TRU NORTH
2021 · Fountaine Pajot · Catamaran
67 ft
Length
8
Guests
4
Cabins
3
Crew
Caribbean · U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands Yacht Charters
American ease in Caribbean waters — no passport, no customs line, and St. John’s national parkland a short sail away.
American Soil, Caribbean Soul
The Caribbean, without the customs line.
The U.S. Virgin Islands pull off a rare trick: a tropical charter where you pay in dollars and skip immigration entirely. But the convenience never costs you character. This is a study in contrasts — from the kinetic energy of St. Thomas to the emerald silence of St. John, where two-thirds of the island is protected national parkland, to the blue-water crossing south to St. Croix. It’s the ideal cruising ground for travelers who want the West Indies without leaving the domestic sphere. Deciding between these islands and their British neighbors? Our BVI vs. USVI charter comparison breaks down cost, sailing conditions and anchorages.
What Not to Miss
The Best of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Six anchorages and shore stops your crew will build the week around — floating taco bars, national-park beaches and the Caribbean’s finest marine garden.
Coral Bay · St. John
Lime Out
A lime-green floating taco bar that became an instant icon — accessible only by boat, serving gourmet tacos and craft cocktails to guests lounging on lily-pad rafts. The ultimate lunch-on-the-water experience, playful and entirely unique to the territory.
Christmas Cove · Great St. James
Pizza Pi
The Caribbean’s original food boat, anchored in a protected cove known for its turtles. This aluminum sailing vessel turns out New York-style pizzas delivered to your yacht by dinghy — the quintessential charter stop for a casual sunset dinner on the aft deck.
Caneel Bay · St. John
ZoZo's at Caneel Bay
Set on the grounds of the historic Caneel Bay resort, ZoZo’s offers the finest dining view in the Virgin Islands. The Italian-Caribbean menu is superb, but you’re really here for the sunset — purple and gold over the darkened silhouette of St. Thomas.
North Shore · St. Thomas
Magens Bay
A heart-shaped, mile-long beach protected by two peninsulas that keep the water as calm as a swimming pool. A private yacht lets you anchor on the quiet far ends — enjoying one of the world’s most photogenic shorelines while avoiding the crowds.
Lovango Cay · St. Thomas & St. John
Lovango Resort + Beach Club
A chic newcomer bringing a touch of St. Barts flair to U.S. waters. This private-island retreat features an infinity pool that spills toward the ocean and a restaurant serving elevated coastal cuisine — the premier spot to dock for a sophisticated rosé-all-day afternoon.
Off the coast of · St. Croix
Buck Island Reef
An uninhabited 176-acre island ringed by a massive barrier reef, with one of the few underwater snorkeling “trails” in the world — plaques guiding you through the coral gardens. The beach is a blinding strip of white, often entirely empty in the late afternoon.
Know Before You Go
Destination Brief
The practical essentials for a U.S. Virgin Islands charter, at a glance.
When to Go
December through May
Peak season brings dry, breezy trade-wind sailing and the liveliest anchorages. Shoulder months trade a little buzz for lower rates and emptier bays.
Peak · Dec–May
Shoulder · Jun & Nov
Cruising Style
Short, protected island hops with sheltered bays and abundant moorings.
Language
English, spoken throughout the territory.
Currency
US Dollar (USD) — and no passport required for U.S. citizens.
Getting There
Fly directly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas.
Plan With a Broker
Tell us your dates and group and we’ll match the right yacht and route. Start an inquiry →
Available in the USVI
Featured Yachts in the U.S. Virgin Islands
A glimpse of the crewed catamarans cruising these waters. Browse the full fleet to compare layouts, crew and availability.
JUSTIFIED HORIZONS
2021 · Lagoon · Catamaran
65 ft
Length
10
Guests
5
Cabins
3
Crew
XANDROS
2021 · Lagoon · Catamaran
65 ft
Length
8
Guests
4
Cabins
3
Crew
Good Questions
USVI Charter FAQs
The things first-time charterers ask us most about the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you are a U.S. citizen, no passport is required to visit the USVI. However, carrying a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license) and a birth certificate is recommended. If you plan to sail over to the British Virgin Islands during your trip, a valid passport is absolutely mandatory.
Absolutely. This is one of the most popular itineraries, known as the “Virgin Islands Loop.” You can start in St. Thomas, clear customs into the BVI for a few days of island hopping, and then clear back into the USVI. Your captain will handle the logistics and paperwork for a seamless experience.
St. Croix sits about 40 miles south of St. Thomas and St. John, separated by a deep ocean trench. Because of the longer open-water sail (approx. 4-6 hours), it is often excluded from standard 7-day leisurely charters unless specifically requested by guests who enjoy blue-water sailing.
Yes. To protect the coral reefs, the USVI has strictly banned the sale and possession of sunscreens containing the “Toxic 3 Os” (oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene). Be sure to pack only mineral-based (zinc or titanium) sunscreens. Most yachts will have approved, reef-safe options available onboard.
Keep Exploring
Explore Other Cruising Grounds
The U.S. Virgin Islands are one of five distinct waters we sail. Here's where else a Vital Charters week can take you.
Seven Days, Three Ways
U.S. Virgin Islands Sailing Itineraries
Three seven-day routes, each a starting point your broker tailors to your group and the season. Every day is laid out below — no clicking required.
New to these waters? Our BVI vs. USVI charter comparison covers sailing conditions and anchorages, and the Caribbean cost-by-destination guide breaks down what a week actually runs.
The Adventurer's Route
The Blue Water Crossing
For sailors who want true open-ocean miles. This route runs south across the deep Puerto Rican Trench to St. Croix — Buck Island’s marine garden, Christiansted’s Danish architecture and west-end wreck diving — before returning north through St. John and St. Thomas.
Day 1
Gateway to the Islands
Transition from the bustling historic docks of St. Thomas to the charming harbor of Cruz Bay, the sole port of entry for St. John.
Activity Highlight
Hike the Lind Point Trail
Enjoy a scenic walk from Cruz Bay to the pristine sands of Salomon Beach, staying within the Virgin Islands National Park.
Key Features
Cruz Bay Charm
Explore the unique boutiques and restaurants that line the streets of this vibrant harbor town.
Day 2
The Blue Water Crossing
Embark on a 35-mile beam-reach transit — the fastest, most comfortable point of sail — across the deep Puerto Rican Trench to St. Croix.
Activity Highlight
Christiansted Boardwalk Stroll
Walk the heart of historic Christiansted and admire the majestic 18th-century Danish colonial architecture.
Key Features
The Puerto Rican Trench
Experience true open-ocean sailing where the water reaches depths of thousands of feet and dolphins are frequently sighted.
Day 3
Caribbean Marine Garden
Visit Buck Island Reef National Monument, a 176-acre treasure described as the finest marine garden in the Caribbean.
Activity Highlight
The Underwater Snorkel Trail
Follow the submerged trail markers with plaques guiding you through the barrier reef system and giant elkhorn coral.
Key Features
Turtle Beach
Relax on a world-class white-sand beach that serves as a protected nesting site for green and hawksbill sea turtles.
Day 4
Sunken Treasures & Sovereignty
Sail to the west end of St. Croix, a region defined by its premier dive sites and its pivotal role in island emancipation.
Activity Highlight
Butler Bay Wreck Diving
Explore five distinct shipwrecks in one bay, including the Suffolk Maid and the Virgin Islander, now teeming with soft corals.
Key Features
Fort Frederik
Visit the “Freedom Fort,” a stunning red fortress where emancipation was declared in 1848.
Day 5
The East End Return
Return to the rugged, local atmosphere of St. John's eastern end, away from the crowds.
Activity Highlight
Lunch at Lime Out
Swim out to the Caribbean's famous floating taco bar, offering fresh tacos and cocktails in the middle of the bay.
Key Features
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Hike through the historic ruins to explore preserved sugar mills and massive stone walls of 18th-century estates.
Day 6
Coves and Currents
Anchor in the sheltered oasis of Christmas Cove, a sanctuary for marine life just off the coast of Great St. James.
Activity Highlight
Snorkeling Christmas Cove
Nestled in protected waters, this cove is one of the best spots in the region for spotting turtles and rays.
Key Features
Pizza Pi
Order a gourmet pizza from Pizza Pi, a custom-fitted sailboat operating as a floating pizzeria.
Day 7
The Heart of the Sea
Conclude the journey with a visit to the most iconic beach in the territory before returning to base.
Activity Highlight
Unwind at Magens Bay
Spend the morning at this heart-shaped bay, world-famous for its turquoise water and mile-long white-sand beach.
Key Features
Frenchtown Farewell
Return to port at Frenchtown, St. Thomas, a historic fishing village known for its culinary treats and charm.
The National Park Route
The Nature Itinerary
A week inside Virgin Islands National Park. Sheltered St. John anchorages, world-class snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay and Leinster Bay, sea-turtle sanctuaries and ancient Taino petroglyphs — the quietest, greenest side of the USVI.
Day 1
Gateway to the Park
Depart the luxury marinas of St. Thomas for the sandy crescent of Caneel Bay, the elegant entrance to St. John's National Park.
Activity Highlight
Snorkel Salomon Bay
Take a short dinghy ride to Salomon Bay to explore shallow reefs teeming with vibrant parrotfish and brain corals in crystal-clear water.
Key Features
Dining at ZoZo's
Experience high-end Italian-Caribbean fusion at this destination restaurant, famous for its sunset dining experience.
Day 2
Historic Ruins & Calm Waters
Sail north to Francis Bay, a peaceful anchorage known for its exceptionally calm, shallow waters and soft sandy bottom.
Activity Highlight
Hike to Peace Hill
An easy walk leads to the ruins of an 18th-century sugar mill and windmill, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding cays.
Key Features
Sea Turtle Sanctuary
Francis Bay is a premier location for spotting green and hawksbill sea turtles grazing peacefully in the underwater seagrass beds.
Day 3
The Snorkeling Pinnacle
Journey to Leinster Bay, consistently ranked the #1 snorkeling destination in St. John for its proximity to Waterlemon Cay.
Activity Highlight
Waterlemon Cay Exploration
Snorkel the deep fringe reefs surrounding the cay to see eagle rays, nurse sharks and massive schools of blue tang.
Key Features
Annaberg Plantation Ruins
Explore the extensive remains of what was once the island's largest sugar-producing estate, with a windmill and historic stone walls.
Day 4
East End Solitude
Sail toward the rugged East End of St. John to Hansen Bay, a laid-back sanctuary far removed from the busier North Shore crowds.
Activity Highlight
Lime Out Floating Tacos
Visit the world-famous Lime Out, a floating taco bar accessible only by boat, serving craft cocktails and fresh Caribbean tacos.
Key Features
Quiet Coastal Charm
Enjoy the hospitality of the local shoreline and sandy circles that make for a relaxing beach-and-snorkel day.
Day 5
The Southern Tip
Navigate to the southern tip of the island to Salt Pond Bay, a stunning crescent beach with access to dramatic cliffside views.
Activity Highlight
Hike the Ram Head Trail
A 2.5-mile trail across a windswept peninsula leads to 200-foot rosy cliffs with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea.
Key Features
Drunk Bay
Walk to the rocky Drunk Bay, where visitors create whimsical sculptures from coral and stone washed ashore by the rough Atlantic waves.
Day 6
The Remote Anchorage
Retreat to the ultimate hidden gem, Little Lameshur Bay, a remote South Shore site where rough road access keeps crowds at bay.
Activity Highlight
Yawzi Point Snorkeling
Explore the reefs extending from the point to discover eagle rays, brain coral and delicate sea fans in deep, clear water.
Key Features
3,000 Years of History
Take the nearby Reef Bay Trail to find ancient Taino petroglyphs and waterfalls hidden deep within the tropical forest.
Day 7
The Final Sail
Enjoy a final downwind sail back to St. Thomas, taking in the views of the 50+ cays and islets that comprise the USVI.
Activity Highlight
Charlotte Amalie Harbor
Cruise through one of the Caribbean's most historic harbors, taking in colonial forts and the red-roofed architecture of the capital.
Key Features
Luxury Provisioning
Conclude the trip at Yacht Haven Grande, the center for high-end shopping and world-class yacht services.
The Signature Route
The USVI Loop
The definitive first USVI charter. A relaxed loop linking St. Thomas and St. John’s signature stops — Christmas Cove’s Pizza Pi, Trunk Bay’s underwater trail, Maho Bay turtles and Lime Out — capped by duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie.
Day 1
Coastal Beginnings
Set sail from the award-winning Yacht Haven Grande toward the tranquil waters of Great St. James and Christmas Cove.
Activity Highlight
Pizza Pi
Visit the famous Pizza Pi, a sailboat turned floating pizzeria in Christmas Cove — the perfect welcome lunch delivered to your yacht.
Key Features
Marine Sanctuary
Anchor at Great St. James for your first snorkel, exploring the protected coves and vibrant marine life in this calm sanctuary.
Day 2
North Shore Splendor
Enter the Virgin Islands National Park to explore the most iconic white-sand beaches in the world.
Activity Highlight
Trunk Bay Underwater Trail
Snorkel the world-famous underwater marked trail at Trunk Bay, guiding you through coral formations and reef plaques.
Key Features
Protected Beaches
Enjoy the pristine beauty of the National Park beaches, including Cinnamon Bay and Hawksnest, with lush green hills and clear water.
Day 3
Turtle Bay Tranquility
Drop anchor in the calm, shallow waters of Maho Bay, a sanctuary for marine life and beach lovers.
Activity Highlight
Swim with Sea Turtles
Snorkel the seagrass beds of Maho Bay, where green sea turtles are found in abundance — one of the best swims in the Caribbean.
Key Features
Maho Crossroads
Visit the Maho Crossroads pop-up village for a refreshing tiki drink, local crafts and a relaxed beach vibe right on the sand.
Day 4
East End Flavors
Journey to the rugged East End of St. John for a more local, laid-back Caribbean experience.
Activity Highlight
Lime Out Taco Boat
Swim up to Lime Out, the legendary floating taco bar. Sit on floating lily pads with gourmet tacos and craft cocktails in turquoise water.
Key Features
Hurricane Hole
Explore the mangroves of Hurricane Hole, a protected monument where corals grow directly on mangrove roots in clear shallow water.
Day 5
Reefs & Rays
Sail back toward St. Thomas to explore the Capella Islands or Buck Island, a haven for divers and snorkelers.
Activity Highlight
Wreck of the Cartanser Sr.
Snorkel or dive this visible shipwreck lying in shallow water — an old freighter now teeming with fish and marine life.
Key Features
Turtle Cove
Anchor at Buck Island's Turtle Cove, a protected marine refuge where you're almost guaranteed to swim alongside turtles and rays.
Day 6
Honeymoon Hideaway
Sail to Water Island, the “fourth” U.S. Virgin Island, for a day of ultimate relaxation at Honeymoon Beach.
Activity Highlight
Golf Cart Exploration
Rent a golf cart to explore the quiet roads of Water Island, visiting old Fort Segarra and limestone cliffs for panoramic views.
Key Features
Dinghy's Beach Bar
Park your cart at Honeymoon Beach and enjoy Dinghy's Beach Bar, featuring live music, fire dancers and a floating bar.
Day 7
Historic Harbor Return
Complete the loop by returning to Charlotte Amalie for a final afternoon of world-class shopping and history.
Activity Highlight
Duty-Free Luxury Shopping
Explore the cobblestone alleys of downtown Charlotte Amalie, home to international luxury brands, boutique perfumes and fine jewelry.
Key Features
99 Steps
Climb the historic 99 Steps, built from Danish ship-ballast bricks, for a stunning panoramic view of the harbor and your yacht.
From the Journal
Latest Destination Blogs
Planning guides and firsthand notes from the brokers who plan your charter.
Destinations
Top Islands in the USVI to Visit by Yacht
Explore the top islands to visit by yacht in the US Virgin Islands and how to plan the right itinerary for your charter style.
Destinations
BVI vs USVI Catamaran Charter
BVI offers the Caribbean's largest, most modern, catamaran-heavy charter fleet. Compare BVI vs USVI catamaran charters on cost, sailing conditions, anchorages, and fees.
Destinations
Caribbean Charter Cost by Destination
Compare Caribbean charter cost by destination: BVI starts at $17K/week, Bahamas adds 14% in taxes. Real 2026 rates, permits, and fees for three top destinations.
Charter Guides
Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the Caribbean
The best time to charter a yacht in the Caribbean is December through April, but shoulder months save 40%. Month-by-month weather, pricing, and availability.
Plan Your USVI Week
Let a broker build your charter.
Tell us your dates, your group and the kind of week you want — we’ll match you to the right yacht, crew and route through the U.S. Virgin Islands.