The U.S. Virgin Islands have lush green hills, turquoise waters, and some of the Caribbean’s best beaches and snorkeling spots. With St. Thomas, St. John, and a collection of smaller cays and islets, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore—all best seen from the deck of your private boat.
Best of the US Virgin Islands
Our full-day charters typically cruise along the stunning coastline of St. John, stopping to snorkel vibrant reefs, swim with sea turtles, and relax on world-famous beaches. We often complete a full lap around the island, depending on the weather. Prefer something a little different? We can chart a course along the south shore of St. Thomas, cruise out to Water Island, or stop by popular snorkeling spots like Buck Island or Christmas Cove.
Each trip is fully customizable, and your captain will help plan the perfect route based on the day’s conditions and your vibe.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas blends natural beauty with easygoing fun. You’ll find hidden coves and beaches just minutes from the harbor, plus plenty of great snorkeling and scenic anchorages. Magens Bay is a classic—calm, gorgeous, and ideal for a swim—while Secret Harbour and Lindquist Beach offer quieter spots with clear water and great views.
St. John
Two-thirds of St. John is protected by the Virgin Islands National Park, and the result is jaw-dropping: quiet beaches, lush green hills, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever swim in. Cruise the North Shore and stop at Maho Bay (famous for its sea turtles), Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Waterlemon Cay for top-tier snorkeling.
The South Shore offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with spots like Salt Pond Bay, Little Lameshur, and even the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins.
Water Island
Tucked just south of St. Thomas, Water Island is home to Honeymoon Beach, a favorite stop for its relaxed atmosphere, calm water, and beach bars like Dinghy’s—perfect for a laid-back lunch with your toes in the sand. It’s a great way to wrap up your day or sneak in a final swim before heading back.
Lovango Cay
Just off the north shore of St. John, Lovango Cay offers a fun mix of luxury and island adventure. Home to the Lovango Resort + Beach Club, it’s a great stop for a beachside lunch, lounging by the oceanfront pool, or snorkeling the nearby reef. The cay’s shallow waters are also perfect for a relaxing swim or paddle.
Pillsbury Sound (Congo Cay, Grass cay, Mingo Cay, Thatch Cay)
This trio of uninhabited cays sits between St. Thomas and St. John in the Pillsbury Sound—a prime area for cruising and exploring. These spots are all about natural beauty, with crystal-clear water, rocky cliffs, and excellent snorkeling.
Feeling adventurous? Thatch Cay, just beyond, is a popular place to cliff jump into the deep blue, adding a little adrenaline to your day on the water.
Cruz Bay (St. John)
Cruz Bay is the main town on St. John and a great place to start or end your day. With colorful shops, beach bars, and easy access to Virgin Islands National Park (also home to the visitor center), it’s a lively hub that still feels totally laid-back. Stop in for a drink at The Beach Bar, or take a stroll along the water before heading off to your next snorkeling spot.
Little St. James, Great St. James, and Christmas Cove
Located just off the east end of St. Thomas, Little St. James is a private island that has gained international attention due to its controversial past—it was previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein. It’s a notable landmark, and your captain can provide more context if you’re curious during the trip.
Christmas Cove, tucked beside Great St. James, is a fan favorite thanks to its beautiful reef and floating pizzeria—Pizza Pi. It’s a great spot to drop anchor, snorkel, and grab lunch all in one stop.
Cas Cay & the Mangrove Lagoon
Part of a protected marine reserve, Cas Cay and the Mangrove Lagoon on the southeast side of St. Thomas offer a totally different vibe—quiet, calm, and full of life. This area is ideal for kayaking or gentle snorkeling through the maze of mangrove roots, where you’ll spot fish nurseries, rays, and even the occasional baby shark.
Coral Bay (St. John)
On the quieter side of St. John, Coral Bay is where things slow down. You won’t find big crowds here—just calm waters, colorful local bars, and great access to nearby snorkeling spots like Salt Pond Bay, Lameshur Bay, and Lime Out, the floating taco bar.
Hurricane Hole (st. John)
Part of Virgin Islands National Park, Hurricane Hole is a unique spot known for mangrove snorkeling. The roots of the mangroves create a protected underwater nursery, making it an incredible place to see juvenile fish, sea stars, and more. It’s a peaceful, otherworldly snorkel you won’t find many other places.
Virgin Islands National Park
Covering most of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park is home to many of the most iconic beaches and reefs in the region. Think Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Waterlemon Cay, and Reef Bay—all reachable by boat, and all worth the trip. It’s a perfect blend of history, nature, and some of the best snorkeling anywhere in the Virgin Islands.
Buck Island (St. Thomas)
Not to be confused with the one near St. Croix, this Buck Island sits just south of St. Thomas and is home to Turtle Cove, a well-known snorkeling spot. Divers and snorkelers alike love exploring the Cartanza, a sunken shipwreck surrounded by tropical fish and healthy coral reefs. It’s one of the most accessible wreck sites in the USVI.
Hans Lollik
Sitting north of St. Thomas, Hans Lollik is a remote, uninhabited island that feels like your own private paradise. It’s a longer ride out, but totally worth it for the seclusion and untouched beauty. This is the place to go when you want to get away from it all—swim, snorkel, or just relax on a quiet stretch of sand.
Chartering a Boat in the US Virgin Islands from St. John or St. Thomas
Whether you’re staying on St. Thomas or St. John or visiting for the day on a cruise ship, we’ve got a charter option for you. Choose from a full-day or half-day private charter; we’ll help you make the most of your time on the water.
Our full-day routes typically take you around St. John, with plenty of time to snorkel with sea turtles, beach-hop through Virgin Islands National Park, and even grab lunch at a floating restaurant like Lime Out or Pizza Pi. Want to cruise a different route or explore some hidden gems? Every trip is customizable to suit your interests and the weather and sea conditions.
Short on time? Our half-day charters are just as fun, usually cruising along the north or south shore of St. John, depending on sea conditions. You’ll hit two popular snorkel spots known for turtle sightings, then wrap up your trip with reef snorkeling (or a pizza break!) at Christmas Cove.
