Boat hire & yacht charter in U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a small group of islands located under the BVI which are an unincorporated and organised territory of the United States. Some of the islands include Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, and although being a part of the US, boast a culture which is a mix of West African, European and American. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a very popular tourist destination due to the beautiful natural beauty, as well as the number of islands to explore.

Pricing and Info on hiring a boat in U.S. Virgin Islands

Prices average around £700 a day for sailboats, with motorboats costing roughly the same amount. For a week in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a sailboat price will average between £2500 and £3000, while a week charter on a motorboat will usually be a superyacht and so prices will usually be upwards of £30,000. These prices vary however, due to the type of boat and the time of year you want to go.

Boat availability in U.S. Virgin Islands

Like other Caribbean islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands tourist season is from December to April, as the year-round warm temperatures make it a good escape during the winter months, however, prices here will be higher and crowds busier. The off-season is between July and October, also known as hurricane season which still has nice weather but is threatened by potential hurricanes. Boating is a popular activity in the Caribbean, so availability goes quickly, and it is important therefore to book in advance. It is often thought that the best time to visit is from April to June when the hurricane season has not yet begun, and crowds are minimal.

Do I need a license to hire a boat in U.S. Virgin Islands?

No, to hire a boat in the U.S. Virgin Islands you do not need a license, however, you will need some form of a sailing CV to prove you can charter the bareboat. That said, there are a lot of immigration laws and legislation that must be followed and so it is important to check for your specific area and boat if you need any specific documentation for your charter.

Overview of U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a very popular tourist destination among Americans and are very reliant on their tourism industry. As such, the islands are full of fun activities and attractions to fill your days.

If you are a thrill-seeker, like most island nations diving, snorkelling and other water sports are popular activities among tourists and locals, with St. Thomas being one of the most popular islands for this, due to the beautiful waters, as well as calm waves which make underwater sports and sailing an easier and laid-back experience. As well as water sports, the incredible vegetation creates opportunities for more unique experiences, such as go-karting, off-road driving, ziplining and horse riding.

If you are looking for a relaxing trip, as most holiday-goers to the US Virgin Islands are, explore some of the many beaches on the different islands. From the loud Magen’s Bay Beach on St. Johns to the protected and secluded Lindquist Beach on St. Thomas, there is a beach for every type of person.

If you are looking for the perfect time of year to go and love the experience of some incredible nightlife, consider booking your holiday around one of the many festivals the island offers. One of the biggest festivals is St. Thomas Carnival which happens in April and includes street dancing and bands, as well as parades, a carnival village and dancing into the night.

Enjoy the culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands by trying some of the local dishes, such as mofongo, the Puerto Rican dish of mashed and fried green plantains, and the popular drink of Maubi or Kallaloo soup. The culture here is rich, due to the influence of many different cultures, including the Danish culture and the influence of Puerto Rico.

Sailing areas around U.S. Virgin Islands:

• St Thomas
• St John
• St Croix
• British Virgin Islands