A Complete Guide on How to Get to Lime Out St. John (Coral Bay)
Planning a trip to Lime Out comes down to choosing a boat for you and your group, of course, but there’s more to consider!
The right way for you to get to Lime Out will come down to your budget, your groups’ needs, where you’re staying on island, and how you want to spend the best Caribbean day around a fun floating taco lunch.
Read on to learn everything you’ll need to plan a trip to Lime Out for you and your group…
Skip down to:
Where is Lime Out, anyway?
How to choose the best way your group
The only 6 ways you can get to Lime Out
How much does it cost to get there?
Tips when visiting Lime Out
What even is Lime Out?
And more frequently asked questions
Where is Lime Out, Anyway?
Coral Bay, St. John
Lime Out’s Original and Most Well-Known Location
Lime Out St. John floats in Coral Bay harbor, off the southeastern shore of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. This is the original Lime Out location, on the opposite side of the island from Cruz Bay where most visitors arrive by ferry.
Some of our favorite spots near Coral Bay:
On foot:
Check out Jolly Dog for fun St. John gifts, and if your Lime Out lunch plans fall through or someone’s still hungry after your float time, hit up Skinny Legs (they have fun gifts too). You’ll love these spots!
On the water:
If you’re exploring and snorkeling a little beyond Coral Bay, checkout Hurricane Hole in the next bay over, or head a little more east to Hansen Bay Beach and Pelican Rock.
Which way to Lime Out fits your group?
Who’s in your group?
Bringing a Bunch of Friends to Lime Out
All the options work really. Go private if you want your own schedule and your own music.
The shared charter option is great if you are a smaller group and want an adventurous day.
If you’re good with skipping the snorkeling, cruising, and an open bar, just get to Coral Bay and take a shuttle or rent a dinghy.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
Lime Out Shared Charters
Shuttles/Taxis to Lime Out
Rent a Boat to Lime Out
Corporate Events at Lime Out
Choose the boat, your pickup plan, your schedule.
A private charter is what you want, just find the right boat that will suit your group.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
A Couples Date to Lime Out
Well, are you looking for a little privacy and romance? Or more of a social scene?
If you’re going more for the peace and quiet thing, do a private charter for a day of adventure or rent a boat to just hang at Lime Out.
More social? A shared charter keeps the adventure while a shuttle just gets you there.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
Rent a Boat to Lime Out
Lime Out Shared Charter
Shuttles/Taxis to Lime Out
Bringing your family to Lime Out
If you can, book a private charter for the family so everyone can stop, go, play, relax, jump, nap, and mingle as they wish.
With smaller families who don’t need the customizations and exclusive attention, you could absolutley do a shared charter if you’re up for making it a more social activity.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
Lime Out Shared Charters
Lime Out and Wedding Parties & Reunions
This being a plan ahead sort of thing, you’ll want a private trip and a boat company that helps you plan it all out (ahem, like Voodoo Charters, ahem).
Depending on your headcount, you’ll want a boat that fits a good number of people with room to mingle and spread out (yeah that’s us too).
Choose a private charter and get a boat like M/V VOODOO that meets all your needs.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
More on M/V VOODOO
Getting to Lime Out as a Solo Traveler
Unless you’re feeling spendy, you’re looking for per-person pricing.
Shared trips are the more social way to spend the day and a shuttle if you’re in Coral Bay or you’ve got a car (or a taxi reserved).
Jump down to details on:
Lime Out Shared Charter
Shuttles/Taxis to Lime Out
Lime Out for Budget Travelers
The lowest-cost way to reach Lime Out is the shuttle or cheap dinghy, assuming you are in Coral Bay or able to get there.
Otherwise, you may find a lower-cost group tour is just a small splurge within your budget.
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Shuttles/Taxis to Lime Out
Lime Out Shared Charter
Where are you staying?
Lime Out options From Cruz Bay
Around Cruz Bay is where most St. John visitors stay and Lime Out is on the opposite side of the island.
You’ll want to book a shared or private charter from here, unless you have a car, plan on renting, one, or are open to taking a bus.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
Lime Out Shared Charter
If you’re staying at or Near the Westin
The Westin St. John sits near Great Cruz Bay. For families and groups staying there, a private pickup at the beach is the easiest possible start to the day. It’s also easy to head into Cruz Bay for a shared charter.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
Lime Out Shared Charter
When you’re already in Coral Bay
Coral Bay puts you in striking distance of Lime Out, so just hop on a water shuttle and over to Lime Out for lunch. If you want to explore more of off-shore St. John, you can always grab a charter too, but Lime Out is so easy to get to from here, it’s certainly not necessary.
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Lime Out Shared Charter
Rent a Boat to Lime Out
Shuttles/Taxis to Lime Out
If you’re staying in St. Thomas
From St. Thomas, we’d recommend visiting the new Lime Out St. Thomas instead. It did make TIME’s World’s Greatest Places list in 2026 after all.
If you really want the original Lime Out, a full day private charter or a ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay will be the way to go.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
The BVI
A private charter is generally the only way you’ll find to get to Lime Out from the BVI.
Coming from the British Virgin Islands means clearing US customs too, so bring your passport and take note of the extra time needed in your day.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
What do you want to do?
Just have a fun lunch and eat fresh tacos
If you’re just looking to grab lunch at the famous floating taco bar and spend the rest of the day exploring Coral Bay and St. John by land, take a direct shuttle or water taxi from downtown Coral Bay.
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Shuttles/Taxis to Lime Out
Enjoy a pre-planned snorkel day and Lime Out lunch
Join a shared Lime Out charter or group boat tour for a full day of snorkeling and swimming with other travelers. It’s a fun way to meet new friends while having an adventure and relaxing on inflatable lily pads.
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Lime Out Shared Charters
Plan a snorkel day that fits your needs and style, with lunch at Lime Out
Book a private full or half day charter and keep it exclusive to your group. Dream up your boat day with all the snorkeling, swimming, crusing and hanging out you can fit in a day, then do Lime Out for the halftime show.
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Private Charters & Lime Out
The 6 Ways to Get to Lime Out
A direct out-and-back lunch stop. Just tacos and a good time.
Depart Coral Bay · Per Person Pricing · 2 or 3 hours of your day
A short shuttle ride from the “Coral Bay Marina” (dinghy dock and dirt ramp) to Lime Out and back. Know that you’ll be getting wet and swimming a bit to get from the shuttle to the lilypads (and to the bar!).
Shuttles only depart from Coral Bay, so if you’re staying closer to Cruz Bay you’ll want to drive or catch a taxi from the west side to the east side of the island first. If you’re booking a cab, be sure to book the return ride in advance because you won’t find much in the way of public transportation from Coral Bay.
Best if you are:
Getting to Coral Bay isn’t a problem for you and you just want lunch, or you’re exploring St. John on a budget.
Favorite reasons to take a shuttle or water taxi to Lime Out St. John:
- Easy peasy when staying in or near Coral Bay.
- You simply want to to go to Lime Out for lunch.
- Watching your budget.
- Have only a few hours to do the thing.
Reasons you might not want to:
- It’s just a boat to and from, not a snorkel tour or anything else.
- Often fixed departure times and roughly two hours on site, but there are flexible options.
- Getting to Coral Bay isn’t always easy if you don’t already have a car.
Voodoo Charters’ Recommendation:
There are a number of options and they’ll all get you where you want to be. A direct shuttle makes sense for a quick Lime Out visit, especially when you’re already staying or planning on being in Coral Bay.
On the otherhand, why not make a day of it and explore more offshore?
A social boating and snorkeling day with Lime Out as your lunch stop.
Depart Cruz Bay · Per Person Pricing · Full Day (6 to 8 hours)
A scheduled trip with a set route, a set departure time, and per-person pricing. You share the boat with other guests which keeps the cost down and makes it more of a social outing. Snorkel stops typically come before or after Lime Out and you’ll have a captain (and usually a crew), while gear, drinks, and amenities will vary by operator.
Best if you are:
A couple, solo traveler, or small group who wants a planned day and don’t want a whole boat to themselves, or a budget-conscious traveler who wants to do more than just shuttle to Lime Out and back.
Favorite reasons to do a shared charter to Lime Out St. John:
- Lime Out plus other fun stops in one day.
- A social setting.
- Per-person pricing for a full day adventure.
- A pre-planned route for snorkeling, swimming, beach hopping and cruising.
Reasons you might not want to:
- Not very flexible for your needs and wishes..
- Set schedule and set route.
- Not much privacy.
Voodoo Charters’ Recommendation:
Laid Back Lime Out. It boards in Cruz Bay, runs 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM aboard the 57-foot catamaran VOODOO, and includes snorkel stops, open bar the entire trip, captain and crew, fruit platter, and snorkel gear. The crew collects Lime Out orders after the first snorkel and preorders so that you have a hot fresh meal or snack ready when we get to Coral Bay.
Also, with Voodoo Charters you can eat your tacos on our boats to stay dry and avoid crowds and still have time to swim over and check out their merch and specialty drinks.
A great fit for guests who want to do Lime Out as part of a full-day shared trip that blends relaxation, adventure, and a whole lot of fun!
You decide how, when, and where you’ll spend the day around your taco lunch.
Flexible Departure Options · Group Pricing · Half or Full Day (3.5 to or 9 hours)
Your boat for the day with captain and crew looking out for you. You get to choose your destinations and how long to stay at each one. Lime Out becomes the lunch break for the day you design, paired with snorkeling, beach stops, and sightseeing around the North Shore, South Shore, Coral Bay and East End routes. Inclusions vary by operator: some cover drinks, gear, and crew, others charge separately.
Best if you are:
A family, friend group, corporate group, wedding party, birthday party, reunion, or just a group with specific desires and destinations in mind.
Favorite reasons to choose a Private Charter with a for lunch at Lime Out:
- Flexible routes and timing.
- More privacy and more space.
- Combines Lime Out with snorkeling, swimming, floating, beaches, and sightseeing.
- Better per-person value the larger your group gets.
Reasons you might not want to:
- Higher total cost.
- Takes more planning than booking a seat on a shared trip (we can help with that though).
Voodoo Charters’ Recommendation:
A private charter is the best overall choice for guests who want more than a ride to lunch.
Voodoo charters offers private trips from both of its catamarans: M/V VOODOO can host up to 49 guests and M/V VORADO hosts up to 12… and the two can run together for groups up to 60!
Open bar the full trip, captain, crew, top-tier snorkel gear, and a fresh fruit platter are included as you cruise to epic snorkeling destinations in comfort. Plus, you have the option to avoid crowds and stay dry as you eat your tacos while still having time to swim over to Lime Out if you wish.
With Voodoo, private charters generally pick you up in Cruz Bay, but a beach pickup at Westin St. John is available by request.
Spend the day paddling the waters of Coral Bay. The one non-motorized way in.
Depart from Coral Bay · Per Person Pricing · 3 hours
The one non-motorized way to reach Lime Out. A guided small-group paddle on sit-on-top kayaks launching from a beach in Coral Bay, past mangroves and seagrass beds where green sea turtles feed, followed by a short swim to the taco bar with your life jacket on. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, a guide, and a round-trip shuttle from Cruz Bay is typically included.
Best if you are:
An active traveler who wants to earn their tacos, or who’s interested in exploring the turtles and mangroves of Coral Bay up close. You’ll want to be sure your group is comfortable paddling and swimming short distances.
Favorite reasons to do a guided kayak tour with lunch at Lime Out St. John:
- A very interactive way to arrive at Lime Out.
- Turtle sightings are common over Coral Bay’s seagrass beds.
- The Cruz Bay shuttle solves the cross-island logistics for you.
Reasons you might not want to:
- Some physical effort in full sun.
- Not a fit for non-swimmers or guests with mobility limitations.
- No comfy boat to come back to and relax.
Voodoo Charters’ Recommendation:
If paddling would be a highlight for your day, do the guided kayak tour with VI Ecotours, the operator permitted to bring kayak groups to Lime Out. If Lime Out is one stop in a bigger day on the water, a shared or private charter gets you there as dry as you wish, with snorkeling, shade, and a potentially a bar on board.
Steer the whole experience yourself. Experienced boaters only.
Depart from Coral Bay · Pricing for the Whole Boat · Full or Half Days (3 – 6 hours)
Rent a small powerboat in Coral Bay and captain yourself to Lime Out, typically with fuel, cooler, and ice included. You buzz out into the harbor, drop anchor, and swim on over. Rentals are generally limited to experienced boaters and boats are usually required to stay within the Coral Bay area.
Best if you are:
An experienced boater in a group of 4 to 6 that just wants to mosey around Coral Bay Harbor and grab lunch;
Favorite reasons to rent a dinghy to get to Lime Out St. John:
- Your own boat, your own schedule.
- Cheaper than a charter for small groups.
- Simple way to drift around Coral Bay and grab lunch.
Reasons you might not want to:
- Experienced boaters only, with no captain provided
- No crew, no bar, no gear unless you bring it.
- A restricted operating area, usually Coral Bay only.
Voodoo Charters’ Recommendation:
A simple and solid option for confident boaters who just want to stick around Coral Bay Harbor and don’t want much more than that.
Pick up a mooring in the harbor. No booking, no schedule.
Depart Wherever You Are · Pricing N/A · Stay As Long As You Want
Cruise into Coral Bay Harbor, drop anchor (in the sand!) near Lime Out, and swim up to the lilypads and bar. Your timing and day before and after are all up to you.
Note: The mooring balls are all privately owned so you’ll need to anchor, and you’ve got to protect the nature so do it in the sand upwind!
Best if you are:
A boat owner or bareboat charterer already cruising the USVI or BVI, comfortable navigating in an often busy area of the harbor.
Favorite reasons to bring your own boat to Lime Out in Coral Bay, St. John:
- Do as you wish when you wish.
- No booking, no schedule, no per-person cost.
- Lime Out fits naturally into a Coral Bay, South Shore, or East End cruising day.
Reasons you might not want to:
- You’ve gotta know the rules and handle all navigation and other decisions.
Voodoo Charters’ Recommendation:
If you have the boat and the experience just do this! If you don’t, a private charter delivers the all that same freedom but with everything done for you besides the fun and relaxation.
How Much Does It Cost to Get to Lime Out?
|
Boat / Option |
General Price Range |
Considerations |
Who and Where to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct shuttle / water taxiShared, captained · Departs Only Coral Bay |
$25 to $30 per person; |
|
|
Shared Charter (Full Day)Shared, captained · Available out of Coral Bay or Cruz Bay |
Around $150 to $220 per person |
|
|
Private Charter (half day)Private, captained · Available out of Coral Bay or Cruz Bay |
Budget$700 to $1200+ * Upscale$1500 to $3,400+ * |
|
|
Private Charter (full day)Private, captained · Available out of Coral Bay or Cruz Bay |
Budget$1,000 to $1,800+ * Upscale$2,500 to $7,500+ * |
|
|
Guided kayak tourShared, guided · Available out of Coral Bay or Cruz Bay |
Around $90 to $150 per-person pricing; |
|
|
Dinghy rentalPrivate, self-captained · Available out of Coral Bay only |
Around $200 half day, $285 full day |
|
|
Bring your own boatPrivate, self-captained · Wherever you are, there you are |
No extra cost for pulling up to Lime Out |
|
You or your experienced boating person. |
Notes on Pricing Your Lime Out Options
- Prices change and these are general ranges of what to expect. Verify with the operator when you book.
- Taxes and fees vary, and gratuity is usually not included.
- Lime Out food and drinks are separate from your transportation cost on nearly every option.
- Some trips carry group minimums.
- When figuring it all out, consider the total experience! A $30 shared shuttle and a $180 shared charter are two very different plans for the day.
* Private charter pricing varies widely by group size, boat size and quality, amenities and services offered, departure point and trip length; you’ll want to request a quote for your specific needs.
A Travel Planning Checklist for Getting to and Enjoying Lime Out St. John
Important travel tips however you choose to get to Lime Out
These might seem obvious but we’ve learned they’re worth emphasizing!
- Lime Out doesn’t take reservations. Lily pads and swim-up bar seats are first come, first served. Guests do tend to turn over steadily so you’ll usually get a spot. Just bring a little island patience and enjoy your surroundings.
- Best time to visit. Lime Out typically closes for a seasonal break in late summer, reopening in the fall. Transportation and charter schedules will often shift seasonally too, so confirm current hours and options before planning your day.
- Expect to get wet! At minimum you’re swimming from your boat to the bar (unless you’re on a trip like Voodoo Charters where you get your tacos delivered to the boat).
- To bring: a credit card (the easiest way to pay at Lime Out), reef-safe sunscreen, a hat or sun shirt, a small towel, and a dry bag if you’re not taking a charter.
- To leave behind: anything you don’t want wet and can’t fit in a dry bag. Pack light, this is the Caribbean.
- Watch the weather. Wind and marine conditions can affect boat access, and most operators run rain or shine but cancel for unsafe conditions at the captain’s discretion.
- When comparing operators, consider comfort and spaciousness, shade, bathrooms, and the experience of the captain and crew.
What to Check Before You Decide
Whichever route you choose, a few minutes of verification saves the day from going sideways.
- Confirm your departure location and return time before the day of your trip.
- Know what’s included and what’s extra.
- Lime Out food and drinks are separate from your transportation cost unless an operator states otherwise.
- Check gratuity expectations; it’s often not included in your invoice but expected.
- Check the cancellation and weather policies of the company you’re going with.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Lime Out
I know everyone says we need to go there, but what even is Lime Out?
Lime Out is a floating taco bar in the US Virgin Islands, accessible only by boat. With locations in Coral Bay, St. John and (newly) in Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas, it’s become a favorite lunch stop for visitors and locals alike.
Fresh and delicious tacos, craft drinks and cocktails, a laid-back atmosphere, and floating lily pads for seating where you can eat right on the water with fish under your feet.
Does it get any better?
More about Lime Out (and the best way to do it)
What’s the difference between Lime Out St. John and Lime Out St. Thomas?
Lime Out St. John is the original, floating in Coral Bay Harbor off St. John Lime Out St. Thomas is the newer location in Lindbergh Bay. This page covers the St. John location.
If you’re staying on St. Thomas and don’t want to cross to St. John, compare the St. Thomas location and its pickup options instead. Be careful not to mix the two up when planning your day and booking transportation; they’re not particularly close to each other.
Can we visit Lime Out and Soggy Dollar Bar in the same day?
No, the timing really doesn’t work well due to their locations and the necessary customs stops to and from. Unless you have your own boat, but you probably won’t get much down time to enjoy either spot.
We answered this in a little more details here:
FAQs about trips to Lime Out with Voodoo Charters
Can you swim, kayak, or paddleboard to Lime Out?
No. Lime Out is boat-access only and asks guests not to swim, kayak, or paddleboard out on their own. Coral Bay is a working harbor with active boat traffic, and conditions change quickly. The one exception is the guided kayak tour where operators have gotten permission as needed. Otherwise, use a shuttle, water taxi, shared charter, private charter, rent a boat or drive your own.
What’s the easiest way to get to Lime Out St. John?
Depends on how you want to spend your day. A direct shuttle from Coral Bay is simplest for a Lime Out-only visit. A shared charter is easiest for a pre-planned boat and snorkel day from Cruz Bay. A private charter is easiest when you want a custom full-day experience with pickup where you’re staying.
Can you drive to Lime Out?
Nope! You can drive to Coral Bay, but the restaurant floats offshore, so you still need a boat for the last leg.
How much cheaper is a shuttle than a charter?
A shuttle runs $25 to $30 per person; a full-day shared charter runs roughly $150 to $180 per person. The difference is in the rest of the day: Do you want an adventure of snorkel stops, a cruise around all of St. John, a crew at your service, and drinks onboard? Or just lunch at Lime Out?
Is a private charter worth it?
It definitely is when it makes sense for your group! It just comes down to how much flexibility, privacy and space you want with your day of snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing. If you’re splitting the cost across a larger group sometimes it works out be the same as a shared trip anyway.
Is Voodoo Charters a good option for Lime Out?
We humbly and proudly say most absolutely yes! Spacious comfort on pristine catamarans, top-tier amenities, and the best local captain and crew out there. What else could you possibly want?
