THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
The US Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the quintessential yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean, each offering a unique blend of vibrant sailing culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, immaculate beaches, and lush rainforests, these islands provide an idyllic setting for both relaxation and adventure. The USVI, accessible without a passport for U.S. citizens, invites exploration with its sparkling waters and vibrant coral reefs, while the lush trails of St. Croix and the rich history of St. Thomas offer diverse experiences on land.
Explore some of our most popular stops below!
Waterlemon Cay | St. John
Set against sweeping views of the neighboring British Virgin Islands, Waterlemon Cay offers an unforgettable backdrop for your perfect boat day. Its brilliantly clear turquoise waters sparkle in the sun, creating the ideal setting for one-of-a-kind photos and serene moments on the sea.
Beneath the surface lies one of St. John’s most celebrated snorkeling destinations. A mature coral reef and lush seagrass beds support a vibrant underwater ecosystem, making every swim feel like a discovery. Watch conch inch their way through the grass, spot rainbow-colored parrotfish nibbling along the reef, and drift past soft sea fans gently waving in the current. It’s an immersive, thriving marine world that keeps guests returning again and again.
Maho Bay | St. John
Framed by towering coconut palms and powdered-white sand, Maho Bay is one of the most inviting and easily accessible beaches on St. John. Its calm, shallow waters make it the perfect place to wade, swim, or simply float under the sun with a drink in hand.
Beneath the surface, the bay is alive with marine life. Green sea turtles graze peacefully in the seagrass beds, while southern stingrays glide gracefully across the sandy bottom. Slip on your snorkel and take a slow, relaxing swim to watch these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Venture along the edges of the bay and you’ll find soft and hard corals, anemones, and schools of tropical fish completing this picturesque underwater scene.
Lime Out | Coral Bay, St. John
Tucked away in Coral Bay on the remote eastern side of St. John, Lime Out is an eco-friendly floating restaurant accessible only by boat—and a favorite “must-do” for visitors and locals alike. Designed for boaters spending their day on the water, Lime Out features a vibrant swim-up bar and several floating lounge circles perfect for relaxing. This iconic taco boat offers the ideal spot to unwind, snack on fresh Caribbean-inspired tacos, and sip a refreshing cocktail while drifting in the warm, turquoise sea.
Note: There’s also one now in Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas!
Northside Beaches, St. John
Once home to one of the Caribbean’s most iconic resorts, Honeymoon Beach, Hawksnest Bay, Caneel Bay remains a breathtaking stretch of natural beauty within the Virgin Islands National Park. This tranquil bay is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and lush green hillsides that create a peaceful, secluded atmosphere perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and unwinding in pure island serenity. Beneath the surface, vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish offer an unforgettable underwater experience, while the calm shoreline makes it easy to relax and soak in the views. Whether you’re stopping by for a refreshing swim or simply admiring its untouched charm from the comfort of your yacht, Caneel Bay captures the timeless beauty that makes St. John so special.
Cruz Bay | St. John
As the vibrant gateway to St. John, Cruz Bay is a lively blend of island charm, colorful shops, waterfront restaurants, and stunning Caribbean scenery. This bustling harbor town is the main point of entry to the island and offers a warm welcome with its relaxed beach bars, boutique stores, and art-filled walkways. Just steps from the shoreline, you’ll find calm turquoise waters perfect for a quick swim or a refreshing dip before exploring the town. Whether you're grabbing a handcrafted cocktail, browsing local crafts, or simply taking in the laid-back energy, Cruz Bay offers the perfect mix of convenience, culture, and island vibes that set the tone for an unforgettable St. John adventure.
Lovango & Congo Cays
Just a mile off the shores of St. John’s National Park beaches, Lovango Cay sits alongside Congo Cay and Carvel Rock, forming a naturally sheltered haven perfect for snorkeling. Slip into the crystal-clear waters to search for nurse sharks resting beneath rocky ledges, or stay aboard and soak up the sun as pelicans from the nearby nesting grounds glide overhead. With calm seas and vibrant marine life all around, this quiet cluster of islands offers a peaceful and picturesque escape..
Christmas Cove | St. James
Nestled just off the shores of Greater St. James, Christmas Cove is a spot rich in both beauty and legend. It’s said that Christopher Columbus sought shelter here from a fierce Caribbean storm on Christmas Day—earning the cove its timeless name.
Today, its calm, protected waters are part of a thriving marine reserve where stingrays glide through the shallows, conch scatter across the seafloor, and seasonal starfish and octopus hide among the rocky ledges and colorful reefs surrounding the island.
Adding to its charm, Pizza Pi VI—the famous floating pizza boat—anchors right here in the cove. Accessible only by water, this beloved local gem serves up fresh, authentic New York–style pies with a rotating menu that keeps guests coming back for more. Perfect vibes, perfect pizza, all from the deck of your yacht.
Magens Bay | St. Thomas
Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Magens Bay is a must-see gem on St. Thomas. This long, heart-shaped bay is framed by lush green hillsides and filled with calm, glassy turquoise water that’s perfect for swimming, floating, and soaking in the serenity of the Caribbean. The soft white sand stretches for nearly a mile, offering plenty of room to relax, unwind, and enjoy the view. Whether you’re taking a refreshing dip, strolling along the shoreline, or simply lounging under the shade of the trees, Magens Bay delivers a peaceful, picture-perfect backdrop that captures the true beauty of the Virgin Islands.
Water Island
As the smallest of the four U.S. Virgin Islands, Water Island offers a quiet, residential charm just a short hop from St. Thomas. Its history adds to its intrigue—purchased by the United States during World War II to help protect its submarine base, the island was later incorporated into the USVI territory in 1996, becoming a peaceful community surrounded by turquoise waters.
The island’s crown jewel is Honeymoon Beach, a picture-perfect stretch of palm-lined white sand. Its calm, shallow waters are home to resident sea turtles grazing just offshore, along with colorful reef fish that make snorkeling here effortless and rewarding. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing on the beach, or relaxing on the boat, the scenery is pure Caribbean bliss.
When hunger calls, two beloved beachfront spots—Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill—offer delicious bites and cold drinks, each with its own local flavor and charm.
Buck Island | St. Thomas
Established in 1969, Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge protects 49 acres of vital habitat for migratory seabirds—most notably magnificent frigatebirds and laughing gulls. Seabirds are among the most diverse and ecologically important species in the U.S. Virgin Islands, making Buck Island one of several essential sanctuaries where they can safely nest and raise their young.
Perched above the island is the historic Buck Island Lighthouse, built by the Danish in 1913. It served as a navigational beacon for over 80 years until Hurricane Marilyn passed directly over the island in 1995, bringing its long service to an end.
Below the lighthouse, Turtle Cove—one of the island’s two protected marine areas—invites snorkelers into a world of vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. This cove is home to endangered green sea turtles that graze in the shallows and can often be spotted from the boat as they surface for air. As crew member Catie says, “There is always more treasure to be seen than meets the eye.”
Just around the bend lies Shipwreck Cove, a natural attraction with a dramatic twist of history. Here, a flourishing coral reef has grown around the remnants of a WWII freighter, the Cartanza Señorita, which was pushed into the cove by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Stingrays, hawksbill turtles, reef squid, and colorful tropical fish weave through the sunken structure, while schools of yellowtail snapper often gather near the surface. It’s a living underwater museum where nature and history come together in a spectacular display.