PO Box 1437, St. John VI 00831
1.340.201.4858

About Us

Busy Bee is a 2006 World Cat 250dc with a pair of bulletproof Yamaha 150hp outboard engines. Designed with offshore fishing in mind, she is an excellent choice for cruising the Virgin Islands.

She is perfectly laid out for up to six people; ample seating in the bow, a co-pilot seat and a bench in the stern. There is space to keep your belongings dry, drinking water and a cooler stocked with soda. She is the original boat in our fleet and continues to serve us so well after 13+ years in the charter industry.

Ellen is our 1998 Privateer Atlantic 28. She is pushed by a pair of 240hp Yanmar Diesels and has been upgraded with diving in mind - a large swim platform and oversized ladder makes entry and exit a breeze. Her 10' beam means there is plenty of cockpit space for all the gear and tanks and there is seating both in and out of the pilothouse.

She is named for Ellen Barnes - Bryan's Grandmother - who, like our Privateer, could get the job done with a touch of class and grace.

Captain Bryan has a USCG 100 Gross Ton Master’s License and professional experience with a wide variety of boats – single and twin engine setups, catamarans and monohulls, power and sailboats of all sizes. He purchased the Busy Bee in 2012 and formed the company. Bryan is a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and adamant about spending time above and below the surface. During the summer Bryan captains his sailboat in the Boy Scout Sea Base Program - taking six kids and two adults on a five day sailing Lap of St John.

Captain Jeremy has a USCG 100 Gross Ton Master’s License. Jeremy is an avid sailor and has been a licensed captain for over 20 years. He has owned many boats and has innumerate professional experience on both sail and power driven vessels. Jeremy is a PADI Rescue Diver.

Admiral Margaret is Bryan's wife and General Manager of the company. With the recent expansion of the Bee family she is spending less time in the shop but still loves getting out on the water for snorkeling, diving, or just hitting up the taco boat with some friends.

First Mate Brody Bee is the newest addition to the Busy Bee Family. You will occasionally see him helping Mom and Dad in the shop or making a guest appearance on the Busy Bee Instagram and Facebook pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What about bad weather?

A meteorologist in the Virgin Islands has a fairly easy job throughout most the year. It will be in the 80’s with a chance of rain. If it does rain, it is often quick and then the sun is back out, again. With a power boat it is easy to weigh the anchor and move on to another place if need be. Therefore, it is improbable the captain will cancel due to the weather. If the forecast calls for rain, consider packing a light jacket.

If you choose to cancel, you will be subject to our cancellation policy.

In the case of an extreme storm (i.e. unseasonably high wind/swell, hurricanes/tropical storms) the captain will cancel and will not charge for the day.

What is the cancellation policy?

A ha! You are a clever one!

When you book the trip via phone or email we will take a credit card number to hold the space. Nothing will be charged at that time. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the trip, you will be charged 50% of the quoted rate. Cancellations on the morning of the trip or “no show” will incur the full quoted cost of the trip.

When you book a trip through the website (2-tank dives) your credit card will be charged at the time of booking. If you cancel more than 48 hours out you will be given a full refund. Less than 48 hours out you will receive a 50% refund. No shows the day of the trip will not receive a refund.

The cancellation policy is for everyone’s protection. We work seven days a week on St John – if not on the Busy Bee, for someone else. Having a last minute cancellation or a no-show can be a devastating loss. We do everything in our power to keep our rates as low as we can while still providing a top notch service.

What about seasickness?

If you are prone to the mal de mer, take medication prior to coming on the boat. Most medication will not work after you get sea sick and often require an hour to become effective. Many people have claimed good results from Sea Bands style pressure cuffs. We have Bonine and SeaBands for sale at the shop.

Sea sickness is exasperated by dehydration, hunger and sleepiness - make sure you are drinking water throughout the day and be sure to pack some sun protection.

Please, let the captain know if you aren’t feeling well… we will find a place to hide out for a while if we need to.

How many people can come along?

Six is the maximum number for our boats.

We limit two tank divers on the Busy Bee to four, but can have two more snorkelers on board.

We have many friends in the industry - ok, we have some friends in the industry... ok, we have people that are willing to work with us. We can put together other boats to accommodate more people if need be.

Do we need British money?

No, sir. The official currency of both the US and British Virgin Islands is the American dollar.

Will there be booze?

On board, the captain will provide soda, water and ice. If you want to bring your own drinks/beer, feel free to do so. Please, DO NOT bring anything in glass bottles.

The exception is aboard our sailboat, Loose Change. Beer and rum are included in sailing charters for our guests over 18 (the VI's legal drinking age).

Do I need to know how to swim?

If you want to get in water more than waist deep – yes!

We have aids to floatation on board including snorkel vests, lifejackets and noodles. If you have never snorkeled before or are apprehensive about it, let the captain know. We will take good care of you with floatation aids, instructions and supervision. The plan is a day of fun and adventure!

How far above sea level are we?

Depends on which boat we are on but a foot… give or take.

Is there a bathroom aboard?

In sailor speak, we call it a head… but, no, we don’t have one on either of our powerboats.

There is a head on our sailboat, Loose Change.

We have a small child, can they come along?

Sure. But full disclosure: that is the ocean out there. It can get bumpy from time to time… and it is our understanding, if the kid ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. I’m sure we can find a lot of fun for the whole family. Yes, even infants are considered passengers by the Coast Guard and the Customs Authority. This means a child does count as one of the maximum six passengers and will need a passport to visit the BVI.

Our son lives on a boat and we find he gets ansy after a few hours, so consider a half day excursion with the little ones.

Children will need to wear a lifejacket on board. We have some vest style jackets for this purpose.

What should we bring?

• Cash
• Swim suit/Rash Guards
• Cover up
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• (Non-aerosol) Sunscreen
• Snorkel Gear (included in your trip, or rent for the week)

Where can we rent snorkel gear?

At the Busy Bee Watersports: Dive and Snorkel Center!

We have brand new Scubapro gear for diving and snorkeling available by the day or week.

All gear is included in your charter price.

Where do we meet?

At the Busy Bee Watersports: Dive and Snorkel Center!

Across the street from Skinny Leg's and the Coral Bay Firehouse is Town and Country, a yellow building. We are the only shop on the lowest level.

What are these roads like in the winter?

Rough.

About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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