A private yacht charter in the US Virgin Islands should be selected around four practical decisions: the right yacht type, the number of guests and cabins, the complete charter budget, and whether you want a USVI-only itinerary or a route that also enters the British Virgin Islands. BVISAIL compares yachts that can operate for your dates and route, then helps you evaluate the crew, cabin layout, inclusions and actual charter terms—not simply the advertised weekly rate.
Start with these four decisions. They determine which yachts are genuinely suitable and prevent attractive but impractical options from reaching your shortlist.
| Decision | What to confirm | Why it changes the shortlist |
| Yacht type | Sailing catamaran, power catamaran, sailing yacht or motor yacht | Affects space, speed, fuel use, motion, draft and price structure. |
| Guests and cabins | Total guests, couples, children, bed preferences and any mobility needs | Guest capacity alone does not confirm that the cabin arrangement will work. |
| Budget | Preferred weekly rate and comfortable total trip budget | Inclusive and plus-expenses rates cannot be compared by base price alone. |
| Itinerary | USVI-only or USVI–BVI; relaxed pace or more stops | International routing requires a suitable yacht, passports and clearance planning. |
For a tailored comparison, share your dates, guest count, preferred cabins, route priorities, and total budget range.
Find a Private Yacht for Your USVI Charter →Expert guidance · No obligation
The U.S. Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St John, and St Croix) are a dream destination for sailing. With steady winds, calm bays, and short trips between islands, sailing in the US Virgin Islands is smooth and relaxing. It’s perfect whether you’re an experienced sailor or trying a charter for the first time.
At BVISAIL, we make finding the perfect yacht simple. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway, a fun family trip, or a festive holiday, we’ve got the right boat for you.
A sailing catamaran is often the starting point for families and groups seeking multiple cabins, broad outdoor living areas and efficient cruising between St. Thomas, St. John and nearby cays. Compare the actual cabin layout, engine hours, crew areas and sailing performance—not just length and guest capacity.
Weekly Price Range: Around $15,000 to $40,000+
A power catamaran may suit guests who prioritize speed, level living spaces and covering more distance. Ask how fuel is handled, because some power-catamaran rates are inclusive while others use a plus-expenses structure.
Weekly Price Range: Around $30,000 to $70,000, depending on size and features
A monohull sailing yacht is best for guests who value the feel of sailing and are comfortable with heeling and a narrower interior. Cabin count, berth dimensions and onboard access deserve close review.
Weekly Price Range: Around $15,000 to $25,000
Motor yachts provide speed, service and a wider range of luxury amenities, but fuel, dockage, provisions and local charges are commonly paid in addition to the base rate through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). Confirm cruising range and whether the yacht is approved for the intended islands.
Weekly Price Range: Around $50,000 to $150,000+
| Charter style | Onboard support | Guest responsibilities | Best fit |
| Fully crewed | Captain and additional professional crew; many catamarans include a chef | Complete preference forms and communicate dietary and activity priorities | Guests who want meals, service and navigation handled for them. |
| Captain-only | Licensed captain operates the yacht; chef and steward service are generally not included unless specifically added | Provisioning, cooking, cleaning and daily onboard organization | Independent groups that want professional navigation but less service. |
| Bareboat | No hired crew unless arranged separately | Qualified guests operate the yacht and manage navigation, provisioning and housekeeping | Experienced sailors accepted by the operator and comfortable taking full responsibility. |
St. Thomas is the principal air-access and embarkation gateway for many USVI sailing charters. Yacht pickup may be arranged from a marina in Charlotte Amalie, Crown Bay, Red Hook or another confirmed base, depending on where the selected yacht is berthed. The exact marina, boarding time and transfer plan must be confirmed in the charter agreement or joining instructions; “St. Thomas departure” does not identify one universal dock.
A St. Thomas start provides straightforward access to Water Island, the south and east coasts of St. Thomas, and St. John. St. Croix is part of the USVI, but it is farther from St. Thomas and St. John; it should not be inserted into a one-week route without confirming cruising time, weather, yacht speed and the group’s priorities.
Choose a USVI-only route when you want to minimize border formalities and concentrate on St. Thomas, St. John, Water Island and nearby cays. This route can work especially well for first-time charter guests, families seeking a relaxed pace, and U.S. travelers who prefer to remain within the territory. U.S. citizens generally do not need a passport for travel solely within the USVI, although carrying a passport is prudent and entry documentation should always be checked before travel.
Choose a combined route when destinations such as Norman Island, Peter Island, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke or Anegada are central to the vacation. The yacht must be authorized and available to operate across the border. Every guest needs the appropriate travel documents, and the itinerary must allow for customs, immigration, cruising permits, fees and clearance procedures in both directions. These requirements can change, so the captain or charter manager must confirm them for the dates of travel.
| Consideration | USVI charter | BVI charter |
| Gateway | St. Thomas offers direct air access and multiple marina areas. | Many charters begin on Tortola; some can begin in the USVI when permitted. |
| Route character | St. Thomas, St. John, Water Island and nearby cays; St. Croix requires more passage planning. | Dense island-hopping network with well-known beach bars, anchorages and natural attractions. |
| Border planning | USVI-only routes avoid an international crossing. | Entering from the USVI requires passports, clearance and applicable fees. |
| Best reason to choose | Convenient U.S. gateway and a relaxed itinerary centered on St. John’s protected bays. | A larger concentration of iconic island stops within a compact cruising area. |
USVI charter pricing varies substantially by yacht type, size, age, crew, season, guest count and pricing model. As an initial planning guide—not a quote—smaller sailing yachts and captain-only options may begin in the mid-five figures per week, many fully crewed catamarans occupy a broad range from roughly $25,000 to $70,000+ per week, and larger power catamarans or motor yachts can exceed $100,000 per week. Holiday rates may be higher.
Always compare the total expected cost. Confirm whether the rate includes food, beverages, standard fuel, cruising taxes and permits, or whether APA, taxes, dockage and other operating expenses are added. Crew gratuity, airfare, transfers, hotels, travel insurance and premium requests are normally budgeted separately.
Ready for an amazing week in paradise? Cruise through the US Virgin Islands on a private yacht, complete with scuba diving gear for underwater adventures.
Share your preferred dates, number of guests, cabin needs, yacht type, budget range and must-visit islands. BVISAIL will compare yachts that can operate for your route and explain the relevant charter terms before you decide.
U.S. citizens generally do not need a passport for a USVI-only trip. A passport is required for an itinerary entering the British Virgin Islands, subject to current entry rules.
For the widest yacht selection, begin early—especially for Christmas, New Year, school holidays and fixed travel dates. Actual availability, not a universal booking rule, should guide timing.
No. A fully crewed yacht normally includes a captain plus additional service crew, often including a chef. On a captain-only charter, guests generally handle provisioning, cooking and housekeeping unless extra crew is arranged.
Yes! Many private sailing yachts are great for families, with built-in safety features and kid-friendly meals. They also offer fun activities, such as tubing, snorkeling, and beach games.
Some can, but not every yacht is approved or willing to operate across the border. Availability, passports, permits, clearance procedures, fees and itinerary time must be confirmed.
Most private sailboat charters accommodate 2 to 10 guests, depending on the size and layout.
Private yachts often provide Wi-Fi, but you might get limited coverage while sailing.
Some private yachts include scuba diving or offer it as an add-on. Others can arrange a rendezvous diving with local dive operators.
Most charters do not allow pets, but some may make exceptions.
Some yachts accept shorter charters, often subject to season, routing and minimum-rate rules. Confirm the yacht’s specific terms rather than assuming a three- or five-night option is available.
Explore private yacht charters in the British Virgin Islands.
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