Sailing US Virgin Islands

Most charters in the US Virgin Islands start from St. Thomas, and the island's marinas are the first thing to sort out. Yacht Haven Grande Marina is the largest and best-known charter hub, with deep-water berths and full services right in Charlotte Amalie. American Yacht Harbor US Virgin Islands on the east end of St. Thomas is another busy base, closer to the sailing grounds around St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Crown Bay Marina sits on the south side of St. Thomas and is a practical alternative, especially for provisioning before you head out.

From St. Thomas, the classic route runs east toward St. John. Cruz Bay Ferry Dock is the main entry point to St. John, and the anchorages around Cruz Bay and further up the north coast are protected and scenic. The St. Thomas Yacht Club is a good stop for a meal or a regatta, and it gives you a base on the east end if you want to stage a departure for the BVIs. The USVI side alone offers enough for a week: quiet coves, coral reefs, and steady trade winds from the east.

The sailing season runs roughly December through May, when the trade winds are strongest and the weather is driest. Summer brings lighter air and more rain, but the islands are less crowded. You can sail between St. Thomas and St. John in a few hours, and the distance to the British Virgin Islands is short enough for a day sail, though you will need to clear customs if you cross. Most charter companies offer bareboat or crewed options, and the USVI is a US territory, so entry is straightforward for US citizens; other nationalities should check visa rules before arriving.

Plan your base around your priorities. If you want the widest choice of marinas and services, stay in Charlotte Amalie. If you prefer to be closer to St. John's anchorages, choose the east end of St. Thomas. Either way, the USVI delivers a compact cruising ground with reliable winds and a string of islands that are easy to link in a week-long charter.