Motor Yacht Charter in the US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands are the simplest Caribbean charter to reach from the United States. St Thomas has direct flights from the mainland, US citizens do not need a passport to arrive, and the yacht can be waiting at the dock when you land.

From St Thomas a motor yacht puts St John’s national park beaches, St Croix and the whole BVI within easy range.

Why charter a motor yacht in the US Virgin Islands?

• Board where you land. Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie and the marinas at Red Hook take large motor yachts, a short drive from the airport.
• St Croix is on the list. St Croix sits about 40 miles south of St Thomas. It is a long sail but an easy run on a motor yacht, and it opens up Buck Island Reef.
• Two countries in one week. Cross into the British Virgin Islands for a few days and come back; the captain handles customs.

Where to go

• St Thomas. Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, Magens Bay and a lively marina scene.
• St John. About 60 percent of the island is Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay has an underwater snorkel trail and Cruz Bay has good restaurants.
• St Croix. Christiansted, Frederiksted and Buck Island Reef National Monument.
• The BVI next door. Jost Van Dyke and Norman Island are an hour or less from St John.

Planning your charter

Fly into St Thomas (STT). US citizens can arrive without a passport, but bring one if the route crosses into the British Virgin Islands, because everyone on board needs one there.

Every motor yacht below is crewed and bookable through DMA Yachting. Filter by size, budget or toys (see yachts with jet skis or luxury motor yachts), or ask a broker for a shortlist. For catamarans and sailing yachts as well, see our full the US Virgin Islands charter guide on myUSVICharter.

Motor Yacht Charter in the US Virgin Islands: questions we get asked

Do I need a passport for a USVI yacht charter?

US citizens can travel to the USVI without a passport. If the charter crosses into the British Virgin Islands, every guest needs a valid passport.

Where do USVI motor yacht charters start?

Most start in St Thomas, at Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie or at the Red Hook marinas on the east end.

Can we visit St Croix on a motor yacht charter?

Yes. St Croix is about 40 miles south of St Thomas, an easy run for a motor yacht in good weather.

When is the best time to charter a motor yacht in the Caribbean?

The main season runs from mid-December to April, with the calmest, driest weather from February to April. Christmas and New Year are the most expensive and book first. Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November; some yachts keep chartering through the summer while many larger motor yachts move to the Mediterranean or New England.

What does a motor yacht charter cost on top of the base rate?

Most motor yachts add an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), usually 25 to 40 percent of the base rate, which pays for fuel, food, drinks and dockage and is reconciled at the end of the week. Fuel is the biggest variable on a motor yacht, so a route with long runs costs more than a relaxed one. Some smaller yachts in the Caribbean are quoted all-inclusive instead. Your broker will show you which terms apply before you book.

Other Caribbean motor yacht destinations

• Motor Yacht Charter in the BVI
• Motor Yacht Charter in St Barts
• Motor Yacht Charter in Antigua
• Motor Yacht Charter in the Grenadines
• Motor Yacht Charter in St Maarten