Ever wondered what a private yacht charter vacation might look like? You’ve come to the right place! As the US Virgin Islands fully reopen in Spring 2021, we expect bookings in this gorgeous corner of the Caribbean to take off.
Our USVI Sample Itinerary
Though the US Virgin Islands are made up of many smaller islands, the largest and most popular islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and the always exclusive St. John. If you decide to sail the USVI you will likely begin from St. Thomas, with direct flights from the USA. From there, your path is your own, and you can enjoy the freedom and the finer things offered in Caribbean life. From peaceful, solitary anchorages to exciting, vibrant ports of call, there’s no shortage of variety present in the USVI. You can experience everything from restaurants, spas, and shops to local island culture, history, and island flora and fauna, all while being able to retreat back to your private floating resort. With as many possibilities as the US Virgin Islands offers, visualizing your vacation can almost seem overwhelming, so our Expert Brokers pieced together a sample itinerary to give you a clear picture of some of the excitement a yacht charter promises.
Day 1. You arrive at St. Thomas to meet your yacht and crew at Crown Bay Marina or Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie, or possibly at Red Hook depending on your agreed rendezvous location. You may even enjoy an alfresco lunch at one of the marina’s fine eateries overlooking clear water and charming busyness of the docks. From there, all that’s left is to set sail! After a short, pleasant leg between the islands , you drop anchor in Honeymoon Bay on Water Island to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening swimming, relaxing, or launching the tender to explore the island.
Day 2. You wake up at your Honeymoon Bay anchorage feeling refreshed and ready for your first full day afloat. Your crew prepares a fulfilling breakfast and prepares for the jaunt around to Magen’s Bay Beach on the north shore of St Thomas. Once you arrive in this large, natural U-shaped harbor, you might choose to enjoy some fast-paced watersports, like water skiing or wakeboarding, or enjoying the white sandy beach in the warm sunshine. If you’re feeling exploratory, you may even want to take a short hike inland on the western end to see this island’s gorgeous plant life. You can stay all day, as you’ll never want to leave!
Day 3. Time to set a course for one of the most gorgeous islands in the Caribbean, St. John. You head into either Cruz Bay or Caneel Bay, where you can decide what the day holds for you. Because of how much of this island is National Park land, St. John is nothing less than a natural paradise, offering countless opportunities for stunning hikes. If undersea adventure is more your speed, you can explore the snorkeling trail in nearby Trunk Bay. If you’re feeling inclined to take in local culture, Cruz Bay is a well-known Caribbean arts district, with numerous boutique galleries and countless unique pieces. For luxurious shopping and dining experiences, Mongoose Junction, a popular area in Cruz Bay, is your one-stop-shop for the best of the USVI.
Day 4. Can’t get enough of St. John? You can absolutely stay on the island and try out more of its offerings for an extra day (a lot of visitors do!). We can even help you sort out a rental car to travel around the island. However, if you’re ready to move and explore other areas of the USVI, you set sail for either Flanagan Island or Coral Bay on the other side of St. John. Flanagan Island is known for incredible snorkeling, with a plethora of diverse marine life, while Coral Bay has a well-earned reputation as one of St. John’s quirkier corners, having been an enclave for pirates and hippies alike.
Day 5. As your time in St. John draws to a close, you might never want to leave, but rest assured, your next location is every bit as spectacular: St. Croix. This next leg of your journey is a blue water adventure that will likely dominate much of the day, giving you a time of much-needed rest in the absolute luxury of your charter yacht after a couple of days exploring St. John. So enjoy your relaxing afternoon at sea, perhaps while sipping a handcrafted cocktail out in the warmth. As the sun begins to set, giving the water a yellow-orange tint, you arrive at Christiansted in St. Croix. You have plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll along the popular boardwalk, even enjoy some casual window-shopping on the water’s edge. If you feel like taking a break from onboard dining, there are many outstanding restaurants and even opportunities to experience St. Croix’s vibrant live music scene. For all you history buffs, St. Croix has a museum near an old fort that details the history of the island.
Day 6. As the sun rises, you again decide how you spend your day. Buck Island National Park, one of the USVI’s great wonders, is only a short sail away. This protected island offers astounding coral reefs and underwater gardens, providing an unforgettable snorkeling experience in which you see an abundance of undersea life. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to see what St. Croix has to offer, Teague Bay is a great stop. Offering the bustling St. Croix Yacht Club, a manicured golf course, and plenty of other opportunities for excitement, Teague Bay has proven to be a popular spot with visitors.
Day 7. After a relaxing morning over breakfast on the deck of your catamaran or perhaps a stroll along a pristine beach, enjoy the relaxed sail back to St. Thomas. As you return to where your journey began, you can lounge on deck in the sunshine, enjoying a cool drink and a comfortable seat. You near St. Thomas as happy hour begins onboard, the sun retreating over the horizon in a splash of color as you enjoy the company of your friends and family on your last night at sea. From your final anchorage, you watch as the island lights up with sparkling evening splendor, providing the perfect backdrop to enjoy an exquisite dinner from your onboard chef.
Day 8. You wake up with a whole new set of memories and experiences that you share with those closest to you. Your crew provides you with a hearty breakfast to prepare you for whatever travel lies ahead, then bids you farewell.
Catamaran Charters, Virgin ISlands and Elsewhere
If any of the adventure above sounded like something you might enjoy, please feel free to reach out to us today! Our team of Expert Charter Brokers is ready and waiting to help you find a yacht and crew to match your vacation ideals. There are of course, alternate itineraries and more anchorages. Your Captain will discuss your itinerary options with you in the planning stages and daily after you arrive, depending on the weather. The USVI is starting to book for Spring 2021 already, so we’re ready to help you start planning today!