US Virgin Islands from the deck of a ship

Why the US Virgin Islands?

Because the combination of crystal clear water, steady winds, beautiful scenery and American infrastructure is like a yachting all-inclusive. Add to that rum for a few dollars, no visa formalities (if you're flying from the US) and short distances between islands - well, tell me, isn't that a dream come true?
Plus - and this is important - yachting really lives here. Unlike some other parts of the Caribbean, you'll find well-equipped marinas, safe anchorages and a diverse range of charter companies.

Main islands to explore

🛍️St. Thomas: Busy harbour and shopping paradise

St Thomas is like your starting point - international airport, marinas, bars and shops where duty-free discounts like Times Square beckon. The capital city of Charlotte Amalie is a bit like Caribbean Miami with a colonial twist.
But don't worry, there's peace to be found here, too - in the coves around Red Hook or on the secluded beaches of the West Coast. And in the evening? Rum punch and sunsets right from the cockpit.

🌿 Saint John: Untouched nature and national park

If St. Thomas is the urban type, St. John is the barefoot hippie. Two-thirds of the island is a national park - no hotels on every corner, just wildlife, deserted beaches and an underwater world that begs to be snorkelled.
Trunk Bay offers an underwater nature trail (yes, you're reading underwater!) and anchoring in Coral Bay or Cruz Bay lets you get to know the local community, which has more dreadlocks than tourist brochures.

🏛️ Holy Cross: history, culture and calmer sailing

The largest of the three islands and the most peaceful. There's no rush here. While others are chasing Instagram photos from the beach, you can explore the historic towns of Christiansted or Frederiksted, visit a rum distillery (yes, tasting is a given) or just swing on an anchor at Rainbow Beach.