Yachtcharter St. Thomas

Arguably one of the most enchanting charter destinations in the Caribbean is the island of Saint Thomas in the American Virgin Islands. Located just east of Puerto Rico, this paradise can take sailors into a dreamlike tropical world with its impressive ¨ber and underwater worlds, picturesque lagoons and, in some places, a spine-tingling pirate ambience. On the island you can also visit some historical and cultural sights such as the former pirate-owned fortress „Bluebeard's Castle Tower“

In the American Virgin Islands cruising area, sailors have the great opportunity to go island and lagoon hopping to discover the diversity and uniqueness of the beaches, nature and underwater world. It is especially recommended to go to the secluded Hurricane-Hole Mangrove Lagoon, which is well protected from all swells and trade winds. Especially in the north of the island you will find the most beautiful stretches of beach.

Climate: subtropical with temperatures between 24 and 33 degrees
. Winds: trade winds
Sailing season: all year, observing the hurricane season from June to November

Yacht charter St. Thomas

The conditions for a yacht charter through the American Virgin Islands could hardly be better: steady, even trade winds with an average speed of 10 to 20 knots, sheltered bays and straits, short passages. With these pleasant conditions, St. Thomas is also suitable for less experienced sailors and families for a carefree sailing trip where you can be enchanted by the gorgeous surroundings.

The best time to visit St. Thomas is between December and April in the dry season, when you can expect stable temperatures and low hurricane risk. During the hurricane season, which usually lasts from the beginning of June to the end of November, visiting the American Virgin Islands can be risky. The infrastructure on St. Thomas is very well designed to meet the needs and desires of yachtsmen and yachtswomen. You will always find supermarkets at the anchorages and harbors, where you can also browse in over 100 duty-free stores spread all over the island. Whether fish dishes or a glass of wine, local dishes can be enjoyed anywhere during a yacht charter in one of the bars and restaurants.

You will start your yacht charter in the southeast of the island from one of the most popular marinas St. Thomas, Compass Point Marina in Benner Bay, from where you can explore the various bays and lagoons. Not far from Benner Bay, Mangrove Bay, protected against all winds and swells, is your first destination.

Arrival: You can reach the American Virgin Islands from Germany within a flight time of up to 20 hours with stopovers in Miami and Great Britain, as there are no direct connections from Germany. You will then land at one of two international airports - Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Saint Croix (STX) or Cyril E. King Airport Saint Thomas (STT).

Entry: Located 45 miles east off the coast of Puerto Rico, the archipelago is a U.S. outlying territory in the Caribbean. Therefore, the same conditions apply for entry to St. Thomas as for the USA. For a tourist stay of up to 90 days there is no visa requirement for German citizens. One must be in the possession of a passport with still six-month validity. For a longer stay you have to apply for an additional visa. You can find more information and the latest news on the website of the German Foreign Office under the entry requirements to the USA.

A visit to the capital Charlotte Amalie

The island of Saint Thomas forms the archipelago of the American Virgin Islands together with the two other main islands Saint John and Saint Croix as well as Water Island and 50 other smaller islands. Among other things, the island looks back on a long colonial history. First discovered by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century, the island was long under the influence of Denmark, which had claimed the island for slavery and plantations. Spain, England and France followed Denmark in settling St. Thomas in the decades that followed. For a long time, the island was also a refuge for pirates, who repeatedly found a hiding place in the bays there, including the famous Blackbeard. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the island became the property of the USA.

Remnants of this eventful history and the European cultural influence in the last centuries can be discovered especially in the main town of the archipelago, Charlotte Amalie, a few kilometers west of the marina. Here stands the former pirate residence "Bluebeard's Castle Tower" and the fortresses Fort Christian and Fort Willoughby. The town of 18,500 inhabitants is located in the south of the island and is the main town of the American Virgin Islands. The best place to get an overview of the town and one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world is from Paradise Point, 250 meters above sea level. The town is the center of life, with elegant restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and a number of duty-free stores. You can even explore the underwater world by submarine.
Charlotte Amalie's surrounding countryside, with several mountain ridges, former plantation areas, and magnificent panoramas from the many observation decks at lofty heights, is just waiting to be explored during a shore excursion.

In front of Charlotte Amalie there is also Water Island, which can be reached comfortably within 10 minutes by the Water Island Ferry, which departs hourly from Crown Bay Marina. Otherwise, it is also possible to take a boat to Water Island. Whether it's relaxing and swimming at Honeymoon Beach, walking at Limestone Beach, fishing, hiking or movie nights on the beach - on Water Island everything is subordinated to deceleration and tranquility.

The capital Charlotte Amalie offers all supply possibilities and a good entrance into history and culture to the start. ©emperorcosar/AdobeStock

On the road around the island of St. Thomas

The south also offers other great destinations with gorgeous conditions, especially for anchoring, diving and snorkeling, as well as fine-sand beaches for sunning, such as Christmas Cove, near Red Hook Bay, and Frenchman Bay.

In the north, the underwater observatory "Coral World Ocean Park", not far from Coki Point, offers divers and adventure seekers the opportunity to experience the underwater world up close, as you can swim with sharks, turtles and sea lions.
The north of the island invites you to relax and let your soul dangle in a paradisiacal environment with its dreamlike white beaches like Magens Bay, which was awarded by National Geographic. Also, the calm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea offer perfect conditions for snorkeling, diving and swimming. The beach in Hull Bay in the north, still untouched by the masses, should not be missed as an insider tip, while rum can be enjoyed on the popular beaches of Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach.

Both professionals and beginners will find the best diving opportunities on St. Thomas. Here you can discover the stunning exotic underwater world with magnificent coral formations during a dive. The charming Caribbean sunsets are also part of every beach stay.

Information and cruising tips for the other islands around St. Thomas you will find on the cruising area page American Virgin Islands.

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