U.S. Virgin Islands Yacht Destinations & Routes — St. Thomas, St. John & Water Island | Simplicity Charters

U.S. Virgin Islands Yacht Destinations & Routes

Build your perfect route: calm bays, reef snorkeling, beach stops, and sunset cruises. Tap a destination for maps, tips, pickup marinas, and suggested cruise lengths.

Route Ideas Pickup Marinas Maps + Tips Snorkeling + Beaches

Overview Map & Route Ideas

Switch between an interactive Google Map and a printable route diagram. Exact routes vary with wind, sea state, and yacht size.

🖨️ Print Page 📍 Pickup Marinas

Tip: Try Satellite view for reef lines and protected coves. Captains finalize safe routes day-of.

Popular Yacht Destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Pick spots that fit a half-day or full-day cruise. Each card includes a map and quick planning links.

Magens Bay (St. Thomas)

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A world-famous crescent bay with calm, protected water—perfect for swimming, photos, and a relaxed anchoring stop.

  • ⏱️ Typical: Half-day or Full-day
  • 📍 Near: North St. Thomas
  • 🧭 Combo: Magens ➜ Water Island

Arrive earlier for the smoothest water; captains choose the safest anchor point for conditions.

Honeymoon Beach (Water Island)

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A laid-back beach stop just off St. Thomas—turquoise shallows, easy anchoring, and classic island chill.

  • ⏱️ Typical: Half-day
  • 📍 Near: Charlotte Amalie
  • 🧭 Combo: Water Island ➜ Sunset cruise

Great for a swim + lunch vibe. Captains pick calm coves if trade winds are up.

Trunk Bay (St. John)

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Iconic National Park beach with crystal-clear water—popular for snorkeling and postcard-perfect sand.

  • ⏱️ Typical: Full-day preferred
  • 📍 Near: Cruz Bay
  • 🧭 Combo: Trunk ➜ Cinnamon ➜ Maho

National Park rules apply. Captains follow best-practice anchoring and safety guidance.

Cinnamon Bay (St. John)

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Long, beautiful beach on St. John’s north shore—great swim water and an easy add-on to Trunk/Maho routes.

  • ⏱️ Typical: Full-day
  • 📍 Near: North Shore beaches
  • 🧭 Combo: Cinnamon ➜ Maho Bay

On breezier days, captains choose the most protected bay for comfort and clarity.

Maho Bay (St. John)

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A favorite snorkeling bay—known for clear shallows and frequent sea turtle sightings (never guaranteed).

  • ⏱️ Typical: Full-day
  • 📍 Near: North Shore St. John
  • 🤿 Best: Snorkel time

Respect wildlife and keep distance. Captains choose safe entry/exit points for conditions.

Christmas Cove (Great St. James)

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A classic mid-route anchorage with clear water—often paired with St. John beach stops and a Red Hook departure.

  • ⏱️ Typical: Half-day or Full-day
  • 📍 Near: Red Hook passage
  • 🧭 Combo: Cove ➜ Trunk/Cinnamon

Good “in-between” stop when you want swim time without a long run to the far north shore.

Routes shown are examples. Wind, sea state, and vessel size determine the final itinerary. Your captain will optimize the plan day-of.

U.S. Virgin Islands Yacht Destinations — FAQs

What’s the best half-day route for first-timers?
A classic: Christmas Cove ➜ Honeymoon Beach (Water Island) for easy swim time and great photos. If seas are calm, swap in a St. John stop like Trunk or Cinnamon.
Where do we meet the yacht? Are there multiple pickup marinas?
Yes. Pickup depends on your route and vessel size (common areas include Red Hook and the St. Thomas waterfront). See Pickup Marinas.
Can we see wildlife (sea turtles, rays) on these routes?
Often—especially around Maho Bay and other calm snorkel coves. Sightings vary by time/conditions and are never guaranteed.
Full-day ideas that feel different from a typical beach day?
Go north shore: Trunk ➜ Cinnamon ➜ Maho for varied beaches and snorkel time, or split the day: Snorkel cove ➜ beach stop ➜ sunset cruise back.
Do wind and sea state affect where we can go?
Yes. Trade winds and swell can shape the plan. Your captain will have alternates to keep things smooth and safe.