Virgin Islands Yacht Charter Guide

The two island chains of the US Virgin Islands (USVI’s) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI’s) make up one of the most popular Caribbean cruising locations: the Virgin Islands. Separated by the Sir Francis Drake Channel, these islands are an excellent sailing hotspot and grounds for luxury yacht charters to enjoy some of the most developed spots in the Caribbean. So easily accessible and well-connected from the US, the USVI’s are a great starting point for Virgin Island yacht charters, offering world-class marinas, luxury dining, and shopping. 

Thanks to the reliable trade winds, continue onwards to experience an island-hopping itinerary to the BVI’s. From the largest, Tortola, to popular spots like Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, the BVI’s chain offers a unique experience on each island. Whether you are looking for sand-in-the-toes dining, iconic watering holes, plenty of watersport fun, hiking ashore, or secluded anchorages, the Virgin Islands tick the boxes. A luxury yacht charter itinerary in the Virgin Islands can include as many or as few activities as you wish, from exploring the national parks and scuba diving shipwrecks to horse riding along beaches. But by far the best thing to do here is to simply sit back, soak up the Caribbean rays, and appreciate the gin-clear calm waters punctuated with picture-perfect white sands.

Best Time To Visit: A warm year-round Caribbean destination, the Virgin Islands are busiest from December through April, when the weather is ideal. The shoulder months of May and November have fewer crowds, and in quieter months like June and August, there is still little rainfall.

Key Cruising Areas: St Thomas is the main embarkation point for yacht charters in the USVI’s. Cruise here, the other two main islands of St Croix and St John, and the surrounding islets. Onwards to the BVI’s, there are over 50 islands, with the main and largest being Tortola, itineraries can include Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and more.

Don’t Miss: Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the Virgin Islands are incredible. Explore the coral reefs and abundant marine life at famous The Indians - an uninhabited small archipelago of islets in the BVI’s.

Best Spots For Wining And Dining: The Virgin Islands are home to legendary, casual spots on Jost Van Dyke such as the iconic Soggy Dollar Bar, Foxy’s, and Willy T’s. For a more refined Caribbean dining experience, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda.

Best Local Dish: Fresh Caribbean seafood is best throughout the two island chains, including local catches like tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi. Morgan’s Mango on St John serves up a delicious catch of the day. Wash meals down with a Painkiller, first created at Soggy Dollar Bar, a rum-based cocktail from the BVI’s.

Local Culture: If your charter coincides with regatta season in the BVI’s or carnival in the USVI’s, ashore, there are plenty of ways to get involved in local culture and communities through music, dance, and traditional cuisine.

Best Beach: You are truly spoilt for choice for beaches in the Virgin Islands, but Trunk Bay on St John in the USVI’s is a world-famous choice, as is White Bay on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI’s.

IYC Recommends: Wherever you are anchored in the Virgin Islands will be paradise, but in particular, enjoy a day at anchor at Norman Island - the spot that inspired the novel Treasure Island. Play out your own pirate experience, explore the caves, and snorkel from the swim platform.