St John
Charter a yacht around St. John in the US Virgin Islands—home to unspoiled beaches, lush national parks, and unforgettable snorkelling in the Caribbean’s most protected waters.
St. John is the crown jewel of the US Virgin Islands—an island of raw, natural beauty where turquoise bays meet emerald hills. With over 60% of the island protected as Virgin Islands National Park, St. John offers a rare and tranquil yacht charter experience, ideal for nature lovers, snorkelling enthusiasts, and those seeking a more secluded Caribbean getaway.
The island has no airport and limited development, making it best reached by sea—exactly what makes a St. John yacht charter so magical.
Featured Yachts for Charter
BIG NAUTI - Bali 5.4 - 2020
Sail the Virgin Islands aboard BIG NAUTI, a 2020 Bali 5.4 catamaran for up to 8 guests in 4 ensuite queen cabins. Enjoy spacious open-air living, panoramic views, water toys, and top-tier service from a dedicated crew.
A3 - Lagoon 560 - 2016
Charter A3, a 2016 Lagoon 560 catamaran for 8 guests in 4 queen ensuite cabins, including a master suite. Explore the Virgin Islands with a top crew, water toys, and optional onboard diving with a PADI Divemaster.
NAE KAE - Bali 5.4 - 2022
NAE KAE, a 2022 Bali 5.4, offers an unforgettable sailing experience with spacious accommodations, stunning 360° views, and luxurious comfort. Discover the beauty of the Virgin Islands in style.
When to Visit St. John for a Yacht Charter
St. John’s sailing season runs from December to July, with peak weather conditions between January and April. Expect steady trade winds, calm seas, and clear skies—perfect for smooth sailing and daily snorkelling adventures. May and June offer quieter coves and warmer water, while August to October mark the low season with a higher chance of tropical storms.
Cruising Highlights – Why Sail St. John
- Caneel Bay & Hawksnest Bay
Peaceful anchorages with sugar-white beaches, perfect for paddleboarding and beachcombing. - Trunk Bay
Home to the famous underwater snorkelling trail, offering stunning coral gardens and colourful reef fish. - Maho Bay
Shallow, crystal-clear water ideal for spotting sea turtles and rays from your paddleboard or tender. - Salt Pond & Lameshur Bays
Remote southern bays offering serene anchorages, hiking trails, and snorkelling over vibrant reef walls. - Reef Bay Trail & Petroglyphs
Combine a beach landing with a hike through lush rainforest to discover ancient rock carvings.
Must-See – Trunk Bay
Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Trunk Bay is an essential stop. Anchor offshore, snorkel the underwater trail, and walk barefoot along the pristine sands fringed with tropical greenery.
Where to Eat & Drink
- ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay – Upscale Caribbean dining with sunset views over the bay.
- The Longboard, Cruz Bay – Trendy spot with poke bowls, cocktails, and island-inspired bites.
- Miss Lucy’s, Coral Bay – A beloved local gem offering beachfront dining and authentic island flavours.
- Skinny Legs, Coral Bay – A laid-back sailor’s favourite with cold drinks and killer burgers.
Featured Yachts for Charter
BIG NAUTI - Bali 5.4 - 2020
Sail the Virgin Islands aboard BIG NAUTI, a 2020 Bali 5.4 catamaran for up to 8 guests in 4 ensuite queen cabins. Enjoy spacious open-air living, panoramic views, water toys, and top-tier service from a dedicated crew.
A3 - Lagoon 560 - 2016
Charter A3, a 2016 Lagoon 560 catamaran for 8 guests in 4 queen ensuite cabins, including a master suite. Explore the Virgin Islands with a top crew, water toys, and optional onboard diving with a PADI Divemaster.
NAE KAE - Bali 5.4 - 2022
NAE KAE, a 2022 Bali 5.4, offers an unforgettable sailing experience with spacious accommodations, stunning 360° views, and luxurious comfort. Discover the beauty of the Virgin Islands in style.
Flavours of St. John
Taste the island through conch fritters, jerk mahi-mahi, and crab-stuffed avocado. Locally made fruit-infused rums and the Caribbean classic Painkiller cocktail are best enjoyed with sea views and sunset breezes.
Art & Culture
Though small, St. John has a vibrant arts scene. Visit the local artisan shops in Mongoose Junction, or discover St. John’s past at the Cinnamon Bay ruins and the Annaberg Sugar Plantation overlooking Leinster Bay. The blend of Danish colonial history and Caribbean culture gives the island a unique soul.
Iconic Swim Spot – Maho Bay
Drop anchor in Maho Bay, one of the best places in the Virgin Islands to swim with sea turtles. With shallow, calm waters and lush green hills surrounding you, it’s a serene and unforgettable swim.
High Tide Recommends
- Start your morning with a sunrise paddle in Hawksnest Bay before breakfast on board.
- Spend an afternoon hiking to Ram Head Point for panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
- Sail to Leinster Bay and snorkel the coral reef at Waterlemon Cay, then enjoy a starlit dinner on deck.
- Anchor overnight in Coral Bay and head ashore for dinner and live music with the locals.
Choose Your Itinerary
There’s no airport on St. John, which adds to its charm. Most guests fly into St. Thomas (STT) and take a short ferry or private water taxi to Cruz Bay. Many charters begin in St. Thomas or Tortola and include St. John as a key stop.
Provisioning is limited, so we recommend stocking up in St. Thomas or arranging full provisioning in advance. If your charter starts on St. John, Cruz Bay offers basic supplies and restaurants.
Best For:
- Nature lovers and snorkellers
- Quiet anchorages and secluded bays
- Hiking, wildlife, and protected marine parks
- Laid-back charm with minimal development
Marinas & Anchorages:
- No marinas on St. John
- Anchor in Caneel Bay, Maho Bay, Coral Bay, Salt Pond Bay
- Moorings available in many bays—ideal for overnight stays
Sailing Conditions:
Sheltered anchorages, consistent easterly trade winds, and short cruising distances make it ideal for relaxed and scenic sailing.
