USVI: charter itinerary

The mountainous island of St Thomas belongs to the US Virgin Islands. With direct flights daily from the mainland, it makes for the perfect destination to embark or disembark your charter. The island uniquely combines a cosmopolitan atmosphere with the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands. There are plenty of attractions to visit here when you're not lazing on one of the beautiful white, powdery beaches or enjoying watersports on the turquoise waters.

The Capital, Charlotte Amalie, has one of the most breathtaking harbors in the world, and is known for its fantastic duty-free shopping. Thrumming with restaurants and bars, it is one of the liveliest places in the Caribbean.

Fort Christian is the oldest and most robust structure on St Thomas. Built in the 1600s, it has survived hurricanes and fires which demolished other parts of the town.

With most of St John quilted by a verdant national park, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most tempting destinations in the US Virgin Islands. Imagine a tiny universe of carved out coves, rich coral reefs, and emerald waters. Diving and snorkeling are must-do activities where you can encounter over 500 species of fish and over 40 species of coral.

Touch base at Francis Bay before taking the tender or kayak to explore the island's lesser-known corners. Be sure to spend time falling in love with the famed Trunk Bay, one of the most picture perfect stretches of sand in the whole of the Caribbean.

For charter guests looking for local history, take the hike up to the Catherineberg Ruins. The oldest plantation in St John, its mill dates to the 18th century. Afterwards, stroll down to the little town and delight in the buzzy local markets where local art and crafts can be bartered, bought, and treasured.

A long and narrow cay, Congo Cay can be found next to Lovango Cay - separated only by a narrow channel of sparkling saltwater. Coated in tire palms and home to pelicans and schools of silvery fish, Congo Cay is a hidden dream. This island is uninhabited and is a protected space thanks to the pelicans who nest there.

Snorkeling is sublime for those who want to flit alongside prized colorful fish. Out of the blue rises a maze of mangroves, sheer cliff walls, and even weathered petroglyphs. Known as the Taino rock carvings, these ancient artworks adorn the rocks in the freshwater pools of Reef Bay Valley.

Scattered pottery pieces have also been found across the cay - a footprint of the ancient people who made their home here on this knife-like island adrift in the blazing blue sea.

Consistently hailed as one of the best beaches not only in the US Virgin Islands but also in the world, Magens Bay is famed for its cerulean waters, verdant backdrop, and sugary white sands. Clean, uncrowded, and with crystalline visibility for the keen snorkeler and diver, Magens Bay is utterly enchanting and captures the essence of the USVI. 

Sitting on the shores of St Thomas, it's a must for charter guests visiting these parts who want to kick back on a stunningly beautiful beach. The water at Magens is usually very still and calm, making it a great swimming spot for families. Perfect for exploring on your yacht's kayaks.

Along with Great St James, Little St James is the smallest of the two islands, with beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters; visitors to the anchorages around Little St. James can enjoy everything this gorgeous part of the Caribbean offers.

Buck Island Reef National Monument is situated less than a couple of miles off the island of St Croix. This National Monument was established by President John F. Kennedy to preserve “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea”. The monument includes Buck Island itself, along with 19,000 acres of underwater marine habitat.

The island and the surrounding coral reef marine environment support a large variety of native flora and fauna. The island is one of the few places in the Virgin Islands where endangered brown pelicans and threatened Least Terns nest. Around the island you will also encounter endangered hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles.

Access to the island is by boat only, and charterers have the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive through the beautiful reef, follow the underwater snorkeling trail at the eastern most point of the reef, swim and relax at the gorgeous beach or for hike the beautiful island itself.

The fourth main island in the chain of the US Virgin Islands, Water Island is small in size but big in blissful fun. Less than 500 acres in size, this jewel box island is marked as residential, without hotels, taxis, and stores. But for charter guests seeking out the pleasures of beach life, pristine sands, paddling sea turtles, and a tapestry of coral reefs adorn these shores. Soak up the seclusion of Honeymoon Beach for kayaking and snorkeling. 

Those craving a different pace can explore the rugged landscape and watch crashing waves on Limestone Beach. For history lovers, Water Island is also home to plantation ruins and a partially constructed World War II fort.

Conclude your USVI charter with a final morning swim off Water Island’s Honeymoon Beach, where calm waters and sea turtles set a tranquil scene. After a leisurely breakfast on deck, cruise back toward St. Thomas. Spend your last hours exploring the historic streets and boutiques of Charlotte Amalie, or simply take in one last Caribbean sunset from the sundeck. A seamless disembarkation follows—leaving you with memories of coral seas, secluded coves, and the timeless charm of the Virgin Islands.