The US Virgin Islands (USVI) are made up of the three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—which offer short, line-of-sight passages, protected bays, and reliable trade winds. Whether you’re planning a US Virgin Islands yacht charter on a sailing catamaran, a classic monohull, or a power cat, the archipelago makes it easy to balance time under sail with swims, hikes, and shore stops.

Introduction to Yacht Charters

The Virgin Islands, encompassing both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, are widely considered a premier destination for yacht charters in the world. With their crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an endless array of beautiful beaches, these islands offer an unparalleled environment for sailing, cruising, and island exploration. Chartering a yacht in the Virgin Islands opens up a world of hidden gems and secluded beaches, perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re drawn to world-class snorkeling, scuba diving among colorful reefs, or simply soaking up the sun on a pristine stretch of sand, the Virgin Islands provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable sailing experience. From tranquil anchorages to lively island towns, every day brings new opportunities to discover the unique charm and natural beauty of these remarkable islands.

Why choose a USVI yacht charter

Steady trade winds, calm waters, easy navigation

Prevailing easterly trades typically deliver moderate breezes, while the island chain provides lee protection and numerous day-sail options—ideal for first-time skippers and experienced crews who want efficient mileage without long open-water legs. Plan conservative hops, leave room for snorkel stops, and adjust to the day’s forecast.

Protected bays and marine parks

Around St. John, much of the coastline sits within Virgin Islands National Park and the Coral Reef National Monument. Mooring fields are provided in many bays and specific rules protect seagrass and coral; anchoring is restricted or prohibited in several areas, so expect to use park moorings when available and follow posted guidance.

These protected bays and marine parks also offer access to pristine dive sites, making them ideal for diving enthusiasts seeking vibrant marine life and unspoiled coral reefs.

Straightforward arrivals and crew logistics

Most visitors fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, then transfer by road to charter bases in Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook. Fast ferries connect Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John) in about 20 minutes, which is useful for crew changes or split arrivals.

Where to start: charter bases and marinas on St. Thomas

Charlotte Amalie: Yacht Haven Grande

Located in Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Yacht Haven Grande is a full-service marina with slips for large yachts and convenient access to provisioning and waterfront services—handy if you want to start with an easy night in a slip before heading east.

Red Hook: American Yacht Harbor

On the island’s east end, American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook functions as a lively departure point, placing you close to the mooring fields and beaches of St. John after a short hop across Pillsbury Sound. It’s also surrounded by restaurants and shops—useful for last-minute supplies.

Boat types in USVI

Catamaran charter USVI

Catamarans dominate many USVI yacht charters thanks to stable platforms, shallow drafts for mooring fields, and generous deck space—great for families and groups who want spacious decks and easy access to the water. Add-ons like water toys, generators and air-conditioning are common.

Sailing yacht charters USVI

Monohulls offer a traditional sailing feel and, in many cases, a lower charter rate for the same cabin count. They’re responsive under sail and well suited to the USVI’s moderate trades.

Power catamaran charter USVI

If maximizing cove-time is the priority, power cats shorten transits while preserving shallow draft and roomy layouts.

Sailing conditions and seasons

Wind & sea state

Plan for easterly trade winds and generally moderate seas, with winter “north swells” occasionally influencing north-facing anchorages. Within the island lees, expect calm waters in many bays, especially on the south and west sides of St. John and around St. Thomas’s coves.

When to go

• Peak season (Dec–Apr): Fresh trades, lower rainfall, higher mooring demand.

• Shoulder (May–Jun, Nov): Lighter breezes and warmer water.

• Hurricane season (Jun–Nov): Build flexibility into plans and monitor forecasts.

USVI moorings, anchoring & local rules

• In Virgin Islands National Park (St. John), mooring use is the norm. Color-coded balls indicate permitted vessel size and purpose (e.g., white/blue-striped for boats ≤60 ft; specific colors for diving or larger vessels). Follow park signage; anchoring in seagrass or coral areas is not allowed.

• Outside NPS waters, USVI authorities regulate anchoring and mooring permits; if you’re chartering, your base will brief you and handle vessel paperwork, but skippers should still understand where anchoring is allowed.

Sample one-week USVI itinerary (USVI-only loop)

Day 1 – St. Thomas (Yacht Haven Grande or Red Hook) → Honeymoon/Salomon Bay, St. John
Arrive at the marina and board your yacht, where the crew will provide a safety briefing and help you settle in. Enjoy a short shakedown sail and your first swim. Pick up a mooring and walk the beach trail to Cruz Bay in the late afternoon, relaxing on the soft sandy beaches or visiting a local beach bar for sunset drinks.

Day 2 – North Shore, St. John (Trunk/Francis/Maho)
Easy line-of-sight hops between protected bays. After you have snorkeled the seagrass beds for turtles in the clear turquoise waters, unwind with a quiet evening on a mooring. Optional: arrange a scuba dive at a nearby reef for more underwater adventure.

Day 3 – South Shore, St. John (Reef Bay / Lameshur)
More remote feel, good hiking options ashore. Respect park zones and mooring guidance. Enjoy the amazing natural beauty and perhaps stop at a beach bar for a fun evening.

Day 4 – Sail to St. Croix (weather-dependent) or circle St. John
If conditions and range allow, make a longer reach to St. Croix for a night in Christiansted or Frederiksted; otherwise, continue exploring bays around St. John. Island hopping to new destinations adds excitement and variety to your itinerary.

Day 5 – Magens Bay, St. Thomas (settled weather)
A scenic north-side stop; arrive early for day-use moorings and beach time on the beautiful sandy beaches. After a morning swim, you may have snorkeled or simply relaxed on the shore. For those seeking more fun, visit one of the local beach bars for refreshments.

Day 6 – Brewers Bay or Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas
Short sail, swim and relax; stage for an easy return. Enjoy more fun activities on board or ashore, and take in the amazing sunset views.

Day 7 – Return to base for fueling and checkout
Plan your last morning for a leisurely sail back to Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie.

Optional BVI Extension:
For those extending into the British Virgin Islands, visit iconic destinations like Virgin Gorda and Norman Island. Don’t miss the famous Soggy Dollar beach bar on Jost Van Dyke for a true taste of local culture.

Considering a cross-border hop to the BVI?

Many crews pair a USVI yacht charter with a day or two in the BVI (e.g., Jost Van Dyke). Many guests enjoy island hopping between the USVI and BVI, with highlights such as Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, and iconic beach bars like the Soggy Dollar, making beach bars a key part of the vibrant local culture and evening activities. If you intend to cross, you must clear customs and immigration on entry and re-clear into the US when you return. The US accepts CBP ROAM for many arrivals, while BVI clearance is done in person at designated ports (e.g., Soper’s Hole or Great Harbour). Your charter base will brief you on current procedures and whether cross-border travel is permitted on your booking.

Things to do on a USVI sailing vacation

Snorkeling & scuba diving

Expect vibrant coral reefs and clear water around St. John’s north and south shores. Guests can snorkel and scuba dive at some of the best dive sites in the region, enjoying exclusive access to pristine locations teeming with marine life. In park waters, observe mooring and no-anchor rules and use designated day-use dive moorings where provided. If you plan dedicated diving days, coordinate with local operators who offer rendezvous dives at permitted sites.

Beaches, hikes and shore time

The USVI mix secluded beaches with accessible services, and are renowned for their abundance of sandy beaches perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, or exploring. During shore excursions, you can also experience lively beach bars, where visitors gather for drinks and entertainment by the water. On St. John, visit the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay for current trail and mooring info; on St. Thomas, pair your sail with a provisioning run or dinner along the waterfront before or after your loop.

Easy crew logistics between islands

If your group splits arrivals, the Red Hook ↔ Cruz Bay ferry runs frequently and takes ~20 minutes, making it simple for friends to join mid-week or meet you ashore.

Example day-sail highlights (USVI focus)

• St. John North Shore (Maho, Francis, Cinnamon): classic moorings, calm water, frequent turtle sightings, and plenty of fun activities on the sandy beaches and in the turquoise waters.

• St. John South Shore (Lameshur/Great Lameshur): quieter bays and hiking trailheads; enjoy relaxing on secluded sandy beaches and swimming in turquoise waters—check park advisories.

• St. Thomas (Coki, Brewers, Lindbergh): accessible beaches near services and airport transfers, with lively beach bars, fun snorkeling, and stretches of sandy beaches along the turquoise waters.

• St. Croix (optional long leg): historic towns and snorkeling in vibrant turquoise waters; unwind on sandy beaches and enjoy fun local excursions. Attempt only with a cooperative forecast and experienced crew.

Yacht Charter Companies in the USVI

The US Virgin Islands are home to a variety of reputable yacht charter companies, each dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience on the water. Whether you’re seeking adventure, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to create memories with family and friends, these companies offer a range of options to suit every preference. From crewed yacht charters with professional crews and gourmet cuisine to bareboat charters USVI for experienced sailors, and spacious sailing catamarans perfect for groups, there’s something for everyone. Popular names like Charter Smarter, Blue Dream Yacht Charters, and The Moorings are known for their local knowledge, exceptional service, and extensive fleets. Their expertise ensures that every detail of your sailing vacation is taken care of, allowing you to focus on exploring the islands, enjoying the vibrant scenery, and making the most of your time in the Virgin Islands. With their guidance, you can embark on a seamless adventure, discovering the best anchorages, hidden coves, and unforgettable moments that the USVI has to offer.

Book your USVI yacht charter with Boataround

Ready to set sail in the US Virgin Islands? On Boataround’s USVI page you can compare sailing catamarans, monohulls and power cats, filter by cabins, equipment and departure marina (Yacht Haven Grande or Red Hook), and choose crewed charter or bareboat. Our team will help you match the perfect yacht to your crew, outline a practical itinerary, and brief you on local mooring and clearance rules so you can focus on making the most of your sailing vacation.

From luxury mega yachts to fully crewed charters, the Virgin Islands offers a wide range of experiences for every traveler. Virgin Islands yacht charters are especially popular for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and world-class cruising in the Caribbean.

Catamaran rental in U.S. Virgin Islands

Charter a catamaran and explore U.S. Virgin Islands! Prices start from 406 € per day. Experience the authentic charm of U.S. Virgin Islands by renting one of our 66 available catamarans. Multihulls in U.S. Virgin Islands offer you ultimate comfort and space and are ideal for a relaxing family vacation. With great stability, catamarans are easy to sail and a pleasure to live a vacation afloat.

It’s ideal for a family with children as it can anchor in a bay just a few meters from the shore at a depth of only 2 meters.

Our fleet of catamarans in U.S. Virgin Islands includes popular brands such as Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon and Bali.

Catamarans in U.S. Virgin Islands range from 36.1 to 78.7 feet (11 to 24 m) in length. Whether you’re an experienced sailor seeking a bareboat catamaran charter, or a novice desiring a skippered catamaran, we ensure a seamless and memorable sailing experience.

These are some of the best places to charter a catamaran in U.S. Virgin Islands:

• Catamaran rental St Thomas