter experience was for us! We would definitely use Palm Tree Charters again! Great private charter!
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lgymnast05
Philadelphia, PA4 contributions
Jan 2020
Five of us spent a full day boating around St. John, stopping at some excellent snorkeling spots. Sara was an amazing guide! She taught us so much about the islands, including history, fun facts, and even gave us great tips for fun things to do on land in St. John. She was very knowledgeable about wildlife and was super personable. Would 100% recommend this tour, especially if you're looking for a relaxing day on a boat.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christina M
51 contributions
Feb 2020
Palm tree charters was so responsive to my inquiries. They responded pretty much immediately to any question we had. We had Sara as our pilot and she was outstanding. It was a very windy day and the waves can bother me. Sara charted out a path for us that was perfect for me. We were able to snorkel at Maho and Sara was able to point out the turtles and provide us with background. It turns out she worked with turtles while living in Hawai! . Sara even guided us to the perfect place for snorkeling to see the turtles. It was very cool. I was very impressive with the level of customer service. While on Jos Van Dyke, Sara had to move the boat because of wind. She found us on the crowded beach to let us know where the boat was located so we would not get concerned. Everything about the trip was fanatic and I would highly recommend a trip with Palm Tree Charters. We also met Jimmy prior to departing and you could tell the pride he had for his business. It was definitely a day to remember!
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koomacq
Breckenridge, CO11 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Friends from home who are frequent visitors to St. John recommended Palm Tree Charters as their go-to for a day on the water & Captains Sara & Bill did not disappoint! We had a full day on the boat- circumnavigated the island with frequent stops at great snorkel spots, tacos at Lime Out & even some beach time at Honeymoon beach. This was our first trip to the island & they shared great info on the history and details about each area of the island with suggestions for follow up activities like hiking & exploring. They were excellent captains, very sound boating skills with all Covid precautions in place. Cooler was packed with water & extra ice for my adult beverages that I brought on board. They were great with my kids (ages 10 & 13) engaging them on the day’s itinerary. I would highly recommend Palm Tree Charters- convenient departure from Cruz Bay, well equipped boat with plenty of seating in both sun & shade, and even noodles on board for floating around or swimming into the beach. Will definitely book again on our next trip & hopefully BVIs will open back up for a new destination on the next charter.
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cxiang
West Lafayette, IN33 contributions
Dec 2019
My family of 5 traveled with Sarah to the Baths and Norman Island, for a full day. We were extremely satisfied with our trip, for the following reasons.
1. Palm tree charters listens to our needs, and then accommodates them. The whole trip was customized for us.
2. They also have an ace: Sarah. She gets to know all our kids by name, and speaks to them with as much courtesy and respect as she speaks to us. At every stop, she provides informative descriptions, to help us make decisions about exactly what to do. She always respects our decisions, and gives us clear and concise instructions about what to do. Most important of all, she helps us maximize the value of our time. For example, before our stop at Norman Island, she gave us the choice between visiting the fuel dock, or 20 more minutes. We chose the latter. Then she used the 20 minutes to give us an extra stop at the Indians. That was absolutely worth it!
3. The scenery, at BVI, was absolutely stunning. The massive rocks at the Baths and the narrow passage ways gave my kids tons of fun, climbing and exploring. And we got to be adventurous with the caves and corals at Norman Island.
4. The boat is longer than the typical fishing boat, and so makes a more comfortable ride. The boat is also sparkling clean!
5. Some notes:
The Baths: you swim in and out, to the beach, with the help of ropes and buoys. So you will get WET. The waves can be strong. Bring a water proof camera, or water proof sack/backpack.
The Caves: they can be dark inside, and the current is strong. Yes, you can be washed onto the pebbles, which, fortunately, are very smooth.
1. Palm tree charters listens to our needs, and then accommodates them. The whole trip was customized for us.
2. They also have an ace: Sarah. She gets to know all our kids by name, and speaks to them with as much courtesy and respect as she speaks to us. At every stop, she provides informative descriptions, to help us make decisions about exactly what to do. She always respects our decisions, and gives us clear and concise instructions about what to do. Most important of all, she helps us maximize the value of our time. For example, before our stop at Norman Island, she gave us the choice between visiting the fuel dock, or 20 more minutes. We chose the latter. Then she used the 20 minutes to give us an extra stop at the Indians. That was absolutely worth it!
3. The scenery, at BVI, was absolutely stunning. The massive rocks at the Baths and the narrow passage ways gave my kids tons of fun, climbing and exploring. And we got to be adventurous with the caves and corals at Norman Island.
4. The boat is longer than the typical fishing boat, and so makes a more comfortable ride. The boat is also sparkling clean!
5. Some notes:
The Baths: you swim in and out, to the beach, with the help of ropes and buoys. So you will get WET. The waves can be strong. Bring a water proof camera, or water proof sack/backpack.
The Caves: they can be dark inside, and the current is strong. Yes, you can be washed onto the pebbles, which, fortunately, are very smooth.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank N
Weston, CT12 contributions
Jul 2021
Palm Tree Charters is phenomenal in ALL respects, and I say that as someone who's taken countless boat trips out of St. John. I usually charter center-console single-hull boats but we splurged a bit and reserved their 36' Aquila power cat for two days on our trip, taking out different groups of friends each time (10 adults and a 3 1/2 year old). Everyone, including our toddler, loved it.
The boat is simply amazing. So much space to sit, both in the front and back (our previous trip in February only had rear seating with little sun but this had an easy path to the open front with up to 8 seats). Plenty of shade for those needing a respite from the heat but plenty of sunny seating to soak in the rays. The boats two hulls cut through the waves to provide a smooth ride at a good speed (we circled St. John both times, leaving at 10am and getting back around 4:30+). There were multiple snorkel stops along the way, using provided snorkel equipment with easy on/off ladder, and hit Lime Out for lunch and drinks (make sure to call ahead for tacos as there's always a decent wait - if you hang out long enough, bar seating and lily pads open up btw). Captain Chris and First Mate Ayla provided great conversation and service both times.
Again, I've taken many different charters out of St. John and this is unquestionably the best of them. We will make sure to call Bridget and Jimmy next time we're on isle. Thank you!!!
The boat is simply amazing. So much space to sit, both in the front and back (our previous trip in February only had rear seating with little sun but this had an easy path to the open front with up to 8 seats). Plenty of shade for those needing a respite from the heat but plenty of sunny seating to soak in the rays. The boats two hulls cut through the waves to provide a smooth ride at a good speed (we circled St. John both times, leaving at 10am and getting back around 4:30+). There were multiple snorkel stops along the way, using provided snorkel equipment with easy on/off ladder, and hit Lime Out for lunch and drinks (make sure to call ahead for tacos as there's always a decent wait - if you hang out long enough, bar seating and lily pads open up btw). Captain Chris and First Mate Ayla provided great conversation and service both times.
Again, I've taken many different charters out of St. John and this is unquestionably the best of them. We will make sure to call Bridget and Jimmy next time we're on isle. Thank you!!!
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ysolovyova
New York City, NY22 contributions
Jul 2020
My husband and I took an 8 hour boat ride on St. John with Sarah, and the experience was by far the highlight of our trip! Sarah met us right near the dock at Red Hook along with the owner, and both were super friendly. She knew every nook and cranny of the island as well as the birds / marine life, so any question we had she was able to share her knowledge. I was not as experienced of a snorkeler as my husband, and we felt very safe in Sarah's hands. She took us to some amazing spots to snorkel, and predicted timing amazingly - many times just as we would be done and leaving the water, we would see other boats arriving and the area getting busier. Sarah also recommended Lime Out to us which was amaaazing - tacos & cocktails in the middle of the water. Sarah was a great companion for the day, the boat was comfortable and in great condition, and each spot we went to was incredible. Having Sarah as our guide was like visiting a friend on St John and having a casual day on the water (with all of the insider knowledge). Thank you Palm Tree Charters and Sarah for such an amazing experience, we will be singing your praises loud and recommending you to any future visitors to St. John! By far the best money we spent (and also a great value) for an introduction to the island. Thank you!
Written 14 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandiebb
McKinney, TX963 contributions
Jun 2020
Another great trip with Palm Tree Charters! We were a bit worried that our boat day wouldn't be as fun as previous trips due to the BVIs being shut down because of the pandemic. After repeated trips to the island, we thought we had seen it all, done it all. Ha! we couldn't have been more wrong!!! Captain Jimmy took us around the circumference of the island and showed us Cays and beaches we'd never thought to go to before. We saw ruins from the water that were previously off limits due to the length of the hike required to get there, he showed us snorkel stops that we'd not thought to go before and will make sure and visit from now on.
What I love most about PTC (other than owners Bridget and Jimmy) is that all I have to do is tell them either what we'd like to do that day or what we've done in the past and they'll come up with a fun itinerary that makes each trip fun and unique. This year it was secluded beaches and lunch at Lime Out, next year it will be something different and yes, there will be a next trip with Palm Tree Charters! Their knowledge of the islands, out of the way snorkel spots and great little beach bars combined with their always outgoing and friendly demeanor keep us going back year after year. Book with Palm Tree and you can't be disappointed!
What I love most about PTC (other than owners Bridget and Jimmy) is that all I have to do is tell them either what we'd like to do that day or what we've done in the past and they'll come up with a fun itinerary that makes each trip fun and unique. This year it was secluded beaches and lunch at Lime Out, next year it will be something different and yes, there will be a next trip with Palm Tree Charters! Their knowledge of the islands, out of the way snorkel spots and great little beach bars combined with their always outgoing and friendly demeanor keep us going back year after year. Book with Palm Tree and you can't be disappointed!
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori F
Pomfret, CT10 contributions
Dec 2020
This is our 4th trip with Palm Tree Charters and Captain Sara and it won't be our last. I've never written a review in the past and it was about time to applaud this charter company for the way they treat their guests. Contacting them to book an excursion is simple and they have always been right on time picking us up near the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. The last 3 times we went out with Captain Sara we went to different places in the BVI's which has always been a highlight of our trip. We've explored The Baths, The Indians, The Caves, Willy T, and all the fun bar hopping on Jost Van Dyke. Well, this time around due to COVID it was a bit different as we could not enter BVI water and had to stay within the USVI . We knew Sara would bring us to places around St John that we hadn't seen before. She knew I loved to snorkel with sea turtles so she brought my husband and I to a quiet spot that I not only saw turtles but swam by their side for a good 10-15 minutes. It was an awesome experience I'll never forget. We also snorkeled near the infamous Jeffrey Epstein estate which had unique and amazing sea life to behold. Let's not forget lunch. She called ahead to Pizza Pi to place our order and our pizza was ready when we pulled up to the boat. Not only was the pizza hot and delicious....the view while eating could not be beat. Who doesn't want to enjoy a pizza while floating in the Caribbean? We also made a little pit stop to swim in to Honeymoon Beach for a Painkiller and listen to some live music. When finished, we waved down Sara who brought the boat as close to shore a possible for our little swim back on board. On our way back to Cruz Bay she pointed out a dolphin that jumped out of the water right behind our wake. What a sight!!! Let Palm Tree Charters know what your interests are and they will plan an exciting day (or 1/2 day if you chose) on the water. I would give them 5+++ stars if I could.
Written 27 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt K
Indianapolis5 contributions
Dec 2020
Fantastic 2 days on the water with Sara! We were in St John for 4 total days. Originally we were just going to do 1 day on the water and then hit beaches the other 3, but we had so much fun with Sara that we booked a 2nd day with her. I let them know in advance that it was going to be me and three college kids and to curate the best day for what college kids like to experience and Sara absolutely delivered. A+ all the way around. She took us to amazing spots and was on point with everything, plus she is a great person & hang to be around. HUGE bonus that she has multiple amazing playlists on her phone streamed to the boat's sound system- so the tunes and good vibes were awesome. So add that she's a great DJ and can read the room for what her guests want to hear :) Overall amazing 2 days that made our trip even more memorable. I would recommend doing the day(s) on the water early in your trip so you can learn what to do with your remaining days on the island. Thank you, Sara!
Written 28 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My computer is telling me your website is unsecure. Is there another way to inquire about availability and price? Looking for Dec 29 for 4 adults. Cruising on Freedom of the Seas and will dock in St. Thomas.
Written 15 November 2018
Hi,
Thank you so much for contacting us! I’m sorry but we are booked on Dec. 29th.
I’m so sorry you got such a message from our website. Thank you for letting us know. We will have our tech team resolve this.
Written 17 November 2018
Bridgette and Jimmy are super quick to respond to any questions. Their pricing fair. Can’t remrmber exact price but the boat is yours for the day to beach bar hop.
Written 31 October 2018
We arrive in St Thomas on RCL early until 7pm. It’s my husbands Bday on Oct 31 so can we do this we would love to snorkel
Written 28 September 2018
I would recommend contacting them. They may be able to work with your schedule. If so, you won't be disappointed.
Written 29 September 2018
Hello, my husband and I have vacationed to St. John many of times and looking to potentially head down in May. Not sure if you can help me, but reading in the sailing magazines we receive, it’s the best time of year right now to charter a sailboat. Do you know of anyone who does fully charter Sailboat rental who may have the boats now. Thanks in advance!
Written 13 March 2018
There are several companies that charter sail boats and catamarans. We used amazing charters Ula. Also
Written 27 December 2018
Mostly what I see is snorkeling trips and trips to BVI, does Palm Charters offer scuba diving excursions as well?
Written 29 May 2017
Thank you for your inquiry. We do not offer scuba.
Written 30 May 2017
This sounds like a perfect day for my family (kids ages 14 and 11). Can I ask about the cost?
Written 28 February 2017
Good Night, We'd love to have you guys! The charter rate for the day is $695. Please contact me through our website and I will be happy to send you all the information about cruising with us!
Thanks,
Jimmy
Written 28 February 2017
Hi. We are so looking forward to being in paradise after looking at your facebook posts everyday!!! We are a party of 5 traveling March 8th - 13th. Do you have any availability during this time for a full day?
Thanks,
Jerrie
Written 2 December 2016
Ryan was great but I know any of the captains will be wonderful. Enjoy your trip!
Written 10 December 2016
Is there a cabin for changing on these boats?
Written 31 October 2016
no-- there is not -- however there are bathroom facilities at many of the stops and you could always change in one of them !
Written 31 October 2016
Kendra H
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hello, I've read wonderful reviews about your charter. Family of four (2 teenage boys 18 y/o). Love to snorkel. We are on St. John July 16-23. Do you have any availability during that week?
Written 13 July 2016
Hi Kendra, i think the best way to get thru to them is thru their website!!! if you google palm tree charters you will find them !
Written 13 July 2016
Which bars were visited on the JVD bar crawl besides Corsairs and Soggy? Thanks!
Written 14 June 2016
Hey Jason, The Beach bar crawl started at Corsairs for breakfast and some VooDoo Punch, then Foxy's. Followed by B-line, Foxy's Taboo, and if time allows (Smugglers Cove). Then White Bay for the Soggy Dollar Bar, Sedy's one love, Hendo's hide out and a number of other amazing beach bars in white bay.
Sound Fun?
Written 16 June 2016
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