The US and British Virgin Islands are one of the world’s most popular year-round charter destinations. They boast sunny, cloudless days, and with short, enjoyable cruises from one beautiful island to the next, the Virgin Islands are an excellent choice for both first time charterers and seasoned veterans.
St. Thomas and St. John are the two most often visited USVI destinations, offering everything from beautiful sandy beaches, secluded anchorages and world class boutique shopping. Many charter yachts call St. Thomas home for 3 to 4 months every year, while others are based there year-round.
With more than 15 islands located within a 30-mile radius, cruising the BVIs gives the phrase “island hopping” a whole new meaning. You can spend a night on anchor at Norman Island, the once popular hideout for the real life “Pirates of the Caribbean” and the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island. Make sure to stop by the world famous “Willy T’s” and, if you’re lucky, BVI celebrity resident Sir Richard Branson will make a guest appearance as he’s known to do!
Other activities include snorkeling the beautiful “Indians,” dining at the world-renowned Peter Island Resort, and heading north to the gorgeous island of Virgin Gorda. Walk amongst the boulders at the Baths, a land feature you’ll find unexpected and delightful on this sandy beach. Hop in for a snorkel, and catch a glimpse of stunning rays and a beautiful array of tropical fish.
At the northern end of Virgin Gorda, the Bitter End Yacht Club offers high style island entertainment and dining. During late March, the neighboring Yacht Club Costa Smeralda hosts the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Rendezvous and Regatta, a high-flying event featuring spectacular sailing and motor yachts.
Other popular destinations include Jost Van Dyke and Soper’s Hole. Featuring reggae music from local legends, and enough rum punch to help you dance the night away, these two popular watering holes are sure to please!
Whether you are chartering with family or friends, the US and British Virgin Islands offer something for everyone. Choose to cruise in peace and serenity around the islands while snorkeling gorgeous reefs and exploring rugged coves, or choose to island hop from one breathtaking beach to the next. Make the US and BVIs your next charter destination, and you’ll have a jammin’ good time!
Begin your yacht charter vacation at the Yacht Haven Grand, a beautiful marina and shopping district just minutes from the international airport. Stepping aboard your charter yacht, the Chief Stewardess hands you a tasty island concoction and your worries slowly fade away. As you glide out of the bay, marvel at the natural beauty of St. Thomas and catch a glimpse of dolphins as they play in the yacht’s wake. After dropping anchor in beautiful St. John, take a refreshing dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Leaving the USVI behind, enjoy a short cruise to Soper’s Hole in Tortola for clearing customs, and stop in at the world famous Pusser’s for a delightful lunch of local-caught fish. Spend the night at anchor in Jost Van Dyke and marvel at the fish in the underwater lights, or head to Foxy’s Beach Club and dance the night away.
After a lesiurely breakfast onboard, cruise to the northeast side of Jost Van Dyke and tender ashore for a short hike to the bubbly pools. A natural jacuzzi, the bubbly pools are a small cove where the power of breaking waves against a line of tall rocks creates a pool of swirling white water. Stop in at Foxy’s Tabboo and pick up the latest in island swimwear fashion. At night, anchor at Cane Garden Bay, a mecca for surfers and beachgoers alike.
Head northeast to Virgin Gorda, the play place of the BVIs. Stop at the Baths and explore this amazing and unexpected natural feature of giant boulders featuring pools of sparkling turquoise water. For lunch, head to the “Top of the Baths,” a restaurant overlooking the Caribbean. In the early evening, cruise to the Bitter End Yacht Club.
Spend the day exploring the spectacular North Sound of Virgin Gorda. Go for an afternoon paddleboard or have your crew teach you how to windsurf. Make sure to stop in at Saba Rock, marveling at the size of this tiny island situated snuggly between two islands. For dinner, indulge yourself on Caribbean spiny lobster.
Start your day early by cruising through the Sir Francis Drake Channel towards the world-renowned Peter Island. During the spring months, keep your eyes open for breaching humpback whales and their calves. Once the yacht is securely docked at the marina, head to the spa at the Peter Island Resort for an afternoon massage.
