US Virgin Islands - Aerial View of Cinnamon Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands - iStock-1289894422

Motor Yacht Charter
The US Virgin Islands

If you've ever dreamed of a paradise getaway of aquamarine waters, white sandy beaches and warm tropical weather, look no further than a motor yacht charter in the US Virgin Islands.

The Islands provide an unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore the beauty of this Caribbean archipelago at your own pace on a motor yacht. Their proximity to the British Virgin Islands and Spanish Virgin Islands makes them a useful starting point for a wider tour, or you can simply explore the USVI as a motor yacht charter destination in their own right.

What Makes US Virgin Islands Special?

Convenient Location

The US Virgin Islands are easily accessible from mainland North America, with frequent flights and a wide selection of marinas available for charter bookings.

Crystal Clear Waters

The warm turquoise waters surrounding the US Virgin Islands are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving, allowing you to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life, or simply lie back and enjoy the views.

Island Hopping

The US Virgin Islands consist of three main islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) and numerous smaller ones, providing an excellent opportunity for island hopping and exploring a variety of destinations during your motor yacht charter.

Privacy and Seclusion

With countless empty beaches, tucked-away coves and secluded anchorages, you can escape the crowds and enjoy privacy and tranquillity during your trip.

Snorkelling and Diving

The US Virgin Islands are renowned for their exceptional underwater ecosystems, which offer vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and thrilling dive sites such as Eagle Shoals or Hurricane Hole.

Scenic Beauty

With stunning landscapes, turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, lush green hills and picturesque islands, the USVIs is an incredibly scenic destination for a motor yacht charter.

Land-Based Activities

In addition to watersports and marine activities, the US Virgin Islands offer various land-based activities such as hiking, exploring national parks, visiting historic ruins, and enjoying vibrant nightlife in popular towns like Charlotte Amalie.

Exclusive Resorts

The US Virgin Islands boast a range of luxurious resorts, upscale restaurants, and high-end amenities, allowing you to indulge in gourmet dining, world-class spa treatments, and other luxurious experiences during your trip.

Local Culture

The US Virgin Islands have a unique blend of Caribbean and American culture, with influences from various ethnic backgrounds. Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the music, hospitality and cuisine of the islands.

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Cultural Experiences

Each island in the US Virgin Islands has its own unique culture and heritage; visit historical sites, explore local markets, taste traditional cuisine, and engage with the locals to get a real taste of life on the islands.

Not To Be Missed

St. Thomas Island

Begin your journey in St. Thomas, known for its bustling harbour, duty-free shopping and lively nightlife. Explore historic Charlotte Amalie, visit Blackbeard's Castle, and take in panoramic views from Drake's Seat overlooking Magens Bay.

Virgin Islands National Park

Spend a day exploring Virgin Islands National Park, a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hike to secluded beaches like Francis Bay and Honeymoon Beach, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and visit historic sites like Annaberg Plantation.

Caneel Bay

Anchor in Caneel Bay, a picturesque spot on the north shore of St John, within Virgin Islands National Park. Swim in calm waters surrounded by lush green hills and relax on sandy beaches fringed with palm trees.

Coral Bay

Visit Coral Bay, a laid-back community on the eastern side of St. John known for its bohemian vibe and stunning views. Explore craft shops, art galleries and beach bars, and enjoy live music and local cuisine at waterfront restaurants like Skinny Legs.

Christiansted Town

Cruise to St. Croix and explore the historic town of Christiansted, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Wander along the boardwalk, visit historic landmarks like Fort Christiansvaern and explore local shops and galleries.

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Sail to Buck Island Reef National Monument, located off the coast of St. Croix. Snorkel the underwater trail at Buck Island's coral reef, home to colourful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations.

Water Island

Discover the secluded paradise of Water Island, located just off the coast of St. Thomas. Relax on Honeymoon Beach, hike scenic trails through lush vegetation and visit historic Fort Segarra for panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Salt Pond Bay

Anchor in this bay on St John and hike to Ram Head for stunning views, then back to your yacht for peaceful sundowners on deck.

Honeymoon Beach

Enjoy this less crowded, idyllic beach on Water Island with great snorkelling opportunities. There's a cute beach bar where you can eat and drink, rent a lounger, or play beach volleyball if you're feeling energetic.

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St. John Island

Sail to the pristine island of St. John, home to Virgin Islands National Park which covers two-thirds of the island's landmass. Explore secluded beaches like Trunk Bay and Maho Bay, explore great hiking trails or kick up your heels at the fabulous carnival.

Time To Visit

The high season in The US Virgin Islands runs from December to April, which is typically dry and sunny. May to June is the shoulder season, with fewer visitors but still warm temperatures.

The low season is July to November when temperatures remain high, but it is typically wetter.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Daily Rain (mm) Avg. Wind
JAN 27.5°C (82°F) 24.0°C (75°F) 1.0 wind direction 77degENE
FEB 27.7°C (82°F) 23.6°C (74°F) 0.2 wind direction 71degENE
MAR 28.5°C (83°F) 23.7°C (75°F) 0.2 wind direction 102degESE
APR 28.8°C (84°F) 24.4°C (76°F) 1.3 wind direction 107degESE
MAY 29.9°C (86°F) 26.0°C (79°F) 2.4 wind direction 109degESE
JUN 31.0°C (88°F) 27.0°C (81°F) 2.1 wind direction 105degESE
JUL 31.0°C (88°F) 27.1°C (81°F) 1.6 wind direction 83degE
AUG 30.9°C (88°F) 27.3°C (81°F) 4.0 wind direction 100degE
SEP 31.9°C (89°F) 27.6°C (82°F) 1.3 wind direction 107degESE
OCT 30.1°C (86°F) 27.1°C (81°F) 8.5 wind direction 117degESE
NOV 29.6°C (85°F) 26.3°C (79°F) 2.1 wind direction 93degE
DEC 28.7°C (84°F) 25.1°C (77°F) 0.3 wind direction 63degENE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of the US Virgin Islands is English.

Currency

The official currency of the US Virgin Islands is the United States dollar (USD).

Tipping

Tipping is expected and customary in the US Virgin Islands, similar to the US mainland.

Is A Motor Yacht Right For You

Speed and Range

Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.

Stability

Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.

Propulsion

Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.

Fuel Consumption

While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.

Itinerary Flexibility

Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.

Onboard Experience

The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.

Draft and Boat Hull Depth

Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.

Crew Specialisation

Crews on motor yachts focus more on navigation, hospitality, and maintaining complex systems, rather than sailing skills.

Target Audience

Motor yacht charters are likely to appeal to those seeking luxury, comfort, and efficiency of travel, rather than the sailing experience itself.

4 PLAY

Layout and Space

Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.

Charter Types In US Virgin Islands

Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore The US Virgin Islands and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Motor Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around The US Virgin Islands and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Motor Yacht Charters

Crewed yacht charters from The US Virgin Islands come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Motor Yacht Charter From The US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream motor yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

Three main islands make up the US Virgin Islands; St Thomas, St John and St.Croix, each with its own unique charm.

They're surrounded by smaller islands that are also perfect for visiting on a motor yacht and which make the whole cruising ground manageable with mainly line of sight sailing.

St Thomas is where you will typically start your journey. One of the most popular motor yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean, St Thomas is famous for its duty-free shopping, picture-perfect beaches, and vibrant nightlife. St. Thomas offers something for everyone. Places to visit include Magens Bay, known for its calm waters and a mile-long stretch of pristine sand. Or head to Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands, where you can explore historic sites and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

The tranquil island of St. John is a paradise for nature lovers. Two-thirds of the island is protected as part of the Virgin Islands National Park, which offers excellent hiking trails, secluded beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Explore the famous Trunk Bay, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and snorkel among the colourful fish and coral formations.

St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands, but quieter than bustling St. Thomas. This laid back island is home to stunning beaches like Sandy Point and Cane Bay, famous for its snorkelling, as well as Buck Island Reef National Monument. For outdoor enthusiasts, numerous hiking trails, including those in the St. Croix East End Marine Park, offer scenic views and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Motor Yacht?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

How Do I Choose The Right Motor Yacht?

When chartering a yacht from The US Virgin Islands, consider factors such as budget, motor yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

What Type Of Motor Yacht Can I Charter From The US Virgin Islands?

There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in the US Virgin Islands, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Motor Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

How Long Does A Motor Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

When Is The Best Times To Charter A Motor Yacht From The US Virgin Islands?

You can sail all year in the Bahamas, and the high season is from December to May.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Motor Yacht Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.