While cruises are a great way to experience the Caribbean, and flying down to an island and staying in a luxury resort can be fantastic, why limit yourself to a fixed itinerary, or just one island? With a St Thomas yacht charter, you get to choose how your time will be spent and how many places you want to go.
If you are considering a St Thomas yacht charter, then you have probably already heard that it is the best way to explore the Virgin Islands. You make your own flexible itinerary; you choose what activities you want to take part in, and you can do it all on a budget that fits your lifestyle
To help you get started on your dream getaway, we have researched numerous St Thomas yacht charters and have presented the ten best ones available to you.
Below we’ve answered some frequently asked questions concerning St Thomas yacht charters.
1. What a St Thomas Yacht Charter, Specifically?
A yacht charter is the act of renting a motorized yacht or sailboat and traveling to different coastal destinations; usually within a previously agreed upon time frame. St Thomas yacht charters are available specifically to explore the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. You charter the yacht from a charter broker. Charter brokers can either be a company that specializes in yacht charters or a private owner.
2. Will My Yacht Have a Captain and Crew?
It depends on what you prefer. There are two main types of yacht charters available: a skippered charter or a bareboat charter. The skippered charter will have a captain, and possibly a crew, depending on the size. A bareboat charter gives you the freedom to pilot the boat yourself. Whether this option is available to you will depend on your boating experience, and different yacht owners may require proof of experience or certification.
3. What Types of Boats or Yachts Can I Charter?
Yachts come in all sizes but fall into two categories: un-inspected passenger yachts which hold 6 or fewer passengers and inspected yachts which can hold more than 6. There are also sailboats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, and speed boats available for charter from most charter brokers.
4. What Activities Can I Expect on a Yacht Charter?
Enter your textWhich type of yacht you decide to charter, whether it has a captain and crew, and whether you go bareboat will all play a role in the activities available. Some larger yachts have jet skis, kayaks, and an assortment of other water toys onboard. Other yachts have activities planned like fishing, whale watching, or scuba diving. Some charters have activities that are unique to that yacht such as fishing and cooking what you eat on board. Other yacht charters have activities available especially for children. here...
5. Are Yacht Charters Expensive?
As with any getaway or vacation, a yacht charter can be expensive. But finding one that fits your budget is doable, and finding friends and family to split the cost with you is a fun way for everyone to enjoy a great vacation experience at a price they can all afford. Let the charter broker know what your budget is and ask what options are available to you.
How We Reviewed
We reviewed the following St Thomas Yacht charters based on features, amenities, available activities, captain and crew, rates, and customer reviews.
Overall Price Range
Prices vary based on length of charter. When renting by the hour, it can range in price from around $100 to around $500 an hour depending on size and amenities. There are also daily, weekend, and weekly rentals. Weekly rentals usually range from around $10,000 to $70,000 a week depending on the size, features, activities, how many passengers, etc.
Take It Easy Charters lives out their name on their 2 yachts — the 50-foot Take It Easy and the 52-foot Take It Easy 2. The Take It Easy is famous in the Virgin Islands because country music star Kenny Chesney once owned her. She is now owned by Take It Easy charters and ready to take you exploring the beautiful waters of St. Thomas, St. John, or the British Virgin Islands. Both yachts are fully equipped and fully compliant with both the US Coast Guard and British Virgin Islands safety regulations. Enjoy a stocked bar, galley, hot showers, snorkeling masks and vests, and an awesome Bluetooth sound system. Take a swim, sunbathe on one of the large cushioned sun pads, or just enjoy the marine life as you cruise by.
Captain/Crew
Born and raised on St Thomas, Captain Dana Paradise knows exactly where to take you to experience the best of the islands. He holds a USCG Master 100 Ton Captain’s License and has a long history of navigating the waters of the islands. Captain Dana and his crew are all CPR and first aid certified and have tons of knowledge to share about local culture and history.
Elixir Charters is a Trip Advisor Hall of Fame Award Recipient and the Elixir is a 60-foot luxury yacht available for private and non-private day charters or sunset evening cruises. The day charter includes a delicious breakfast and lunch, an open bar, snorkeling, two-person kayaks, hammocks, and a fast dinghy. The Sunset Evening Cruise includes an exquisite dinner, open bar, and the incredible Caribbean sunset. All the amenities of the yacht including sunbathing areas, showers, and dining areas.
Captain/Crew
The Captains of the Elixir are Master Captains David and Janet MacNeil who have been providing guests with amazing experiences for 12 years. David is a retired international airline captain and a certified rescue scuba diver. Janet holds an advanced open water diver certification and provides the gourmet cooking. Both are committed to making your experience unforgettable.
CYOA has chartered Virgin Island vacations for over 30 years. This has been their sole focus and they are proud to have earned an excellent reputation with their customers. All of the personnel at CYOA are from the Virgin Islands and live either on the land or on their own boat. They bring a wealth of experience to their charters. Both bareboat and skippered charters are available, and they have a wide variety of boats including catamarans and monohulls.
Captain/Crew
The captains and crews of the skippered charters are all experienced sailors from the Virgin Islands. They know the islands and are experts at boat maintenance and handling. Bareboat charters are available, but you must fill out a sailing resume and they will decide if you have enough experience to charter this type of boat. CYOA also provides a sailing guide to go along with you if you feel inexperienced. You can receive either casual or ASA certified instruction.
Located at Sapphire Resorts Marina, Pocket Yachts specializes in power boat rentals, luxury condos, and yacht charters. Their 4 luxury yachts offer experiences from romantic cruises to corporate parties and have all the amenities you would expect. For their power boats, they promise the safest boats on the island, with half day or full day rentals. The boats include snorkeling and fishing gear, and you can swim, sightsee, sunbathe, relax or explore at your leisure. Also, take trips like The Dolphin Tour or customize your own tour.
Captain/Crew
Pocket Yachts offer experienced captains and crew for all of their yachts and have bareboat rentals available with their power boats. You must be experienced to captain the bareboat, but they do offer free instruction for novice boaters.
Offering fully customizable day trips just for you, St. Thomas Boat Rental brings you their 32-foot Catamaran that was designed just for exploring the waters of the Virgin Islands. They also have a 1.5-hour sunset cruise, evening excursions, and full and half-day excursions. Their boats provide plenty of padded seating to keep you, your family, and friends comfortable. There is a stereo system to listen to your favorite music and coolers to keep your food and drinks cold. The sunset cruise comes with complimentary champagne and snacks.
Captain/Crew
St. Thomas Boat Rental has 9 captains that you can choose from to best fits with your itinerary. Visit their website to get to know these experienced, licensed captains and what they each have to offer your experience. If going bareboat, you will have to provide information on your experience, but there are also instructors available to help you.
Catania is a world-class wooden sloop that has visited over 50 countries in the past 30 years and is now available for you to sail the waters of the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands. The 80-year-old Catania is a one-of-a-kind classic that is meticulously cared for. She offers spacious decks for sunbathing and plenty of shade for lounging. Enjoy an experience like no other on the Catania.
Captain/Crew
Captain Ocean will regale you with his stories of sailing the Catania around the world, and with the history of the Virgin Islands. The crew will pamper you with island drinks from the open bar and provide a grilled to order lunch buffet including fresh fish and tropical fruits. Vegetarian options are available if you prefer, but either way, relax, and enjoy.
The iYachtClub is based out of St. Thomas and they have 20 years of experience in yacht chartering. They offer catamarans, motor yachts, and monohulls. They offer vacation ideas and will also help you craft the perfect one for you. They offer packages such as captain only, all-inclusive, wedding, and anniversary, but each one is unique and catered to your interests and preferences. iYachtClub offers full-board, half-board and captain only charters.
Captain/Crew
Captain Melroy Daniel, or simply Melly, was born on the Caribbean Island of Nevis but came to St Thomas after high school. He is a 100 Ton Master captain with a welcoming smile for all. The owners, Derek and Brenda, and the crew, Lorrin, Eddie, Laura, and Danny, round out iYachtClub and are ready to help you create the perfect adventure for you.
Whether you want to swim with the beautiful fish of the Caribbean, explore gorgeous caves, sunbathe on white sand beaches, or spend your day on a boat exploring island views and marine life, Sonic Charters has something for you. Striving to bring you the best experience around the islands, Sonic has 32 and 33-foot center consoles and the 50-foot Sea Ray Sundancer. The 32 and 33-footers offer a top of the line sound system, enough snorkel gear for everyone aboard, including children, plenty of room for sunbathing, and warm showers. The 50-foot Sundancer offers a full bar, morning and afternoon snacks, and snorkel gear and noodles for everyone.
Captain/Crew
Sonic Charters has 5 experienced captains that you can choose from based on your itinerary. They are fully licensed and extremely experienced in both the boats and the island history and fun.
Fury Charters is the only St Thomas yacht charter company centrally located near Havensight Cruise Ship Dock. This means fewer hassles over taxis and rental cars. There is no party too small or too large for Fury Charters. They offer half-day, full-day, and sunset charters. The Fury is a 1981 Morgan 46-foot ketch that is meticulously maintained. It easily accommodates up to 25 guests, and it offers sunbathing or shade, warm showers, swimming, snorkeling, an open bar, and snacks. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your day.
Captain/Crew
Captain Mike is a US Coast Guard Master captain and a fully versed sailor who has captained the Fury since 2006.
Second Wind Charters promises dedication to creating an amazing experience for you. The Second Wind is a 57-foot motor yacht where you will be treated like royalty on a half-day charter or a full-day charter. The captain will present you with options so you can choose how you want your day to play out. Will you snorkel with the fish around the gorgeous reefs, or stay on the boat and enjoy the sun, the breeze, and a cocktail? There is so much to do while your gourmet lunch is prepared for you; all you have to do is choose.
Captain/Crew
The Second Wind’s personal chef/hostess will stock the galley based on your personal preferences. She will take care of you while on board. The captain will also chart your itinerary around your interests and preferences. You will be well taken care of aboard the Second Wind.
Each of these St Thomas yacht charters offers customized service, beautiful boats, and is ready to help make your vacation dreams come true. Choosing the best of the best is not an easy feat, as all ten of these have excellent customer reviews, beautiful boats, and an obvious love for and dedication to their craft.
We felt CYOA Yacht charters offered the greatest variety of boats and their dedication to their customers is obvious. Their sole focus is their St Thomas yacht charter business, and that focus has paid off in the form of excellent ratings. CYOA is our first choice because they offer you a variety of choices, and iYachtClub comes in as a close second.
We also couldn’t end this review without mentioning the Catania. It isn’t every day you get to sail on an 80-year-old sailboat that is steeped in history and comes with a captain full of adventure stories. This is definitely our choice for the most unique experience available in St Thomas yacht charters.
