You can rent a wide range of equipment or sign up for guided eco-tours at Jost Van Dyke Watersports (Great Harbour, 284/495-0271 or 284/496-7603, www.jvdwatersports.com [1]). This outfit is one of the best water sports operations in the British Virgin Islands. It has developed a range of eco-tours that combine water sports, land exploration, and education; it will craft a special day trip to meet your needs if you like. Guides will take you off the beaten track (if such a thing exists on Jost!) and are excellent sources of information about the island. Eco-tours cost $50–80; a daylong kayak rental will run $25.
For divers, Jost Van Dyke Watersports boasts 30 unmarked dive sites around Jost Van Dyke [2] and the Tobagos. They will take experienced divers on real blue-water expeditions. They also have some of the best prices around for sportfishing. Expect to pay about $110 for a two-tank dive or $400 for a full-day boat rental, including captain.
BVI Sea and Land Adventures (White Bay, 284/499-2269 or 284/495-4966, U.S. 340/775-7292, www.bviadventure.com [3], 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily), at the far western end of White Bay [4], rents a wide range of beach toys and water sports equipment, including kayaks, water skis, jet boats, and pedalboats. Rates range from $20 an hour for a kayak or $120 an hour for water skis or a jet boat. These folks also have a trampoline set up over the water; for $5 you can bounce all you want—a surprisingly fun activity, especially for a small group. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
Links:
[1] http://www.jvdwatersports.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/jost-van-dyke
[3] http://www.bviadventure.com
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/jost-van-dyke/sights/south-shore/white-bay