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Find paradise in the US and British Virgin Islands
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Sailing the US and British Virgin Islands is unlike anything else in the world. The region is known for its turquoise blue waters, powdery white sand, and diverse marine life. Lay in a hammock, catch a fish, explore an island, dive from a cliff, share a meal, take a photo, and swim with a dolphin in the same day. Finally, relax on your private yacht. There’s no better way to experience the tranquility and wonder of the Virgin Islands than on your Premier Dream Charter.
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Whether you hire a captain or choose to sail alone, the itinerary is entirely in your hands. You decide where and when to move your yacht. We hope you'll use the information found on this page to plan your dream vacation in the Virgin Islands. Need a little more help? Use the “contact us” button at the bottom of this page to connect with a friendly member of our reservations team. We’ll be more than happy to help you outline the perfect itinerary.
Area Overview
US Virgin Islands
The USVIs consist of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Water Island and many smaller islets and cays.
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British Virgin Islands
Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dykeand, and over 50 smaller islets and cays make up the beautiful BVIs.
Best Beaches in the USVIs
Salt Pond Beach
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Island: St. John, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 21.9004° N, 159.6073° W
Recommended activities:​
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Swim with sea turtles and rays in the sea grass beds
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Sightsee as you take the moderate walk from the road
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Snorkel one of the best reefs in the USVIs!
Cinnamon Bay Beach
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Island: St. John, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 18.3563° N, 64.7524° W
Recommended activities:​
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Visit the museum in the old beachfront Danish building, which displays archaeological findings from the area
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Hike the self-guided, half-mile Cinnamon Bay Trail
Trunk Bay Beach
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Island: St. John, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 18.3527° N, 64.7685° W
Recommended activities:
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Swim the self-guided, underwater snorkeling trail
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Grab nourishment at the snack bar/grill
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Relax in the sand and the sun!
Honeymoon Bay Beach
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Island: St. John, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 18.3435° N, 64.7853° W
Recommended activities:
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Relax in the shade of tall coconut trees
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Rent a stand-up paddle board at the watersports shack
Magen’s Bay Beach
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Island: St. Thomas, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 18.3612° N, 64.9241° W
Recommended activities:
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Rent a kayak from the watersports shack
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Grab a burger from the seaside grill
Hull Bay Beach
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Island: St. Thomas, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 18.3691° N, 64.9568° W
Recommended activities:
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Study marine life during a nighttime snorkel excursion
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Surf the famous north swells
Judith's Fancy Beach
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Island: St. Croix, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 17.7750° N, 64.7424° W
Recommended activities:
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Collect coral and shells washed up on the sandy shore
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Surf and standup paddle board the swells
Jack's Bay Beach
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Island: St. Croix, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 17.7474° N, 64.5860° W
Recommended activities:
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Study Hawksbill and Green Turtles nests on a guided hike
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Snorkel with 400+ species of fish in the surrounding reef
Sandy Point Beach
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Island: St. Croix, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 17.6769° N, 64.9018° W
Recommended activities:
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Walk three miles on one of the USVIs longest beaches
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Relax and sunbath in the white powdery sand
Turtle Beach
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Island: Buck Island, USVI
GPS Coordinates: 18.3510° N, 64.7875° W
Recommended activities:
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Swim the underwater snorkel path
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Pack a lunch and enjoy the day!
Recommended activities in the USVIs
Swimming and Snorkeling
Bring a swim suit! The US and British Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the world. Make sure you swim through the reef at Watermelon Cay! Click here for more snorkeling suggestions.
Scuba Diving
Feeling adventerous? Give scuba diving a try! We recommend the Wall in St. Croix and Carvel Rock in St. John. Click here for more info.
National Parks
Did you know the US Virgin Islands are home to six separate national parks? Get lost exploring these expansive playgrounds. click here for more information from the US national park service.
Fine dining
Whether dining in a restaurant or eating aboard your private yacht, make sure you experience fine dining, Virgin Island style! Click here for a list of the best restaurant recommendations.
Shore excursions
Each of the major islands has incredible activities on shore. Shop Main Street on St. Thomas, explore Fort Frederik on St. Croix, and visit the Annaberg Planation on St. John. Click here for more.
Sailing!
Don't visit the Virgin Islands without putting the wind in your sails. Each Premier Dream Charter comes with full sail capabilities so you can experience the thrill!
Entering the British Virgin Islands
US citizens do not need a passport to enter the USVIs but will need one for the BVIs (must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry). Visas may be required for citizens from other countries of origin – check with the tourist board.
It is easy to travel to the BVIs from the USVIs, and the customs process is simple, although keep in mind that high season will be busier. During your briefing, the base team will give you all the paperwork needed to clear in and out of customs. You must clear BVI customs immediately upon entrance, but in the USVI you have 24 hours to clear in.
You can clear BVI customs in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, or West End in Soper’s Hole on Tortola. Tell the customs officer that you are clearing in and out. Download the CBP ROAM app on your smart phone for clearing back into the USVI. A free login.gov account is required to use the CBP ROAM app. Guests with foreign passports are usually required to clear customs in person at the Customs and Immigration Office in Cruz Bay, St. John
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In the BVIs, you will need to pay for a cruising permit ($16 per person per day), BVI Environmental Fees ($10 per person), BVI Departure Tax ($20 per person), and port fee ($1 per foot for the length of your charter vessel). Occasionally, the customs agent will include a Vessel License Fee which is an additional $35.
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You will need to purchase a National Marine Park Permit if you intend to visit one of the BVI's beautiful marine parks. The cost of a permit depends on the number of guests in your party and will vary from $50 per week for 4 guests up to $110 per week for 10 guests. The permit allows you to pick up day mooring balls in any of the BVI's fabulous marine parks, including the famous Baths, the Caves, the Indians, Monkey Point and the Dogs. Anchoring is prohibited at all times in these areas in order to protect the territory's vulnerable reefs. Mooring buoys from the National Park are for daily use only.
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Fishing permits are required to fish in the BVIs. Visit the government website for details.
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Additional Information
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
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Voltage
110V
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Dialing Code
+1 340
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Internet
WiFi access is not provided at the Compass Point Marina or on board the charter. Certain islands do have cell phone towers, although connectivity is not always reliable. Some cafes offer public internet, although a charge may apply.
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Sunscreen
The USVIs banned the import, sale and distribution of all sunscreens containing “Toxic Os” (oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene), as they cause harmful bleaching to coral reefs. From January 1, 2020, anyone found using a non-approved sunscreen will be fined $1,000. Please note, spray sunscreens are strictly forbidden due to discoloration to the boat over time. Avoid Coppertone products with self-tanners or bronzers in as they will damage the boat.
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Night Sailing
Night sailing is not allowed in the USVIs and BVIs. We ask you to be settled at a mooring by 5pm. If you are sailing the St. John National Park, please visit the park’s website for information and regulations on mooring, anchoring and fishing. For overnight anchoring or mooring between the hours of 5pm and 7am, there is a self-registration fee. Overnight fees must be paid prior to spending the night at one of the many payment station rafts.
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Weather
Temperatures in the Virgin Islands range from a winter low of 75°F and a summer high of 82°F. August, September and October are the warmest months with hardly any wind, which makes the air feel even hotter. This is the low season when the islands are less crowded. The hurricane season is between June and October. You can find USVI weather forecasts on the Windguru website ahead of your sailing vacation.
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Wind System
The US Virgin Islands wind systems include the trade winds season in mid-late December and into early-mid January. The Christmas Winds can make sailing quite the adventure and occasionally shift causing a north swell. We will go through the winds with you during your chart and boat briefing.
We can't wait to see you on board!