Caribbean SeaU.S Virgin Islands

U.S Virgin Islands Yacht Charter

A jewel in the Caribbean Virgin Islands, a leeward island chain with an almost South Pacific charm to it.

Best time to visit

December - April

Currency

US Dollar

Language

English

Cruising style

Relaxed trade wind island-hopping

Charter types

Crewed, Skippered, and Bareboat
Essential InformationWhere to CharterItinerariesKnowledge HubWhen to VisitYachtsSee & Do

Amazing yacht charters in U.S Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands are a jewel in the Caribbean Virgin Islands, a leeward island chain with an almost South Pacific charm to it.

It's easy to see why the US Virgin Islands are nicknamed 'America's Paradise', with deep blues and vibrant greens adding zest to the perfect yachting conditions, stretching from remote St Croix to Charlotte Amalie and the Virgin Islands National Park on St John.

Temperatures range from 25ºC to 30ºC all year round!

Easy access from major US cities makes the Virgin Islands even more attractive, while navigation is simple, with easy passages that suit all experience levels.

In the USVI, you’ll find gentle and near constant winds most of the year, calm Caribbean sea and simple line-of-sight navigation. Blissful!

US Virgin Islands are good for:

Scuba Diving

Beach bars

Inspiring Beaches

Tropical Fish

Water Sports

Hiking

Start planning your U.S VI Charter

Get StartedWhy choose HELM?

Find yachts to charter in the U.S Virgin Islands

Knowledge hub

Essential information
Sailing Conditions
Travel tips
Currency

USD

Language

English

Pilot guide

Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands

Marina fees

$1.50 - $3 per foot per night

Normal starting day

Flexible

When to visit

November to April

Average summer temperature

26-31°C

Average summer wind

10-20kt

Tidal range

< 1.5m

Driest Month

February - 50-75 mm

Population

Approx 87,000

Climate

Warm and tropical

Tipping etiquette

Round up the bill or tip 10% for excellent service

Fuel

Don't forget fuel costs!

Language

English

See & do

Check the following attractions before going to USVI's

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Stumpy Bay Beach

Stumpy Bay Beach

Magens Bay

Magens Bay

Rhythms at Rainbow Beach

Rhythms at Rainbow Beach

Trunk Bay Beach

Trunk Bay Beach

Cinnamon Bay

Cinnamon Bay

Secret Harbour

Secret Harbour

Coral World Ocean Park

Coral World Ocean Park

Things to do on a US Virgin Islands Yacht Charter

  • Explore the National Park on St John: Take your pick of some of the finest beaches in the USVIs and quiet overnight anchorages.
  • Discover Magens Bay, St Thomas: Head to this immense mile-long, white sand beach, one of the island’s most popular. Make sure you get there early!
  • Visit the many beautiful bays - from Cruz Bay and Trunk Bay (St John) to Buck Island (just off Saint Croix), Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay.
  • Dine at Zozo’s, Lovango Cay, Saint John: Find peace and quiet here, enjoy great food and watch the awesome sunset.
  • Snorkel Watermelon Cay: Enjoy the warm waters or, if you feel energetic, hike to Annaberg ruins, a sugar plantation.
  • Experience pizza with a difference: On Great St James, at Christmas Cove, which is only accessible by boat, you will find floating restaurant Pizza Pi. Don’t miss it while on your Virgin Island yacht charter vacation.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is between December and May when trade winds are the most steady and temperatures are comfortable, although the USVIs have pleasant weather for most of the year.

Temperatures in the USVIs are around 75°F to 82°F all year round. August, September and October are the warmest months with hardly any wind, which makes it feel even hotter. The low season is summer time when it is less crowded. The hurricane season is between June and October.

Popular yacht types in USVI's

crewed

Popular USVI Yacht Types

Power Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a power catamaran in the U.S Virgin Islands

Moorings 504 Power Catamaran

Crewed Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a crewed catamaran in the U.S Virgin Islands

Skippered Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a skippered catamaran in the U.S Virgin Islands

Sailing Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a sailing yacht in the U.S Virgin Islands

Crewed Sailing Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a crewed sailing yacht in the U.S Virgin Islands

Motor Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a motor yacht in the U.S Virgin Islands

Power Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

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Moorings 504 Power Catamaran

Enjoy a relaxing week on a power catamaran in the U.S Virgin Islands

Crewed Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

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Crewed Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a crewed catamaran in the U.S Virgin Islands

Skippered Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

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Skippered Catamarans U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a skippered catamaran in the U.S Virgin Islands

Sailing Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

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Sailing Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a sailing yacht in the U.S Virgin Islands

Crewed Sailing Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

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Crewed Sailing Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a crewed sailing yacht in the U.S Virgin Islands

Motor Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

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Motor Yachts U.S Virgin Islands

Enjoy a relaxing week on a motor yacht in the U.S Virgin Islands

Where to begin...

A perfect place to begin your US Virgin Island yacht charter is St Thomas where you can explore the islands and dip your toes in the Caribbean Sea aboard a beautiful luxury charter yacht.
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Need some help?

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.

We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.

Check FAQGet in touch

We’re here for you

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide. We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.
Contact us
Check FAQ

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yachting holidays:

  • Bareboat
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.
  • A bareboat charter is where you rent a fully equipped yacht without a skipper or crew. The yacht is yours for the duration of the charter and has everything you need on board.
  • We can help arrange for the boat to be provisioned before your arrival and any extras you require to be on board.
  • The boat is your responsibility and the itinerary is completely up to you. You will be provided with an area and boat briefing upon check-in, and will have the full support of the local base staff should you have any questions or require assistance during your charter.
  • Yachts available to bareboat charter range from 32ft right up to 60ft, and include a wide variety of monohull sailing boats, motorboats and catamarans from all major shipyards. We've highlighted some of our favourite bareboats here.
  • You will probably need a practical sailing licence, such as RYA Day Skipper, International Certificate of Competence (ICC), or ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Certificate, along with experience on an equal size boat. In the British Virgin Islands and Thailand, you do not need a licence by law, but will be required to show a sailing resume demonstrating experience of being in charge of an equal size boat. Some charter companies in these regions may also request a formal licence. If you are not sure your licence is suitable, please check with us.
  • In Croatia a VHF (marine radio) licence is also mandatory.
  • A skippered charter means adding a professional skipper to a bareboat arrangement. This is perfect for a first sailing holiday, as you don't need any experience at all.
  • You can also add a skipper if you would just like someone on board with local knowledge and to assist with the sailing.
  • You can be as involved in the sailing of the vessel as you like, and the skipper will be happy to teach you to sail, or allow you to relax and sunbathe.
  • A skipper is hired to make your week as enjoyable as possible; they will have local experience and will be able to make recommendations on where to go and what to see.
  • Prices range from 190 to 200 EUR per day for a skipper, with food extra, and you need to make sure you allocate them a cabin.
  • A hostess can be added to any bareboat or skippered charter
  • They will keep your yacht clean, prepare drinks and snacks, breakfast and lunch, as well as helping with provisioning.
  • A hostess costs 130 – 170 EUR per day + food, depending on destination.
  • A crewed charter is a luxurious escape, akin to a 5 star hotel but with a different view every day.
  • A professional captain and crew will pamper you and provide a seamless experience throughout.
  • Your on-board chef will prepare gourmet cuisine, and the crew can assist with reservations at the best onshore restaurants.
  • You will find an amazing selection of facilities, activities and equipment.
  • The experience is uniquely tailored to all of your personal preferences.
  • To find your perfect escape, browse our Crewed Yachts.