Yacht Charter St John
Yacht charter St John delivers the most untouched shoreline in the US Virgin Islands – nearly two-thirds of this 20-square-mile island falls within the Virgin Islands National Park, where hiking trails wind through dry tropical forest to overlooks above bays so blue they look backlit. Trunk Bay’s underwater snorkel trail, Cinnamon Bay’s sugar-plantation ruins, and the mangrove-fringed calm of Hurricane Hole are all accessible by tender from a comfortable yacht mooring in Cruz Bay harbour or the national-park moorings along the north shore. The charter fleet visiting St John includes motor yachts of 68′–98′, superyachts above 100′, and luxury catamarans from 55′, with most yachts arriving from neighbouring St Thomas, just 3 nautical miles across Pillsbury Sound. Peak season runs December through April, when trade winds of 15–18 knots keep daytime highs around 28 °C; November and May offer shoulder-season tranquillity with warmer water, lighter breezes, and quieter mooring fields.
Daily rates start from $5,600 on a catamaran or mid-size motor yacht and from $10,200 on latest-model vessels above 78′, plus applicable USVI excise tax and APA. St John’s singular appeal is its protected wilderness – an island where the national park meets the waterline, and every anchorage doubles as a trailhead into green hills and coral gardens.
Explore St John
Discover Cruz Bay, Trunk Bay, and the island’s national-park anchorages in the complete St John destination guide.
Combine St John’s park beaches with neighbouring island stops using our tailored St John charter itineraries.
View the yachts available for charter around St John, including luxury catamarans from 55′, motor yachts of 68′–98′, and superyachts above 100′. Weekly rates start from approximately $39,200 on a catamaran and from $71,400 on the latest motor yachts above 78′. Filter by yacht type, guest capacity, length, or daily rate to compare options. Most St John charters depart from nearby St Thomas and include multi-island stops. Boatcrowd’s specialists can build a bespoke itinerary around the island’s national-park moorings and wider Virgin Islands highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St John suitable for families with young children?
St John is one of the best family charter destinations in the Caribbean. The national-park beaches at Trunk Bay and Hawksnest Bay slope gently into calm, clear water perfect for young snorkellers, and Cinnamon Bay’s shallow sandbar provides a natural wading area. Catamarans are a popular family choice – the stable platform, wide decks, and safety netting make life aboard with small children comfortable and safe.
How far in advance should I book a St John charter?
For December–April charters, booking 6–12 months ahead is recommended, particularly for national-park mooring permits, which are limited and fill early during peak season. Shoulder-season windows in November and May are generally easier to secure with 8–12 weeks’ notice, and the park moorings are more readily available.
Can I combine St John with other Virgin Islands?
St John sits just 3 nautical miles from St Thomas and roughly 4 miles from the BVI’s western cays, making it a natural mid-point on any multi-island itinerary. A standard seven-day charter from St Thomas typically includes two to three nights in St John’s waters, with additional stops at Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and Virgin Gorda’s Baths in the BVI.
What is the APA for a St John charter?
The advance provisioning allowance for charters visiting St John typically runs 25–35% of the base charter fee and covers fuel, food, beverages, national-park mooring fees, and any arranged excursions such as guided hikes or dive trips. Your captain manages all APA spending transparently, and unspent funds are refunded in full at the end of the charter.