US Virgin Islands - Little Cinnamon Bay and Cinnamon Bay viewed from the water, St. John, United States Virgin Islands stock photo... - iStock-1572685762

Sailing Holiday
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 sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday. 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 sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday 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.

US Virgin Islands - Cruz Bay, St John:US Virgin Islands-July 04, 2023- Fourth of July Carnival celebration in Cruz Bay, Costumed group of women dancing in the street in Cruz Bay. - iStock-1516931780

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. Wind
JAN 27.5°C (82°F) 24.0°C (75°F) wind direction 77degENE
FEB 27.7°C (82°F) 23.6°C (74°F) wind direction 71degENE
MAR 28.5°C (83°F) 23.7°C (75°F) wind direction 102degESE
APR 28.8°C (84°F) 24.4°C (76°F) wind direction 107degESE
MAY 29.9°C (86°F) 26.0°C (79°F) wind direction 109degESE
JUN 31.0°C (88°F) 27.0°C (81°F) wind direction 105degESE
JUL 31.0°C (88°F) 27.1°C (81°F) wind direction 83degE
AUG 30.9°C (88°F) 27.3°C (81°F) wind direction 100degE
SEP 31.9°C (89°F) 27.6°C (82°F) wind direction 107degESE
OCT 30.1°C (86°F) 27.1°C (81°F) wind direction 117degESE
NOV 29.6°C (85°F) 26.3°C (79°F) wind direction 93degE
DEC 28.7°C (84°F) 25.1°C (77°F) 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.

Boat Types In US Virgin Islands

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Wellbeing

Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Unique Accommodation

Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.

Skill Development

Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Charter Types In US Virgin Islands

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore 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 sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday 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 Sailing Holiday

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around 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 sailing holiday, 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 Sailing Holiday

A crewed sailing holiday from US Virgin Islands comes 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 Sailing Holiday 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 sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday 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 Sailing Holiday?

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.