US Virgin Islands sailing vacation

One of the advantages if you start your Virgin Islands yacht charter in St. Thomas

is the large selection of flights heading into STT (airport code of St. Thomas), sometimes directly from major cities in the US. One of the new airlines that offers very affordable airfares (out of Providence/Boston, NY, Atlantic City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale) is Spirit Air, visit their website at www.spiritair.com for more information.

Regardless of some rumors, Customs and Immigration procedures on arrival and during your cruise are fast and easy. USVI sailing vacation

Shopping in St. Thomas for electronics, perfumes, alcohol and cigarettes is great (Millions of cruise ship passengers per year can't be wrong). Hotels and Restaurants are available in all price ranges.

If you charter a bareboat out of STT, you will save up to 50% on groceries when you provision compared to some stores in the BVI.

If you want to visit STT, coming from the BVI, on a bareboat - no problem!

You should have a valid passport and a visa or a visa waver, if you are not an American citizen, proper boat papers. Do not bring any trash into the USVI. You can check in at St. John in Cruz Bay. Our insider tip: be there around noon and after you went through customs reward yourself with lunch at Uncle Joe's, the best BBQ rib place in the islands. You will get a huge plate of food for under $10. (It's the shag right at the corner).

Often described as “3 lively islands, one gentle people,” St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, the "American Caribbean", offer a very cosmopolitan culture as well as pristine, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for diving or snorkeling.
Explore the lush green island of St. John, which is two-thirds national park. Stroll down one of the many long white beaches or hike along a nature trail, many of which end with outstanding panoramic views of white beaches and emerald cays.
St. Thomas is filled with bustling towns and great duty-free shopping. At Charlotte Amalie, cruise port and capital of the USVI, white and red-roofed brick buildings from the days of Dutch power stand vibrantly against a backdrop of emerald hills.

St. John just got voted the Nr. 1 Caribbean island from the readers of the Conde Nast Travel Magazine. Read what www.gadling.com has to say about St. John:

Hawksnest Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
To narrow down just one great beach on St John is like trying to settle on the best painting in the Louvre. The entire island is awash with gorgeous sands, turquoise blue coves and an overwhelming tropical abundance that will make you weep with joy. Since two-thirds of this island paradise is protected national parkland, it also remains pure and underdeveloped. One can't go wrong with any of the post-card-perfect beaches here, but if I had to choose just one on which to wile away my days, it would have to be Hawksnest Bay. Amen!

Background

United States Virgin Island has area 352 square km (144 sq. miles) combined. The Capital is Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas). Nationality of a resident - U.S. Citizen. Official Language: English
Currency: U.S. Dollar Time Zone: EST + 1; GMT -4

Climate

Average temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 82 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. There is less than a 5 degree Fahrenheit difference in temperature from winter to summer.

Entry formalities

Beginning Jan. 1. U.S. citizens will no longer be able to cruise through the Caribbean and then re-enter the United States with only a driver's license or voter's registration card as identification. A passport will be required. The office of Homeland Security initiated this new policy due to heightened concerns that terrorists could smuggle equipment or operatives into the United States from neighboring countries. This doesn't apply if you're only making stops in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These islands fly the U.S. flag, thus no passport is needed. However, if you cruise over to the British Virgin Islands or down to Sint Maarten, for example, U.S. immigration officials will insist on seeing a passport before they'll let you back in the country.

sailing vacations virgin islands

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Sailing activity

For your sailing vacation you can rent sailboats or you charter a powerboat, with crew or without a captain, at many locations on all three islands. St. Thomas boasts one of the largest charter yacht fleets in the Caribbean.
Boat races in the U.S. Virgin Islands are hosted year-round, including the International Rolex Cup Regatta on St. Thomas and the Mumm’s Cup Regatta on St. Croix. St. Thomas is also home to the world-famous Virgin Islands America’s Cup Challenge team.

Sample itinerary for a crewed yacht charter starting in the US Virgin Islands:

You have the choice to start and end your crewed sailing vacation in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (airport code STT) visiting the US (St, Thomas, St, John) and the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Peter Island, Norman Island, Anegada, Dog Islands, Virgin Gorda etc) or you can start and end in Tortola, BVI Beef Island (airport code EIS) to visit only the BVI.

If you want a sailing trip more off the beaten track, with less crowded anchorages, choose a one way trip starting in St. Thomas, visiting the Spanish Virgin Islands (Culebra, Culebrita, Vieques, Palominos etc) and ending in Marina del Rey in Puerto Rico. You will fly into St, Thomas and out of San Juan, PR (airport code SJU). This trip can include the visit of the rainforest EL Yunque and the historic sites of Old San Juan. Trunk Bay -- St. John

1st day:

The crew welcomes you aboard your yacht at 12:00 noon in St. Thomas, Red Hook in the Marina "American Yacht Harbor" with a typical Caribbean Rum Punch and something light to eat. The captain will explain to you, all the things you have to know about "living aboard". You will set sail to St. John, anchor in front of the Cannel Bay Resort, where you can have your first swim and snorkel in the blue Caribbean waters.

2nd day:
After breakfast you head to West End Tortola, Sopers Hole to check into the BVI waters. You have the opportunity do do some shopping ashore. After lunch you sail towards Cooper Island. The Cooper Island Beach Club is known for his excellent tropical drinks. Dinner al fresco in the protected cockpit of your yacht after the sunset ends another beautiful day in paradise

3rd day:
One to two hours of sailing will brings you to Virgin Gorda, where you dock in the marina of Spanish Town. From here you take a taxi to The Top of The Baths and explore one of the most unique site in this area: the Devils Bay trail through The Baths. Spanish Town is also the perfect place for you to have a night out and dine in one of the typical restaurants. Wednesdays and Fridays a local band is playing live music for you to dance the night away.

4th day:

In the morning you can take a short walk to one of the most exclusive resorts on Virgin Gorda: Little Dix Bay. You are welcome on their palm fringed, picture perfect beach for launching and sunbathing and for a drink, of course. You leave the marina after lunch for a nice down wind sail to Peter Island. Great Harbor is the perfect place for waterskiing and the beautiful beach of the Peter Island Resort is only a short walk away.

5th day:

A short sail brings you to Norman Island, The Bight. You can take the ocean kayak for a ride to the snorkel spot The Caves.

You anchor close to the world famous swimming bar and restaurant Willy T's (William Thornton). After dinner on board and some drinks to warm up you dinghy over and party at the bar. For the more adventurous type: you can experience a "body shot", get (temporary) tattooed and/or jump naked from the second deck for a free t-shirt (woman only receive t-shirt)

6th day:

With the wind from behind you have a nice sail to St, John and pick up a mooring in one of the national park coves, Leinster Bay. This is a very quiet place with Watermelon Cay as an excellent snorkel spot. Because there is no artificial light at night it makes also one of the best spots for stargazing.

7th day:

You set sail to Cruz Bay, St, John where you check back into US territory. You have lunch ashore in the local shack "Uncle Joes" for the best BBQ ribs and chicken on the islands. You overnight in Christmas Cove, Great St, James. Your last chance to dip into the crystal clear turquoise water and see rays, starfishes and maybe a turtle while snorkeling.

8th day:
After breakfast and a short trip back to Red Hook you will have to say good bye to the crew and your yacht, your swimming home for the past week. The crew will bring you ashore and the taxi takes you to the airport. We are sure you will have an unforgettable week.

This example is just one of the numerous ways to see the islands. Some times you also visit Jost Van Dyke with the famous beach bar FOXY'S or you see more of the national park of St, John. The final itinerary is made according to your needs and depending on the actual weather conditions. The final decision is always made by the captain.

WHEN TO GO

Prices are highest from mid-December through mid-April, and peak during the weeks around Christmas and New Year's (also called "the season"). During this time you'll find low humidity and the most stable weather.

Rates—not to mention crowds—decrease significantly from June through November, though this is officially considered Caribbean hurricane season. If you plan on booking a trip during this time, ask about cancellation policies, as many hotels and airlines will refund you if there is a major storm. The chances of this happening are relatively slim: The last serious hurricane to hit the U.S. Virgin Islands was Marilyn, in 1995. In fact, many people prefer the summer/fall season; you're competing with fewer folks for hotel rooms, restaurant reservations, and spots on those sunset cruises. But as a precaution, you may want to investigate trip insurance from a reputable company such as Travel Guard.

For the best mix of price and weather, consider shoulder season periods: the second half of April, all of May, and the beginning of December.

HOW TO GET THERE

Both St. Thomas's Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and St. Croix's Henry Rohlsen Airport (STX) are served by American, Delta, Continental, United, and US Airways. Travelers have the option of connecting through Miami or San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Smaller carriers such as Seaborne Airlines (seaplanes), Air Sunshine and Cape Air fly between St. Thomas and St. Croix, which are 40 miles apart. In-season (December through April), the Virgin Islands Fast Ferry www.virginislandsfastferry.com runs between the two islands, and takes 75 minutes.

To reach St. John, which has no airport, you will need to fly into St. Thomas and ferry to Cruz Bay from either Charlotte Amalie (a 45-minute ride; $7 each way) or Red Hook (a 20-minute ride; $3 each way). The larger St. John hotels also offer private water-taxi service directly to their docks, so inquire when booking. Detailed ferry and airline information can be found at www.usvitourism.vi.
GETTING AROUND

Once you arrive, taxis as well as car and jeep rentals are widely available on all three islands.

If you plan to spend most of your time at a resort, hiring a taxi to get to and from dinners (and maybe taking an island tour to see more of the island) should be sufficient. Since rates are based on destination, not mileage, agree on the fare before you're on the road. It's also best to stick to taxi services recommended by your hotel.

Guests at a villa or campground, and anyone who wishes to explore the islands at their own pace, should consider renting a car. Road conditions are generally good, although there are some narrow/winding spots. Renting a jeep for excursions on St. John is recommended—it's hilly, and some of the more remote roads are unpaved. Driving is on the left throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands—keep it in mind, but don't be intimidated.

TOURIST INFO

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Tel: 800 372 8784
www.tourismusvi.com

On-island offices:

78-123 Estate Contant
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Tel: 340 774 8784
Fax: 340 774 4390

Henry Samuel Street (next to post office)
Cruz Bay, St. John
Tel: 340 776 6450
Fax: 340 776 6450

53A Company St.
Christiansted, St. Croix
Tel: 340 773 0495
Fax: 340 773 5074

Strand Street
Fredericksted, St. Croix
Tel: 340 772 0357

Kenny Chesney - somewhere in the sun - revealed:
As a real Kenny Chesney fan you saw the TV show "somewhere in the sun". Did you feel the urge to walk in his footsteps, to visit the places he was talking about, to experience the sunsets he showed you? We will find the right yacht for you that will take you there - on a Caribbean sailing vacation.
Start your Virgin Islands yacht charter in St. Thomas in the Marina American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, where Kenny keeps his motor yacht. Cruise to St. John, the island he calls "home" and have a burger in Cruz Bay at his favorite beach bar "Woody's". Take a safari taxi tour over the island and see the gorgeous views from the hilltops. Anchor in front of palm fringed beaches like Cannel Bay or Trunk Bay and dive into the turquoise waters for a swim or snorkel trip. Have a drink in the cockpit of your crewed charter yacht "when the sun goes down" and get blown away by an indescribable sunset. Sail the BVI and visit one of his featured restaurants at Jost van Dyke, "Sydney's love and peace" and have a delicious lobster meal. Swing in the hammock at "White Bay" and experience yourself the feeling of "living a different pace".
No shoes, no shirt, no problem!

US Virgin Islands sailing vacations information - visit the "American Caribbean"

Sample itinerary for a crewed yacht charter starting in the US Virgin Islands:

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