The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are known for their stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. While popular destinations like Tortola and Virgin Gorda attract many visitors, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be explored. Envy Yacht Charters offers luxury yacht experiences that provide access to these secluded spots, ensuring a private and unforgettable adventure. This guide will highlight some of the hidden gems of the BVI that you can discover when you book a private yacht charter with Envy Yacht Charters.

One of the most appealing aspects of a BVI yacht charter is the opportunity to visit pristine beaches and coves that are only accessible by boat. With over 60 islands to explore in the BVI, there are countless secluded spots offering a private and peaceful experience, far from the crowded tourist areas.
For example, Sandy Cay, nearly 14-acre nature preserve near Virgin Gorda, is an ideal tropical isle. It features a well-maintained trail that takes you through its diverse flora and offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding islands and reefs. The island's geological features include volcanic and coral reef formations, making it a fascinating stop for nature enthusiasts. Sandy Cay's vibrant reefs teem with juvenile fish and various species of turtles, perfect for snorkeling.
Another hidden gem is White Bay on Peter Island, known for its private and serene atmosphere. This beach is part of Peter Island Resort and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, with numerous tropical marine life just below the surface. The calm and clear waters make it an ideal spot for a peaceful day of sunbathing and swimming.
Envy Yacht Charters ensures that your experience in the BVI is marked by luxury and comfort. The yachts they recommend are equipped with spacious accommodations, wonderful meals, and a professional crew dedicated to catering to your every need.
Imagine waking up to a stunning sunrise over the Caribbean Sea, followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by chef onboard. Spend your day exploring the hidden gems of the BVI, and return to your yacht for a delicious dinner under the stars. The luxurious onboard amenities, coupled with the personalized service provided by Envy Yacht Charters will make your vacation truly special.
For those seeking adventure, the BVI offers a plethora of water activities that allow you to explore its natural beauty. Careful consideration is given by the professionals with Envy Yacht Charters to ensure that your charter yacht is equipped with plenty of up to date and exciting water toys, including paddle-boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, & scuba diving in some of the most beautiful areas of the BVI.
The waters around the BVI are teeming with marine life. Snorkeling at locations like the Caves at Norman Island or the Indians near Pelican Island provides a close encounter with colorful fish, coral reefs, and perhaps even a sea turtle or two. Scuba diving enthusiasts will find the RMS Rhone shipwreck an exciting dive site, rich with history and underwater wonders. Kayaking through the mangroves of Anegada offers a unique perspective of the island’s ecosystem.
One of the greatest benefits of booking a yacht charter with Envy Yacht Charters is the ability to tailor your itinerary. This customization allows you to include visits to hidden gems and lesser-known spots in the BVI, ensuring a unique and personalized adventure.
Your itinerary can be designed to suit your preferences, whether you’re interested in secluded beaches, vibrant marine life, or exploring uninhabited islands. Envy Yacht Charters works with you to create the perfect balance of relaxation, luxury, and adventure, making your BVI experience truly your own.
Exploring the hidden gems of the BVI with a yacht charter recommended by the professional charter yacht brokers at Envy Yacht Charters offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and personalized service. From pristine beaches and thrilling water activities to customized itineraries and gourmet dining, every aspect of your yacht charter is designed to provide an unforgettable experience. To start planning your dream vacation, contact Envy Yacht Charters to book a luxury yacht charter. Explore the various destinations offered and choose your ideal itinerary. Plan your travel dates and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the stunning British Virgin Islands. Contact us today!
Envy Yacht Charters offers charter diving vacations for any type of experienced or novice scuba diver. A day on a private scuba charter, you and your friends can dive when and where you want in luxury. The crewed charter is essentially a floating dive hotel, so you can make it a rewarding and fascinating experience without waiting in lines or worrying about the crowd.
All-inclusive Caribbean yacht charters are everywhere, but what makes Envy Yacht Charters different from the rest is how we work with your budget and itinerary to make the trip one to remember. We enjoy highlighting this area of the world because it’s extremely tourist-friendly and gives people the chance to easily hop from island to island and experience plenty of different landscapes both above and below the water. You’ll be greeted by thriving marine life as they swim in and out of wreck diving sites.
A typical day on a yacht can be on your own schedule because a private yacht charter allows you to scuba dive at your own time and pace with whoever you’d like. A private charter yacht typically offers one dive a day, with the option to host a second dive through flexible and custom itineraries.
Charter yachts typically have onboard dive compressors or plenty of tanks for easy refills throughout your Caribbean adventures. If any new or novice divers are looking for a resort course during their trip, the option to do so is available. 
Looking for advanced diving certification opportunities during this trip? Envy Yacht Charters offers private yacht charters that can take you and your credentials on the deep dive of your dreams. If you’re a non-diver or have several of them in your traveling group, spending the mornings and afternoon enjoying a local beach, hanging on the yacht with a book, cocktail, or one of the water toys on board is possible. With snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more, there are lots of ways to enjoy the warm and crystal clear waters throughout the day!

If you’re spending the day on one of the 7,000 different islands in the Caribbean Sea, a popular destination for divers on a charter is the British Virgin Islands because of their unspoiled, calm turquoise waters. It’s perfect for divers to enjoy a day of bright blue ocean water, extensive lush greenery, quiet beaches, and yacht clubs. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s fun diving adventures and water sports, to relaxing quiet coves.
The US Virgin Islands are warm, beautiful, and relaxing—what more could you ask for when it comes to a dive vacation? The three main islands, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix offer their own unique dive experiences for guests to spend the day on their own schedule. On St. Croix, we recommend soaking up the sun, playing a few games of beach volleyball, and taking a dip in the clear warm waters. Our favorite dive is the Cane Bay Wall, and the Cane Beach shores are the easiest way to access the walls. Spot plenty of sea life and the restored hard and soft coral reefs.
The British Virgin Islands are close to the airport on Beef Island in Tortola, or accessible if you fly into the nearby island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Once you land, take a ferry or private water taxi to visit one of the most incredible dive sites in the British Virgin Islands. We highly suggest checking out the Wreck of the Rhone while you’re in this enchanting area. As a place to spot turtles, octopi, and morays, this dive also has an enriching historical aspect among the site of the ship. The Wreck of the Rhone is an enticing experience for divers to get face-to-face with a piece of history. As a place to spot turtles, octopi, and morays, this dive also has an enriching historical aspect among the site of the ship.

The Leeward Islands are also worth exploring as they are considered to be invigorating and energetic by everyone who travels there. With options to travel to Saint Maarten, St. Barts, and St. Kitts, a cosmopolitan paradise with sophisticated nightlife is definitely one of the top places to go in your luxury yacht charter. After all, luxury charter vacations are about making the trip as personal as possible while surrounded by water as far as the eye can see.
Get your private yacht charter in the Caribbean scheduled on your calendar today, and contact the team at Envy Yacht Charters for more information.
An all-inclusive luxury yacht charter is one of the most relaxing vacations you can take, but what isn’t relaxing is planning and preparing for a big trip. Fortunately, when you work with a yacht charter broker, all the stress and effort that comes with vacation planning doesn’t fall on you. A reputable and reliable yacht charter broker is one who aligns with your wishes. They will focus on you, your safety, and your best interests to ensure you have the best vacation possible.
If you’re getting ready to plan an all-inclusive yacht charter, a SCUBA charter, or a luxury yacht charter vacation, be sure to work with a yacht charter broker like Nancy E. Van Winter at Envy Yacht Charters.
How To Find The Best Yacht Charter Broker For Your VacationWhile it may seem as simple as booking a yacht and paying for the expenses, there’s quite a bit of planning that goes into a luxury yacht charter vacation. There are many features of your trip that need to be considered. For instance, what do you plan to do during your vacation? Do you plan on doing a lot of diving? Because there are specific SCUBA charters available for guests that are eager to spend their time underwater while other charters offer various other experiences.
To help you determine the best yacht charter to book, a yacht charter broker will work with you to carefully organize and plan all the details of your trip. Take a look below at how Nancy helps her guests enjoy the best luxury yacht charter vacation.
You may be wondering, “who uses these types of services?” and the answer is anyone! Any person or corporate entity that is looking to book a yacht charter and wants an informed recommendation should seek assistance from a qualified yacht charter broker.
When it comes to working with a reputable charter broker for your luxury yacht vacation, there are specific skills, certifications, and experience to look for that will help you find the best person to work with. A qualified yacht charter broker will have certifications from recognized yacht associations like the CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) whose mission is to “promote and maintain a high degree of professionalism within the yacht charter industry”.
CYBA members are committed to a strict code of ethics and work hard to promote industry knowledge and awareness. Being held to high standards set by the CYBA, members of this organization are required to:
For guests seeking a yacht charter vacation in the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Mediterranean, having a broker with more specialized certifications and experience will be highly beneficial. Organizations such as the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) and BVI Charter Yacht Society (CYS) ensure that their affiliated yacht brokers are qualified and experienced in chartering done in these foreign places.
ENVY Yacht Charters owner, Nancy E. Van Winter is a broker for vacation yachts
located throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, US, Fiji, South Pacific and
Mediterranean. She is a member of both VIPCA and CYS, and is also certified to be a part of CYBA as well as the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA).

One of the best ways to find a reliable, professional yacht charter broker is through referrals. According to Nancy, “If you cultivate relationships with clients and take the time to make sure they receive exemplary service, then your referrals will follow and you know you have established a good reputation. Further, your relationships with industry professionals are just as important. I take the time to go to yacht shows all over the world to inspect yachts and meet yachting professionals. Surprisingly, many brokers do not take that step and therefore their knowledge base and their informed recommendations for charters are hurt by this lack of initiative and expertise”.
Not only does Nancy have a passion for chartering, but she is also passionate about her clients. See what she has to say about why she does what she does:
“I really care about my clients. They are investing a considerable amount of money in their vacation and I value their trust in me to find them the best yacht. I listen to their needs and try to pair them with the best yacht for their particular charter. My goal is to give them a vacation they want to take over and over again and in many cases, I see them take their kids on charters, and one day I hope to have those kids as charter clients.”
Chartering a private yacht is currently one of the safest ways to travel throughout the world. A yacht charter ensures that you follow all of the safest social distancing protocols and also provides the safest travel accommodations. Not only do you avoid contact with other travelers, but you’re also secluded from other visitors and locals on the island. This gives you the freedom to spend your vacation with friends or family with little chance of being exposed to the virus.
When it comes to finding the right yacht charter for your next vacation, make the yacht search simple with professional yacht charter broker services. Booking a yacht charter isn’t easy and can be quite overwhelming to someone who is unfamiliar with the process. Fortunately, working with a broker like Nancy who is experienced and well-versed in all things yacht charter related will quickly take the stress off of you and your traveling group. Connect with yacht charter broker Nancy E. Van Winter at Envy Yacht Charters to book your charter vacation!
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL INCLUSIVE CHARTERS
Vacationing in absolute luxury is probably just what you need right now after all the commotion of the past year. Since the pandemic, luxury scuba vacations have become the new normal for going on holiday, and for good reason. Not only are you and your guests able to enjoy the privacy and splendor of being aboard the yacht, but you also have an endless amount of water activities and other fun adventures right at your fingertips.
One of the most popular activities to partake in on a yacht charter vacation is scuba diving. A yacht is the perfect place for scuba vacations with the ocean right outside your bedroom.
Interested in booking a scuba charter for your next dive adventure? Connect with the best charter yacht brokers at Envy Yacht Charters to plan your next luxury scuba vacation!
Scuba diving in the Caribbean is a highly sought-after vacation destination. With pristine waters, unique caves and walls to explore, and a slew of underwater life, it’s easy to see why the Caribbean is such a desired location for diving. Some of the best islands for scuba diving include the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) and the Bahamas.

With an acclaimed reef system to explore, tranquil aquamarine waters and a perfect climate, the Bahamas island chains are an ideal dive spot. The Bahamas are comprised of approximately 700 islands with the most popular sites for chartering being the Exumas, Abacos, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama Island.
Some areas of the Bahamas boast water visibility of over 200 feet - a scuba diver’s dream! You can expect to see vibrant sea life, hidden tunnels, and coral reefs below the water’s surface.
One of our favorite locations for scuba diving in the BVIs is on the island of Anegada. Anegada is known for being a relatively flat land surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Below the surface, divers can explore ancient shipwrecks and the life that lives in the coral reef here.
You may be asking yourself, what’s the difference between a regular yacht charter and scuba diving private liveaboards? Well, when you book a scuba charter, you can expect your trip to be highly focused on diving.
With a private scuba charter, you and your friends will dive when you want and where you want on these luxury dive vacations. Our scuba diving vacation packages make every dive a rewarding and fascinating experience.
We’ll also help you choose the best dive sites to visit and give you tips for the best diving experience possible.
Your itinerary could include up to 1 to 2 dives per day with planned meals in between. A typical day on all inclusive yacht charters starts with breakfast onboard, followed by your first dive. After this, you’ll enjoy an early lunch on the ship and a ride to your next diving destination. Following your second dive, the catamaran will usually dock somewhere onshore while you and your guests enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, dancing, sitting on the beach, and much more.

Another aspect of charter diving is the convenience of having all your necessary scuba gear included on the yacht. Tanks, regulators, fins, and gauges are all provided. Also, a dedicated, professional scuba dive master or instructor is part of your crew and will be there to show you around the dive sites and ensure every diver remains safe.
A scuba charter vacation can accommodate all levels of interest in scuba diving. A resort course offered on a charter yacht is exceptional compared to a course offered in a resort/hotel pool. It’s quite common for guests to be interested in developing their dive skills. The Open Water Certifications are commonly requested and easily attainable aboard our yachts. For experienced divers looking to upgrade their qualifications, the convenience and luxury afforded on a yacht charter vacation are incomparable.
Envy Yacht Charters will make your diving friends “eNVious” when you compare stories of your luxury scuba vacations aboard one of our yachts. As specialists in dive vacations, our scuba yacht charters provide an experience unmatched by our competitors. Our specialty in scuba vacations comes from years of experience working at consumer dive shows across the country as well as industry-only dive shows such as DEMA.
No other charter yacht brokers have such an established presence in the scuba diving industry, and no one does luxury scuba vacationing better than we do. Connect with us today!
Now that international travel restrictions have loosened up, luxury all-inclusive yacht charter vacations have become the ultimate way to travel. A luxury family travel vacation isn’t just for celebrities anymore. Traditional families like yours and mine are chartering yachts in beautiful tropical locations like the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Bahamas all the time. Who doesn’t want to relax on an island to get away from all the chaos of daily life? With the help of a professional and friendly yacht broker, you too can travel like the elite visiting tropical islands in absolute luxury.
Learn more about luxury all-inclusive yacht charters by reading below!
ROAM Family Travel recently met with Envy Yacht Charter’s top yacht broker Nancy Van Winter to get an insider’s take on family yacht charters. During the interview, which can be read here, Nancy explains how private all-inclusive yacht charters allow extended families and friends to reunite while following social distancing guidelines. Not only are private yacht charters fun and relaxing, but they also make traveling much safer for you and your family. She even gets clients telling her how the experience brought their family closer together and was “way better than being at a resort where everyone runs off and does their own thing.”
Big changes are coming for travel to Europe, particularly within the Schengen Zone. These updates aim to improve safety, streamline travel, and simplify procedures across the 26 European countries in this agreement. While some may assume the changes require a visa, this is not the case. Instead, a new travel authorization system will take effect, making it easier and more secure for travelers. As you plan your all-inclusive yacht charter to the Mediterranean, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these new regulations to ensure smooth and stress-free travel.
The Schengen Zone is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing free movement and shared policies. These updates aim to:
Countries in the Schengen Zone include popular destinations like Greece, Italy, and Croatia—perfect locations for an all-inclusive yacht charter.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new electronic travel authorization designed to make travel safer and easier for citizens of countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone. Similar to the U.S. ESTA system, ETIAS will require travelers to complete a quick online application, including a small $7 fee, to gain pre-approval for entry.
This process is not a visa but a pre-travel screening to ensure visitors do not pose a security risk. It applies to short-term visits for up to 90 days, whether for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes. Most approvals are granted within minutes, making it a simple and efficient step before your trip.
For U.S. citizens, the ETIAS requirement will streamline travel to the Schengen Zone. All you need is a valid passport, an online application, and the small fee to gain approval for your journey. This ensures hassle-free entry while maintaining the convenience of visa-free travel.
The best way to explore Europe is on a private, all-inclusive yacht charter. These charters offer a customizable, luxurious experience that combines unmatched comfort with exclusivity. Whether cruising through the pristine waters of Greece, the stunning coastline of Croatia, or the romantic ports of Italy, an all-inclusive yacht charter lets you uncover Europe’s beauty in your own way.
With an all-inclusive charter, you’ll enjoy:
At Envy Yacht Charters, we specialize in crafting unforgettable Mediterranean yacht vacations. From navigating the latest travel protocols to customizing your all-inclusive yacht charter experience, we’re here to make your European adventure seamless and extraordinary.
Connect with us today to plan the ultimate luxury yacht charter and discover Europe like never before!
Something we’ve all been missing during the pandemic is the opportunity to travel. For some of us, it’s been close to a year since taking a vacation. Now that case numbers have started to go down, safe travel opportunities are growing as restrictions have begun to loosen up as well, allowing families and small close-knit groups to go on holiday together.
Some of the most popular Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands are thriving as visitors are better able to practice social distancing guidelines here. And with cruise ships being out of commission for the time being, all inclusive yacht charters have become the new preferred way to travel.
Not only do our Caribbean yacht charters provide safe and clean accommodations, but they also offer the ultimate luxury vacation experience. Learn more about our socially distanced, COVID-safe, luxury yacht charters and see why traveling to the Bahamas or the U.S. Virgin Islands could be the best trip you take to date.

Chartering a private yacht is currently one of the safest ways to travel throughout the world. A yacht charter ensures that you follow all of the safest social distancing protocols and also provides the safest travel accommodations. Not only do you avoid contact with other travelers, but you’re also secluded from other visitors and locals on the island. This gives you the freedom to spend your vacation with friends or family with little chance of being exposed to the virus. Chartering your own all inclusive charter has several advantages, especially during the pandemic.
A large portion of travelers have been able to prevent catching the coronavirus thanks to the safety that yacht charters provide. When you stay in a hotel or take public transportation, you have a much higher risk of being infected with COVID. Rather than being in close quarters with other guests staying in a hotel or taking a public ferry to the next island, you get more security from the seclusion of a luxury mega yacht charter. You’ll receive the privacy of a personal room and living quarters for you and your guests completely away from other tourists.
Many offshore activities such as diving, boating, and swimming are available in complete privacy when you book an all inclusive charter. You’re able to participate in all your favorite water sports right from your yacht which ensures your safety from the coronavirus and lets you have uninterrupted fun with your friends and family. To learn more about what sort of activities are available, take a look at our FAQ page.
Along with having your own space for various activities, you are also equipped with a private chef on your group or family luxury travel. This allows you and your guests complete privacy and safety to enjoy a fine dining experience all from the comfort of your yacht. You even get to choose the meals that are served!
Because social distancing regulations have limited our ability to interact with people outside of our families or close group of friends, it can be hard to plan a safe trip during the pandemic. However, a private yacht charter provides just the solution you’re looking for. Taking a group or family luxury travel vacation allows guests to essentially live on their own “private portable island” for a short time. You have all the things you need to have a fantastic vacation aboard an Envy Yacht Charter without running the risk of coming into contact with the virus. A yacht charter is the best, and safest way to experience the Caribbean in complete luxurious comfort.
The USVI’s have become a vibrant charter destination since it has mostly remained open during the pandemic. With cruise ships unable to travel here currently, the beaches and surrounding areas have taken on a new life. To travel here, guests must first submit an approved, negative viral test result and be cleared to travel to this destination. Both of these requirements must be done prior to travel and is not exempt to guests who have received the vaccine. At this time, it is not required to be tested upon your return to the United States, but other countries may have other protocols in place.
To learn more about the travel restrictions and guidelines of the U.S. Virgin Islands, take a look at the Visit USVI site.
The Bahamas are a great social distancing destination thanks to all of the secluded cays and islets that surround the island. Bahamas yacht charters essentially allows you to have your very own private beach for the day, which is the ultimate safe location for your vacation. The Bahamas are also taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of locals and visitors which include strict social distancing protocols, required health screenings, and daily health updates. Currently, the Bahamas are taking every necessary step to keep everyone on the island happy and healthy.
To learn more about the travel restrictions and guidelines of the Bahamas, take a look at this Bahamas Tourism Guide.
The best way to discover the U.S. Virgin Islands or Bahamas is through a private, all inclusive yacht charter where you are able to customize your own trip and remain secluded from other travelers. This once-in-a-lifetime, first-class experience is done your way with the utmost care and safety from the team at Envy Yacht Charters. There is so much beauty waiting to be discovered on these islands and we can’t wait to be your guide!
Spend your next vacation relaxing on hot white sand beaches and swimming in the turquoise waters, hiking gorgeous trails with breathtaking views, scuba diving or snorkeling around the pristine coral reefs, exploring historical sites, shopping duty-free, and so much more!
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the ultimate destination for an unforgettable private yacht charter in the Caribbean. With crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and world-class sailing, this tropical paradise is perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. At Envy Yacht Charters, we create customized yacht experiences, ensuring that your Caribbean getaway is nothing short of extraordinary.
A private yacht charter in the Caribbean allows you to explore the British Virgin Islands at your own pace. Whether you're indulging in gourmet dining on deck, snorkeling in secluded bays, or soaking in the breathtaking views from your luxury catamaran, every moment is tailored to your desires. From the lively beach bars of Jost Van Dyke to the serene beauty of Anegada, the BVIs offer the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility.

Tortola: The Heart of the BVIs
Tortola, the largest island in the BVIs, boasts lush green mountains, dramatic cliffs, and stunning beaches. A must-visit stop on your itinerary, Cane Garden Bay is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while Smuggler’s Cove offers an idyllic setting for kayaking, hiking, and exploring hidden coves. The vibrant atmosphere of Tortola makes it a favorite for yacht charter guests.
No private yacht charter in the Caribbean is complete without a visit to Jost Van Dyke. Known for its laid-back charm, this island is home to some of the most famous beach bars in the world, including Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s. White Bay’s soft sand and crystal waters invite you to unwind, while the natural Bubbly Pool provides a unique spot for a refreshing dip.
Virgin Gorda is renowned for The Baths, a mesmerizing landscape of giant granite boulders forming hidden pools and caves. This natural wonder is a must-see for snorkelers and photographers alike. The island also features breathtaking beaches like Spring Bay and Devil’s Bay, as well as scenic hiking trails leading to panoramic views from Gorda Peak.
Anegada is unlike any other island in the BVIs. As the only coral island in the archipelago, it boasts vibrant marine life, including one of the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean. Snorkel among shipwrecks, explore the remote beauty of Loblolly Bay, or enjoy freshly caught lobster at a beachfront restaurant. Anegada is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the crowds.
Ready to embark on the ultimate private yacht charter in the Caribbean? Envy Yacht Charters offers all-inclusive luxury yacht charters tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer the elegance of a sailing catamaran or the indulgence of a crewed motor yacht, our team ensures a seamless, stress-free experience.
From gourmet meals prepared by a private chef to exhilarating water activities, your British Virgin Islands yacht charter is designed for pure relaxation and adventure. Contact Envy Yacht Charters today and start planning your exclusive escape to paradise!
When you close your eyes and imagine a vacation to the U.S. Virgin islands- St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix - you probably picture white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. The reality is, with a U.S. Virgin Islands private yacht charter, you’ll be getting that and so much more. The unique part about the U.S. Virgin islands is that each of the three main locations has something different to offer its visitors. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, you can choose to visit all three islands, or you can pick just one or two. Let’s dig a little deeper into each so that you can discover what suits you best.
Of the three main US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is known to be the most cosmopolitan, and also houses the capital and main port city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. For those interested in history, a stroll through downtown Charlotte Amalie will be well worth your time. New Charlotte Amalie is home to government and office buildings, schools, luxury shopping, and residential homes, while old Charlotte Amalie will show you a bit of what life was like when the area was founded by Danish Settlers in 1681. If you’re looking for souvenirs, dining, and perhaps an exciting nightlife experience, you won’t want to miss St. Thomas and its port city of Charlotte Amalie.
While St. Thomas is by far the most developed of the three islands, it’ still a tropical paradise with breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters perfect for divers and snorkelers, beautiful beaches, and magnificent bays, cays, and surrounding islands to give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are a few specific hot-spots to add to your list.
Once a peninsula, Hassel Island was separated by the Danish government in the 1860's in an effort to bring better water circulation into the harbor. Hassel Island is home to many different historical sites which are all preserved by the National Park Service. A visit to Hassel island will teach you all about how St. Thomas and its surrounding areas were discovered as well as more recent history including the purchase of the Virgin Islands by the United States from Denmark. Head to http://www.hasselisland.org/ to learn more about what to expect from a visit to Hassel Island.
There are a few different Buck Islands in the Caribbean, but the one we’re referring to here is located about two miles south of St. Thomas and is home to one of three Danish built lighthouses. The rocky coastline is surrounded by crystal clear waters full of coral reef habitats – perfect for divers and snorkelers wanting to discover the fascinating marine life.
Magens Bay is without a doubt St. Thomas’s most popular beach. This beach is one mile of public land that is great for swimming and floating. Water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking and popular here, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel sets are available to rent.
St. John is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin islands, but it may be the most pristine. The island of St. John is a nature lover’s dream. Beautiful beaches, coral reefs, hiking trails, and a huge national park make it ideal for someone wanting to escape from every-day life. While there is no airport on the island, it is easily accessible by boat or ferry from Charlotte Amalie. Here are some hot-spots to add to your U.S. Virgin Islands yacht charter list:
Cruz Bay is the main town of St. John – the economic and social hub. Cruz Bay is usually a visitor’s first look at St. John because it’s where the ferry drops off tourists who usually arrived through Charlotte Amalie. However, when taking a private yacht charter, it may be worth it to take a day trip to visit the shops and restaurants in this quaint town.
About 60% of St. John is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park. Lush forests, coral reefs, hiking trails with scenic lookout points, beaches, and plantation ruins all make up the park. Some specific hot spots are Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Annaberg Plantation.
A quarter mile of soft white sand, tall palm trees, and clear blue water make Trunk Bay one of the most highly rated beaches in the world. Trunk Bay’s underwater snorkeling trail is perfect for anyone of any age looking to see beautiful and colorful coral and fish.
St. Croix is a long haul sail from St. Thomas and travel is weather permitting. It is the largest of the Virgin Islands known for its beautiful scenery as well as its rich culture and history. Depending on the length of your stay, you’ll discover something new each day. Colonial churches, championship golf courses, spirited festivals, 18th century sugar mills, gorgeous beaches and world renowned dive sites are just the beginning!
Often known just as “The Wall,” Cane Bay Wall is a mecca for divers around the world. A wall and a shelf give divers the opportunity to see shallow and deeper water. If you’re lucky, you may see humpback whales migrate through the Puerto Rico Trench.
Take a guided tour through the rum headquarters where you’ll learn about the distilling and bottling process. The quick and affordable tour will end with some tasty cocktails!
Visit the sugar plantation museum to learn about the lives of the enslaved people who worked on this 18th century plantation as well as how sugar was cultivated and processed.
The best way to discover the U.S. virgin Islands is through a private yacht charter where you customize your own trip. A once in a lifetime, first class experience done your way. There is so much beauty waiting to be discovered!
This destination is perfect for American citizens without a passport and can be explored year-round as the weather is almost always ideal. Spend your vacation relaxing on the white sand beaches and swimming in the turquoise waters, hiking gorgeous trails with breathtaking views, scuba diving or snorkeling around the pristine coral reefs, exploring historical sites, dining in high end restaurants, shopping duty-free, and so much more!

