Discover top highlights and embark on an unforgettable Spanish Virgin Islands yacht charter sailing trip.
Our catamaran at anchor at Culebra on a recent trip. Not another boat in sight.
If you haven't yet sailed the Spanish Virgin Islands on a yacht charter, you are missing out!
Even though the islands are a couple hours sail from St. Thomas, they still feel largely undiscovered. Solitude, beautiful beaches, and excellent fishing are just some of the highlights that rank highly on my list of must haves for a boat trip. Many people describe the SVIs as what the British Virgin Islands were 20+ years ago: raw, quiet, undiscovered – I was too young back then, but I’ll take their word for it!
You'll see evidence on your trip of how the US Navy and Marines used these islands for training: target practice tanks on Flamenco Beach and bays that are off limits to anchoring due to potential unexploded ordnance. This is one of the primary reasons tourism here lags its Virgin Islands' neighbors to the east.
The Spanish Virgin Islands are actually part of Puerto Rico, and it's easy to coordinate a yacht charter from either the US Virgin Islands or the Puerto Rico mainland. I've chartered from both, and I actually prefer from the US Virgin Islands since there is a deeper charter fleet.
My suggested week-long itinerary, check out the Sailing Itinerary tab for more details
The cruising grounds consist primarily of the islands of Culebra and Vieques with several other small islands/cayos mixed in for exploration. If you don't have a full week to explore, I would spend more time on Culebra.
There are several wildlife refuges which help protect and make the Spanish Virgin Islands such a special place. This includes the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge which used to be controlled by the U.S. Navy until 2003.
Don’t expect beach bars at every anchorage. This is a place to get away from it all and soak in the natural surroundings.
Highlights of a Spanish Virgin Islands yacht charter
Anchor at picture perfect Tortuga Beach and hike to the lighthouse atop Culebrita for commanding views of the surrounding islands
Drop the hook or hike to Flamenco Beach, a global top 10 ranked beach; enjoy $2 Medalla beers from the kiosk vendors and take your picture with the rusting tanks
Snorkel the gorgeous reefs on the west side of Culebra right from your yacht, such as at Carlos Rosario
Troll fishing lines on the southern drop at Vieques and catch tuna, wahoo, and mahi
Book a kayak tour to experience the bioluminescence of Mosquito Bay
Experience epic sunsets over the Puerto Rico mainland at Green Beach
Take in the local party scene at Isla Palominos on your last night
Check out the Sailing Itinerary tab for more details on what you can do in the Spanish Virgin Islands!
