Aristocrat Daysails to Jost Van Dyke- change

[sixfish]

We booked this directly through Aristocrat Daysails and they have excellent reviews. We just received an email from them telling us that they will need to taxi us from Road Town to the West End (about 30 min) and have us get on the boat there. They are paying for the taxi. I am wondering if anyone has had this happen before and if it took away from the tour/day? They are saying it will eliminate several hours of motoring between Road Town and West End and will allow more sail time. Thanks for any feedback on this!

[blue_water]

2 hours ago, sixfish said:

We booked this directly through Aristocrat Daysails and they have excellent reviews. We just received an email from them telling us that they will need to taxi us from Road Town to the West End (about 30 min) and have us get on the boat there. They are paying for the taxi. I am wondering if anyone has had this happen before and if it took away from the tour/day? They are saying it will eliminate several hours of motoring between Road Town and West End and will allow more sail time. Thanks for any feedback on this!

Yes they normally sail out of West End for the west sails…

[EatonDoolittle]

As @blue_watersays, this is their standard procedure. However, the last 2 times I went to Jost with them, they did indeed send a taxi, but we had to pay him separately and additionally. Maybe $20, don’t really remember. Better confirm that with them. 
 

Regarding your other post, the Norman Island trip is more snorkeling focused, JVD is more about the beach bars. 

[brianz09]

I was with Atistocat earlier this week for the Jost trip that was originally set to leave from cruise ship pier (sailing on 7 night Celebrity Apex).  The revised pick up with taxi was not a problem at all and we had plenty of time on the water and on Jost.  We made three stops, Sandy Spit, Jost near the bubbly pool, and Jost at White Bay (Soggy Dollar, et al.)  Captain and mate (who is getting his captain's license) we're great, sensitive to the time and provided us with a great trip.

[debway]

brianz09 - did they do any snorkeling on the Jost day? Was there an opportunity to go paddle boarding? This is the only shared sail the day we are in Tortola and I really want to do some snorkeling. Thanks!

[blue_water]

16 hours ago, debway said:

brianz09 - did they do any snorkeling on the Jost day? Was there an opportunity to go paddle boarding? This is the only shared sail the day we are in Tortola and I really want to do some snorkeling. Thanks!

Check with these independent charters (private or shared) for snorkeling, beach time on Jost/Sandy Spit, or the Baths on Virgin Gorda. The first three outfits alternate between the east area for snorkel and the west area for beach time. Often the first guests to book that day choose the itinerary. The last is a private option for those wanting to get the most out of their short time in the BVI.

 

So you want to look at the east excursions for some of the best snorkeling in the Carib, and look at the Jost excursion for beach time. And book early!

 

The most popular snorkel spots include the Indians and the Norman Caves, with lunch/beach time at Island Bight, Cooper Island, Peter island or the Willy T.

https://kuralu.com/

 https://patouche.com/
https://aristocatdaysails.com/

 

also look at Capt. Malcolm -
https://sunshinepowerboats.com

Edited February 28, 2023 by blue_water