The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea that is known for its sunny beaches, crystal clear waters, and incredible snorkeling! What better way to experience this tropical paradise than by boat? Boating around the USVI allows you to visit multiple islands and discover the hidden gems that each one has to offer. But, there are over 50 islands and cays in the Virgin Islands... With so many breathtaking islands to choose from, many people are unsure of just where they should go.

So we're going to take a look at the best islands to see in the USVI by boat. To kick this off, we're going to start by listing our personal favorite, the island of St. John.

St. John

Dubbed as the "crown jewel" of the USVI, St. John is a must-visit when boating around the islands and cays. This island is home to some of the most pristine beaches, coral reefs, and hiking trails in the world.

One of the top places to visit in St. John is Trunk Bay (voted one of the best beaches in the Caribbean), which features some amazing snorkeling opportunities for visitors. You can also snorkel at Waterlemon Cay or swim with turtles in Maho Bay. Both of which have stunning beachfronts, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. And all ranked in the top ten best locations in the Virgin Islands!

All of our private boat charters originate from St. John. Which is just another great reason to vacation to and stay on our beautiful little island!

St. Thomas

Next on our list is St. Thomas, the most developed island in the USVI. It's also fairly close to St. John, which makes it perfect for island hopping if you would like to see both!

This island is known for its duty-free shopping (up to $1,600), nightlife, and luxurious resorts. But aside from the commercial side, St. Thomas also has incredible natural beauty, such as Magens Bay, a horseshoe-shaped beach surrounded by lush mountains. You can also visit Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the USVI, which has a charming harbor and historic landmarks.

Virgin Gorda

While not technically part of the USVI, Virgin Gorda is close enough to be included in our list. This island is part of the British Virgin Islands and can be accessed by boat charter from the USVI. Virgin Gorda is famous for its Baths, a geological wonder of giant boulders that create seawater grottos and pools.

Virgin Gorda is the BVI's third-largest island and you can explore this unique landscape by swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach.

Private charters from St. John to Virgin Gorda require a one hour boat ride. We’ll usually make multiple stops along to way to break up the long trip.

St. Croix

The last stop on our list is the island of St. Croix. This is the largest of the USVI and has a unique diversity that makes it stand out from its sister islands. Here you can explore both colonial history and nature, as well as experience some amazing nightlife at Christiansted’s Boardwalk.

You'll also find some breathtaking beaches such as Rainbow Beach, which has multicolored sand and crystal-clear waters. In fact, there are about 72 different colors on the sand that become more vibrant after the rain.

While too far to charter a private boat from St. John, it’s a short (and adventurous) seaplane ride. St. Croix offers some of the best scuba diving in all the Virgin Islands.

Buck Island

You can also visit Buck Island, a protected national park that has some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean. This nature preserve is home to an array of wildlife and provides visitors with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and swimming.

It's located 1 1/2 miles off the coast of St. Croix. It's often the go-to spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Not only does it offer excellent opportunities for scuba and snorkeling, but if you want to explore the island itself, on land, you'll find a subtropical forest.

Water Island

Last but not least is Water Island, a small and tranquil island off the coast of St. Thomas. This island is perfect for those who want to escape the crowd and enjoy a peaceful day on the beach.

You can visit Honeymoon Beach, which has a shallow cove and a colorful reef that is perfect for novice snorkelers. You can also explore the historic Fort Segarra, a World War II-era fort that is now a museum.

Boating in the USVI

Boating around the USVI is a great way to discover the best islands that this Caribbean paradise has to offer. Each island has its unique personality and attractions that are worth visiting. A private boat charter is hands down the best way to experience all that these islands have to offer!

From the secluded beauty of Water Island to the vibrant culture of St. Thomas, you'll never run out of places to explore. The question is, which island do you want to visit by boat?

If you want to embark on a memorable journey around USVI and BVI, here at Island Roots Charters, we provide custom-made itineraries for people who want to truly experience the Virgin Islands. With our private St. John boat charters, you'll see Caribbean life in its purest form.

Whether you want to go island hopping from St. John to St. Thomas or explore the unique landscape of some of the most beautiful beaches, we offer the best private island charters along with state-of-the-art boats that will ensure a smooth and memorable journey!

Happy Boating!

-The IRC Team