The US Virgin Islands don't get as much attention as their more popular sister next door, the BVIs, but they should for charter crews.
I visited the BVIs four times before exploring a USVI yacht charter. Verdict? I was especially blown away by the Virgin Islands National Park and the beauty of some of the bays.
And, don't tell the British Virgin Islands, but I think the USVIs have better beaches! (yes I love Anegada's north shore, but these USVI beaches are more numerous and can be accessed right from your dinghy)
Why might you like a USVI yacht charter?
- Idyllic Caribbean surroundings - Plenty of protected anchorages. Coconut palm lined white sandy beaches. Great snorkeling and fishing.
- Settled weather - you can expect steady trade winds out of the east year round. If you avoid the summer months when tropical systems can develop, there is little risk of a major weather disruption
- Easy navigation - there are some hazards to avoid, but most of the sailing and navigating is point and shoot, line of sight passages
- Amenities - there are some really fun beach bars and restaurants to visit. There are even vendors you can visit in the National Park
- Mooring balls - plenty of well maintained balls are available from the National Park Service, making it easier and less stressful for crews
- Easy logistics - no need for a transfer with many direct flights available from mainland US. You can be on your charter yacht within 30 minutes of landing, seriously!
- Good for kids -when I take my little kids on a yacht charter for the first time, I think the US Virgin Islands will be the destination. Why? Short passages, plenty of activities, protected swimming/snorkeling areas, and lots of beaches to relax on.
Highlights of a US Virgin Islands yacht charter
- Beach, snorkel, repeat. The Virgin Islands National Park has countless opportunities for snorkeling and beaching all day long. The setting doesn't get any better thanks to its protected status.
- Hawksnest Bay for turtle sightings
- Trunk Bay for the underwater snorkel trail
- Cinnamon Bay for swimming and gazing at luxurious villas
- Maho Bay for the awesome beach
- Leinster Bay / Watermelon Cay for the best snorkeling in the Virgin Islands
- Cruz Bay and Coral Bay on St. John are fun, quirky towns with lots of shopping, dining, and drinking
- The south drop is just an hour away where you have great chances of catching mahi, wahoo, and tuna to cook up right on your yacht
- Marvel at Magens Bay, one of the most spectacular settings I've visited in the Virgin Islands
- Lime away the afternoon and enjoy an epic unobstructed sunset at Honeymoon Beach, Water Island
- Grab a pizza from the floating pizza boat, Pizza PI VI, at Christmas Cove