Yacht charter in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Cruising the U.S. Virgin Islands offers access to protected national park anchorages, coral reefs, and harbour towns. Sheltered channels run between St Thomas and St John, while reaching St Croix requires an open 40-nautical-mile passage across the Caribbean Sea. The cruising ground suits families, snorkelers, and divers seeking varied island stops with straightforward navigation in the north, alongside opportunities for longer open-water sailing to the south on a crewed yacht.
Best time to charter
The peak charter season runs from December to April, marked by consistent easterly trade winds averaging 15 to 20 knots and dry conditions. May provides calmer seas and fewer yachts. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on 1 June and runs through November, bringing higher humidity, lighter winds, and the risk of tropical storms. Peak visitor numbers occur around the Christmas holidays, whilst late spring offers quieter waters.
Anchorages and harbours to know
Maho Bay, St John
A sheltered anchorage within the Virgin Islands National Park known for seagrass beds where green sea turtles and rays frequently feed.
Magens Bay, St Thomas
A deep, well-protected bay on the north coast of St Thomas offering calm waters and a long, sandy shoreline.
Francis Bay, St John
A quiet anchorage with national park moorings, clear waters for swimming, and access to coastal walking trails.
Christmas Cove, Great St James
A popular, sheltered mooring basin situated off the south-eastern tip of St Thomas with snorkelling around the surrounding rocky reef.
Salt River Bay, St Croix
A protected marine reserve on the northern coast of St Croix with an ecological mangrove estuary and historical park sites.
Practical tips
- Getting there: St Thomas (STT). Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook marinas are about 10–30 minutes from the airport.
- Charter tax: USVI charter tax of about 0% is usually added to the charter fee (No charter tax for guests; park fees may apply.).
- Fly into St Thomas (STT); Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook marinas are about 10–30 minutes from the airport.
- Mooring within the Virgin Islands National Park around St John requires using designated park buoys and paying the local overnight fee.
- Crossings to St Croix require open-ocean passage planning across 40 nautical miles of unsheltered water, unlike the protected northern channels.
- Anchor strictly in clear sand patches outside designated mooring fields, and use reef-safe sunscreen in accordance with territorial environmental legislation.