US Virgin Islands Frequently Asked Questions

You can expect to see a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, colorful tropical fish, and possibly rays and dolphins in protected areas.

Yes, fishing is popular, especially off the southern drop, but check local regulations to ensure compliance with any requirements.

Night sailing is not allowed; you are expected to be moored by 5 p.m. at the latest.

We recommend a week. Seven days gives you time to settle into the cruising ground rather than rush — a typical itinerary covers Magens Bay, the chain of cays north of St. Thomas (Hans Lollik, Inner Brass), an overnight at Christmas Cove, the north shore of St. John (Trunk, Maho, Hawksnest), and either a day on St. Thomas's east end or a day-trip across to the BVI. Shorter charters (4–5 days) work too. For those we typically embark from American Yacht Harbor at Red Hook rather than Yacht Haven Grande — closer to St. John, no run east to lose on day one. We walk through the right pacing with you before booking.

Included: a professional crew (typically captain, chef, and stewardess on catamarans; full crew on motor yachts), all meals and a standard bar (beer, wine, and spirits), water sports equipment (paddleboards, snorkel gear, kayaks; some yachts add e-foils, jet skis, or scuba gear), fuel for normal cruising, linens, and towels. Not included: crew gratuities (15-20% of the base charter rate), any marina or dockage fees beyond customary stops, premium drinks or specialty provisions, onshore dining, and transfers to and from the yacht.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance — a pre-paid fund (typically 25-35% of the base charter rate) on plus-expenses charters that covers food, beverages, fuel beyond a normal cruising allowance, mooring fees, and other running costs during your trip. Your captain keeps an itemized account, and any unused funds are refunded at the end of your charter. In the USVI, APA also covers fuel and any marina dockage if your itinerary includes overnight stops at Yacht Haven Grande or American Yacht Harbor. Many USVI yachts charter all-inclusive instead, with no APA — which model applies depends on the yacht. We confirm at booking.

For peak season (December through April), book 6-12 months ahead — the best yachts and crews go first, and Christmas/New Year, Presidents' Week, and Spring Break weeks often book 12+ months out. For the shoulder windows (May–June and November), 3-4 months is typically enough. Last-minute availability comes up too, especially when a charter cancels — we can always check what's open.

Yes. Your chef can accommodate virtually any dietary need — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, allergies, kids menus, and more. Before your charter, you will complete a preference sheet detailing every guest's dietary requirements, favorite foods, and anything to avoid. Your chef builds the menu around it. In the USVI, expect plenty of fresh-caught mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna alongside your preferences, plus locally sourced produce and Caribbean specialties — it's part of what makes a USVI charter feel rooted in place.

Yes — and on longer USVI charters we often include a couple of days in the BVI. Whether a specific yacht can cross depends on its flagging and insurance — every yacht has its own rules — so once we know your dates and which yachts are available, we'll tell you exactly which ones can make the crossing. That research is on us. Practically, the BVI is a separate British Overseas Territory: everyone on board needs a valid passport, and the yacht clears customs at one of the BVI ports of entry (typically Soper's Hole or West End) on the way in, and again on the way back. The captain handles all the paperwork — you just need passports ready. Allow extra time on the days the crossing happens; the captain plans the day around the customs stop and weather.