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Drift Charters
Charter operator

Drift Charters

East End, U.S. Virgin Islands
100+ reviews
The Crew of Drift Charters runs trip out of Compass Point Marina, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, aboard a 33ft Topaz Sportfishing boat (RIPTIDE) & 34ft Regulator center console (NONSENSE). We also pick up in Cruz Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands if staying in St. John. These waters are known for mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, barracuda, marlin & sailfish to name a few. We will do our best to put your group on fish and ensure you have an enjoyable day on the water. Quit wishing, let's go fishing!
Forrest R.
Forrest R.
Captain
Lawrence A.
Lawrence A.
Captain
RJ S.
RJ S.
Captain

Charters

Rating

4.9
229 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

97%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
91%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (229)

Showing 1 – 5 of 229 reviews
  • Kyle Mackay
    Kyle Mackay
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Reeling them in two at a time

    4 Hour Trip – Nearshore (AM) • 6 adults • 1 child

    We took 6 people and were able to sit in the shade (the seating area is covered). Constantly rotated reeling in our 14 fish (mostly black fin tuna and one Wahoo). They are one of the few charters that actually let you keep all your fish meat (not just the meat off of a 20# fish like other boats, but don’t take more than you think you can eat) so book it early on your trip and save money eating fresh catch the rest of your trip. Bring a cooler/tote or something with ice to put your fish in. There are only a double and two single padded seats for your group but two can sit on the shell next to the single seats. Friendly and personable Captain and First mate. I would definitely book again and do it at the beginning of the trip.

    Reported catch:
    Wahoo
    Blackfin Tuna
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you, Kyle. Enjoy the tuna & wahoo!

  • Elizabeth Budin
    Elizabeth Budin
    us
    Nebraska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    best fishing charter!

    6 Hour Trip – Offshore - 12:00 PM • 2 adults

    Captain(Thaddeus) and first mate (Micah) immediately made me and my friend feel welcomed, comfortable, and completely at ease. This was their first women’s-only fishing trip, and they truly made us feel right at home from start to finish. We spent the first five hours fishing and caught a handful of fish — two of which they cleaned, cut up, and prepared for us to take back. We were able to enjoy the fresh fish throughout the rest of our vacation in St. Thomas, and it was absolutely delicious. For the last hour of the trip, we headed over to Christmas Cove where we got to swim and relax in the beautiful water, which was the perfect ending to the day. The entire experience was fun, welcoming, and memorable. Highly recommend Riptide fishing charter, and we’re already looking forward to coming back again in the future!

    Reported catch:
    Rainbow Runner
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you, Elizabeth. Glad you had a good day on the water! See you next time!

  • Craig Elswick
    Craig Elswick
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    8 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) • 5 adults • 3 children

    Water was a little rough and I was sick from fumes from exaust,but I held on as best I could (4hrs) just so rest of family could enjoy the fishing trip the two crew members were absolutely awesome and stayed with it while I just hung on for all I was worth ,we ended up cutting the trip just 2 hrs short because I just could not handle anymore....still had a great time and the crew was 2 guys I'd appreciate to call friends now

    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you, Craig. Sorry you got a little sick out there but glad you guys had some fun!

  • Daniel Powell
    Daniel Powell
    Repeat angler
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2020
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    we had a blast!

    6 Hour Trip – Offshore - 12:00 PM • 2 adults

    i told the captain exactly what i was looking to accomplish as im experienced offshore fishermanand he did not disappoint mahi, BlackFin and a shot at two different Blue marlin! 10/10 recommend and will be booking again next time we are back!

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Blue Marlin
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you, Daniel. Nice work on the mahi & tuna, see you next time!

  • Richard Simoncic
    Richard Simoncic
    Repeat angler
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2025
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    awesome crew

    8 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) • 5 adults

    crew worked hard putting fish in the boat, they ran with 8 fishing poles all day and put us on the fish. 1 Wahoo, 3 black fin tuna, 4 Skipjacks, 2 Mahi Mahi, and many small blackfins and bonita returned to the sea

    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you, Richard. Nice haul in rough conditions. See you next time!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    Two adult anglers display a mixed catch of several fish aboard a sportfishing boat in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Daniel P.
    Daniel P.
    i told the captain exactly what i was looking to accomplish as im experienced offshore fishermanand he did not disappoint mahi, BlackFin and a shot at two different Blue marlin! 10/10 recommend and will be booking again next time we are back!
  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    Angler proudly holding a colorful mahi-mahi on an offshore fishing boat, with rods and open ocean visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Jason R.
    Jason R.
    This trip was one for the ages. We took my son and 2 nephews 7 and 9 on this trip. The Captain and crew were amazing. Just told them fish on start reeling and let them jump on every pole. Great guys so much knowledge and fun. This is the best fishing trip we’ve done hands down.
  • Drift Charters Fishing - KAOS
    Drift Charters Fishing - KAOSEast End
    A young angler proudly displaying a colorful fish on a fishing charter in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Gray Triggerfish
    Donald K.
    Donald K.
    lawrence was wonderful. all the kids caught lots of fish and had a great time. definitely worth the money.
  • Drift Charters Fishing - KAOS
    Drift Charters Fishing - KAOSEast End
    A young angler proudly holding a large Barracuda while fishing offshore, accompanied by an adult on a boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Great Barracuda
    Shannida L.
    Shannida L.
    Captain Lawrence was great from beginning to end. This isn’t our first nor 5th time deep sea fishing. Music on point, customer service on point, we caught a keeper within 10 minutes. We had a group of six and everyone got to chance to catch a fish. We will definitely book again. Thank you for a great experience.
  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Yellowfin Tuna while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Stephen J.
    Stephen J.
    Some real deal fishing and the guys on the boat firing on all cylinders the whole time. Nothing beats fresh yellowtail sashimi just a few hours after pulling it out of the ocean yourself!
  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Barracuda on a sportfishing boat, showcasing a successful deep-sea fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Kyle M.
    Kyle M.
    We took 6 people and were able to sit in the shade (the seating area is covered). Constantly rotated reeling in our 14 fish (mostly black fin tuna and one Wahoo). They are one of the few charters that actually let you keep all your fish meat (not just the meat off of a 20# fish like other boats, but don’t take more than you think you can eat) so book it early on your trip and save money eating fresh catch the rest of your trip. Bring a cooler/tote or something with ice to put your fish in. There are only a double and two single padded seats for your group but two can sit on the shell next to the single seats. Friendly and personable Captain and First mate. I would definitely book again and do it at the beginning of the trip.
  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    Angler proudly displaying a caught fish while aboard a fishing boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Jonathan B.
    Jonathan B.
    6 hr trip and caught a ton of tuna, barracuda, and hooked wahoo and shark. staff and conditions were great.
  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    Angler proudly displaying a colorful Snapper caught while fishing offshore, showcasing a beautiful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Anthony E.
    Anthony E.
    We wanted to experience near-shore bottom fishing this time around and Riptide delivered with constant action. We fished 70 to 140 feet depths and caught Brazillian Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Strawberry Grouper and Rock Hind. We also got put the light tackle to the test catching a 6 foot Nurse Shark to close out the trip. Captain Brian and First Mate Mike were great, answering questions and making sure we had everything we needed to really enjoy our trip!
  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    An angler skillfully reeling in a majestic Sailfish while out on the open ocean, showcasing the thrill of deep-sea fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sailfish
    Kaleb C.
    Kaleb C.
    We could not be any more happy with the experience aboard the RipTide. The captain Brian and his first Micah we’re very welcoming and all around awesome people to spend our 4 hour trip with. Micah was very experienced in the stern and Brian ended up putting us on an amazing sailfish and got it done! Would highly recommend booking with these, guys we will be back again soon!
  • Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDE
    Drift Charters Fishing - RIPTIDEEast End
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Barracuda while fishing on a sportfishing boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    Aidan S.
    Aidan S.

Fishing reports

Two anglers proudly displaying a large Sailfish aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful deep-sea fishing trip.

Sailfish & Wahoo Bite is Hot!

Dec 9, 2025 • East End
All boats finding their fair shareof wahoo, blackfin tuna & sailfish over the last couple weeks. Limited availability for rest of December and January is filling up fast. Book in advance to ensure availability. Tight lines!
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Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.

WAHOO SZN 2K25!

Nov 18, 2025 • East End
Wahoo are starting to show up and we are here for it! Not only one of the fastest fish in the ocean but one of the best eating. We are also finding mahi mahi & blackfin tuna inshore & offshore. Book in advance to ensure availability. Lets go!
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Adult angler proudly holding a large mahi-mahi aboard an offshore fishing boat.

August 2025 Report - Marlin, Mahi & Tuna

Aug 28, 2025 • East End
Both Nonsense and Riptide finding mahi & tuna with a few marlin mixed in. Can’t catch them on the couch, let’s make some memories! Book today!!!
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Two anglers display a large tuna on a fishing boat, with a long row of additional tuna arranged on deck at the marina.

MAHI & TUNA TIME!

Jun 17, 2025 • East End
Both Riptide & Nonsense are finding an abunance of mahi mahi and tuna offshore right now. Seas have been rough, but the fish have been chewing! Book in advance to ensure availabilty.
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Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Blackfin Tuna while enjoying a deep-sea fishing trip.

MAHI SZN!!!

May 19, 2025 • East End
Both Riptide & Nonsense are finding mahi, tuna and a few marlin starting to show up. June & July are starting to book up, book your trip in advance!
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Angler proudly displaying a large Tuna while aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a vibrant ocean backdrop.

SPRING BREAK IS HOT!!! ?

Mar 18, 2025 • East End
Both Riptide & Nonsense continue to find fish! We have been catching sailfish, tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, king mackeral, cero mackeral & bonita. The bite is heating up and this is yoir reminder to book in advance to ensure availability.
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