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Sailing the Virgin Islands archipelago from our base in St. Thomas offers you the chance to experience one of the world’s most wonderful cruising grounds and explore the US Virgin Islands.
The tropical weather with year-round warm temperatures between 75ºF and 82ºF is perfect for a boat charter in St. Thomas. While many will plan for sailing the British Virgin Islands, don’t miss out on exploring the beautiful USVIs. The region is known for its beaches with expanses of powdery white sand, as well as its seven national parks.
The USVIs consist of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Water Island and many smaller islets and cays. This group of Caribbean islands was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and settled by Spain, England, France and Denmark. In 1917, the islands became a United States territory and while the islanders speak English, the culture is a unique blend of European, American and Caribbean influences, with traces of the indigenous Taino culture.
When it comes to things to do in the US Virgin Islands, you are in luck if you love snorkeling or diving. Sail to the nearby island of St. John which has some of the most beautiful and well-protected beaches in the world. The island is a favorite destination thanks to its lush surroundings, national park and clear waters brimming with turtles and rays. You can even hike to the restored Annaberg sugar plantation.
Cruising In USVI
A yacht charter from St. Thomas in the USVI, offers a unique combination of steady trade winds, sheltered waters, short passages, and protected bays and sounds. The trade winds generally average 10 to 20 knots most of the year, and they hold steady, making this region superb for a relaxed vacation with all the satisfaction that comes from enjoying time on the water. Temperatures average between 75°F and 88°F (24°C – 31°C).
Highlights
If you want to relax and swim, you will be spoilt for choice for beaches while on your Virgin Islands yacht charter. Popular choices for those exploring by boat include Honeymoon Beach and the beaches along Caneel Bay (formerly Caneel Bay Resort), Oppenheimer Beach (Hawksnest area), Maho Beach in Francis Bay (visit Maho Crossroads pop-up village for tasty food), Salt Pond and Lameshur. Leinster Bay and Watermelon Cay offer awesome opportunities for snorkeling too with abundant coral.
A USVI Yacht Charter offers year-round balmy seas and winds, as well as the ability to experience the very best sights and sounds of the three beautiful main islands and the more than 50 smaller Caribbean cays and islets surrounding them. These turquoise waters are just waiting to be explored!
During the winter months (November to January) the wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots. The Christmas winds can produce 25-30 knots for several days at a time. In February, the winds move to the east and by June it changes to the southeast at 10-15 knots. In September and October, the trade winds are at their weakest and the weather can be less settled. By November the high-pressure system around Bermuda starts to stabilize and 15-20 knot breezes become the norm.
Month |
°C Max |
°C Min |
Avg. precipitation (mm) |
Avg. Water temp. (°C) |
Avg. wind (m/s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
January |
28 |
24 |
76 |
25 |
NE 7,5-12,5 |
February |
28 |
24 |
50 |
25 |
E 7,5-12,5 |
March |
28 |
24 |
50 |
26 |
E 7,5-12,5 |
April |
29 |
25 |
76 |
27 |
E 7,5-12,5 |
May |
30 |
26 |
101 |
28 |
SE 7,5-10 |
June |
31 |
27 |
76 |
28 |
SE 7,5-10 |
July |
31 |
27 |
76 |
29 |
SE 7,5-10 |
August |
31 |
27 |
127 |
29 |
SE 7,5-10 |
September |
31 |
27 |
127 |
29 |
SE 2,5-7,5 |
October |
31 |
27 |
101 |
28 |
SE 2,5-7,5 |
November |
29 |
26 |
127 |
28 |
NE 2,5-10 |
December |
28 |
24 |
101 |
27 |
NE 7,5-12,5 |