USVI Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in the US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands sit at the northern edge of the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, roughly 1,100 miles south-east of Miami and just 40 nautical miles east of Puerto Rico. Three main islands – St Thomas, St John and St Croix – plus a scattering of smaller cays deliver a charter destination that combines the convenience of US territory (no passport required for American citizens, US dollar, US customs) with water so clear it regularly offers 30 metres of visibility, coral reefs teeming with hawksbill turtles and spotted eagle rays, and a cruising ground compact enough that your captain can show you a different island every day. For luxury charter guests, the USVI offer something the British Virgin Islands next door do not: world-class superyacht marinas in Charlotte Amalie, direct flights from most major US cities, and a cultural depth – 300 years of Danish colonial architecture, rum distilleries dating to the 1760s, and a food scene that fuses West Indian, European and American influences – that rewards time ashore as richly as the turquoise water rewards time in it.

What makes the USVI particularly compelling is the variety packed into short passages. St Thomas to St John is barely 3 nautical miles across Pillsbury Sound – a 15-minute cruise that deposits you in the Virgin Islands National Park, where two thirds of the island is protected wilderness and the beaches are consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s finest. St Thomas to St Croix is roughly 35 nautical miles to the south – under two hours on a motor yacht at 20 knots – and delivers a completely different character: a larger, quieter island with Danish plantation ruins, one of only seven full-time bioluminescent bays in the world, and Buck Island Reef National Monument, a federally protected underwater park with a marked snorkelling trail through elkhorn coral. A single charter week can stitch together Magens Bay’s heart-shaped mile of white sand, a sunset cocktail in Charlotte Amalie’s historic harbour, a morning snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay, and a night kayak through glowing water at Salt River – all without a single passage longer than two hours.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend from St Thomas, a week-long exploration of all three islands, or a grand Virgin Islands circuit that crosses into the BVI, this guide covers every destination in detail – seasons, distances, signature experiences, and the yachts best suited to each cruising ground. Start planning your USVI charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the perfect yacht and itinerary.

Why Charter a Yacht in the USVI

Effortless Access and US Convenience

St Thomas’s Cyril E. King International Airport receives direct flights from Miami (2.5 hours), New York (3.5 hours), Atlanta (3.5 hours), Charlotte, Philadelphia, Dallas and a dozen other US gateways – no passport, no currency exchange, no customs headaches for US citizens. Step off the plane and you can be aboard your yacht at Yacht Haven Grande within 20 minutes. For international guests, US visa requirements apply but the entry process is identical to any US port. The islands run on Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of Eastern during winter, the same during summer daylight saving), and mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are comparable to the US mainland. It is, quite simply, the easiest luxury charter destination in the Caribbean to reach.

World-Class Snorkelling and Marine Life

The USVI sit within one of the Caribbean’s richest marine ecosystems. St John’s coral reefs support over 40 species of coral and more than 400 species of reef fish. Green sea turtles graze the seagrass beds at Maho Bay so reliably that your crew can virtually guarantee a turtle encounter. Trunk Bay’s underwater snorkel trail – the first of its kind in the world, a 225-metre marked path with informational plaques identifying brain coral, sea fans, and parrotfish – is a bucket-list experience for first-time snorkellers and seasoned divers alike. Buck Island off St Croix harbours over 250 fish species within its federally protected barrier reef, and the wall dives at Cane Bay (where the Caribbean’s continental shelf drops from 12 metres to over 1,000 metres within a few fin kicks) draw divers from around the world.

Compact Island-Hopping with Genuine Variety

Few Caribbean destinations pack so many distinct personalities into such short passages. St Thomas is the cosmopolitan gateway: duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie, superyacht marinas, fine dining in restored colonial great houses, and the iconic sweep of Magens Bay. St John is the nature island: two thirds national park, empty beaches accessible only by boat or trail, and a slow, barefoot pace that feels a world away from St Thomas despite being just 15 minutes across the sound. St Croix, 35 miles to the south, is the cultural island: Danish plantation architecture, the Cruzan Rum Distillery (founded 1760, eight generations of the Nelthropp family), bioluminescent bays, and a food scene rooted in Crucian traditions that go back centuries. Your crew can blend all three into a single charter week, serving each island as a distinct chapter.

Protected Waters and Year-Round Warmth

Air temperatures in the USVI hold remarkably steady: 25–28°C (77–82°F) year-round, with sea temperatures between 26°C and 29°C (79–84°F). The prevailing north-east trade winds of 10–20 knots keep conditions comfortable and the seas manageable, and the islands themselves create natural wind shadows that your captain uses to find calm anchorages on any given day. Pillsbury Sound between St Thomas and St John is particularly well sheltered, making it one of the most beginner-friendly cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Rain showers are typically brief and followed by sunshine, and the dry season (December–April) delivers near-perfect conditions day after day.

History, Culture and Cuisine

The USVI’s history is layered and fascinating. Denmark purchased St Thomas, St John and St Croix from France in the 17th and 18th centuries and governed them until the United States bought the islands in 1917 for $25 million in gold. That Danish heritage is still visible in the red-roofed warehouses of Charlotte Amalie, the yellow Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted (built 1749, one of the best-preserved Danish colonial forts in the Caribbean), and the street names of both harbour towns. Crucian cuisine – kallaloo soup, salt fish and dumplings, johnnycakes, pates (deep-fried pastry pockets stuffed with spiced beef, conch or lobster) – is soul food with a Caribbean accent, and the rum tradition runs deep: Cruzan Rum has been distilling on St Croix since 1760. For charter guests, the cultural depth lifts a beach holiday into something more memorable.

Top Destinations in the USVI

• St Thomas – The main gateway island, home to Charlotte Amalie (the territorial capital and one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports), Yacht Haven Grande (superyacht marina accommodating vessels up to 200 metres), the legendary Magens Bay beach, duty-free shopping, and direct flights from a dozen US cities. St Thomas is where most charters begin and end, and its combination of marina infrastructure, dining and nightlife makes it the natural base for any USVI itinerary.
• St John – Just 3 nautical miles from St Thomas across Pillsbury Sound, St John is two thirds Virgin Islands National Park – 7,259 acres of protected tropical forest, white-sand beaches and coral reef donated by Laurance Rockefeller in 1956. Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, Caneel Bay, Francis Bay and Leinster Bay are among the Caribbean’s finest anchorages. Cruz Bay, the tiny main town, has a relaxed dining and bar scene. The island has no airport and limited development, giving it a tranquil, unspoilt character.
• St Croix – The largest of the three islands (roughly 84 square miles), located 35 nautical miles south of St Thomas. St Croix offers a different pace and personality: the Danish colonial harbour town of Christiansted, the Cruzan Rum Distillery (founded 1760), Buck Island Reef National Monument (federally protected barrier reef with a marked underwater snorkel trail), Salt River Bay (Columbus’s 1493 landing site and one of only seven full-time bioluminescent bays in the world), and the dramatic wall dive at Cane Bay. Ideal for guests who want history, nature and fewer crowds.
• Water Island – The smallest and least visited of the USVI’s four main islands, just a 10-minute ferry from Charlotte Amalie. Honeymoon Beach – a crescent of white sand with a single beach bar (Dinghy’s) – is a favourite tender stop for charter yachts. During the Second World War, the US military used Water Island as a chemical-weapons testing ground; today it is a quiet residential community with no cars and a population of around 180.
• Hassel Island – A 135-acre island in Charlotte Amalie harbour, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Hiking trails lead to a ruined British-era garrison and the Creque Marine Railway (a Victorian-era dry dock built in the 1840s). Accessible only by boat – a short tender ride from your yacht in the harbour.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the USVI

Peak Season: December to April

The dry season delivers the USVI’s most consistent weather: daytime temperatures of 25–29°C (77–84°F), low humidity, minimal rainfall, and steady trade winds of 12–20 knots that keep the air fresh and the seas lively without being rough. Sea temperatures hover around 26–27°C (79–81°F). This is high season for Caribbean charters – the marinas are busy, the anchorages have more company, and charter rates are at their highest. The best yachts book 6–12 months in advance. Christmas, New Year and Presidents’ Day weeks command premium pricing. If peak season is your window, book early and lean on your Boatcrowd charter specialist to secure the best berths and itinerary timing.

Shoulder Season: May, June, and November

For many repeat charter guests, the shoulder months are the real sweet spot. May and June bring slightly warmer temperatures (28–31°C / 82–88°F) and calmer seas as the trade winds ease to 8–15 knots – ideal for snorkelling, diving and watersports. Rain showers are more frequent but typically brief (20–30 minutes in the late afternoon) and followed by sunshine. November offers similar conditions after the peak of hurricane season has passed. Charter rates in the shoulder months are typically 15–25% softer than peak, and the anchorages are noticeably quieter. The water is at its warmest (28–29°C / 82–84°F) and the visibility is superb.

Summer and Hurricane Season: July to October

July through October is technically hurricane season, with September and October carrying the highest statistical risk. Many charter yachts reposition out of the USVI during these months. However, the vast majority of summer days are sunny, warm and perfectly pleasant – temperatures run 28–32°C (82–90°F), the sea is bathtub-warm, and the islands are at their quietest. Guests who are flexible on dates and comfortable monitoring weather forecasts can find excellent value: rates are 25–40% below peak, the anchorages are empty, and the diving conditions are often the best of the year. Your Boatcrowd specialist will advise on weather windows and cancellation flexibility.

Signature Experiences

• Snorkel Trunk Bay’s Underwater Trail – Swim the world’s first underwater snorkel trail, a 225-metre marked path through coral gardens in St John’s Virgin Islands National Park. Informational plaques identify brain coral, sea fans, elkhorn coral and the colourful fish that patrol them. The beach itself – a wide crescent of white sand backed by sea-grape trees – is consistently ranked among the top ten in the world.
• Swim with Sea Turtles at Maho Bay – Wade into the calm, shallow waters of Maho Bay on St John and you are almost guaranteed to see green sea turtles grazing on the seagrass beds just metres from the shore. The turtles here are habituated to snorkellers and remarkably calm. Your crew anchors in the bay and provides reef-safe sunscreen and snorkelling gear.
• Bioluminescent Kayak at Salt River, St Croix – After dark, paddle through one of only seven full-time bioluminescent bays in the world. Every stroke of the paddle ignites billions of dinoflagellate microorganisms in an electric blue glow beneath your kayak. Best on moonless nights when the darkness is complete. Your crew can arrange transparent-bottom kayaks through local outfitters for the most vivid experience.
• Sunset at Magens Bay, St Thomas – A heart-shaped mile of white sand consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches. Arrive by yacht from the south shore and anchor in the calm, sheltered bay as the afternoon light turns the surrounding green hills to gold. Your chef serves chilled rum punch and fresh ceviche on the aft deck as the sun drops behind the western headland.
• Buck Island Reef National Monument – Cruise 1.5 nautical miles north-east of St Croix to this federally protected underwater park. Follow the marked snorkelling trail through elkhorn coral gardens where over 250 species of tropical fish – blue tangs, parrotfish, trumpetfish, angelfish – patrol the reef. Hawksbill and green sea turtles are common. The uninhabited island itself has a pristine white-sand beach and hiking trail to a panoramic viewpoint.
• Charlotte Amalie Heritage Walk – Stroll the cobblestoned alleyways and Danish colonial warehouses of the territorial capital, passing Fort Christian (built 1672–1680, the oldest standing structure in the USVI), the historic synagogue (Beracha Veshalom Vegimulth Chasidim, established 1796, the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere), and the red-roofed Government House (1867). Finish with duty-free shopping along Main Street and Dronningens Gade.
• Cane Bay Wall Dive, St Croix – One of the Caribbean’s legendary dives. The reef starts in just 6 metres of water and within a few fin kicks drops vertically to over 1,000 metres at the edge of the Puerto Rico Trench. Barrel sponges, black coral, eagle rays and the occasional reef shark patrol the wall. Accessible directly from the beach – or, better yet, from the swim platform of your yacht anchored offshore.
• Private Beach Dinner on Honeymoon Beach, Water Island – Your chef and stewardess set up a candlelit table on the sand at this quiet crescent beach, just a 10-minute tender ride from Charlotte Amalie. Grilled Caribbean lobster, local root-vegetable sides, and Cruzan rum cocktails under a sky thick with stars. No roads, no crowds – just the Caribbean lapping at your feet.

Yacht Types Available

Motor Yachts (55’–99’)

The most popular choice for USVI charters. These crewed vessels typically accommodate 6–10 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 3–5 (captain, chef, steward/ess and deckhand). Cruising speeds of 18–28 knots make island-hopping swift – St Thomas to St John in 15 minutes, St Thomas to St Croix in under two hours. Modern flybridge motor yachts carry a full complement of water toys (jet ski, seabobs, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, kayaks) and offer the flexibility to cover all three islands in a single week. Weekly rates typically start from around $35,000–$65,000 depending on season, yacht and inclusions.

Superyachts (100’+)

For larger groups or those seeking the ultimate in space, privacy and spectacle. Accommodation for 8–12 guests in lavish staterooms, crews of 6–9+, expansive deck areas (often with jacuzzis, outdoor cinemas and sun lounges), and a full arsenal of water toys from jet skis to diving compressors. Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie is one of the Caribbean’s premier superyacht marinas, accommodating vessels up to 200 metres with 24-hour gated security, in-slip fuelling and on-site customs. Weekly rates for 100’–130’ superyachts start from roughly $90,000–$175,000; the largest mega yachts command $250,000+ per week. Crew gratuity is customarily 15–20% of the charter fee in the Caribbean.

Luxury Catamarans (55’+)

Premium power catamarans from builders like Sunreef, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot (55’–80’) offer exceptional stability, generous deck space and a shallow draft ideal for nosing into the USVI’s tightest coves and sandy shallows. Catamarans in this range typically sleep 6–10 guests in spacious cabins and carry a crew of 3–4. Their twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling, making them the most comfortable option for guests prone to seasickness and for families with young children. Weekly rates typically fall between $35,000 and $55,000 depending on season and model, with larger or newer vessels reaching $80,000+.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in the USVI cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht size, type, season and inclusions. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts in the 55’–99’ range start from around $35,000–$65,000 per week during peak season (December–April). Superyachts (100’–130’) typically start from $90,000–$175,000 per week, with the largest mega yachts reaching $250,000–$500,000+. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $35,000–$55,000 per week. Most USVI charters operate on an all-inclusive or plus-expenses basis (covering fuel, food, beverages, dockage and park permits). Crew gratuity in the Caribbean is customarily 15–20%. Shoulder-season and summer rates can be 15–40% lower. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size and preferences.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in the USVI?

Absolutely. Boatcrowd’s USVI fleet includes a growing selection of premium power catamarans from builders like Sunreef, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot in the 55’–80’ range. These vessels are ideal for the USVI thanks to their shallow draft (allowing access to tight coves and sandy shallows that deeper-keeled yachts cannot reach), exceptional stability, and generous living space. Most luxury catamarans come fully crewed with a captain, chef and steward/ess. They are particularly popular with families and multi-generational groups who appreciate the extra beam, the absence of rolling, and the ability to anchor close to shore in sheltered bays that feel entirely private.

Can I charter a yacht in the USVI for a film or TV production?

Yes. The USVI have a well-established production history and one of the oldest film commissions in America (founded 1973, a founding member of the Association of Film Commissioners International). Notable productions include The Shawshank Redemption (the final beach scene was filmed at Sandy Point on St Croix), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Trading Places, and the Twilight Saga’s Breaking Dawn (Magens Bay, St Thomas). Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs and talent. The USVI’s advantages for production include no passport requirement for US crews, US banking and currency, year-round tropical light, and diverse locations ranging from pristine beaches to Danish colonial architecture.

Is the USVI a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone birthday?

The US Virgin Islands are among the most romantic charter destinations in the Caribbean, and a crewed yacht takes celebrations to another level entirely. Your crew can orchestrate every detail – from a sunset proposal on a deserted St John beach (complete with champagne, rose petals and a photographer arriving by tender) to a honeymoon itinerary with couples’ massages on deck, private beach dinners on Water Island and turndowns in your master stateroom. Milestone birthdays and anniversaries are equally well catered for: a beach day at Magens Bay for a 40th, a rum-tasting tour on St Croix for a 50th, a private snorkel at Buck Island for a family reunion. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire and we’ll ensure every moment is unforgettable.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are one of the most popular booking types in the USVI. Yachts and catamarans are available in configurations that sleep 8–12+ guests, with flexible cabin layouts to suit grandparents, parents and children. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages: children get age-appropriate snorkelling instruction, turtle-spotting at Maho Bay and kid-friendly menus, while grandparents appreciate calm anchorages, comfortable sun lounges and attentive service. St John’s sheltered bays and Magens Bay’s gentle, sandy-bottomed shallows are among the safest and most family-friendly cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Catamarans are especially popular for families – the stability, wide beam and easy swim-platform access make life aboard relaxed for every generation.

Can I combine the USVI with the British Virgin Islands on one charter?

Yes, and it’s one of the great advantages of chartering here. St John’s eastern tip is just 2 nautical miles from the BVI’s Jost Van Dyke and Tortola. A typical combined itinerary spends 3–4 days in the USVI (St Thomas, St John) before crossing into the BVI for 3–4 days of island-hopping through Tortola, Virgin Gorda, The Baths and the Sir Francis Drake Channel, or vice versa. Your captain handles the customs clearance at both ends. The crossing is short, sheltered and comfortable. A combined USVI–BVI charter is arguably the finest week of island-hopping in the Caribbean. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a multi-island route that maximises variety without wasting time on long passages.

Do I need a passport to charter in the USVI?

US citizens do not need a passport to travel to the USVI – a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s licence) is sufficient for direct flights from the US mainland. However, if your itinerary includes a crossing to the British Virgin Islands, you will need a valid passport for the BVI customs clearance. Non-US citizens require a valid passport and, depending on nationality, a US visa or ESTA. Your Boatcrowd team will advise on documentation requirements when you book.