Impossibly blue water laps the dazzling white shoreline. Beaches are dotted with hammocks, while inland lies a rich tapestry of histories and culture. This is the US Virgin Islands, where the toughest choice you’ll have is which islands to choose and what to do. Formed from the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, alongside many other smaller islands, USVI is an energising yachting destination. Whatever the combination of islands you choose, you’ll be setting sail to relaxed reggae beats, lush natural backdrops and a world of cultural cuisines. The south coast of St John provides for a quieter yachting sail, with many a gem to be explored – such as the ruins of Annaberg Sugar Plantation and the fascinating archaeological dig at Cinnamon Bay. Yacht charters in the US Virgin islands offers breathtaking vistas ashore and afloat.
St Croix is a must-visit for scuba divers, as its surrounded by the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean. Just a quarter of a mile offshore, the reef initially slopes, then falls to thousands of feet.
The USVI are situated 40 miles east of Puerto Rico and 1100 miles southeast of Miami. St John is just a 20-minute sail away from St Thomas, but it could be on the other side of the world for how different the two islands are. St Croix is then 40 minutes south of St Thomas.
Whichever the first island you choose, just be sure to clear your yacht through both customs and imagination.
Key anchorages in the USVI
Druif Bay, St Thomas – Situated on the east side of Water Island, just off the south coast of St Thomas, this bay is home to the famed Dinghy’s Beach Bar. Druif Bay is typically rather crowded (with a wind change you can quickly find the boats here bumper to bumper), The water has a depth between 30-40ft.
Christmas Cove, St Thomas – More of a mooring, rather than an anchorage Christmas Cove is home to Pizza Pi! – fabulous pizza, on crystal clear water? Yes please!
Elephant Bay, St Thomas – One of only a select few dedicated mooring and anchoring spots in St Thomas, Elephant Bay offers both private mooring balls and public, just be aware of the wind – which can curve its way around into the bay to create quite the gust.
Christiansted Harbour, St Croix – Approached from the north via the Atlantic Ocean, Christiansted Harbour is one of the best protected harbours in the Caribbean, however the entrance is twisty, so always traverse it during daylight.
The USVI ashore
Serving as both the most commercial island, as well as the main embarkment for those voyaging by Yacht, St Thomas offers resort after resort, with endless water sports, and hustling bustling comings and goings – cruise ships alongside yachts.
St John remains unruined by human hand, being two-third protected national park. Visit here and you’ll notice a distinct lack of airports and cruise-ship docks.
The latest addition to the Virgin Islands, St Croix, offers equal amounts of immersive leisure time for divers and rum connoisseurs alike (although the two pastimes should remain mutually exclusive!).
Top on land activities
St Thomas – Indulge in elegant dining, at the renowned Old Stone Farmhouse, where they serve up adventurous dishes of local shellfish in a rustic atmosphere.
St John – Feeling energetic? St John’s is a must for hikers, where a walk can take you from ancient petroglyphs carved into stone onto dazzling, quiet beaches for relaxing afterwards.
St Croix – A popular destination for those that meditate, explore the Estate Mount Wachintgon Planation (Rte. 63, Frederiksted, St. Croix) – which is part of someone’s property, who selflessly open the ruins to tourists.