Burgess and Blue Marine Foundation in 2025
US Virgin Islands yacht charter guide
Published 13 February 2026
Framed by white‑sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and some of the Caribbean’s most inviting cruising grounds, the US Virgin Islands set the scene for an exceptional yachting escape. Natural beauty, rich marine life, and easy island-to-island cruising come together seamlessly, creating the perfect backdrop for a luxury charter.
A USVI yacht charter offers access to secluded bays, world‑class diving, and vibrant coastal towns, all experienced from the comfort and privacy of your luxury vessel. Whether your focus is relaxation, exploration or time on the water, the islands deliver a refined Caribbean experience shaped entirely around you.
Why charter a yacht in the US Virgin Islands
The USVIs deliver a compelling blend of natural beauty, world-class cruising conditions, and cultural depth. The archipelago’s unique heritage – blending African, European, and Caribbean influences – is reflected in its food, festivals, architecture, and welcoming communities. From the Danish-inspired streets of Charlotte Amalie to colourful local markets and rum distilleries, each island offers distinctive character and charm.
For yacht charterers, the appeal goes even further. Protected bays, reliable trade winds, and short cruising distances make the USVIs one of the most effortless and enjoyable places to explore by yacht. Clear, warm waters create ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving, while the abundance of anchorages allows you to experience everything from lively harbours to untouched coves with complete privacy.
American travellers benefit from exceptional ease of access, with frequent direct flights from the US mainland and minimal travel formalities. Combined with the islands’ natural beauty and world-class cruising conditions, this makes the USVIs one of the Caribbean’s most convenient and rewarding yachting destinations.
US Virgin Islands vs British Virgin Islands
Though less than a mile apart, the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands offer distinctly different experiences. The USVIs combine accessible cruising, cultural depth, and a mix of developed marinas and quiet bays – perfect for travellers seeking convenience and variety. The BVIs, by contrast, are synonymous with relaxed Caribbean sailing, sheltered waters, and classic island-hopping routes. Calm seas and short passages between islands like Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke make the BVIs ideal for effortless cruising.
For those comparing a USVI vs BVI yacht charter, the choice comes down to atmosphere: the USVIs offer culture and convenience, while the BVIs offer simplicity and serene sailing. Many charterers choose to combine both destinations on a single itinerary, and Burgess charter experts can help plan the route that best suits you.
The main islands of the USVIs
The USVIs comprise three main islands in the Caribbean: St Croix, St Thomas, and St John, each offering unique experiences. Beyond these, smaller surrounding cays are famous for their white-sand beaches, vibrant reefs, and lush landscapes, ideal for exploration by yacht.
St Thomas
St Thomas perfectly balances cosmopolitan charm with Caribbean allure. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is a charming treasure trove of historic Danish architecture, pastel-coloured streets, and bustling markets. Offshore, Magens Bay’s pristine white sands and turquoise waters offer a serene escape, with hiking trails weaving through lush forests and mangroves before opening onto the beach.
The island’s sailing culture is strong, with marinas ready to welcome yachts and a vibrant dining scene serving everything from gourmet seafood to local classics. For those seeking seclusion, a short hop to Water Island reveals quiet coves and untouched beaches – a hidden gem just minutes from the bustle of St Thomas.
St John
St John is a sanctuary of natural beauty, where two-thirds of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park. Here, unspoiled beaches and turquoise bays stretch for miles, inviting snorkellers, kayakers, and hikers to explore vibrant coral reefs, lush trails, and serene shorelines. Trunk Bay, with its underwater snorkel trail, is a Caribbean icon, while Francis Bay and Maho Bay provide quiet, picture-perfect retreats
With dozens of virtually crowd-free beaches and extraordinary wildlife both above and below the water, St John is ideal for charterers seeking peace, adventure, and a genuine connection to the islands’ pristine environment.
St Croix
St Croix offers a more immersive Caribbean experience, blending history, culture, and unspoiled landscapes. The island’s towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, are lined with colourful colonial buildings, cobbled streets, and centuries-old wrapped in the history of the Danish West Indies.
Beyond town, rolling hills, sugarcane fields, and tropical forests invite exploration, while the island’s coastline reveals sweeping beaches and hidden coves perfect for anchoring your yacht in privacy. Scuba enthusiasts can dive amid vibrant reefs and shipwrecks, while rum aficionados can tour world-renowned distilleries. For those seeking panoramic vistas, Point Udall – the easternmost point of the United States – offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Atlantic.
Best time to rent a superyacht in the US Virgin Islands
While the USVIs are a warm tropical destination year-round, from November to March the trade winds are robust and it’s the best time for sailing with cooler breezes and more consistent winds.
December and January bring strong trade winds as well as the Caribbean’s dry season, making this the start of the busiest months on the islands.
For those that want to immerse themselves in local culture, plan your charter to coincide with carnival time. In St Croix the Crucian Christmas Festival is held in December, St Thomas Carnival is in the spring, while the St John Celebration is enjoyed over summertime. For those considering this, it’s essential to book in advance.
June to November is hurricane season, so it’s best to avoid this region or speak to our charter experts who can advise the best areas to visit and how to charter safely during this time.
What to do on a US Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation
A USVI yacht charter offers endless activities, from world-class diving and snorkelling to exploring beautiful beaches and cruising between scenic bays. Days can be spent discovering new coastlines, enjoying water sports, or relaxing amid the islands’ natural beauty.
Diving and watersports
The USVIs are home to some of the Caribbean’s most impressive diving sites, with thriving coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and occasional dolphins. Wreck divers can explore the Miss Opportunity and Navy Barges off St Thomas, or the Butler Bay wrecks off St Croix.
Beyond diving, calm waters create the perfect playground for all skill levels, whether you want to try paddleboarding in the Caribbean, head out on kayaks, or enjoy the adrenaline rush of a jet skiing yacht charter.
Beaches, anchorages and island hopping
The USVIs feature an exceptional variety of beaches and anchorages. St John’s Trunk Bay and Maho Bay offer calm waters and protected anchorages, while St Thomas provides a mix of lively and secluded spots like Magens Bay and Lindquist Beach. St Croix offers more off-the-beaten-path spots ideal for those seeking adventure and privacy.
With short distances between each island, island hopping in the USVI is simple. Spend days cruising between national park bays and anchoring beside coral rich coastlines, stopping at small cays along the way.
Motor yacht or sailing yacht? Which is better for a US Virgin Islands superyacht charter
When it comes to private yacht charters, Burgess has an impressive fleet of motor and sailing yachts available in the Caribbean and USVIs. Whether you're looking for a motor yacht with comfort and spacious amenities or a sailing yacht to take full advantage of the region’s steady trade winds, there's something in the Burgess charter fleet that's perfect for you.
Why sailing yachts work well in the US Virgin Islands
The USVIs have a strong sailing culture, and ideal trade winds make it the perfect place to enjoy the authentic charm of wind-powered sailing. Burgess offers an exclusive collection of Caribbean sailing yachts that provide the perfect combination of elegance and adventure, giving you the opportunity to explore the USVIs in style while harnessing the natural elements.
Advantages of renting a motor yacht
For those seeking luxury and comfort, a motor yacht is the ideal choice. These vessels come equipped with lavish amenities, expansive decks, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and a professional crew who ensure a five-star experience.
Your Burgess yacht charter awaits
Looking to book a private yacht charter in the US Virgin Islands?
At Burgess, we pride ourselves on crafting unforgettable yachting experiences. With our extensive fleet and decades of expertise, we ensure every charter is tailored to perfection. Whether you’re new to yachting or a seasoned sailor, let us take care of the details while you embrace the journey.
Speak to our Burgess Charter team and let us organise the ultimate itinerary for you today.
Frequently asked questions
Are the US Virgin Islands good for first time charterers?
Yes – the US Virgin Islands are one of the best destinations for first‑time yacht charterers. Short cruising distances, protected anchorages and calm, warm waters make the region easy to navigate, while excellent marina facilities in St Thomas simplify arrivals and boarding. With a mix of pristine beaches, national‑park bays and vibrant towns, the USVIs offer a comfortable, confidence‑building introduction to Caribbean cruising.
How busy are the US Virgin Islands during peak season?
The US Virgin Islands are at their busiest from December to March, when the trade winds are strongest and the weather is at its most settled. Popular beaches and anchorages tend to see more visitors during this period, especially around holiday weeks. However, the region still offers plenty of quieter pockets – particularly around St John and the smaller surrounding cays – making it easy to enjoy both lively and peaceful cruising depending on your itinerary.
Can you combine the USVI with the BVI on one charter?
Absolutely! A yacht charter combining the British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands offers idyllic sailing grounds with turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and famous spots like Jost Van Dyke. From the BVI’s blend of British and Caribbean culture and exceptional sailing conditions to the USVI’s special mix of developed areas and unspoiled natural beauty, a Burgess yacht charter combining both cruising grounds offers so much.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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