Quick Answer
A US Virgin Islands yacht charter starts on St Thomas, with direct flights from many US cities. US citizens need no passport while they stay in the territory. St John, two-thirds of which is a national park, offers the best bays and snorkelling, and the British Virgin Islands are only a few miles away.
For guests from the United States, the US Virgin Islands are the easiest way to begin a Caribbean yacht charter. There are direct flights to St Thomas from many US cities, US citizens need no passport while they stay within the territory, and the dollar is the local currency. Yet the islands feel a world away, with quiet bays, coral reefs and a national park covering most of St John. A US Virgin Islands yacht charter combines easy travel with classic Caribbean beauty.
Why Charter a Yacht in the US Virgin Islands?
- Easy to reach: direct flights to St Thomas and a short transfer to the marina.
- No passport for US citizens: as long as the yacht stays in US waters.
- Unspoiled nature: around two-thirds of St John is protected as a national park.
- Close to the BVI: the British Virgin Islands are only a few miles away and easy to add to the week.
The Three Main Islands
St Thomas
The busiest of the three and the main charter base. Its capital Charlotte Amalie has a colourful harbour, historic Danish buildings and duty-free shopping. Just offshore, Christmas Cove is a favourite first-night anchorage with good snorkelling.
St John
The jewel of the US Virgin Islands. Most of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, with forested hills and protected bays. Trunk Bay has a marked underwater snorkel trail, Maho Bay is known for sea turtles, Waterlemon Cay offers excellent snorkelling, and Great Lameshur Bay on the quiet south coast is a beautiful anchorage.
St Croix
The largest island lies about 40 nautical miles south of St Thomas. Its towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted have a rich Danish heritage, and Buck Island Reef National Monument, just offshore, protects one of the finest coral reefs in the Caribbean.
A Sample Week: USVI and BVI
| Day | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Thomas → Christmas Cove | Embarkation, first snorkel |
| 2 | St John – Caneel Bay & Maho Bay | Sea turtles, national park beaches |
| 3 | St John – Waterlemon Cay & Leinster Bay | Snorkelling, hiking |
| 4 | Jost Van Dyke, BVI | White Bay, beach evening |
| 5 | Norman Island, BVI | The Caves, snorkelling |
| 6 | St John – Great Lameshur Bay | Quiet south coast, sunset swim |
| 7 | St Thomas | Charlotte Amalie, farewell dinner |
| 8 | St Thomas | Breakfast and disembarkation |
Read more about the neighbouring islands in our British Virgin Islands yacht charter guide.
Getting There
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St Thomas has direct flights from many US cities. The main marinas are around 15 to 45 minutes away. St Croix has its own airport, Henry E. Rohlsen (STX).
The main season runs from December to April. See our month-by-month guide for details.
Yachts for a Virgin Islands charter
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a passport for a USVI charter?
US citizens do not need a passport as long as the yacht stays in the US Virgin Islands. A passport is needed as soon as you visit the British Virgin Islands or any other country. See our Caribbean entry requirements guide.
Can we visit the BVI from the USVI?
Yes. The BVI are only a few miles away. Your captain clears customs when you cross, and many guests combine both in one week.
Which island is best for snorkelling?
St John, with its national park bays such as Trunk Bay, Maho Bay and Waterlemon Cay, offers the best snorkelling in the USVI, followed by Buck Island off St Croix.
What currency and language are used?
The US dollar and English. Note that cars drive on the left in the US Virgin Islands.
How much does a USVI yacht charter cost?
It depends on the yacht and the week. Crewed catamarans are the most affordable choice, and motor yachts and superyachts are also available. See our price guide.
Explore more in our top 10 Caribbean destinations or browse our Caribbean yacht charter collection and send us your dates.