St. Thomas (USVI) Sailing Itinerary

A St. Thomas Yacht Charter offers year-round balmy seas and winds, as well as the ability to experience the very best sights and sounds of the three beautiful main islands and the more than 50 smaller Caribbean cays and islets surrounding them. These turquoise waters are just waiting to be explored!

Choose Itinerary

St. Thomas Charter – Popular 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Christmas Cove

Just off the eastern coast of St. Thomas sits Christmas Cove, a sheltered oasis on Great St. James Island. Sea turtles, starfish,stingrays and other magnificent marine animals live abundantly in the surrounding waters. That, combined with the ocean clarity make for the most spectacular snorkeling experiences.

Mooring

Anchoring is only allowed where seagrass and coral are not present. Moorings for a fee are plentiful, but get there early. You can find all the details on mooring and anchoring here: https://www.vinow.com/travel/marinas-anchorage-sites/

Things to do

Float atop the clear blue waves or dive below and swim with sea turtles, stingrays and other majestic marine life. Relax on the secluded shore or take the dinghy to Pizza Pi, a one-of-kind sailboat serving up some of the Caribbean’s best pizza. And if you stick around until sundown, nothing compares to basking in the orange glow of the horizon as the night sky sets in.

Facilities

Restaurant

Day 2

Caneel Bay

Located in the Virgin Islands National Park, Caneel Bay is a sandy crescent shaped beach offering a relaxing ambience with upmarket amenities. It is one of the first beaches you come to as you drive up North Shore Road out of St. John’s main port, Cruz Bay.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here. Secure a NPS mooring ball (white ball w/ blue stripe) for $26 cash per night.There are 20 mooring balls available, so get there early if possible. Fee is paid at the floating fee station.

Things to do

Take the dinghy to over and explore Saloman Bay Beach, an excellent snorkeling spot. After a day relaxing, head to Zozo’s, where you can enjoy a luxury setting with restaurant and bar, booking is preferred but not essential.

Facilities

Bar, restaurant, laundry (at Caneel Bay resort) BAR AND LAUNDRY NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC- CANEEL GUESTS ONLY

Day 3

Trunk Bay

Home to some of the bluest waters in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay is the crown jewel of the Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay is a photogenic paradise that even features 650 feet of underwater trails with signs for the most remarkable swimming and snorkeling experiences. This heart-shaped bay is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Within a protective cove, you will find Maho Bay. With long seagrass, Maho Bay is great for seeing turtles whilst snorkelling. North of Maho Bay and less popular (however just as beautiful) is Francis Bay. If you are looking for a more laid back atmosphere Francis Bay is the perfect spot with turquoise blue waters and the breathtaking mountainous backdrop of St John.

Cinnamon Bay Beach is ranked as one of the most beautiful, pristine beaches within the Virgin Islands National Park. Enjoy 1/2 mile long of white sand dotted with stunning coconut palm trees, and plently of cays to explore for snorkellers. You may even spot a turtle or stingray, as well as colourful fish.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here. NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early.

Things to do

Enjoy the underwater trails by swimming or snorkeling your way through the breathtaking blue water or bask in the Caribbean sun on the white sand beach.

Snorkelling, swimming ,kitesurfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, hiking

Facilities

Restaurants – Retail shops – Picnic areas – Restrooms and showers – On-duty lifeguards – Snorkeling gear rentals -taxi

Day 4

Leinster Bay

Snorkeling in the USVI is fairly exceptional overall, but rocky windswept Leinster Bay is the #1 snorkeling spot in St. John. TripAdvisor even named this area, in conjunction with Waterlemon Cay, the #1 St. John attraction for travelers because there’s a little something for everybody.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here. NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early.

Things to do

The must-do activity in Leinster Bay is snorkeling because of the abundant marine life and fringing reefs. Sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish are spotted often along with bright and beautiful corals. On land, explore over 30 different trails along Leinster Bay Beach and see the historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins along the way.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available in Leinster Bay.

Day 5

Coral Bay

Enjoy sunbathing or sightseeing on your way to Lameshure Bay. Make a lunch stop in Coral Bay which is a naturally protected bay on the east end of St. John which is made up of smaller bays such as Princess Bay, Hansen Bay and Coral Harbor which features Lime Out, a floating Taco Bar! From Coral Bay, it’s an easy sail to the beautiful and family friendly salt pond. Enjoy tropical sightseeing & convenient access to several trails right from the beach! The water here is fairly shallow, and the snorkeling is some of the best that the island has to offer or continue over to Lameshure Bay. Lameshur Bay is located on the south shore of St John. It’s a must-see spot due to its remote location, white sandy beach, fantastic hiking trails with access to sugar mill ruins.

The snorkelling is some of the best in St John so make sure you try this out – you may even spot some octopus, rays, barracuda, tangs, parrot fish, Caribbean lobsters, coral banded shrimp and Queen Angelfish.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here. NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early. Anchoring is allowed in Coral Harbor.

Things to do

When it’s time to eat, choose from a number of unique restaurants in Coral Bay such as The Danforth, Skinny Legs, Miss Lucy’s, Aqua Bistro, or the swimming taco bar Lime Out. You can even shop for groceries here if you wish. In Lamshure you can explore preserved and renovated sugar mills on the western end of the bay, which is the start and end of many amazing hiking trails. You can hike 3-miles downhill from the petroglyths to the beach. This hiking trail is worth doing as you will find huge trees, some of the oldest on the island, waterfalls and remains of a sugar mill and sugar plantation.

Facilities

Saltpond and Lameshure – No facilities

Coral Bay: Restaurants – Bars – Grocery stores (three) – Shops – Watersports rental – Mall – Mail center-ATM-taxi

Day 6

Magens Bay

Located in the north shore of St Thomas, Magens Bay is about one mile long. As this beach is one of the most popular in St Thomas, it does get busy so the best times to visit are morning and late afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds.

If you woud like a break from the beach, you can hike a nature trail. Amongst the mangrove trees, you may spot exotic birds and flowers.

Mooring

Anchoring (left side outside of swim zone)

Things to do

Kayak around the bay, relax on the remote beachfront. For a more active Magens Bay experience, learn about the island’s history while taking in the tropical scenery during a guided walk along tjhe water or an eco tour. Or take a taxi to Estate St. Peter and get your thrills by zooming along the Tree Line Extreme zip line.

Facilities

Public restrooms & showers – Snack stands – Bars – Souvenir shops – Recreational rentals (paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, floats) – Beach rentals (towels, lounge chairs, lockers); taxi

Day 7

Druif Bay

Enjoy snorkeling with turtles, relaxing on the beach or grab some drinks and food at Dinghys beach bar. Golf carts are also available for rent to drive around the island. Be sure to eplore the historic fort and enjoy the scenic view.

Mooring

Anchoring is only allowed where seagrass and coral are not present. Moorings for a fee are available.Ask for mooring Ball info at check-in as all mooring balls are private.

Things to do

Select the perfect patch of white sand and temporarily settle into your very own sunbathing sanctuary. Go for a refreshing swim in the surf-free ocean or enjoy snorkeing your way through the clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. With the palm tree scenery and the sparse beach population, take advantage of this incredible photo opportunity.

Facilities

ATM; Restaurant & bars; taxi; Recreation rentals (kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, beach chairs); Dingy’s -Dingy’s offers drinks and nice fresh food (tuna ceviche was a must!)

Back to Top