Boating and Sailing
Calm seas, crystal waters, and nearby islands (perfect for picnicking, snorkeling, and exploring) make St. Thomas a favorite jumping-off spot for day- or weeklong sails or powerboat adventures. With more than 100 vessels from which to choose, St. Thomas is the charter-boat center of the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can go through a broker to book a sailing vessel with a crew or contact a charter company directly. Crewed charters start at approximately $3,200 per person per week, while bareboat charters can start at as little as $2,400 per person for a 50- to 55-foot sailboat (but this doesn't include provisioning, fuel, and optional add-ons like water-toy rentals), which can comfortably accommodate up to six people. If you want to rent your own boat, hire a captain. Most local captains are excellent tour guides.
Single-day charters are also a possibility. You can hire smaller boats for the day, including the services of a captain if you wish to have someone take you on a guided snorkel trip around the islands.
Island Yachts. The sailboats from Island Yachts are available for charter with or without crews. 6100 Red Hook Quarter, 18B, Red Hook, Saint Thomas, 00802. 340/775–6666; 800/524–2019; www.iyc.vi.
Magic Moments. Luxury is the word at Magic Moments, where crews aboard the 45-foot Sea Ray and 52-foot Sunseeker offer pampered island-hopping snorkeling cruises for $475 to $700 per person (children ages 2–10 are half price). Nice touches include a wine-and-lobster lunch and icy-cold eucalyptus-infused washcloths for freshening up. American Yacht Harbor, 6501 Red Hook Plaza, Ste. 201, Docks B and C, Red Hook, Saint Thomas, 00802. 340/775–5066; www.yachtmagicmoments.com.
Nauti Nymph. A large selection of 28- to 35-foot powerboats and power catamarans are available from this company. Rates, which vary from $620 to $1,085 a day, include snorkeling gear, water skis, and outriggers, but not fuel. Half-day rates available. You can hire a captain for $140 more per day. American Yacht Harbor Marina, 6501 Red Hook Plaza, Ste. #201, Dock B & C, Red Hook, Saint Thomas, 00802. 540/775–5066; 800/734–7345; www.nautinymph.com.
Stewart Yacht Charters. Run by longtime sailor Ellen Stewart, this company is skilled at matching clients with yachts and crews for weeklong charter holidays. 6501 Red Hook Plaza, Ste. 20, Red Hook, Saint Thomas, 00802. 340/775–1358; 800/432–6118; www.stewartyachtcharters.com.
VIP Yacht Charters. Powerboats from 48 to 59 feet, including a selection of stable trawlers, are available for bareboat charter. Professional captains available on request, for an extra charge. Compass Point Marina, 6300 Estate Frydenhoj, south of Rte. 32, Ste. 27, Estate Frydenhoj, Saint Thomas, 00802. 340/774–9224; 866/847–9224; www.vipyachts.com.
