The Caribbean is not one destination but dozens, each with its own character. Some charter areas are made for easy island hopping and beach bars, others for glamorous harbors or remote, wind-swept anchorages. Choosing the right cruising ground is the most important decision in planning your yacht charter, so here is how the main areas compare.
British Virgin Islands: the classic first charter
Short distances, sheltered water and dozens of anchorages make the BVI the most popular charter area in the Caribbean. In a week you can swim through The Baths on Virgin Gorda, snorkel the caves at Norman Island, dine on fresh lobster in Anegada and enjoy the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke.
- Best for: first-time charter guests, families, relaxed island hopping
- Getting there: fly into Tortola, or into St. Thomas and transfer by ferry
US Virgin Islands: easy access and protected nature
St. Thomas has excellent flight connections from the US mainland, and St. John is largely protected as a national park, with some of the best beaches and snorkeling in the region. A Virgin Islands charter can combine the USVI and BVI in a single week, although you will need a passport to cross into the BVI.
- Best for: US travelers who want a short journey, nature lovers
- Getting there: direct flights into St. Thomas from many US cities
Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgin Islands: the uncrowded alternative
Just east of Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques offer quiet anchorages, Flamenco Beach and one of the world’s brightest bioluminescent bays. With frequent nonstop flights into San Juan, a Puerto Rico and Spanish Virgin Islands charter is a smart choice for travelers who want something less known.
- Best for: guests seeking quiet anchorages, culture and easy US access
- Getting there: nonstop flights into San Juan
St. Martin, St. Barts and Anguilla: glamour and gastronomy
A St. Martin charter combines French and Dutch culture, Gustavia’s chic harbor in St. Barts, and the powder-white beaches of Anguilla. This is the heart of the Caribbean superyacht scene, with exceptional dining ashore. Passages between islands are longer and more open, so it suits motor yachts and larger sailing yachts particularly well.
- Best for: couples, foodies, those who enjoy a vibrant social scene
- Getting there: fly into St. Martin (SXM), with connections from the US and Europe
Antigua and the Leeward Islands: history and beaches
Antigua is famous for its beaches and for English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here you can explore Barbuda’s pink-tinged sands, or continue to St. Kitts, Nevis and Guadeloupe. See our Leeward Islands guide.
- Best for: sailing enthusiasts, history lovers, beach connoisseurs
- Getting there: direct flights into Antigua from North America and the UK
The Grenadines: remote beauty and real sailing
South of St. Vincent, the Grenadines string together Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, the Tobago Cays marine park and Union Island. Anchorages are quieter, the water is extraordinarily clear and the sailing is more spirited. Guests who want even more adventure can continue to Grenada or explore the wider Windward Islands.
- Best for: experienced charter guests, divers and snorkelers, privacy seekers
- Getting there: fly into St. Vincent, or connect through Barbados, St. Lucia or Grenada
Five questions to help you decide
- How much time do you want to spend under way? Short hops point to the BVI and USVI; longer passages suit St. Martin, Antigua and the Grenadines.
- How lively do you want the evenings? St. Barts and Jost Van Dyke are social; the Spanish Virgin Islands and Tobago Cays are tranquil.
- How far do you want to travel? St. Thomas and San Juan have the most direct US flights.
- What kind of yacht? Catamarans excel in the Virgin Islands; motor yachts and superyachts suit St. Martin and St. Barts.
- When are you going? Timing matters. See our guide to the best time to charter a yacht in the Caribbean.
Frequently asked questions
Which Caribbean island is best for a first yacht charter?
The British Virgin Islands are the most popular choice for a first charter, thanks to short distances, sheltered water and a wide choice of anchorages, beaches and restaurants.
Do I need a passport for a Caribbean yacht charter?
Most Caribbean charters cross international borders and require a passport. US citizens chartering only within Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands may not need one, but a passport is required to enter the BVI and most other islands.
Which Caribbean destination is best for a luxury motor yacht?
St. Martin, St. Barts and Anguilla are the classic choice for motor yachts and superyachts, with longer passages, chic harbors and outstanding dining ashore.
Can I visit more than one island group on one charter?
Yes. Popular combinations include the US and British Virgin Islands, or St. Martin with St. Barts and Anguilla. Your broker will plan a realistic itinerary for your dates.
Not sure where to start? Share your dates and group size and one of our brokers will reply with a personal shortlist of available yachts, or call (561) 463-6840. Your private escape awaits.
