Yacht Charter in St Thomas

St. Thomas is a modern paradise and known for its year-round balmy seas. Charlotte Amalie, in particular, is the most visited port in the Caribbean, where elegant dining, duty-free shopping, and exciting nightlife await visitors. The island's unique combination of sheltered waters and steady trade winds make it an ideal relaxing vacation for anyone looking for the perfect epitome of a Caribbean holiday.

Chartering a yacht in St. Thomas means you get to explore the island but also its surrounding waters and nearby bays, beaches, and the colourful marine life that lies beneath its crystal clear blue seas. From hiking trails that reward you with jaw dropping views, to duty-free shopping of high-end brands, the gourmet restaurants and fine dining options, to lively bars and clubs; and of course, exceptional beaches and warm Caribbean hospitality, a yacht charter in St. Thomas is an experience you shouldn't miss.

Yacht charter prices in St. Thomas vary depending on the boat you rent, duration of the charter, number of people on board, and other expenses. You can choose between an all-inclusive yacht rental or a rental only and pay for expenses. When it comes to a day charter, a typical catamaran rented for 7 hours would cost around $1,495.

If you rent a yacht for three days and two nights, it depends on the kind of boat you charter. Prices can go somewhere between $10,000 for a monohull or sailing catamaran under 80 feet to $150,000 for a superyacht. A yacht below 80 feet can cost around $30,000, an all-inclusive price that includes food and drinks, water toys, and other expenses for a full week's rental. If you want to rent a luxury yacht that's over 200 feet, it can cost around $700,000 for an all-inclusive week-long yacht holiday in and around St. Thomas.

A 3-day yacht charter in St. Thomas will include two nights anchored in different bays around the island. This weekend yacht charter can start from Charlotte Amalie, then cruise to nearby islands, where your days will be packed with swimming, snorkelling, diving, lounging on beaches, or playing with your yacht's water toys. Here is a sample 3-day yacht rental itinerary in St. Thomas:

Day 1: Charlotte Amalie

Start your day at Charlotte Amalie, where you can snorkel and dive at prime dive spots around the bay. Some of the hotspots you can visit include Coki Point Beach, a bustling beach with a reef found near the shore. Another spot is Tunnels of Thatch, with its volcanic tunnels near Thatch Cay, and if you're interested in wreck diving, there's the Wit Shoal II, which is a stunning wreck dive for freediving and scuba diving. Before the sun sets, head your way to Druif Bay, where you will have dinner on the deck and anchor for the night.

Day 2: Druif Bay

Druif Bay is found south of St. Thomas, and it's a beach on Water Island. It is considered to be among the most peaceful places in the US Virgin Islands. Select your perfect patch of white sand to read a book, sunbathe, snorkel in the warm and calm waters, kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy the laid-back and sparsely populated beach. Before sunset, head your way to Magens Bay, where you will stay for the night in your yacht.

Day 3: Magens Bay

Magens Bay Beach has been hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has been named such by Conde Nast and National Geographic. With calm waters and a secluded shoreline, it is the best spot in St. Thomas for all kinds of watersport activities. This includes windsurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply relaxing on the beautiful white sand and the bluest waters you have ever seen. If you'd like to explore inland, you can hike the Discovery Nature Trail, with its mangrove and coconut groves. Before the sunsets, head your way back to Charlotte Amalie as you cruise along the beautiful waters and spectacular scenery that surrounds you.

A 4-day yacht charter in St. Thomas consists of 3 nights anchored on a bay, where you are served by your crew and personal chef for dinner. For a 4-day cruise, you can visit nearby St. John instead of heading straight to St. Thomas' most famous beach. Here is a sample itinerary for a 4-day yacht charter in St. Thomas:

Day 1: Caneel Bay

From Charlotte Amalie, head your way to St. John's Caneel Bay, enjoy your first lunch anchored on the waters, then start your afternoon with snorkelling, kayaking, or stand up paddleboarding. You can then head out to Cruz Bay, where you can spend your late afternoon visiting the popular gift shops before heading out to Maho Bay if you want to swim with turtles or enjoy a beautiful Caribbean sunset. Anchor at Maho Bay for the night and sleep under the stars on your first night.

Day 2: Watermelon Cay

Before heading to Watermelon Cay, you can visit Mary's Point, Whistling Cay, and Cane Bay. With crystal clear waters and gentle currents, enjoy a cruise around these spots and immerse yourself in all the natural beauty there is. By lunchtime, you can head out to Watermelon Cay, where you can enjoy a guided snorkel tour of the unique ecosystem of St. John's famous coral reef system. If you want to explore inland, enjoy several hiking trails, or visit Annaberg's ruins, one of the island's most prominent sugar plantations. After dinner on the deck, you must not miss a night dive around the cay.

Day 3: Magens Bay

A yacht charter in St. Thomas is never complete without a day at Magens Bay. There are moorings in this bay, but you can anchor on the water if it's full. Enjoy a broad range of watersports activities here, from wakeboarding to water skiing, tubing, or hopping from one secluded beach to another.

Day 4: Buck Island

Before going back to Charlotte Amalie, stop by Buck Island and explore the spellbinding views from an old lighthouse or snorkel around a wrecked freighter from WWII. Before sunset, it's time to pack and head back as you cruise and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sunset.

A full-week yacht rental itinerary in St. Thomas is the best way to explore all the stunning scenery, natural wonders, and beauty the island and surrounding isles have to offer. Spend seven nights cruising along the waters of the Caribbean onboard your very own luxury yacht, where a dedicated crew serves you. You can start your charter from Charlotte Amalie, then you either choose the 4-day itinerary where you visit St. John, or you can opt to follow the 3-day itinerary where you visit Druif Bay and end at Magens Bay Beach. Using the latter itinerary for the first three days, here is a sample 1 week yacht charter itinerary in St. Thomas:

Day 1: Charlotte Amalie

Start your cruise at Charlotte Amalie, shopping, sightseeing, or snorkelling and enjoy the bay and nearby beaches.

Day 2: Druif Bay

Enjoy a day on the beach in this peaceful bay, or explore Fort Segarra, a tunnel-filled underground fort built in WWII.

Day 3: Magens Bay

As mentioned earlier, a yacht charter in St. Thomas is never complete without visiting this beach.

Day 4: Christmas Cove

A small yet stunning island with the whitest sand you have ever seen and the bluest, azure waters your eyes have ever set on. Christmas Cove is called such because of a lone Christmas tree that hangs on the beach. It is found to the east of St. Thomas, a glorious beach located on Great James Island. Snorkel in the shallow waters, and you'll be rewarded with abundant marine life, such as stingrays and sea turtles.

Day 5: Coral Bay

Coral Bay boasts of being a famous beachside town with its unique charm. It features funky shops and cafes by the waterfront and offers ex-pats and US citizens the authentic island living experience. Aside from the quaint seaside town, it's also a great place to kayak and snorkel and enjoy activities on the water. But, if you'd much instead explore its rich history and culture, a visit to the Emmaus Moravian Church is a must. The church is listed as one of the historical places in the US Virgin Islands, and it is said to be haunted due to a double murder that took place a stone's throw away at the Carolina Estate plantation in 1733.

Day 6: Leinster Bay

Leinster Bay is on St. John island and is dubbed the #1 spot for snorkelling in the area. It is blessed with abundant marine life, such as rays, sea turtles, and colourful fish. Inland, there are over 30 different hiking trails to explore, and on Leinster Bay Beach, you can visit the ruins of the historic Annaberg, a sugar plantation.

Day 7: Trunk Bay

And the last destination on your week-long yacht charter itinerary is Trunk Bay, which is said to be the crown jewel of the US Virgin Islands National Park. It is the best spot for diving as it features 650 feet of underwater trails. This heart-shaped bay has the bluest of blue waters in the USVI, and spending your last day here is the perfect way to end your luxury yacht charter in St. Thomas.

Luxury yacht charters in St. Thomas usually mean megayachts and superyachts that go for $600,000 and beyond for an all-inclusive charter. But some motor yachts and luxury catamarans also offer the same level of service, but in smaller settings, accommodating intimate groups or a romantic couple getaway. These boats are modern and newly purchased or furnished and feature a dedicated crew that often outnumbers the guests for the ultimate pampering and service.

Guests can choose between all-inclusive charters, or charters plus expenses, depending on your preferences. Private chefs are usually included as well, where your dinners are prepared on board, and you get to enjoy nightly dinners on the deck and under the stars as you anchor on stunning Caribbean bays. When it comes to luxury superyachts, no expense is spared for your St. Thomas holiday. From Jacuzzis to swimming pools onboard, stately suites, spa rooms, daily massages, gourmet food, and a long list of water toys that include jet skis and inflatables, a luxury yacht charter in St. Thomas is an adventure of a lifetime.

St. Thomas is dubbed the gateway to the US Virgin Islands, and its beauty does not start and end with its stunning beaches. The island boasts of a cosmopolitan vibe while still retaining its unique Caribbean flair and, of course, the undeniable beauty of its beaches and waters. From diving to snorkelling, duty-free shopping, fine dining, swimming, and island hopping, a luxury yacht charter in St. Thomas is a Caribbean holiday you mustn't miss.

What makes yacht charters in St Thomas (USVI) unique compared to other destinations?

The US Virgin Islands offer a truly special mix of features that few destinations can match, especially when experienced by private yacht. Here’s why a yacht charter in St Thomas stands out.

Variety in Proximity

In the USVI, you have multiple islands and countless cays all within a few hours (often minutes) of sailing from each other . You can island-hop with ease, often visiting 2-3 different bays or islands in a single day without feeling rushed. Each island has its own flavor – the bustling port town vibe of St. Thomas, the untouched natural beauty of St. John, the cultural and historical depth of St. Croix – and yet you don’t have to choose just one. Unlike, say, a one-island vacation, here you get a diverse adventure (beaches, reefs, towns, history, nightlife) in one trip. And unlike some places where islands are far apart and require long open-water sails, in USVI the distances are short, the seas generally calm, meaning more time exploring, less time in transit.

US Territory Comforts

As a US territory, the USVI offers conveniences that many other tropical locales don’t. You have the reliability of U.S. services and infrastructure – good cellphone coverage, easy use of U.S. dollars, no need for power adapters, English spoken everywhere – which removes a lot of travel friction. For Americans, there’s the huge perk of no passport needed and no customs/immigration hassle when you arrive (you’re essentially on a domestic flight, albeit to paradise!). 

This also means excellent medical facilities on St. Thomas (just in case), and a general sense of security. It’s a seamless blend of being in a far-flung exotic place but still under the U.S. flag, which is comforting for many travelers. And for international guests, you get to see a part of “America in the Caribbean” which is an interesting cultural crossover.

Natural Paradise – Above and Below Water

The USVI boasts some of the most stunning beaches and bays in the Caribbean, often ranked among the world’s best (Trunk Bay’s powdery beach and iconic islet, Magens Bay’s postcard-perfect arc). The water clarity is incredible – snorkeling in the USVI is like swimming in an aquarium, with vibrant coral reefs (many protected areas), playful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even occasional dolphin or whale sightings in-season. Over 60% of St. John being a national park not only preserves the land but also the surrounding marine habitats – you really feel that pristine environment when you dive in. 

The variety of water activities is huge: snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing – all in relatively sheltered, safe waters. If you love the ocean, the USVI offers it in all shades of blue, from the shallow turquoise of a beach cove to the deep indigo off the shelf near St. Croix. For sailors, the winds are friendly and consistent, and for those who prefer calm cruising, the leeward sides of the islands offer lake-like conditions. It’s a water wonderland that caters to both beginners (kids learning to snorkel) and experts (divers hitting the Wall).

Rich Culture and History

Many tropical destinations are just about the beach – but the USVI has depth in culture and history that adds intrigue to your trip. You can explore centuries-old forts, sugar plantation ruins overtaken by jungle, and museums that tell tales of pirates, European settlers, and enslaved peoples’ struggles and triumphs. Each island has distinct influences (St. Croix was Danish then briefly British then American; St. John and St. Thomas Danish, etc.), which you see in the architecture and hear in the local stories. 

The culture today is a vibrant Afro-Caribbean one, with traditions like Carnival (don’t miss the Carnival if you charter around late April in St. Thomas or July in St. John – a spectacular display of music and dance), and music genres from reggae to quelbe (the folk music of the VI). By chartering a yacht, you can experience both secluded nature and step into local life by docking to enjoy a festival or simply chatting with locals at a beach bar. The people of the USVI are friendly and proud of their home, and often eager to share a bit of it with visitors. Whether it’s learning how to “play conch shell” from a local in St. John or hearing the story of the Fireburn rebellion on St. Croix, you get a sense of place that makes your vacation more meaningful.

All-Inclusive Luxury with a Personal Touch

While this is true of many crewed charters, it’s worth noting that a Boatcrowd USVI charter in particular gives you access to luxury in a laid-back setting. The USVI’s tourism DNA has long included high-end travelers (there are luxury resorts like Caneel Bay – currently rebuilding – and Ritz-Carlton, etc.), so the service culture for luxury hospitality is well-developed. But on a yacht, you take that up a notch: it’s like having a private floating villa with a professional staff catering just to you. What makes it unique here is that you can enjoy that high level of service (gourmet meals, crafted cocktails, turn-down service, etc.) while literally moving through an array of gorgeous locations. 

One morning your crew might set up a spa-like massage on deck with St. John’s green hills as your backdrop; by afternoon, they’re guiding you through coral gardens at Waterlemon Cay; by night, they’ve anchored off a quiet cay with no other boats in sight and are serving you a dinner of freshly caught lobster that you maybe helped catch. The experience feels tailored and intimate – because it is. 

Unlike chartering in, say, the Mediterranean (which is wonderful but often involves longer distances and sometimes crowded ports in high season), the USVI offers a more relaxed, under-the-radar type of luxury. It’s not showy – it’s about the simple pleasures done exceptionally well. Also, if you ever need something on short notice (a special wine or a pharmacy run), being in a U.S. territory means it’s usually one call away – your crew can get most items quickly in St. Thomas, which isn’t the case in very remote locales.

⸻

In summary, St Thomas USVI charters are unique because they combine accessibility, natural beauty, cultural richness, and bespoke luxury in one tidy package. You can tick off so many experiences – from snorkeling a coral reef to exploring a pirate castle to dancing to reggae under the stars – all within a few days, all without leaving U.S. waters. It’s that blend of adventure and ease, of wild and refined, that sets the USVI apart. 

Boatcrowd amplifies it by adding our expertise and personal touch, ensuring you see the hidden gems and enjoy the famous spots in the best possible way (often away from any crowds). A St Thomas USVI charter isn’t just a trip to the islands – it’s a journey through many worlds in a single destination, all experienced at your own pace and style.