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Exploring the US Virgin Islands
If you want to charter a yacht in the Caribbean, taking a trip to the US Virgin Islands is a must. If great weather, beautiful scenery and exciting activities sound good to you, these islands have it all to offer.
The calm, protected waters here and short distances between the main islands also make this a simple, relaxing yacht charter destination. You can easily hop between islands, enjoying sheltered beaches, snorkelling in colourful coral reefs or exploring the enchanting parklands.
The natural beauty here is abundant, and you can enjoy swimming, diving or hiking. The water teems with wildlife like tropical fish and turtles, while the islands offer a National Park on St. John for long walks. There are also lively resorts, bars and beach clubs to enjoy in St. Thomas, or historic sights and cultural experiences to be had on St. Croix.
A yacht charter to the US Virgin Islands is perfect for first-time or seasoned yacht charter groups seeking adventure, luxury, and Caribbean hospitality.
Places to visit
St Thomas
Often, the ideal starting point for a yacht charter, St. Thomas is a lively island known for its blend of cosmopolitan flair and Caribbean charm. With some fantastic marinas, like Yacht Haven Grande and Crown Bay, you can enjoy boutique shopping, fine dining and spas.
Head to the capital, Charlotte Amalie, for its historical architecture and landmarks, such as Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle. Enjoy local produce, street food, and crafts at the Market Square, or enjoy the lively atmosphere and nightlife on offer at the local pubs and restaurants.
St. Thomas also offers beautiful scenery, with volcanic hills and deep blue waters. You can’t miss Magens Bay, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stop here for swimming, sun lounging or relaxing under palm trees.
Spots like Secret Harbour also offer calm, clear water and marine life that make for unforgettable snorkelling opportunities. Alternatively, take the Skyride to Paradise Point (cable car) to see panoramic vistas and enjoy signature cocktails at a mountaintop bar.
If you enjoy historical architecture and connecting with the heritage of an area, you could extend your trip to yacht charter the Windward Islands. With their fascinating past, there are centuries of stories, structures and museums to explore.
St. John
For an escape into nature, St. John offers breathtaking scenery. Over two-thirds of the island is protected as the Virgin Islands National Park, with untouched hillsides, abundant wildlife and enticing waters.
Pristine anchorages like Maho Bay, Francis Bay, and Waterlemon Cay, offer serene surroundings and peaceful stopovers. Whilst Trunk Bay is home to one of the Caribbean’s most famous snorkel trails, where coral gardens and tropical fish thrive in crystal-clear waters.
You can also enjoy hiking along the Ram Head Trail, along cactus-lined ridges to sweeping coastal overlooks, or wander through the Annaberg Plantation ruins for a glimpse into the island’s history.
St. Croix
Visit the largest of the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix, for a unique blend of Danish history and natural beauty spots. Its two main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, offer a glimpse into the past and present day history of the island.
Both towns reflect their Danish colonial heritage, with pastel-coloured buildings, red tile roofs, and cobblestone streets. Christiansted has an impressive waterfront fort (Fort Christiansvaern), part of the Christiansted National Historic Site which includes 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Visit here for its boutique hotels, marinas, and a lively waterfront atmosphere. You can enjoy quiet, sandy beaches in areas like Protestant Cay, or explore popular snorkelling and scuba diving spots.
Frederiksted is a smaller town, with Fort Frederik at its center, which protected the island from pirates. The town is also known as “Freedom City”, as it was the site where slavery in the Danish West Indies was abolished on July 3, 1848.
The blend of history and culture across St. Croix offers visitors a well-rounded experience. The diving and snorkelling here is world-class, Buck Island Reef National Monument is one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated underwater parks, with coral formations, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
Puerto Rico
If you’d like to extend your yacht charter, Puerto Rico and the nearby Spanish Virgin Islands offer an exciting mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure.
Relax on world-renowned beaches like Flamenco Beach, snorkel around Culebrita Island and Carlos Rosario Beach, or visit glowing bioluminescent bays such as Mosquito Bay.
For more adventure, explore El Yunque National Forest. In this enchanting rainforest you can enjoy waterfalls, hiking trails, tropical birds and mountain views.
Puerto Rico’s Spanish-Caribbean heritage shines in its cuisine, festivals, and historic architecture. In Old San Juan, you can wander cobblestone streets and explore UNESCO-listed forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal.
Nearby Islands
Just beyond the US Virgin Islands, you can find more great locations to include in your yacht charter. For example, Water Island is close to St. Thomas, and offers calm waters, casual beach bars, and a crowd-free shoreline.
Across the channel, you can yacht charter the British Virgin Islands. This is a classic choice for extending your charter, with iconic locations like the Baths at Virgin Gorda, Tortola’s lively harbors, and Jost Van Dyke’s beach party scene.
To plan your ideal itinerary, speak to our dedicated team members today. Just complete our enquiry form, give us a call on +44 (0) 1489 557 755 or email info@princessyachtcharter.com, and we’ll get your plans underway.
Culture, History and Art:
Stroll historic Charlotte Amalie – St. Thomas
Explore cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture, boutique shops, and elegant cafés in the former trading capital of the West Indies.
Visit Fort Christian – St. Thomas
Step inside this 1672 Danish fortress overlooking Charlotte Amalie, built to defend against pirates and European rivals.
Wander Christiansted’s Waterfront – St. Croix
Admire restored Danish colonial buildings, seaside promenades, and historic landmarks rooted in Caribbean–European heritage.
Tour Estate Whim Plantation – St. Croix
Walk through the region’s oldest sugar plantation museum, an important cultural and historical site. Learn about the estate’s crucial role in the island’s history and its connection to the transatlantic slave-trade.
Festivals:
Celebrate at carnival and festivals – St. Thomas
Experience Caribbean parades, music, dance, and pageantry during the island’s iconic cultural celebrations.
Beaches and Coastlines:
If you’re a keen nature explorer, you can extend your yacht charter in the Leeward Islands. You can travel to Saba or St. Eustatius, for more nature trails, volcanic peaks and marine sanctuaries. Speak to our charter team about adding more locations to your charter.
Beaches:
Relax on Magens Bay – St. Thomas
Enjoy a mile-long crescent of soft sand and calm turquoise water surrounded by rolling green hillsides.
Unwind on Shoys Beach – St. Croix
Walk through palms to a tucked-away shoreline ideal for peaceful swimming and a crowd-free beach.
Water activities:
Snorkel Buck Island – St. Croix
Dive into one of the only underwater US national monuments and swim with sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
Sea trek at Coral World and Coki Beach – St. Thomas
Walk the ocean floor with a sea-trek helmet, then relax on Coki Beach with easy snorkelling just steps from shore.
Underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay – St. John
Follow the world’s first marked underwater trail and witness rays, coral gardens, and sea turtles in crystal-clear water.
Explore Virgin Islands National Park – St. John
With two-thirds of the island protected, you can hike through tropical undergrowth and snorkel untouched reefs. Explore lush trails like Reef Bay and Cinnamon Bay, with plantation ruins, jungle scenery, and coastal views.
Kayak and paddleboard (day or night)
Paddle calm bays around St. John and St. Thomas by day, or drift beneath the stars in clear-bottom, light-up kayaks after dark.
Sail to hidden coves and remote reefs
Sail to pristine spots like Maho Bay, Watermelon Cay, or quiet St. Croix coves for private swims and snorkelling.
Snorkel and swim at Secret Harbour – St. Thomas
Escape to a quiet beach where warm, glassy water and vibrant reef life lie just offshore.
Cuisine and Nightlife
Lovango Resort and Beach Club – St. John
Arrive by boat to this chic island escape and spend the day with gourmet dining, inventive cocktails, poolside loungers, and panoramic views made for relaxation.
The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort – St. Croix
Enjoy classic Caribbean luxury with beachfront dining, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, spa experiences, and sweeping ocean views.
Dine along the Christiansted Waterfront – St. Croix
Experience seaside meals at popular spots like the Bombay Club and Nate’s Boathouse, or explore creative dishes and island spirits at the Mutiny Island Vodka Bar.
Taste rum at Cruzan Distillery – St. Croix
Tour one of the Caribbean’s signature rum producers and sample authentic blends shaped by centuries of island tradition.
Plan your trip
Before you travel, it’s good to know some key information to ensure you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. To help you get prepared, we’ve included some essential travel information below for a yacht charter to the US Virgin Islands.
Seasons
The peak season for a yacht charter in the US Virgin Islands is between December and May. During this time it is warm, dry and sunny with gentle trade winds. Average temperatures hit highs of 29 – 31°C, making it ideal conditions for sailing.
To experience fewer crowds, you might consider travelling between April and June or in November. This is a warmer, more humid season with temperatures between 30 and 32°C. It’s not advised to travel between July and October, as this is hurricane season.
The US Virgin Islands offer a great escape for a winter holiday. If you’re looking for more great winter locations, consider a Bahamas yacht charter.
Currency
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD).
Visitors can use US credit cards and ATMs widely. US tipping standards generally apply in restaurants, bars, and service industries.
Languages
English is the official language. Spanish is also widely used, especially in hospitality and among Puerto Rican communities.
Passports
US citizens do not need a passport to visit the US Virgin Islands, as it is a US territory. International visitors must follow standard US entry requirements.
FAQ
What do I need to know before booking a US Virgin Islands yacht charter?
It helps to have a few basics in mind, such as your preferred travel dates and who’ll be joining you. From here, our dedicated charter team will take care of the rest! We can design a bespoke itinerary, match you with the ideal yacht, and organise your crew. We’re also available around the clock for any special requests.
How do I secure my booking for a yacht charter in the US Virgin Islands?
Simply reach out to the Princess Charter team, and we’ll start arranging everything. You can contact us via our enquiry form, call us on +44 (0) 1489 557 755, or email info@princessyachtcharter.com.
How do I find the right yacht for a US Virgin Islands yacht charter?
Once we have your travel preferences, we’ll recommend the most suitable yacht from our luxury fleet. We’ll ensure it suits your group size, trip duration and any additional requirements you may have.