US Virgin Islands Yacht Charter – Crewed Yachts from St. Thomas and St. John
America’s Caribbean, No Passport Required
Charter a Private Yacht in the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, are the easiest way for American travellers to enjoy a crewed Caribbean yacht charter. Direct flights reach St. Thomas from many US cities, US citizens need no passport, and the US dollar is the currency. More than half of St. John is protected as the Virgin Islands National Park, so its bays and reefs remain beautifully unspoiled.
A week can stay entirely in US waters, or cross to the British Virgin Islands for the Baths and Jost Van Dyke, with your captain handling customs. St. Thomas is also home to large superyacht marinas, so every style of yacht is available.
Highlights of a US Virgin Islands Yacht Charter
- Trunk Bay, St. John: a famous beach with an underwater snorkel trail.
- Maho Bay and Francis Bay: calm anchorages where sea turtles graze the seagrass.
- Waterlemon Cay: one of the best reef snorkels in the Virgin Islands.
- Christmas Cove, Great St. James: a sheltered anchorage off St. Thomas with good snorkelling.
- Buck Island, St. Croix: a national monument with a protected barrier reef, for longer charters.
US Virgin Islands Yacht Charter Prices for 2026–2027
| Yacht style | Size and guests | Typical weekly rate (7 nights) |
|---|---|---|
| Crewed sailing catamaran | 45–60 ft, 4–8 guests | About $25,000 – $60,000, usually all-inclusive |
| Luxury catamaran | 70–80 ft, up to 10–12 guests | About $70,000 – $150,000 |
| Motor yacht | 80–110 ft, up to 10–12 guests | About $60,000 – $125,000 plus expenses |
| Superyacht | 120 ft and above, up to 12 guests | From about $100,000 plus expenses |
What the rate includes: on an all-inclusive charter, common on catamarans, the weekly rate covers your crew, meals, a standard bar, fuel for normal cruising and water toys; you add a crew gratuity (15–20% is customary) and any marina or park fees. On a plus-expenses charter, usual for motor yachts and superyachts, an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of typically 25–35% of the charter fee is paid ahead to cover fuel, food, drinks and dockage, and any unspent balance is returned at the end of your week. Virgin Islands National Park mooring fees are usually arranged by your captain.
A Sample 7-Day US Virgin Islands Itinerary
- Day 1 – St. Thomas to Christmas Cove: board at Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie and anchor off Great St. James for a first swim.
- Day 2 – Caneel Bay and Honeymoon Beach, St. John: beaches and calm water on the national park shore.
- Day 3 – Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay: the underwater snorkel trail and a walk to the Annaberg sugar mill ruins.
- Day 4 – Maho Bay and Francis Bay: swim with sea turtles in a quiet anchorage.
- Day 5 – Waterlemon Cay: reef snorkelling, then a sail along St. John’s north shore.
- Day 6 – Coral Bay and the south shore: secluded coves such as Salt Pond Bay.
- Day 7 – Cruz Bay: shops and restaurants ashore before returning to St. Thomas.
Want to see the BVI too? Combine both on a Virgin Islands yacht charter, with every guest carrying a passport for the British side.
Best Time for a US Virgin Islands Yacht Charter
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak season | Mid-December – April | Steady trade winds, dry days and the highest demand. Book 6–12 months ahead, and earlier still for the holidays. |
| Shoulder season | May – June | Warm water, calmer seas and a wider choice of yachts, often at more attractive rates. |
| Hurricane season | June – November (peak August – October) | Many yachts reposition. Charters remain possible with flexible plans and travel insurance. |
| Signature events | Spring | The St. Thomas International Regatta and the Virgin Islands Carnival on St. Thomas. |
Every US Virgin Islands charter is arranged personally by Hansel or Adrian Sneed. Sneed Charters has arranged Caribbean yacht charters since 1992, and as independent brokers we compare yachts from many owners and central agents, so our advice is unbiased and the charter rate is the same as booking direct.
US Virgin Islands Yacht Charter FAQ
Do I need a passport for a US Virgin Islands yacht charter?
Not if you are a US citizen and your charter stays in the US Virgin Islands; a government-issued photo ID is enough. Every guest needs a passport if the route includes the British Virgin Islands.
How much does a US Virgin Islands yacht charter cost?
A crewed sailing catamaran typically starts around $25,000 for a week, usually all-inclusive. Motor yachts run from about $60,000 to $125,000 plus expenses, and superyachts from about $100,000.
Where do US Virgin Islands charters start?
Most begin in St. Thomas, at Red Hook, Charlotte Amalie or Crown Bay. Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas has direct flights from many US cities.
Is St. John good for families?
Very much so. The national park bays are calm and sheltered, sea turtles are a common sight, and the distances between anchorages are short.
Can we visit St. Croix on a charter?
Yes. St. Croix lies about 35 miles south of St. Thomas, so it suits a longer charter or a motor yacht. Buck Island Reef National Monument is a highlight.
Explore nearby: Virgin Islands yacht charter · BVI yacht charter · Puerto Rico yacht charter · Caribbean catamaran charter
Plan Your Private US Virgin Islands Yacht Charter
Tell us your dates, group size and the kind of yacht you have in mind. Hansel or Adrian will reply personally within 24 hours with a curated shortlist and a clear all-in cost, with no hidden fees.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 561 463 6840 or message us on WhatsApp.