Caribbean Virgin Islands Yacht Charter
Search Over 300 Yachts In The Caribbean Virgin Islands For Your Luxury Charter Vacation!
Set in the warm, subtropical Caribbean Sea between Puerto Rico to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, this volcanic archipelago comprises the easternmost part of the Greater Antilles of the West Indies, with the British Virgin Island group being part of the northern Lesser Antilles that form the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus named the island chain for Saint Ursula and her attending 1100 virgins! Initially all Virgin Islands were under Spanish sovereignty, but dominion changed during the 17th and 18th centuries. Lastly, St Croix was purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917. Today the Caribbean Virgin Islands are generally referred to as the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the US Virgin Islands; though the third group is called the Spanish Virgin Islands, it is part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Caribbean Virgin Islands are a great charter cruise destination for island hopping; the three island groups have their own distinctives to deliver an unforgettable cruise experience.
The British Virgin Islands are comprised of 60 unspoiled islands including the four main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada—the northernmost. Tortola is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the BVI islands with fine dining and shopping. The protected anchorages of Brandywine Bay, Trellis Bay, and Soper’s Hole are great for watersports and fishing with the north and south drops for game fishing. Tortola, like most of the West Indies, has a history of European colonization for sugarcane plantations for sugar and rum production. The 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, Mount Healthy Windmill, Callwood’s Rum Distillery and Fort Burt provide glimpses into the island’s rich history, including pirate activity that was prevalent in the 17th and early 18th centuries.
BVI Virgin Gorda is world-famous for the Baths, a maze of massive boulders at the south end of the island that create the most-photographed iconic grottoes and pools. Pass through to the crystal-clear shallows of Devils Bay. Yacht Clubs, luxury villas and resorts dot the shoreline of Virgin Gorda, along with fine shops, arts, fashion and more. Experience the eclectic cultural heritage of local cuisine. Gorda Peak offers a great view for hikers; of historical interest are Little Fort National Park and the Cornish Copper Mines at the island’s southern tip. Nearby Saba Rock, a tiny 1.5-acre islet, has been a favorite of yachting and snorkeling since the 1960s when it was first developed as a Pirates Pub and was among the best bars in the Caribbean! The original Pub was demolished by hurricane Irma in 2007 but has been rebuilt into the resort/hotel with bar and restaurant that covers the entire islet; mooring slips are available for visiting yachts.
BVI Jost Van Dyke, named for the Dutch former pirate and settler, is the smallest of the four main islands at 4 x 3 miles. This island is known for its yacht anchorages; Great Harbour is world-famous for its fabulous holiday yacht parties. Sample the local cuisine of BBQs, Indian roti, flying fish sandwiches and fresh fish and lobster from the local waters. Explore historic sugar mill ruins, watch for whales and dolphins, and relax in the East End’s natural sea-formed “jacuzzi.” The northernmost island of BVI is Anegada; just 28-ft. above sea-level, it is the only coral/limestone island of the Virgin Islands. Known for shipwrecks, it is NOT recommended for charter cruising; too dangerous to navigate its protected 18-mile barrier reef—one of the longest in the Caribbean. Leave it to the flamingoes; these colorful birds prefer the salt ponds of this limestone island.
USVI Saint Thomas, “gateway isle” of the US Virgin Islands is known for its beaches and snorkeling—mini reefs surround all 3 of the US Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie is a busy cruise ship port and one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. Enjoy duty-free shopping, world-class restaurants and unique recreational adventures on this cosmopolitan island. Visit Coral World Ocean Park for thrilling submarine excursions, Marine Gardens gallery of 21 aquariums, undersea observatory and much more. The St Thomas Skyride takes you 700’ above Charlotte Amalie for magnificent views. The historic 1679 watchtower building called Blackbeard’s castle harks back to the notorious pirate years. For a break from beautiful beaches and shopping, enjoy a round of golf on the Fazio-designed course with the world-renowned final 3-holes known as the “Devil’s Triangle.”
USVI Saint Croix was a former Danish territory; its cultural style is imprinted on the island with its narrow European streets and sunny yellow buildings. Explore shops tucked in downtown Christiansted’s alleys, sample authentic Caribbean dishes such as callaloo and enjoy the waterfront bar scene with live music and plentiful local rum. The Cruzan Rum distillery offers tours and will pack duty-free bottles of rum in a travel box to take along for happy hour aboard your charter vessel. A short distance from St Croix is the outlying uninhabited Buck Island, federally protected since 1961—Buck Island Reef National Monument, a nice side excursion for the barrier reef that surrounds two-thirds of the island is great for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles. Permits are required and must be obtained in advance for anchoring and taking a dinghy in to enjoy a beach BBQ picnic, swimming, snorkeling or hiking the main marked trail leading to the top of a small peak; you’ll be rewarded with a “million-dollar view” of St Croix, the coral reef and further!
Saint John, the smallest of USVI, is two-thirds forested National Park and known for its unspoiled natural beauty, hiking trails and ecotourism. Explore the ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, a historic landmark located near Leinster Bay in the north. The east end’s Waterlemon Cay is the #1 spot for snorkeling; see schools of fish, rays, sea turtles and coral formations. Trunk Bay Beach on the southern coast with its crystal sands is the site of Virgin Islands National Park, a 225-yard underwater nature trail. Cruz Bay is the main town and port of the island with restaurants & bars, shops, and dive centers. Arrange a Safari bus or jeep excursion to the National Park from Cruz Bay. Hawksnest Bay Beach in the northwest is lined with shady seagrapes; the nearby reef is popular with snorkelers.
The Spanish Virgin Islands, formerly Passage Islands, are also known as the Puerto Rican Virgin Islands. SVI consist primarily of Culebra and Vieques, along with many smaller islets and cays, and are part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Great itinerary for island hopping to enjoy their unspoiled natural beauty, fishing, snorkeling and a year-round lobster season! SVI Culebra is 22 miles east from Puerto Rico.
Ensenada Honda is the quiet harbor of this pristine island. The only town is Dewey with a few restaurant/bars; notably the Dinghy Dock restaurant. The powdery sand beaches rank high in international Best Beach lists. Snorkel with sea turtles and rays in the clear, shallow sea grass bottomed waters of Playa Tamarindo. Nearby Culebrita is an uninhabited wildlife refuge with exquisite beaches that are nested by a different species of sea turtle.
Vieques is the largest of SVI at 20 x 4.5 miles and lays just 6 miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland. The beachside town of Esperanza is the place to shop and sample local cuisine such as traditional Puerto Rican mofongo. El Blok has a great rooftop bar with 360-degree views. Take a trip inland to catch sight of “Paso Fino” wild horses that have free run of the island. Book a tour or take the kayaks out for a nighttime paddle on Mosquito Bay to see the world-famous neon glow of bioluminescent organisms that inhabit the bay.
For your own luxurious Caribbean Virgin Island hop, a crewed yacht charter with professional captain and chef will allow you and guests to relax and enjoy the experience.