TL;DR
Which St. John boat rental is right for you? Rent a dinghy if you have little or no boating experience and want to beach hop the North Shore. Rent a Zodiac if you can confidently drive a 22-foot boat and want the whole island, including Lime Out. Rent the Medline if you have a big group and an experienced captain.
- Dinghy: up to 4, $260 half day / $320 full day, fuel included. The only boat you can pull up on the beach.
- Zodiac: up to 8, $495 half day / $750 full day, plus fuel. Bimini, swim ladder, Garmin. Boating experience required.
- Medline: up to 10, $1,250 full day only, plus fuel. Twin 300s, bimini, sound system. Significant experience required.
- Snorkel gear, coolers, and dry bags are add-on rentals. Life jackets are included.
- Most first-timers rent a dinghy.
Table of contents
Quick Comparison: Dinghy vs Zodiac vs Medline
Every St. John boat rental at Wharfside is bareboat: no captain, no set itinerary. You drive. Which of our three boats is right comes down to three things: how much boating experience you have, what you want to do with your day, and how many people are coming.
Here's the side-by-side the boys walk through with guests every morning at the dock in Cruz Bay.
| Dinghy | Zodiac | Medline | |
| Capacity | Up to 4 | Up to 8 | Up to 10 |
| Boat | 12 ft inflatable, 25hp Yamaha | 22 ft Zodiac N-ZO, 200hp Yamaha | 30 ft Medline 9, twin 300hp Yamahas |
| Half day | $260, 3.5 hrs (10:00 am or 1:30 pm) | $495, 4 hrs (9:00 am or 1:00 pm) | Not offered |
| Full day | $320, 7 hrs (10:00 am) | $750, 8 hrs (9:00 am) | $1,250, 8 hrs (9:00 am) |
| Fuel | Included | Billed by use after your day | Billed by use after your day |
| Experience | Little to none | Comfortable driving a 22 ft boat | Significant, approval required |
| Shade | None | Bimini | Bimini |
| Swim ladder | No | Yes | Yes |
| Where it can go | North Shore, Cruz Bay to Waterlemon Cay | Around the whole island and to Lime Out | Same as the Zodiac |
| Can it be beached? | Yes, in a dinghy access channel | No, nose in to unload only | No, nose in to unload only |
| Best for | Couples, first-timers, beach hopping | Boaters, groups, food stops, full loops | Big groups with an experienced captain |
The Dinghy: St. John's Easiest Boat Rental for Beginners
A dinghy rental in St. John, USVI is the easiest way to get yourself on the water. It seats up to 4, needs little to no boating experience, includes fuel, and it's the only boat in our fleet you can pull right up onto the beach. It's the boat most first-time renters choose.
Our dinghies are 12-foot inflatables with a 25hp Yamaha outboard. They are light, simple, and forgiving. Most guests pick the dinghy for the ease of getting around to the North Shore beaches without dealing with taxis or parking at the busier beaches. You go where you want, you pull up, you hop out.
What It's Like to Drive a Dinghy
The dinghy is tiller-steered. That means you sit at the back, hold the handle on the outboard, and steer by pushing it left or right. Twist for throttle. It starts with a pull cord, so you need enough strength to pull it. If you can follow instructions and pull the cord, you can drive this boat.
Two things the boys tell every dinghy renter:
- These boats go faster than you'll want to go. They have plenty of power to get up on plane. Take it easy, especially near swimmers and mooring fields.
- Watch for the dinghy access channels. Out on the water, red and green buoys mark where you head in to the beach. That's where you pull up. Stay inside the buoys and you won't end up in a swim zone.
The ride is open-air. There's no shade and no swim ladder, so you climb in and out over the side. On a calm day it's pure fun. If anyone in your group would struggle getting in and out over the side, a boat with a swim ladder is the better call.
Where You Can Go on a Dinghy
The dinghy is limited to the North Shore of St. John, from Cruz Bay to Waterlemon Cay, weather permitting. That stretch happens to hold some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Christmas Cove and Lovango are also in range from Cruz Bay, so Pizza Pi and a Lovango lunch both work on a dinghy day.
Our standard advice: go as far as you want to get first, then work your way back toward Cruz Bay. Here are the stops most guests hit.
- Honeymoon Beach: the closest stop from Cruz Bay and an easy first landing. Calm water, a sandy bottom, and amenities on the beach. Snorkeling is best on the left side when you're facing the water.
- Hawksnest Bay: a quick dinghy stop in calm conditions, but it's the first North Shore beach you reach by car from Cruz Bay, so it fills up fast. Snorkeling is best on the right side looking in from the water.
- Trunk Bay: the postcard beach and part of the Virgin Islands National Park. There's an underwater snorkel trail, lunch on the beach, and a park entrance fee. It gets crowded midday, and when north swell is running it can be tricky to pull a dinghy up and keep it there. The boys will tell you if it's a good day for it.
- Cinnamon Bay: Scotty's favorite beach and one of the biggest on the North Shore. There's no dinghy access channel here, so you don't pull up onto the sand. Tie off to the dinghy line just off the shoreline and swim in.
- Maho Bay: Maho is where the turtles are. They graze the seagrass in the shallows and are used to people nearby, and rays cruise through too. Use the marked access channel on the left side of the beach. There's lunch here, which makes Maho an easy place to spend a couple of hours.
- Scott Beach: the crew's number one, and the stop we recommend to almost everyone. Scott Beach can't be reached by land, so it stays quiet, and the snorkeling is good on both the left and right sides where the reef picks up. A lot of guests save it for the end of the day since it's a quick ride back to Cruz Bay.
- Waterlemon Cay: the farthest dinghy stop, off Leinster Bay on the northeast side. Reef, turtles, rays, and calm water on most days. Guests are usually surprised they can get this far on a dinghy. It's doable on a full day when conditions allow.
- Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove: the floating pizza boat between St. John and St. Thomas. Easy to reach from Cruz Bay on a dinghy. Call your order in the morning, anchor, and eat on the boat.
- Lovango Resort & Beach Club: a private island with lunch, cocktails, and a beach club. There's a dock, and it works on a half day or a full day.
Two beaches to skip in the dinghy: Denis Bay and Jumbie. Both are small, rocky, and not worth the risk to the boat.
For the full beach-by-beach breakdown, read our Best Beaches in St. John USVI by Boat guide.
Dinghy Pricing and What's Included
- Half day: $260, 3.5 hours, starting at 10:00 am or 1:30 pm. Fuel included.
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Full day: $320, 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am. Fuel included.
Fuel is built into the dinghy price, and you never refuel the boat yourself. The price you see is what you pay for the boat.
Every dinghy rental includes life jackets for everyone on board (kids' sizes too), safety equipment, and a morning briefing on the boat, the route, and the day's conditions.
Snorkel gear, a cooler with ice, and dry bags are rentals you can add for the day: snorkel gear is $15 per set, a cooler with ice is $25, and a dry bag is $5. Bring your own food, drinks, towels, and reef-safe sunscreen, or grab anything you forgot in the shop before you head out.
Who Should Rent a Dinghy
Rent a dinghy if:
- You're a couple or a group of 2 to 4
- You have little or no boating experience
- Your plan is beaches and snorkeling on the North Shore
- You want to pull the boat up on the sand and skip the parking lots
- You want the simplest, most affordable way to be your own captain in St. John
Skip the dinghy if:
- Your group is larger than 4 (two dinghies is a common fix)
- Lime Out is on your must-do list
- Someone in your group would struggle climbing in and out over the side
- You want shade or a swim ladder
The Zodiac: St. John's Powerboat Rental for Confident Boaters
A Zodiac rental in St. John opens up the entire island. It's our power boat rental for guests who already know how to drive: up to 8 people, a bimini for shade, a swim ladder off the back, and Garmin navigation with the destinations already loaded. It's the boat for Lime Out and a full loop around St. John, and it requires boating experience.
Our Zodiacs are 22-foot Zodiac N-ZO rigid inflatables with a 200hp Yamaha outboard. The hull is solid and the tubes along the sides are inflatable, which gives you a stable, dry ride even when the water picks up. If a dinghy is a beach cruiser, the Zodiac is an all-day boat.
What It's Like to Drive a Zodiac
This is a real powerboat with a wheel, a throttle, and a lot of range. We ask that you've driven a boat of about this size before and feel comfortable at the helm. If you boat at home, the Zodiac will feel familiar within minutes.
Your day starts on the beach in Cruz Bay, where the crew loads you up and walks through the boat: the Garmin, the safety gear, the features, and the do's and don'ts for the day. Then you plan your itinerary together based on the conditions. The Garmin has most destinations pre-programmed, so getting from stop to stop is easy.
A few rules that come with the Zodiac:
- It can nose into the beach to unload, but it can never be left on the beach. At beaches with a dinghy access channel you can drop people and gear at the sand, then take the boat back out to a mooring ball.
- Anchoring is only allowed at Pizza Pi and Lime Out. Everywhere else you pick up a mooring ball, which the crew shows you how to do in the morning.
- Your itinerary is set with the crew before you leave. Conditions decide what is open on any given day, and the crew will tell you straight.
Where You Can Go on a Zodiac
Everything the dinghy can reach, plus the south side, the east end, the outer islands of the USVI when conditions allow, and Lime Out, the one food stop the dinghy can't reach.
- Lime Out: the floating taco bar on St. John's south side. Getting there usually means committing to a loop around the island, and the Zodiac handles that distance comfortably. You can anchor here.
- Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove: the floating pizza boat between St. John and St. Thomas. Order early, anchor, eat on the boat. This is the other spot where anchoring is allowed.
- Lovango Resort & Beach Club: a private island between St. John and St. Thomas with a proper lunch, cocktails, and a beach club. Easy to fit into a half day or a full day.
- A full loop around St. John: leave Cruz Bay along the North Shore, swing past the east end and Coral Bay, run the south shore, and come home from the west. This is the day people remember.
- The North Shore beaches that work well by Zodiac: Honeymoon, Trunk, Maho, Scott Beach, and Waterlemon Cay. You tie to a mooring ball instead of pulling onto the sand. Hawksnest and Cinnamon are better dinghy stops, since Zodiac access there is tough.
For routes, timing, and what to order at each stop, check out our Where to Eat by Boat in St. John guide.
Zodiac Pricing and What's Included
- Half day: $495, 4 hours, starting at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm. Fuel not included.
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Full day: $750, 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am. Fuel not included.
Fuel on the Zodiac is billed by how much you use. You never refuel the boat yourself. When you get back, the crew takes a gas reading and you settle up at the shop. The farther you go, the more fuel you use, so if you want a rough idea before you book, tell us your plan and we'll give you an honest estimate.
Every Zodiac rental includes the bimini, the swim ladder, Garmin navigation, a dry spot to store bags, pool noodles for floating, life jackets for everyone on board, and safety equipment.
Snorkel gear ($15 per set), a cooler with ice ($25), and dry bags ($5) are add-on rentals.
Who Should Rent a Zodiac
Rent a Zodiac if:
- You have boating experience and are comfortable driving a 22-foot boat
- Your group is 5 to 8 people
- Lime Out or a full island loop is on the plan
- You want shade and a swim ladder for a long day of snorkel stops
- You boat at home and want to explore new water at your own pace
Skip the Zodiac if:
- You have never driven a boat this size (start with a dinghy)
- All you want to do is beach hop the North Shore (the dinghy pulls right up on the sand, the Zodiac can't)
- Your group is 9 or 10 (look at the Medline, or two Zodiacs)
The Medline: Big Groups and Experienced Captains
The Medline 9 is the biggest, most powerful boat in our fleet: 30 feet, twin 300hp Yamaha outboards, room for 10, a bimini, a swim ladder, a sound system, and a cabin for storage. It's a full-day boat, and it requires significant boating experience. You must be approved by our staff before you take it out.
We'll be honest about this one. The Medline isn't for everyone. But for a big group with a capable captain, it's as good as it gets on St. John.
What It's Like on the Medline
The twin 300s give you more power than you'll ever need, and that power turns into a smoother, faster ride between stops. Where the dinghy bounces and the Zodiac handles chop well, the Medline cuts through it.
One thing the boys mention to every Medline renter: the throttles are sensitive. Easy hands at the dock and around the mooring fields.
The bimini gives you shade over the seating area. The sound system means your anchorage has a soundtrack. The cabin gives you a dry place to stash bags, and the deck has enough seating that 10 people can spread out with coolers and gear without anyone feeling cramped. The swim ladder off the back makes snorkel stops easy.
The same rules apply as the Zodiac: no pulling up on beaches, nose in only to unload, and anchoring only at Pizza Pi and Lime Out. Everywhere else it's mooring balls.
Where You Can Go on the Medline
Same access as the Zodiac: around St. John, Lime Out, Pizza Pi, Lovango, the North Shore beaches, and the outer islands of the USVI when conditions allow.
The Medline's speed means you can realistically fit more stops into one day without feeling rushed. Actual routes always depend on the weather and the crew's recommendation that morning.
Medline Pricing and What's Included
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Full day only: $1,250, 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am. Fuel not included.
There's no half-day option on the Medline. Fuel is billed by use, the same as the Zodiac: the crew takes a gas reading when you return and you settle up at the shop. You never refuel it yourself.
Here's how the math works for groups: at $1,250 for the day, a group of 10 is paying $125 per person for the boat, before fuel and add-ons. You set the schedule, you pick the stops, and you're your own captain.
Every Medline rental includes the bimini, swim ladder, sound system, Garmin navigation, cabin storage, life jackets for everyone on board, and safety equipment. Snorkel gear, coolers with ice, and dry bags are add-on rentals.
Who Should Rent the Medline
Rent the Medline if:
- Your group is 9 or 10 people
- Your captain has significant boating experience and is comfortable running a 30-foot twin-engine boat
- You want a full day with the power to cover a lot of water
- You want shade, a sound system, and space to spread out
Skip the Medline if:
- Nobody in your group is an experienced boater (a dinghy will still give you a great day)
- Your group is 8 or fewer (the Zodiac gives you the same access for less)
- You only want a half day
If you or our staff don't feel comfortable with you taking the Medline out, we'll happily set you up on a different boat. No hard feelings. The goal is a safe, great day.
How to Choose: The Two Questions We Ask Every Guest
When someone isn't sure which boat to rent, the crew asks two questions: "What's your boating experience?" and "What do you want to do with your day?" Those two answers, plus your group size, almost always point to one boat.
Think of the fleet as a confidence ladder. The dinghy is the easy, beginner-friendly starting point. The Zodiac steps up the range and comfort and needs a confident driver. The Medline is the top rung: 30 feet, twin engines, room for 10, and approval required before you leave the do
Question 1: What's your boating experience?
- Little or none: dinghy. Tiller steering is straightforward, the North Shore is protected, and the briefing covers everything you need.
- You have driven a boat this size before and feel confident: Zodiac.
- You run bigger twin-engine boats and want a lot of boat under you: Medline, once the crew approves you.
This is the honest part. We aren't a boat driving school, and the Zodiac and Medline are real powerboats in open water. If you have never driven a boat, take the dinghy. You'll have an incredible day, and a lot of guests come back for a Zodiac on a later trip once they have some time on the water.
Question 2: What do you want to do with your day?
- Beaches and snorkeling on the North Shore: Dinghy. Trunk, Maho, Scott Beach, Waterlemon Cay. Pull up, swim, snorkel, repeat.
- Lime Out or a loop around the island: Zodiac or Medline. Dinghies are North Shore boats and can't make the south shore run.
- Outer islands and open water: Zodiac or Medline, conditions permitting and agreed with the crew that morning.
Then: how many people?
Not sure? Here's what most people pick
Most first-time visitors rent a dinghy, and it's our most popular boat for a reason. The North Shore has enough to fill a full day: beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling, calm water, and turtles at Maho.
Guests who already boat at home usually skip straight to the Zodiac and spend the day doing what they came for: navigating new water, eating tacos on the south side, and soaking up the island without a charter schedule.
If you're still torn, call or text us at (340) 201-6881 or ask us a question here. Let us know how many people, what you want to do, and how much boating you've done. You'll get a straight answer from people who do this every day.
See Available Boats →
Do You Need Boating Experience?
For the dinghy, not much. For the Zodiac, yes. For the Medline, a lot. Here's the honest breakdown, boat by boat, plus what the morning briefing covers.
Dinghy: little to no experience
Driving a tiller-steer dinghy is straightforward as long as you can follow instructions and have the strength to pull the start cord. The North Shore is protected water, the route is simple, and the crew walks you through the boat before you leave. First-time renters are a big part of our business, and they do great.
Zodiac: experience required
The Zodiac is a 22-foot, 200hp powerboat. We ask for real experience driving a boat of a similar size and the confidence to handle it in open water. The briefing covers the Garmin, the safety protocols, and a full walkthrough of the boat, but it's a briefing, not a lesson. If the crew isn't comfortable with your ability to run the boat safely, they'll move you to a dinghy.
Medline: significant experience, approval required
The Medline 9 is 30 feet with twin 300s. You must be comfortable running a boat like this, and you must be approved by our staff before you take it out on your own. If you or our staff aren't comfortable, we'll happily put you on a different boat.
The morning briefing
Every rental starts with a briefing at the dock. It isn't a 30-second handoff. The boys go over:
- Do's and don'ts for the day
- Sea conditions and which beaches are open that morning
- Major reefs and hazards to look out for
- Rules of the road and respectful boating around other boats and swimmers
- Mooring balls and mooring fields, and how to tie up
- Buoys and swim zones, including the red and green dinghy access channels
- Snorkel spots and beaches worth hitting based on that day's conditions
On the Zodiac and Medline, the crew also covers the Garmin navigation, safety protocols, and a full walkthrough of the boat and its features.
Here's a quick look at one of the skills covered in the briefing:
"Rented a dinghy for the day & we had the best time. Staff showed us how to operate the boat, gave us a map, and good beach recommendations, then sent us on our way. They were very helpful & friendly. Would recommend to anyone looking for something fun to do in St John"
Common Questions About Renting a Boat in St. John
These are the questions we hear every day at the dock, on the phone, and in our messages. Answered honestly by the crew. For more, see our full FAQ page.
Do I need boating experience to rent a boat in St. John?
It depends on the boat. The dinghy needs little to no experience: it's tiller-steered and the crew walks you through it before you leave. The Zodiac requires boating experience and confidence driving a 22-foot boat. The Medline requires significant experience and approval from our staff before you take it out.
What's the difference between a dinghy and a Zodiac?
The dinghy is a 12-foot inflatable with a 25hp outboard that seats 4, is tiller-steered, includes fuel, and is limited to the North Shore of St. John. It's the only boat you can pull up onto the beach. The Zodiac is a 22-foot rigid inflatable with a 200hp outboard that seats 8, has a bimini, a swim ladder, and Garmin navigation, and can make the south shore run to Lime Out, which a dinghy can't. The Zodiac requires boating experience and fuel is billed separately.
How much does a boat rental cost in St. John USVI?
At Wharfside Watersports, a dinghy is $260 for a half day or $320 for a full day with fuel included. A Zodiac is $495 for a half day or $750 for a full day, plus fuel. The Medline is $1,250 for a full day, plus fuel. Snorkel gear, coolers with ice, and dry bags are add-on rentals.
Is fuel included with a boat rental?
Fuel is included on the dinghies. On the Zodiac and Medline, fuel isn't included. The crew takes a gas reading after your day and you settle up at the shop based on how much you used. You never refuel the boat yourself on any of our boats.
Where can I go on a dinghy in St. John?
The dinghy is limited to the North Shore of St. John, from Cruz Bay to Waterlemon Cay, weather permitting. Popular stops are Honeymoon, Hawksnest, Trunk Bay, Cinnamon, Maho, Scott Beach, and Waterlemon Cay. Skip Denis Bay and Jumbie, which are small and rocky. Cinnamon has no dinghy access channel, so you tie to the dinghy line offshore instead of beaching. Christmas Cove and Lovango are also reachable, so Pizza Pi and Lovango both work on a dinghy day. Lime Out is the exception, it's on the south side and needs a Zodiac or Medline.
Can I take a Zodiac or the Medline to Lime Out and Pizza Pi?
Yes. Lime Out sits on St. John's south side, and the Zodiac and Medline are the only boats in our fleet that make that run. Pizza Pi and Lovango are reachable on all three boats, including the dinghy. Anchoring is allowed at Pizza Pi and Lime Out. Everywhere else you pick up a mooring ball.
How many people fit on each boat?
Up to 4 on a dinghy, up to 8 on a Zodiac, and up to 10 on the Medline. Larger groups can rent two dinghies or two Zodiacs if we have availability and you have a capable driver for each boat.
Is there shade on the boats?
The dinghies don't have shade. The Zodiac and the Medline both have bimini shade covers.
Do you provide snorkel gear, coolers, and dry bags?
Yes, as add-on rentals. Snorkel gear rental in St. John is $15 per set at our shop, a cooler with ice is $25, and a dry bag is $5. They aren't included in the boat price. You're welcome to bring your own coolers, chairs, and gear.
Do I have to bring life jackets?
No. Every boat comes equipped with life jackets, and we have children's sizes as well.
Can my kids drive the boat?
Only if they are 18 or older and have boating experience. The guest who signs the waiver as the driver assumes all responsibility for the boat.
Can I anchor anywhere or pull the boat up on the beach?
The dinghy can be pulled up onto the beach at beaches with a marked dinghy access channel. The Zodiac and Medline can nose in to unload people and gear but can never be left on the beach. Anchoring is only allowed at Pizza Pi and Lime Out. Everywhere else, all boats tie up to a mooring ball.
What happens if the weather is bad on my rental day?
We check the sea conditions every morning and decide which beaches and routes are open that day. If conditions don't allow the day you booked, we're easy to work with: we'll reschedule you for a better day or cancel your reservation. We can usually predict conditions two to four days out, so if you have a specific destination in mind, reach out a few days ahead.
Can I take a rental boat from St. John to the BVI?
No. Going to the British Virgin Islands isn't permitted with our boats. There's more than enough around St. John and the USVI to fill your day.
What does "Be Your Own Captain" mean?
It means experiencing St. John, our water, and our beaches on your own terms. No captain, no charter schedule, no set itinerary. A lot of our guests are experienced boaters at home who want a day on the water soaking up the island at their own pace. We give you the boat, the local knowledge, and the route. You do the rest.
How do I book a boat rental in St. John?
Book online on our boat rental pages: pick your boat, pick your date and start time, and reserve. If you aren't sure which boat is right for your group send us a message, call or text us at (340) 201-6881 and we'll help you decide before you book.
Should I tip the crew?
It's never expected, but it's always appreciated. The crew works hard to make sure you have a smooth, safe day. Cash is preferred, and there's also an option to leave a tip at the shop when you settle up at the end of the day.
Book the Right Boat for Your Trip
You know your group, your plans, and how much boating you've done. Now pick the boat that matches and lock in your day.
If the dinghy is the right boat for your trip, we'll tell you that. If the Zodiac makes more sense, we'll tell you that too. Honest advice, local knowledge, and boats that are ready to go.
Explore available rentals:
Quick Recap: Dinghy vs Zodiac vs Medline in St. John
Dinghy: up to 4 people, $260 half day or $320 full day, fuel included. Tiller-steered, no shade, no ladder, the only boat you can beach. North Shore, plus Pizza Pi and Lovango. Little to no experience needed.
Zodiac: up to 8 people, $495 half day or $750 full day, fuel billed by use. Bimini, swim ladder, Garmin. Around the island, including Lime Out. Boating experience required.
Medline: up to 10 people, $1,250 full day only, fuel billed by use. Twin 300hp Yamahas, bimini, swim ladder, sound system, cabin storage. Significant experience and staff approval required.
Add-ons: snorkel gear $15 per set, cooler with ice $25, dry bag $5. Life jackets included on every boat.
Rules of the water: only the dinghy can be beached. Anchoring only at Pizza Pi and Lime Out. Mooring balls everywhere else. No BVI.
The two questions: what's your boating experience, and what do you want to do with your day?
Book at wharfsidewatersports.com or call or text (340) 201-6881 if you want help deciding.
See the boats in action. Follow us on Instagram for photos and video from daily rentals.
Wharfside Watersports
Wharfside Watersports has been helping guests choose the right boat for their St. John trip since 2018. Thousands of boat days launched from Cruz Bay. Located in Wharfside Village, steps from the ferry dock.
