Virgin Islands Yacht Charters
Virgin Islands – A Leading Yacht Charter Destination
Why not make The Virgin Islands your yacht charter destination this time around.
Both the BVI and USVI caters for all. Calm clear blue waters offer excellent conditions for sailing yachts and motor yachts and with the proximity of the islands, there is something for everyone. Perfect for all types of watersports, from the novice snorkeler to the experienced paddleboard enthusiast. Of course, all will enjoy the sun, shopping, nightlife, plus secluded beaches.
The Virgin Islands The Ultimate Caribbean Cruising Ground
The Virgin Islands is one of the best yacht charter destinations all over the world, making the Virgin Island yacht charter a popular choice for people who love sailing to the beautiful spots in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).
Both the USVI and the BVI boast of a lot of places known to have great marine biodiversity for tourists to enjoy and tons of water activities to engage in. Aside from these, the culture and communities in these regions are something to appreciate, which is especially great if you want to explore more about the life of the people there.
The close-knit geography of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) creates the most famous and accessible cruising paradise in the world. Often referred to simply as “The VIs,” this archipelago is defined by calm seas, easy navigation, and an endless array of anchorages.
BVI: Sailing Legends and Social Anchorages
Easy Island Hopping – the proximity of islands like Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke allows for relaxed, short sails between destinations, ensuring maximum time for swimming and exploring.
Discover the massive, granite boulders of The Baths on Virgin Gorda, explore the Bitter End Yacht Club one of the the oldest bars in the BVI, snorkel the legendary wreck of the Rhone, and join the buzz at the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke like Soggy Dollar or Foxy’s.
The BVI is exceptionally well-protected by reefs and smaller islands, offering sheltered, calm overnight anchorages ideal for families and first-time charterers.
USVI: Culture, History, and National Parks
Seamless U.S. Access: St. Thomas (STT) offers a major international airport, making logistics straightforward for U.S. guests who prefer to remain within U.S. waters.
St. John’s Natural Beauty – two-thirds of St. John is a protected National Park, meaning you can anchor in bays like Trunk Bay and Maho Bay (known for sea turtles) and explore pristine beaches with minimal development.
Vibrant Ports – enjoy the bustling shopping and nightlife of St. Thomas before retreating to the quiet, natural beauty of the more remote anchorages.
BVI - British Virgin Islands
USVI - US Virgin Islands
Top destinations to visit in the BVI and USVI
Since the Virgin Islands is comprised of numerous islands and is divided into three territories, it could be confusing to choose where you want to visit on a yacht charter. Of course, you need to know where you want to go when you book your cruise.
To help you up, here are some top destinations you can consider for your Virgin Islands getaway.
Virgin Gorda – Jost Van Dyke – Tortola & The Little Sisters – Anegada
BVI Anchorages: Seclusion and Sailing Perfection
The British Virgin Islands are purpose-built for sailing, featuring hundreds of secure anchorages and well-maintained national park moorings. Your charter primarily consists of accessing these specific bays, making this section vital for client planning.
Virgin Gorda
The Virgin Gorda is probably the most popular destination for yachters in the Virgin Islands. It has a couple of the best treasures of the entire region, which are the Baths and the Devil’s Bay. Needless to say, these places are two of the must-see places during a Virgin Island yacht charter.
The Baths, Virgin Gorda: A Geological Marvel
Type: Day Anchorage / National Park Site.
Vibe: Adventurous, awe-inspiring, and busy during peak hours. A world-famous spot where geology meets a Caribbean beach, some say best enjoyed early in the morning.
Location / Key notes: Located at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda. The Baths boasts of colossal gray boulders that rise from the water, thus creating a fantastic yet natural structure of caves and grottoes. The main attraction is the path through the granite grottoes leading to Devil’s Bay. It can be busy so it is recommended to arrive in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak hours. Strictly a day-use area with dedicated National Parks Trust mooring balls (anchoring not allowed).
North Sound, Virgin Gorda: The Water Sports Playground
Type: Large, Protected Anchorage and Marina Hub.
Vibe: Exclusive, amenity-rich, and active. A massive body of water offering protected mooring with access to luxury resorts, marinas, and various dining and water sports activities.
Location / Key notes: Situated on the northern end of Virgin Gorda. This sound is extremely well-protected from ocean swells and offers numerous mooring fields near Bitter End Yacht Club and Saba Rock. It is an ideal spot for practicing waterskiing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. Perfect for overnight stays, offering convenience and multiple shore excursions, dining options, and access to dive shops.
Jost Van Dyke
The Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the main islands of the BVI but is surely a spot you should visit. It’s a perfect site if you want to enjoy relaxing activities in between getaways.
Here, you can choose to explore forests on a jeep or on a bike. Of course, you can also enjoy water activities, like snorkeling and swimming.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: Home of the Painkiller cocktail
Type: Beach anchorage via moorings.
Vibe: Laid-back, legendary, and sociable. The quintessential Caribbean beach day, known for its soft white sand, calm, shallow turquoise water, and famous, laid-back beach bars.
Location / Key notes: Located on the southern side of Jost Van Dyke. The quintessential BVI beach experience. The bay is generally protected and makes for an excellent lunch stop or a festive afternoon. It is famous as the home of the original “Painkiller” cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar.
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke: The main port and social hub
Type: Protected Overnight Anchorage / Port of Entry.
Vibe: Festive, lively, and authentic.
Location / Key notes: Located on the southern side of JVD. It is an official Port of Entry, so it is a convenient stop for yachts entering or leaving the BVI. Ashore, you will find quaint local shops, bars, and excellent opportunities for socializing with other sailors. It is home to some of the BVI’s most famous beach bars, like Foxy’s, and offers a blend of rustic island charm and high-energy social life, especially on weekends and holidays.
Tortola & The Little Sisters
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola: Postcard Perfect Sunset
Type: Scenic Bay Anchorage.
Vibe: Relaxed, picturesque, and romantic, particularly at sunset.
Location / Key notes: Located on the northwest coast of Tortola. This sweeping, deep bay is framed by rolling green hills and features a long stretch of white sand backed by small hotels and restaurants. The bay can experience a swell in certain conditions (North Swell), so the captain will choose the best spot. Known for its onshore dining like at Myett’s and the Callwood Rum Distillery.
Soper’s Hole (Frenchman’s Cay), Tortola: A Shopping Stop
Type: Full-Service Marina and Harbour.
Vibe: Convenient, colorful, and active.
Location / Key notes: Located on the west end of Tortola. A charming, protected harbour featuring brightly colored West Indian-style buildings housing shops, markets, and restaurants. This location is used by many yachts as a service stop, and also offers protected mooring and shoreside shopping and dining.
The Bight, Norman Island: Pirate History & Nightlife
Type: Large, Protected Overnight Moorning field.
Vibe: Historic, energetic, and activity-focused.
Location / Key notes: Located on the west side of Norman Island. Dining options include The Pirate’s Bight beach restaurant. It is the perfect launch point for exploring the nearby Caves and The Indians (see next spot). Famous as the alleged inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, it’s a popular first or last night stop on many itineraries.
The Indians (near Norman Island): Snorkeling Sensation
Type: National Park Snorkel/Dive Site.
Vibe: Underwater adventure. A set of four distinctive, rocky pinnacles that rise out of the sea floor, resembling a Native American headdress (hence the name).
Location / Key notes: Situated close to Pelican Island and Norman Island. This site is known as one of the best snorkeling and shallow diving spots in the BVI, featuring swim-through areas, teeming schools of fish, and vibrant coral growth. Yachts moors (day time only) via dedicated National Park mooring balls to enjoy the site.
Manchioneel Bay, Cooper Island: Eco-Friendly Retreat
Type: Popular Day/Overnight Anchorage.
Vibe: Chic, relaxed, and eco-conscious.
Location / Key notes: Located on the west coast of the island . Dominated by the Cooper Island Beach Club, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with upscale amenities, and an on-site microbrewery and Rum Bar. It’s a convenient overnight stop with excellent snorkeling just off Cistern Point.
Deadman’s Bay, Little and Great Harbours, Peter Island: Pristine Seclusion
Type: Large, Scenic Bay Anchorage.
Vibe: Luxurious, tranquil, and exclusive.
Location / Key notes: Peter Island is directly south of Tortola. Known for its crescent-shaped beaches and crystal-clear waters, often feeling more secluded than other major stops. The main anchorage is Deadman’s Bay, famous for its beautiful white sand and swimming turtles. Little Harbour and Great Harbour are also available on the north side. Historically a resort island, it remains a pristine and beautiful destination for watersports and relaxing on the beach.
Salt Island: The Wreck of the RMS Rhone
Type: Day-Use Marine Park / Historic Dive Site.
Vibe: Historic, solemn, and focused on underwater exploration. This uninhabited island is dedicated to the preserved wreck of the RMS Rhone, offering one of the Caribbean’s premier dive experiences.
Location / Key notes: Located southeast of Tortola and west of Cooper Island. Ashore, you can see the historic salt ponds that gave the island its name. The wreck of the RMS Rhone (sank in 1867) is the main attraction, with parts visible in shallow water, suitable for both snorkelers and divers.
Anegada
Setting Point, Anegada: The Low-Lying Lobster Capital
Type: Anchorage
Vibe: Remote, unique, and quiet.
Location / Key notes: A flat, coral atoll (unlike the volcanic BVI islands), known for its wide, white-sand beaches, pink flamingoes, and world-famous grilled lobster. Requires a longer, open-water sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel, making it an adventurous leg of the charter. The island is best explored by rental scooter or taxi to reach the stunning North Shore beaches, the Loblolly Bay and famous lobster restaurants.
USVI Anchorages: National Parks and Convenience
The USVI is characterized by deep protection provided by the National Park Service in St. John and the convenience of larger towns and marinas in St. Thomas.
St John
If St. Thomas’ perks are historical sites, St. John offers the best natural tourist sites in the USVI. It features both underwater and land attractions, which will make you appreciate the beauty of the Virgin Islands to the fullest.
It is where you will find the Virgin Island National Park, the Underwater Snorkel Trail, the Trunk Bay Beach, and some other natural sites. This will give you every opportunity to enjoy a fantastic adventure near-natural ecosystems, whether you plan to do some water activities or land exploration.
Cruz Bay, St. John: A Gateway
Type: Protected Harbour / Main Port of Entry.
Vibe: Busy, convenient, and the commercial heart of St. John. While active, it maintains a charming, small-town Caribbean atmosphere, offering a great mix of shops and dining.
Location / Key notes: Located on the west side of St. John. This is the main Customs and Immigration point for the island. Anchorages can be busy, but it offers easy access to the island’s infrastructure, including rental cars for land exploration and the National Park Visitors Center. Known for its waterfront restaurants and boutique shopping.
Lameshur Bays (Great & Little), St. John: The Quiet Side
Type: Secluded, Protected Anchorage.
Vibe: Peaceful, natural, and remote.
Location / Key notes: Located within the Virgin Islands National Park. These bays offer a tranquil escape on the southeastern side of the island, known for excellent snorkeling and hiking trails. A fantastic spot for nature lovers and offers excellent diving and snorkeling on the surrounding reefs. It has limited accessibility by land, which helps maintain its quiet, secluded charm.
Trunk Bay, St. John: The Classic View
Type: Day-Use National Park Beach & Snorkeling Site.
Vibe: Iconic, pristine, and tourist-friendly. Often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, it’s known for its pure white sand and dedicated underwater snorkeling trail.
Location / Key notes: Located on the north shore of St. John. Day use only (no overnight mooring). It has National Park facilities, including lifeguards and a small concession stand. The underwater trail is clearly marked and provides an easy and enjoyable snorkeling experience for all skill levels.
Caneel Bay, St. John: Exclusive Beauty
Type: Scenic Bay Anchorage.
Vibe: Upscale, historically significant, and tranquil.
Location / Key notes: Located on the northwest shore of St. John, just north of Cruz Bay. Previously home to one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive resorts, the bay remains one of the most stunning and serene spots on St. John. The bay is often calm and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling. While the resort is currently undergoing redevelopment, the bay itself is a popular and protected anchorage known for its beautiful crescent beach.
St Thomas
Being one of the main islands of the USVI, the St. Thomas is a site you should include in your Virgin Island yacht charter cruise. Aside from fabulous beaches, fantastic nature life, and breathtaking sceneries, the island has various historical sites too.
Such sites include the Charlotte Amalie, the oldest structure on the island which is the Fort Christian, the Emancipation Garden, the 99 Steps, and the Blackb eard Castle among others. These should give you a long list of things to enjoy upon your visit.
The Charlotte Amalie is the capital city of the USVI and is also the main port area of St. Thomas.
Charlotte Amalie Harbour, St. Thomas: Historic Capital
Type: Main Harbour and Cruise Ship Port.
Vibe: Historic, vibrant, and commercial. The capital of the USVI, it is filled with centuries of history, brightly colored Danish colonial architecture, and duty-free shopping.
Location / Key notes: The main hub on St. Thomas. Known for its extensive marine services and easy access to the St. Thomas International Airport (STT). While often crowded with cruise ships, it is the center for shopping and service stop. The historic city center is a popular destination for its unique alleyways and famous “99 Steps.”
Christmas Cove, St. Thomas / Great St. James: A Pizza Stop
Type: Protected Day/Overnight Anchorage.
Vibe: Fun, easy-going, and unique. A small, popular cove known primarily for a quirky, floating amenity that makes it a must-see stop.
Location / Key notes: Located off the southwest side of Great St. James Island (near St. Thomas). The cove is famous as the location of “Pizza Pi,” a floating food boat that serves delicious, fresh-baked pizzas. It offers excellent protection and is a favorite stop for lunch or a casual overnight stay.
Magens Bay, St. Thomas: Classic Caribbean
Type: Protected Bay Anchorage / Scenic Beach.
Vibe: World-famous, picturesque, and very popular. A massive, deep, and protected bay often ranked among the most beautiful beaches globally, featuring calm waters.
Location / Key notes: Located on the north side of St. Thomas. The bay is almost completely protected from swell, making it one of the safest anchorages. It’s ideal for swimming and paddle boarding due to its calm water.
St Croix
Christiansted Harbour, St. Croix: Historic Port
Type: Commercial Harbour and Protected Anchorage.
Vibe: Colonial, charming, and focused on local history, shopping & dining
Location / Key notes: Located on the north coast of St. Croix.
The main town on St. Croix, featuring a picturesque waterfront and preserved 18th-century Danish buildings. It provides services and easy access to the historical sites, including the Christiansted National Historic Site (Fort Christiansvaern).
Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix: The Natural Treasure
Type: National Monument Snorkel/Dive Site.
Vibe: Preserved, natural, and remote. An uninhabited island and protected reef system known for its pristine health and dedicated underwater snorkeling trail.
Location / Key notes: Located 1.5 miles north of St. Croix. Access is heavily regulated by the National Park Service to protect the elkhorn coral reef. Day use only. The main attraction is the marked underwater trail on the eastern barrier reef, which is a key part of the area’s designation. National Park permits are mandatory.
Book a yacht charter to the BVI and USVI now
After knowing about the great stuff the Virgin Islands can offer, you should definitely book for a yacht charter to this wonderful destination.
Remember that the Virgin Islands is divided into three territories, which are the BVI, the USVI, and the Puerto Rican territory. All of these regions have a long list of magnificent islands.
If you want to enjoy the Virgin Islands to the fullest, a Virgin Island yacht charter is a perfect choice. Thing is, you need to make sure of hopping on a charter that would go to the islands of your choice, so you can get utmost satisfaction from your vacation.
For the best Caribbean adventure you can have aboard a yacht, the Virgin Islands shouldn’t be missing in your list. There are dozens of islands that you can explore, and you can easily expect to enjoy various experiences throughout your holiday.
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The information, details and rates on this web-site is not contractual but are only general information for the public. All information is given in good faith and although believed to be correct they are not guaranteed.
