Often referred to as America’s paradise, the US Virgin Islands are one of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean and one of the best destinations for a cruise holiday. As of 2020, the islands received a total of 9 million tourists, generating significant revenue for the islands while fueling local businesses to thrive.
Made up of three different islands; St Thomas, St John and St John, with a dozen other different islands dotted around, one of the best ways to get to see most of the islands is by boat. Whether you’re an experienced boater or are planning your first sailing holiday, below we’ll dive into a wealth of information covering everything you need to know for a sailing trip in the US Virgin Islands.
How is a sailing holiday different?
Often, when going on holiday with the family in tow, it can seem like you need another break after returning home. With a sailing holiday you can experience life in the slow lane as you meander around the crystal blue waters of the US Virgin Islands at your leisure.
There are a few different ways to experience a sailing holiday and your options will depend on how experienced you are at sailing. For those most experienced and who hold a license to sail, why not head over to Borrow a boat to charter your own boat and lead the show as you sail around on your own schedule.
For those less experienced at sailing, a sailing holiday with a skipper gives you the opportunity to learn a new skill while having a guiding hand to show you the best places to sail around the islands with complete peace of mind. Alternatively, you can charter a boat with a full crew, meaning you don’t have to worry about anything other than where you left your snorkel. The crew will take care of everything from planning your route, to stocking up on provisions for the boat and even the cooking.
What’s more, while many of the popular tourist spots on the island can get a little crowded in the peak months, being on your own boat means you can escape the tourist hotspots and head off to the more secluded areas that are yet to be discovered by many tourists.
What can you gain from a sailing holiday
Embarking on a sailing holiday has many more benefits, including developing key skills that will last you a lifetime and create memories that you will treasure. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a sailing holiday below.
Bond with your friends or family
Holidays are a special time to bond with family or friends and make treasured memories that you will keep forever. However, a sailing holiday does much more as it requires you to work as a team to steer the ship. While everyone is eager to spend their time on deck, catching the sun, taking in the sounds of the lapping waves and the seagulls above, a sailing holiday requires everyone to chip in with a little effort and a lot of teamwork.
Not only will you make treasured memories, you will strengthen your relationship with your fellow crew mates as you navigate a new adventure.
Find a state of peacefulness
When staying in a hotel resort, it can often be easy to get caught up in all the activities going on around you, from themed evening dinners, to aqua aerobics classes, trips to local cultural icons and tourist excursions from your resort. However, being on your own private boat removes you from the hustle and bustle of tourist resorts and offers you a calm and serene place where you can relax and clear your mind.
Save money on excursions
Staying at a hotel resort means that you’re limited to what you can see unless you book onto some expensive tourist excursions. Not only can these excursions be crowded but they’re often much cheaper to visit on your own and at your own pace. Having your own boat means you can do exactly that.
What to explore in the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands offer a wealth of things to do, from lapping up the sun and relaxing to getting up close and personal with nature. Here are some of the best things to do while on a sailing holiday in the US Virgin Islands.
Snorkel with turtles
The waters around the US Virgin Islands are teeming with all sorts of wildlife, from tropical fish, to dolphins and turtles. Why not head to a secluded cove and jump into the water with your snorkel to see if you can spot any turtles. While turtle spotting excursions can be expensive, having your own boat means you can do it for yourself.
Explore the mangrove lagoons
The island of St Thomas is full of tropical mangrove lagoons that are best explored by kayak. Why not drop the anchor and lower the kayaks into the water for a day of kayaking, hiking and snorkeling around the best the island has to offer.
Overall, there’s so much to see and do in the US Virgin Islands that there’s something to keep the whole family entertained. Exploring the islands by boat is the best way to see everything they have to offer, while offering your own tranquil paradise away from the tourist hotspots. So, what are you waiting for?
