A boat charter from St. Thomas is a multi-night private vacation aboard a professionally crewed sailing catamaran, power catamaran, sailboat or motor yacht. The right choice depends on your dates, guest and cabin requirements, total budget, preferred service level and whether you want to remain in the U.S. Virgin Islands or include the British Virgin Islands.
BVISAIL compares yachts that can operate for your route and explains their actual charter terms before you decide.
Start with the decisions that determine whether a yacht is genuinely suitable:
| Decision | What to confirm | Why it matters |
| Yacht type | Sailing catamaran, power catamaran, sailboat or motor yacht | Changes space, speed, motion, fuel use, route capability and price structure. |
| Guests and cabins | Number of adults and children, couples, bed preferences and mobility needs | Maximum guest capacity does not guarantee the cabin arrangement will fit. |
| Budget | Preferred weekly base rate and comfortable total vacation budget | Inclusive and plus-expenses rates cannot be compared by base price alone. |
| Itinerary | USVI-only or USVI-BVI; relaxed pace or more stops | The yacht must be able to operate legally and practically on the intended route. |
St. Thomas offers various boat charters to match your style, group size, and budget. Whether you’re after a laid-back day on the water or a luxurious escape, there’s something for everyone.
| Charter Type | What You Can Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran Charters (Power or Sail) | – Stable and spacious decks – Smooth ride, ideal for reducing seasickness – Often includes: Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks | Families, groups of friends, couples |
| Luxury Motor Yacht Charters | – Offers a high-end, private experience – May include: Sun decks and plush lounges, jacuzzi, gourmet dining, professional crew (chef & steward) | Celebrations, romantic escapes, luxury travelers |
| Sailboat Charters | – Traditional, wind-powered sailing – Peaceful and quiet experience – Hands-on for sailing enthusiasts – Connects you closely with nature | Couples, small groups, sailing lovers |
Explore catamaran charter options in St. Thomas, USVI, such as the Fountaine Pajot 50, Leopard 50, and Lagoon 50. Contact us for more details and inquiries.
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is the principal air gateway on St. Thomas. The embarkation marina is determined by the selected yacht’s berth, schedule and charter agreement; “St. Thomas departure” does not identify one universal dock.
Possible St. Thomas marina areas include Crown Bay and Charlotte Amalie on the south and west side, as well as American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, Compass Point, Yacht Haven Grande and other confirmed facilities. Do not promise a specific marina until the yacht and contract identify it.
A USVI-only itinerary can focus on St. Thomas, Water Island, St. John and nearby cays without an international border crossing. This often suits first-time charter guests, families wanting a slower pace and travelers who want more time in St. John’s bays. St. Croix is also part of the USVI, but its distance from St. Thomas and St. John requires separate passage planning; it should not be treated as a quick add-on to every one-week route.
A combined itinerary may include Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Peter Island, Virgin Gorda or Anegada when the selected yacht is authorized and available to operate across the border. The route must allow time for customs and immigration clearance, applicable cruising permits and fees, weather and the yacht’s speed. Not every St. Thomas-based yacht can offer the same BVI itinerary.
| Consideration | USVI-only | USVI-BVI |
| Border formalities | No international crossing during the charter. | Clearance, permits, fees and current entry rules apply. |
| Route focus | St. Thomas, Water Island, St. John and nearby cays. | Adds selected BVI islands when yacht capability and timing allow. |
| Best fit | A relaxed pace and simpler logistics. | Guests for whom specific BVI destinations justify the added formalities. |
| Confirm before booking | Guest interests, St. Croix feasibility and St. John mooring plan. | Passports, yacht authorization, customs process, fees and realistic route duration. |
After you pick your boat, the next step is planning where to go. St. Thomas and the nearby islands have lots of amazing places to see, whether you want to relax, explore, or try something new. Here are some fun ideas to help you plan your charter tour:
St. Thomas has clear water and colorful sea life, perfect for snorkeling and diving. You might see sea turtles, tropical fish, and beautiful coral. The water is super clear, so it’s great for underwater photos too.
St. Thomas is a beach lover’s paradise, with countless stunning stretches of sand to explore. Whether you’re after calm waters, quiet seclusion, or action-packed fun, there’s a beach for every mood.
Pro tip: Pack a towel, sunscreen, and some snacks, and plan to beach-hop your way through paradise. Each stop offers something unique, and with so many nearby, you can easily visit several in one day.
A boat lets you explore St. Thomas and nearby islands, each with its unique charm. You can also cruise through the breathtaking British Virgin Islands.
Check out our sample itineraries to get ideas for your USVI sailing trip. And if you want something tailored just for you, contact us at CKIM Group! We’re happy to help plan a route that fits your vibe.
U.S. citizens generally do not need a passport for travel solely within the U.S. Virgin Islands, but travelers should carry acceptable identification and confirm current requirements before departure. A valid passport is required for U.S. travelers entering the British Virgin Islands, and requirements can differ by nationality.
For a USVI-BVI charter, the captain and charter manager should confirm the current clearance process, reporting requirements, cruising permits, immigration rules and fees for both entry to the BVI and return to the United States.
Weekly pricing varies by yacht type, age, size, guest capacity, crew, season, holiday period and pricing model. As broad planning guidance rather than a quote, crewed sailing catamarans commonly begin in the mid-$20,000s and extend beyond $70,000 per week; power catamarans often begin higher and may exceed $100,000; sailboats may begin in the mid-five figures; and motor yachts can range from roughly $50,000 to well above $200,000 per week.
Actual St. Thomas availability may be narrower than these category ranges.
| Pricing model | May include | Common additional costs |
| Inclusive crewed charter | Yacht, crew, meals, standard beverages and a defined level of fuel and onboard amenities, subject to the contract | Crew gratuity, transfers, travel insurance, premium requests, some dockage, onshore dining and cross-border charges. |
| Plus expenses / APA | Yacht and crew in the base fee | Provisions, beverages, fuel, dockage, communications, local charges and other operating expenses paid from APA; taxes may also apply. |
Always compare the expected total—not only the advertised weekly rate. The charter agreement and current rate sheet govern inclusions, exclusions, taxes, APA, security deposits and payment terms.
Share your dates, guest count, cabin needs, preferred yacht type, budget range and must-visit islands. BVISAIL will compare crewed yachts that can operate from St. Thomas for the intended route and explain the relevant charter terms before you decide.
You can sail the boat yourself with a bareboat charter, or choose a crewed charter with a captain and crew. If you just want a captain to do the sailing, a captain-only charter is perfect.
Chartering a boat in St. Thomas can cost $15,000–$50,000+ for a week, depending on the boat type and if it’s crewed. Luxury options cost more, especially during peak season.
Extra costs may include fuel, food, customs fees (for the BVI), mooring fees, and crew tips.
Inclusive boat charters let you enjoy dining on board, prepared by a private chef. However, dining ashore may cost you extra.
Bring swimwear, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you’re going to the British Virgin Islands, don’t forget your passport.
This page covers multi-night crewed yacht vacations. Day-boat rentals and excursions are separate services with different vessels, prices, inclusions and booking terms.
The marina depends on the selected yacht. Confirm the exact berth or meeting point in the joining instructions before booking transportation.
Some yachts can, but authorization, passports, clearance, fees, weather and itinerary time must all be confirmed.
Planning a boat charter in St. Thomas? BVISAIL’s Yacht Charter Brokers are here to help you plan an easy, fun, and amazing time at sea. Here’s what we offer:
Contact us at 1-321-777-1707 or complete this form to discuss your vacation plans.
