Did you know the United States “Caribbean Side”? No, we’re not talking about Miami but the US Virgin Islands!

Just a three-hour flight from Miami and four hours from New York, the US Virgin Islands are a favorite destination for boaters across North America for a tropical getaway. Their strategic position, in addition to its beaches with stretches of sand and crystal clear waters, make them perfect both to be reached by boat from the United States and for a cruise to be enjoyed island by island.

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Where are the USVIs located?

The US Virgin Islands are located in the stretch of the Caribbean Sea that separates the island of Puerto Rico from the British Virgin Islands, northwest of the Leeward Islands.

The archipelago consists of about twenty volcanic origin islands, of which four are main and open to international tourism. Saint Croix, the largest and southernmost island, completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Saint John, smaller and almost entirely a National Park. Saint Thomas, home to the capital, Charlotte Amalie, the Caribbean’s main cruise port. Water Island, a wild islet along the coast of St. Thomas famous for its Eco-Lodge.

How to reach our destination?

The USVI is easily accessible by air. There are two main airports: Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix and Cyril E. King International Airport, located a few kilometers from the center of Charlotte Amalie in Saint Thomas.

Both offer direct flights to and from the United States and the Caribbean islands while for those arriving from Europe or other countries it is necessary to make at least one stopover.

Why is the US Virgin Islands such a popular destination?

The USVI is rich in history and different cultures due to the seven different European colonization that have occurred there over the centuries, starting from the landing place of Christopher Columbus who arrived in 1493 in the place now known as Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.

The first to economically exploit these islands were the Danes who established their sugar cane crops here by importing slaves from Africa to which natives of various ethnic groups soon joined.

Only in 1917 did the archipelago pass from the Danish colonial domination to the United States government, which bought them for the value of 25 million dollars in gold.

These lands also offer a luxuriant nature. The sea that surrounds the USVI is in fact renowned for its pure, crystalline waters, rich in marine fauna and flora, ideal for diving. The trade winds blow constantly and favor navigation far and wide.

We cannot forget the numerous sandy beaches that characterize all the main islands, some considered among the ten most beautiful in the world as Magens Bay in St. Thomas and Trunk Bay in St. John.

What is truly unmissable in a USVI boat itinerary?

If you are thinking of sailing to this destination during summer 2021, below we provide you with some information on the main attractions not to be missed.

The possible itineraries are innumerable and our advice is to consult your reference charter broker. Your Boat Holiday is our choice for reliability, competence, and customer care.

• Saint Croix

With its 44 kilometers long and 16 wide, it is the largest of the American Virgin Islands. The mountains, the rainforest, the hills, the beaches, and the two colonial towns of historical and cultural heritage offer visitors the right mix of tranquility and Caribbean liveliness.

Christiansted, the main center, is considered the most captivating city in the Caribbean and is characterized by the typical architecture of the Danish colonial period with arcades and large squares overlooking the sea. The Danes used to embellish their most impressive structures with majestic columns and galleries with the function of protecting the inhabitants from the sun and tropical showers. The architectural result was a complex of splendid courtyards today used as restaurants, hotel entrances or arcades for shops and boutiques.

One of the main points of historical interest is Fort Christiansted which had the task of guarding the bay and preventing pirate raids.

The island of St. Croix offers visitors a myriad of opportunities to discover its enchanting beaches and you are spoiled for choice:

Columbus Landing Beach, also called Salt River Bay, is where Christopher Columbus historically landed and is certainly worth a visit.

Cane Bay Beach, on the other hand, is a narrow strip of sand with spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Finally, Chenay Bay Beach is closer to the classic Caribbean beaches where you can seek relaxation in the calm waters of this white sand beach.

• Saint John

Saint John is a true tropical paradise and home to the USVI National Park, protected natural land, and marine territory.

The almost obligatory landing is in Cruz Bay, on the west side of the island. Here the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility where time seems to standstill. The small and picturesque village seems to have stopped at the time of the 18th century.

St. John is popular with travelers for its reputation as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, three quarters home to the Virgin Islands National Park, a treasure trove of biodiversity resulting from the Danish colonial work (sugar cane plantations) and of luxuriant local fauna and flora.

With a scooter or a small rental car, it is easy to travel the 12 km of the Centerline Road and get to CORAL BAY: the second small island community on the southeastern side of the island.

Trunk Bay beach is certainly not to be missed as it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. For those who practice snorkeling, the beach also offers an underwater journey highlighted with signs for the identification of corals and numerous multicolored fish.

• Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas is considered the main island of the archipelago and here is indeed the capital Charlotte Amalie. 

It covers 85 square kilometers, is about 21 kilometers long, and only 8 kilometers wide.

Like Saint John, this island also has a coastal site overlooking the Atlantic and one, to the south, the Caribbean Sea.

St. Thomas is definitely the “glamorous” island of the USVI and it is no coincidence that it is home to some of the most renowned international hotel brands.

The Charlotte Amalie waterfront is very touristy and urbanized but as soon as you enter the town you discover its true Caribbean soul and colorful houses with red and pastel-colored roofs.

• Water Island

Water Island is the fourth largest island and is about three kilometers long and only one kilometer wide. The short distance that separates it from St. Thomas, only a few miles, has made it a refuge for many pirates looking for a hiding place after their raids in the Danish territories.

Later, during the Second World War, it became a strategic point of defense for the United States of America. An example of this is The fort located on the island. War ended before it was completed so the project was not completed and was abandoned. Today it is a famous attraction for all tourists who enjoy an exceptional view from its top.

Water Island is characterized by numerous bays and inlets to discover and admire. There are beaches closed in small bays set on the coast.

Contact  now YBH Charter Brokers:

You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.