US Virgin Islands Charter Guide

A charter destination like no other, the beautiful US Virgin Islands (USVI's) comprises three main islands to explore — St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, as well as hundreds of hidden coves, tiny islets, and secluded anchorages waiting to be discovered.

Each of the main islands has a distinctive personality. St Thomas is lively and popular with tourists thanks to its generous tax-free shopping, busy port, and buzzing capital city of Charlotte Amalie. The furthest island St Croix is known for its plethora of beaches, history, and snorkeling sites, whereas much of tranquil St John is a dedicated national park and untouched by tourism. All of the islands are renowned for their beautiful beaches, welcoming local culture, and azure blue waters.

A yacht charter through the USVI’s means you can wake up each morning in a different port or anchorage, refreshed and ready to explore this pristine country and all its treasures.

Best Time To Visit: Warm throughout the year, the US Virgin Islands are busiest between December and March. For the best sunshine and little rainfall, April, May, and June are the best time to visit.

Key Cruising Areas: A charter through the region allows you to discover the islands at your own pace, dipping into the party coves and buzzing beach bars one day while relaxing aboard your private oasis the next.

Don’t Miss: The Virgin Islands National Park is located on St John and offers visitors more than 20 trails to hike, as well as sandy beaches and clear water perfect for snorkeling. To swim with angelfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles, visit the Underwater Snorkel Trail at Trunk Bay.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Morgan's Mango on St John is a charming restaurant that embraces the Caribbean heritage of the islands, with cuisine inspired by Creole, Bahamian, and Puerto Rican dishes. For dinner with a view, make the journey up to Prime in Paradise Point, St Thomas to take in the sunset and enjoy the vistas of the bay below.

Best Local Dish: With a focus on locally caught and grown produce, stews and soups are very common in the region, with oxtail, beef, goat, and chicken. Saltfish is another favorite dish. As a result of the island’s sugar plantations, rum is the tipple of choice across the USVI's and Seamoss is a popular drink that is made of seaweed, milk, and spices.

Local Culture: The blend of African, European, and Caribbean cultures creates a unique atmosphere across the USVI’s, with each island offering visitors a slightly different experience. The fusion of different heritages is most evident in the USVI’s diverse selection of music, with a mix of reggae, steel pan, calypso, Latin, blues, jazz, and classical played all over the islands.

Best Beach: Magens Bay has often been voted the most picturesque beach in the Caribbean. As a result of its popularity, there is a small fee to visit but its pristine waters and white sand is worth it (nearby Little Magens is only accessible by boat). Coki Beach is also on St Thomas and is considered to offer visitors the best shore snorkeling on the island. For quieter beaches, set sail on board your private yacht and drop anchor at one of the tiny islets dotted around the larger islands. 

IYC recommends: Ashore, Phantasia Tropical Botanical Garden on St Thomas is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon surrounded by tropical trees and flowers native to the Caribbean. Little Cinnamon Beach on St John is a stunning spot that can only be visited by a small boat, which ensures tranquility away from the crowds.