USVI Useful Information

Welcome to America’s paradise, where Caribbean charm meets the ease of domestic travel. Comprising the stunning, diverse islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) offer a spectacular cruising playground of protected bays, world-class diving, and pristine national parks. To ensure your custom charter with The Charter Yacht Company is seamless, here is your logistical blueprint.

Travel and Customs

• Airports: Most charters begin on St. Thomas, flying into Cyril E. King Airport (STT). Ground Transfers: Taxis are regulated and widely available. You will find many available outside the airport and ferry terminals.  If none are available, you can call Virgin Islands Taxi Association at (340) 774-7457 or VI Top Taxi at (340) 514-4368.  Carpooling is common in the USVI, so don’t be surprised if other travelers join you in your taxi.  Rates are often per person, not per car, and additional bags may be $2-$4. If you prefer a private transfer, we can prearrange one for you, or your crew or hotel reception can arrange one for you, or you can call Paradise Taxi and Tours at (404) 713-8430.

• Customs & Passports: As a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter the USVI. However, we strongly advise packing your passport anyway. If your charter includes  neighboring British Virgin Islands (BVI) passports and international customs clearance will be mandatory.  We also suggest  your passports are valid for at least 1 months beyond your travel dates.

• Marinas: The primary marinas  on St. Thomas are Yacht Haven Grande (in Charlotte Amalie), American Yacht Harbor (in Red Hook), and Crown Bay, near the airport.

• Currency: The official currency is the U.S. Dollar ($). Cash vs. Cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted at resorts, upscale shops, and restaurants. However, cash is highly recommended for small island beach bars, local water taxis, boutique beach stands, and crew gratuities.

• Tipping: Tipping follows standard U.S. protocols, with 15% to 20% being customary in restaurants and bar establishments. Some restaurants include the gratuity in the bill, so be sure to check your bill or ask if it is included.  For luxury crewed yacht charters, an industry-standard tip of 15% to 20% of the base charter fee is customary for exceptional service.

  
  

Electrical and Communications

• Power: Outlets in the USVI are standard North American Type A and Type B plugs (120V) running at 60Hz. The electrical sockets on your yacht will depend on the yacht.  Most yachts have adaptors for different sockets, but be sure to ask your broker or crew if you have devices that require a certain voltage.  

• Connectivity:While cell signals are strong near the main towns of St. Thomas, coverage can become weak or drop when tucked into the pristine, mountainous bays of St. John's National Park. We recommend downloading your favorite music, movies, and important travel files before stepping onboard. Turn off automatic cellular photo syncing, and consider an e-sim from Airalo (use code TCYC9670 for a $3 credit) for cost-effective data roaming.

Weather

• December – April: The peak winter season. Postcard-perfect blue skies, gorgeous sunshine, and comfortable tropical temperatures averaging 78°F to 83°F (25°C–28°C). The famous, steady "Christmas Winds" provide premium sailing conditions.

• May – July: Warm, lush, and tranquil. Temperatures rise slightly to around 85°F–88°F (29°C–31°C). The breezes soften, resulting in incredibly calm, flat, lake-like seas—the absolute prime time of year for snorkeling and enjoying water sports.

• August – November: The late summer quiet season. The weather is warmer and more humid, with occasional passing tropical showers. While this aligns with the Atlantic hurricane season, your Captain will monitor real-time weather models meticulously to ensure a safe, comfortable, and tailored route.

Packing Tips

Comfortable Shore Sandals: The islands feature breathtaking but hilly landscapes. St. Thomas has steep historic steps, while St. John is defined by rustic trail pathways leading down to remote beaches. Bring comfortable walking shoes or supportive sandals with good traction for exploring land.

• Light Evening Layers: Even in the Caribbean, evening trade breezes on the open water can feel surprisingly cool after a full day in the sun. Pack a light windbreaker, a casual sweatshirt, or a long-sleeve linen shirt for nights spent stargazing on the flybridge.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only: The USVI has a strict territorial ban on sunscreens containing "toxic 3Os" (oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene) to protect its vibrant coral reef ecosystems. Please bring strictly mineral-based, reef-safe sun protection.

  
  

  Your Journey Awaits

We want your yacht charter to be absolutely flawless. If you have any questions about this destination or need assistance fine-tuning your arrival logistics, we are always happy to help. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time!

For more destination highlights, official travel updates, and local events, you can also visit the official USVI Tourist Board at: https://www.visitusvi.com/