Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Tortola Tours offers four ways to explore the British Virgin Islands by boat:
- Papi Chulo Weekly Island Tour — Scheduled group day trips aboard our 60-foot custom power catamaran, with pickups at Little Dix Bay (Virgin Gorda), Scrub Island Resort, and Peter Island Resort. $150 per person.
- Papi Chulo Private Charter — Exclusive hire of Papi Chulo for your group on non-tour days. Flat rate of $3,250 per day for up to 30 passengers — ideal for private parties, weddings, resort excursions, and corporate events.
- Mami Chulo Private Charter — Our 30-foot Triton 295 with twin 300hp engines, perfect for smaller groups of 6–10. Fully customisable itinerary anywhere in the BVI. Call for pricing.
- Cooper Island Ferry — A fast ferry from Hodges Creek Marina, East End, Tortola to Cooper Island. $50 per person round trip. Stay as long as you like and call when you're ready to return.
All vessels are operated by experienced, licensed captains recommended by the Patouche Charters team.
Papi Chulo runs on two pricing models:
- Scheduled weekly tour: $150 per person. Pickups at Little Dix Bay (Virgin Gorda), Scrub Island Resort, and Peter Island Resort.
- Private exclusive charter: A flat rate of $3,250 per day for the whole boat. That works out to:
- $108 per person for a full group of 30
- $162.50 per person for a group of 20
- $325 per person for a group of 10
The private charter flat rate makes Papi Chulo exceptional value for larger groups — the more people you bring, the lower the per-head cost. Contact us to check availability and reserve your date.
Papi Chulo's weekly scheduled tours pick up and drop off at three resort locations in the BVI:
- Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda — A Six Senses resort on the east coast of Virgin Gorda, one of the BVI's most scenic anchorages.
- Scrub Island Resort — A private island resort and full-service marina northeast of Tortola, accessible only by ferry.
- Peter Island Resort — An exclusive private island resort south of Road Town, Tortola, with its own dock and sheltered bay.
If you are staying at a different location in the BVI, get in touch — we may be able to arrange alternative pickup points for private charters.
Tortola Tours runs a fast ferry service from Hodges Creek Marina, East End, Tortola to Cooper Island. The crossing takes approximately 15 minutes and costs $50 per person round trip.
There is no fixed return schedule — simply call us on 544-7904 when you are ready to head back and we will come and collect you. It's ideal for a relaxed day at Cooper Island Beach Club, reef snorkelling, or diving the sites around the island.
Cooper Island is only accessible by boat — there is no regular public ferry service — making Tortola Tours' on-demand service one of the most convenient ways to visit for a day.
The British Virgin Islands are best explored by boat, and our day charters cover all the highlights. Popular destinations include:
- Jost Van Dyke — White Bay (Soggy Dollar Bar), Sandy Spit, Great Harbour, and Foxy's Tamarind Bar. One of the Caribbean's most iconic beach bar islands.
- Norman Island — The Indians (a top snorkel site), The Caves, Pirates Bight restaurant, and the legendary Willy T floating bar.
- Cooper Island — Cooper Island Beach Club, excellent reef snorkelling, and a laid-back island vibe just 15 minutes from Hodges Creek Marina.
- The Baths, Virgin Gorda — Famous granite boulder formations, natural grottos, tidal pools, and one of the BVI's most photographed beaches.
- Saba Rock, North Sound — A tiny private island resort in the sheltered North Sound of Virgin Gorda, known for its excellent rum and local atmosphere.
- Peter Island — A private island with pristine beaches, including Deadman's Bay, consistently rated among the Caribbean's best.
On a private charter, you choose your own itinerary — our captains know every anchorage, snorkel reef, and beach bar in the BVI. Contact us to plan your perfect day on the water.
Booking with Tortola Tours is simple. You can reach us in two ways:
- Phone: Call +1 (284) 443-9764 to speak directly with the team and check availability for your dates.
- Online enquiry: Use our contact form to send us a message with your preferred date, group size, and any specific destinations or requirements.
For the Papi Chulo weekly scheduled tours, it's best to book in advance as spots fill quickly, especially during the peak season (November to April). For private charters, we recommend booking at least two to four weeks ahead to secure your preferred date.
For overnight and multi-day term charters, visit our sister company Patouche Charters at patouche.com.
Snorkelling is one of the highlights of any BVI day charter, and the waters around the British Virgin Islands are among the clearest in the Caribbean. Our captains know the best reef sites and will tailor stops to include great snorkelling where possible.
Top snorkel spots on our routes include:
- The Indians, Norman Island — Four rocky pinnacles rising from the sea floor, covered in coral and teeming with tropical fish, turtles, and rays.
- The Caves, Norman Island — Dramatic sea caves at the waterline, accessible by snorkel and said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.
- Cooper Island reef — A healthy coral reef on the sheltered south side of Cooper Island, excellent for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike.
- The Baths, Virgin Gorda — Shallow, clear water among the granite boulders with plentiful marine life and stunning underwater light.
Ask about snorkel gear availability when you book — we recommend bringing your own mask and fins for the best fit and comfort.
Absolutely. Papi Chulo, our 60-foot custom power catamaran, is certified for up to 30 passengers and is perfectly set up for private group events in the BVI. Popular occasions include:
- Birthday parties and milestone celebrations
- Wedding day excursions and pre-wedding events
- Corporate team days and incentive trips
- Resort guest excursions and hotel partnership days
- Family reunions and group holidays
Private charter of Papi Chulo is available on non-tour weekdays at a flat day rate of $3,250 — $108 per head for 30 people, $162.50 for 20, or $325 for 10. You choose the islands, the pace, and the itinerary.
For smaller private groups of 6–10, our 30-foot Mami Chulo is available for private charter. Contact us to discuss your event and get a quote.
The British Virgin Islands enjoy warm, sunny weather year-round, but the peak sailing and charter season runs from November through April. During these months you can expect:
- Air temperatures of 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Water temperatures of 78–82°F (26–28°C)
- Steady, reliable trade winds ideal for comfortable sea conditions
- Minimal rainfall and excellent underwater visibility for snorkelling and diving
The summer months (May to October) are quieter and more affordable, with water temperatures a little warmer and generally calm seas — though this period coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. Day trips operate year-round, weather permitting. Our captains monitor conditions daily and will always prioritise your safety.
If you are visiting over Christmas, New Year, or during spring break (March), we recommend booking well in advance as demand for BVI day charters is at its highest during these periods.
Tortola Tours specialises in day trips and day charters — from scheduled group excursions on Papi Chulo to private full-day hires and the Cooper Island ferry. All trips depart and return on the same day, making them ideal for resort guests, cruise ship passengers, and visitors who want to explore the BVI without an overnight stay.
Patouche Charters is our sister company and handles overnight and term charters — multi-day crewed yacht experiences where you sleep aboard and explore the BVI at a more leisurely pace, typically for 3 to 14 nights.
Both services are operated by the same experienced team, so whichever option suits your trip, you are in safe and knowledgeable hands. If you're unsure which is right for you, contact us and we'll help you plan the perfect BVI experience.