US Virgin Islands

Charter a Yacht in the US Virgin Islands (USVI)

The US Virgin Islands offer a captivating blend of American convenience and vibrant Caribbean charm. With stunning national parks, duty-free shopping, and a diverse range of anchorages from lively towns to secluded coves, the USVI provides an accessible and varied yacht charter experience. It is highly preferred as a charter starting point due to excellent air connectivity, established charter bases, and easy access to both USVI and nearby BVI waters.

Why go there?

A yacht charter in the USVI offers a fantastic mix of exploration, relaxation, and entertainment. Don't miss anchoring in Trunk Bay, St. John, famous for its underwater snorkeling trail and pristine white sand within the Virgin Islands National Park. Explore the vibrant capital of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, for duty-free shopping, historic sites, and lively nightlife. Discover the remote beauty of Buck Island Reef National Monument near St. Croix for incredible snorkeling around its protected barrier reef. Hike through the lush trails of Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, or enjoy a secluded evening in a quiet cove off St. Croix.

The USVI also hosts engaging annual events:

• St. Thomas International Regatta (March): A major sailing event attracting racers from around the world.
• Carnival Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) (April/May): A spectacular celebration of Caribbean culture with parades, music, and food.
• Christmas in St. Croix (December/January): A festive period featuring parades, music, and cultural events.

How to get there?

Yes, there are international airports in the USVI: Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix. These airports accommodate direct flights from the US mainland and other Caribbean islands.

Main international and local airlines serving these routes include:

• American Airlines (from various US cities) • Delta Air Lines (from Atlanta, New York) • United Airlines (from Newark, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C.)
• JetBlue (from Boston, New York, San Juan)
• Spirit Airlines (from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando)
• Frontier Airlines (from Orlando, Philadelphia)
• Silver Airways (connecting Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands) • Cape Air (connecting San Juan)

Approaching the US Virgin Islands by yacht:

• From St. Martin: Approximately 95 nautical miles (176 km) - Average sailing time: 16-19 hours
• From Antigua: Approximately 175 nautical miles (324 km) - Average sailing time: 29-35 hours
• From St. Kitts: Approximately 125 nautical miles (232 km) - Average sailing time: 21-25 hours

Marina facilities:

The USVI offers a robust selection of marinas, particularly on St. Thomas, catering to yachts of all sizes, including those up to 24 meters and beyond. These serve as major charter bases and offer comprehensive services.

Main Marinas on St. Thomas:

• Yacht Haven Grande (Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas):
  • Services: Premier superyacht marina with fuel, water, shore power, high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, customs & immigration, waste disposal, provisioning services, chandlery, luxury boutiques, restaurants, and a swimming pool.
  • Accommodation: Accommodates vessels of all sizes, including mega-yachts, with over 450 berths.
• American Yacht Harbor (Red Hook, St. Thomas):
  • Services: Full-service marina with fuel, water, shore power, Wi-Fi, laundry, showers, chandlery, dive shop, charter booking offices, and numerous nearby restaurants and shops.
  • Accommodation: Berths for a wide range of vessels, including those up to 24 meters, primarily catering to the charter fleet and local boats.
• Crown Bay Marina (Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas):
  • Services: Fuel, water, shore power, Wi-Fi, customs & immigration, shuttle service, retail shops, and restaurants. Conveniently located near the cruise ship port.
  • Accommodation: Can accommodate vessels up to 24 meters and larger.

On St. Croix, Christiansted Harbor offers mooring and limited dockage, and Green Cay Marina provides additional facilities. St. John has fewer developed marinas but numerous well-protected anchorages and mooring fields.

What food to expect?

USVI cuisine is a delightful fusion of African, Spanish, and American influences, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and tropical flavors. Expect to find staples like "Fish and Fungi" (cornmeal and okra served with stewed fish), Callaloo (a leafy green soup), and Saltfish Pate (fried savory pastries). Freshly caught mahi-mahi, snapper, and wahoo are widely available, often grilled or pan-fried with local spices. Don't miss tasting the sweet and savory plantains, and the local "Johnny Cakes" (fried dough). The islands are also known for their locally distilled rum, which forms the base for popular cocktails like the "Painkiller."

Many restaurants are easily accessible by dinghy or a short walk from anchorages and marinas, particularly in Red Hook, Charlotte Amalie, and Christiansted. The quality ranges from casual, authentic local eateries and lively beach bars to upscale fine dining establishments. Waterfront dining is common, offering fantastic views alongside your meal.

Provisioning advice:

The USVI offers excellent provisioning options, especially on St. Thomas, making it unnecessary to provision extensively elsewhere. You'll find large, well-stocked supermarkets, particularly in the Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie areas.

On St. Thomas, the main supermarkets are:

• Pueblo Supermarkets (various locations including Estate Tutu and near Red Hook): Offer a wide range of groceries, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and international items.
• Cost-U-Less (St. Thomas): A warehouse-style store offering bulk groceries, fresh produce, and household items.
• Plaza Extra (various locations including Estate Tutu and Havensight): Another large supermarket with a good selection of products.

On St. Croix, Plaza Extra and Pueblo Supermarkets are also available. For specialty items, organic produce, or gourmet goods, there are smaller delis and health food stores. Many charter companies can assist with pre-provisioning services, allowing you to order in advance and have groceries delivered directly to your yacht.

Language and currency:

The official language of the US Virgin Islands is English.
The official and widely accepted currency is the US Dollar (USD).

Visa requirements:

As a territory of the United States, entry requirements for the USVI are the same as for entering the United States mainland.

• US Passport Holders: No visa is required. US citizens simply need a valid passport or other WHTI compliant document (e.g., enhanced driver's license).
• Canada Passport Holders: Generally, a visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 6 months under the Visa Waiver Program (requires ESTA approval prior to travel).
• UK Passport Holders: Generally, a visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (requires ESTA approval prior to travel).
• EU Passport Holders: Generally, a visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (requires ESTA approval prior to travel).

It is always recommended for all non-US citizens to check the latest entry requirements with the relevant US embassy or consulate before traveling, as regulations can change. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and you have proof of onward/return tickets.