St. Thomas (USVI) Sailing Itinerary

Christmas Cove

Just off the eastern coast of St. Thomas sits Christmas Cove, a sheltered oasis on Great St. James Island. Sea turtles, starfish,stingrays and other magnificent marine animals live abundantly in the surrounding waters. That, combined with the ocean clarity make for the most spectacular snorkeling experiences.

Mooring

Anchoring is only allowed where seagrass and coral are not present. Moorings for a fee are plentiful, but get there early. You can find all the details on mooring and anchoring here: https://www.vinow.com/travel/marinas-anchorage-sites/

Things to do

Float atop the clear blue waves or dive below and swim with sea turtles, stingrays and other majestic marine life. Relax on the secluded shore or take the dinghy to Pizza Pi, a one-of-kind sailboat serving up some of the Caribbean’s best pizza. And if you stick around until sundown, nothing compares to basking in the orange glow of the horizon as the night sky sets in.

Facilities

Restaurant

Yacht Haven Grande or Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove is a snorkeling hot spot just off the west coast of Great St. James Island. The diving enthusiasts onboard may request a pitstop along the way at Aqua Marine Dive Shop located on the coast of French Bay. When you’ve sailed about halfway to your Christmas Cove destination, enjoy a drink at Iggie’s Beach Bar & Grill for some upbeat seaside fun and live island entertainment.

Caneel Bay

Located in the Virgin Islands National Park, Caneel Bay is a sandy crescent shaped beach offering a relaxing ambience with upmarket amenities. It is one of the first beaches you come to as you drive up North Shore Road out of St. John’s main port, Cruz Bay.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  Secure a NPS mooring ball (white ball w/ blue stripe) for $26 cash per night.There are 20 mooring balls available, so get there early if possible. Fee is paid at the floating fee station.

Things to do

Take the dinghy to over and explore Saloman Bay Beach, an excellent snorkeling spot. After a day relaxing, head to Zozo’s, where you can enjoy a luxury setting with restaurant and bar, booking is preferred but not essential.

Facilities

Bar, restaurant, laundry (at Caneel Bay resort) BAR AND LAUNDRY NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC- CANEEL GUESTS ONLY

Christmas Cove to Caneel Bay (Cruz Bay)

Head to Caneel Bay or Honeymoon beach. Honeymoon beach is right around the corner from Cruz Bay. Cruz Bay is the main town of St John and has a couple of supermarkets and everything you would need to stock up. Cruz Bay is also a great place to pick up anyone from the ferry from St Thomas to St John. Feel free to dinghy into Cruz Bay from Caneel Bay for restaurants, shops and bars, including the popular restaurant ZoZos – perfect for sundowner cocktails. There are national park mooring balls here as well.

Trunk Bay

Home to some of the bluest waters in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay is the crown jewel of the Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay is a photogenic paradise that even features 650 feet of underwater trails with signs for the most remarkable swimming and snorkeling experiences. This heart-shaped bay is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Within a protective cove, you will find Maho Bay. With long seagrass, Maho Bay is great for seeing turtles whilst snorkelling. North of Maho Bay and less popular (however just as beautiful) is Francis Bay. If you are looking for a more laid back atmosphere Francis Bay is the perfect spot with turquoise blue waters and the breathtaking mountainous backdrop of St John.

Cinnamon Bay Beach is ranked as one of the most beautiful, pristine beaches within the Virgin Islands National Park. Enjoy 1/2 mile long of white sand dotted with stunning coconut palm trees, and plently of cays to explore for snorkellers. You may even spot a turtle or stingray, as well as colourful fish.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early.

Things to do

Enjoy the underwater trails by swimming or snorkeling your way through the breathtaking blue water or bask in the Caribbean sun on the white sand beach.

Snorkelling, swimming ,kitesurfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, hiking

Facilities

Restaurants – Retail shops – Picnic areas – Restrooms and showers – On-duty lifeguards – Snorkeling gear rentals -taxi

Leinster Bay to Trunk Bay

For the last leg of your St. Thomas exploration, your captain will take you on a brief sailing trip from Leinster Bay to Trunk Bay, which is sure to greet you with spectacular white sand beaches and the most magnificent island scenery. In between Leinster Bay and Trunk Bay is beautiful Cinnamon Bay. Sail straight through or stop at Cinnamon Bay Water Sports for some fun on the ocean.

Leinster Bay

Snorkeling in the USVI is fairly exceptional overall, but rocky windswept Leinster Bay is the #1 snorkeling spot in St. John. TripAdvisor even named this area, in conjunction with Waterlemon Cay, the #1 St. John attraction for travelers because there’s a little something for everybody. 

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early.

Things to do

The must-do activity in Leinster Bay is snorkeling because of the abundant marine life and fringing reefs. Sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish are spotted often along with bright and beautiful corals. On land, explore over 30 different trails along Leinster Bay Beach and see the historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins along the way.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available in Leinster Bay.

Leinster Bay

Continue on a leisurely ocean journey as your expert captain navigates your luxury yacht around the eastern-extending coast of St. John to Leinster Bay. Once you reach the northern side of the island and begin heading towards your final destination, you’ll be able to stop off at a popular tourist attraction, Matt’s Reef, in Newfound Bay.

Coral Bay

Enjoy sunbathing or sightseeing on your way to Lameshure Bay. Make a lunch stop in Coral Bay which is a naturally protected bay on the east end of St. John which is made up of smaller bays such as Princess Bay, Hansen Bay and Coral Harbor which features Lime Out, a floating Taco Bar! From Coral Bay, it’s an easy sail to the beautiful and family friendly salt pond. Enjoy tropical sightseeing & convenient access to several trails right from the beach! The water here is fairly shallow, and the snorkeling is some of the best that the island has to offer or continue over to Lameshure Bay. Lameshur Bay is located on the south shore of St John. It’s a must-see spot due to its remote location, white sandy beach, fantastic hiking trails with access to sugar mill ruins.

The snorkelling is some of the best in St John so make sure you try this out – you may even spot some octopus, rays, barracuda, tangs, parrot fish, Caribbean lobsters, coral banded shrimp and Queen Angelfish.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early. Anchoring is allowed in Coral Harbor.

Things to do

When it’s time to eat, choose from a number of unique restaurants in Coral Bay such as The Danforth, Skinny Legs, Miss Lucy’s, Aqua Bistro, or the swimming taco bar Lime Out. You can even shop for groceries here if you wish.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 In Lamshure you can explore preserved and renovated sugar mills on the western end of the bay, which is the start and end of many amazing hiking trails. You can hike 3-miles downhill from the petroglyths to the beach. This hiking trail is worth doing as you will find huge trees, some of the oldest on the island, waterfalls and remains of a sugar mill and sugar plantation. 

Facilities

Saltpond and Lameshure – No facilities

Coral Bay: Restaurants – Bars – Grocery stores (three) – Shops – Watersports rental – Mall – Mail center-ATM-taxi

Coral Bay

All the way to the eastern end of St. John’s is one of the USVI’s most beautiful seaside locales, Coral Bay.  Plan to spend the afternoon on shore where you’ll have direct access to a variety of amazing restaurants and novelty shops. Enjoy the relaxing commute and request that your captain pull into Ram Head Trail for a rejuvenating hike in the most southeastern part of St. John.

Magens Bay

Located in the north shore of St Thomas, Magens Bay is about one mile long. As this beach is one of the most popular in St Thomas, it does get busy so the best times to visit are morning and late afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds.

If you woud like a break from the beach, you can hike a nature trail. Amongst the mangrove trees, you may spot exotic birds and flowers.

Mooring

Anchoring (left side outside of swim zone)

Things to do

Kayak around the bay, relax on the remote beachfront. For a more active Magens Bay experience, learn about the island’s history while taking in the tropical scenery during a guided walk along tjhe water or an eco tour. Or take a taxi to Estate St. Peter and get your thrills by zooming along the Tree Line Extreme zip line.

Facilities

Public restrooms & showers – Snack stands – Bars – Souvenir shops – Recreational rentals (paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, floats) – Beach rentals (towels, lounge chairs, lockers); taxi

Red Hook to Magens Bay

Arrive in beautiful St. Thomas, where you’ll meet your crew to begin boarding. From here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful sail along the northeast coast of St. Thomas before arriving in Magens Bay. Widely praised as one of the best beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Magens Bay is a scenic haven of calm waters and secluded shoreline, perfect for getting in the swing of island time.

Druif Bay

Enjoy snorkeling with turtles, relaxing on the beach or grab some drinks and food at Dinghys beach bar. Golf carts are also available for rent to drive around the island. Be sure to eplore the historic fort and enjoy the scenic view.

Mooring

Anchoring is only allowed where seagrass and coral are not present. Moorings for a fee are available.Ask for mooring Ball info at check-in as all mooring balls are private.

Things to do

Select the perfect patch of white sand and temporarily settle into your very own sunbathing sanctuary. Go for a refreshing swim in the surf-free ocean or enjoy snorkeing your way through the clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. With the palm tree scenery and the sparse beach population, take advantage of this incredible photo opportunity.

Facilities

ATM; Restaurant & bars; taxi; Recreation rentals (kayaks,  stand-up paddleboards, beach chairs); Dingy’s -Dingy’s offers drinks and nice fresh food (tuna ceviche was a must!)

Magens Bay to Druif Bay

From Magens Bay, you’ll cruise along the western coast of St. Thomas, continuing southward to secluded Water Island. From here, you’ll drop anchor in Druif Bay, also known as Honeymoon Bay. Upon your arrival, your captain can then escort you on the dinghy to beautiful Honeymoon Beach, which is only accessible by boat or ferry.

Christmas Cove

Just off the eastern coast of St. Thomas sits Christmas Cove, a sheltered oasis on Great St. James Island. Sea turtles, starfish,stingrays and other magnificent marine animals live abundantly in the surrounding waters. That, combined with the ocean clarity make for the most spectacular snorkeling experiences.

Mooring

Anchoring is only allowed where seagrass and coral are not present. Moorings for a fee are plentiful, but get there early. You can find all the details on mooring and anchoring here: https://www.vinow.com/travel/marinas-anchorage-sites/

Things to do

Float atop the clear blue waves or dive below and swim with sea turtles, stingrays and other majestic marine life. Relax on the secluded shore or take the dinghy to Pizza Pi, a one-of-kind sailboat serving up some of the Caribbean’s best pizza. And if you stick around until sundown, nothing compares to basking in the orange glow of the horizon as the night sky sets in.

Facilities

Restaurant

Yacht Haven Grande or Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove is a snorkeling hot spot just off the west coast of Great St. James Island. The diving enthusiasts onboard may request a pitstop along the way at Aqua Marine Dive Shop located on the coast of French Bay. When you’ve sailed about halfway to your Christmas Cove destination, enjoy a drink at Iggie’s Beach Bar & Grill for some upbeat seaside fun and live island entertainment.

Caneel Bay

Located in the Virgin Islands National Park, Caneel Bay is a sandy crescent shaped beach offering a relaxing ambience with upmarket amenities. It is one of the first beaches you come to as you drive up North Shore Road out of St. John’s main port, Cruz Bay.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  Secure a NPS mooring ball (white ball w/ blue stripe) for $26 cash per night.There are 20 mooring balls available, so get there early if possible. Fee is paid at the floating fee station.

Things to do

Take the dinghy to over and explore Saloman Bay Beach, an excellent snorkeling spot. After a day relaxing, head to Zozo’s, where you can enjoy a luxury setting with restaurant and bar, booking is preferred but not essential.

Facilities

Bar, restaurant, laundry (at Caneel Bay resort) BAR AND LAUNDRY NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC- CANEEL GUESTS ONLY

Christmas Cove to Caneel Bay (Cruz Bay)

Head to Caneel Bay or Honeymoon beach. Honeymoon beach is right around the corner from Cruz Bay. Cruz Bay is the main town of St John and has a couple of supermarkets and everything you would need to stock up. Cruz Bay is also a great place to pick up anyone from the ferry from St Thomas to St John. Feel free to dinghy into Cruz Bay from Caneel Bay for restaurants, shops and bars, including the popular restaurant ZoZos – perfect for sundowner cocktails. There are national park mooring balls here as well.

Trunk Bay

Home to some of the bluest waters in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay is the crown jewel of the Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay is a photogenic paradise that even features 650 feet of underwater trails with signs for the most remarkable swimming and snorkeling experiences. This heart-shaped bay is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Within a protective cove, you will find Maho Bay. With long seagrass, Maho Bay is great for seeing turtles whilst snorkelling. North of Maho Bay and less popular (however just as beautiful) is Francis Bay. If you are looking for a more laid back atmosphere Francis Bay is the perfect spot with turquoise blue waters and the breathtaking mountainous backdrop of St John.

Cinnamon Bay Beach is ranked as one of the most beautiful, pristine beaches within the Virgin Islands National Park. Enjoy 1/2 mile long of white sand dotted with stunning coconut palm trees, and plently of cays to explore for snorkellers. You may even spot a turtle or stingray, as well as colourful fish.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early.

Things to do

Enjoy the underwater trails by swimming or snorkeling your way through the breathtaking blue water or bask in the Caribbean sun on the white sand beach.

Snorkelling, swimming ,kitesurfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, hiking

Facilities

Restaurants – Retail shops – Picnic areas – Restrooms and showers – On-duty lifeguards – Snorkeling gear rentals -taxi

Leinster Bay to Trunk Bay

For the last leg of your St. Thomas exploration, your captain will take you on a brief sailing trip from Leinster Bay to Trunk Bay, which is sure to greet you with spectacular white sand beaches and the most magnificent island scenery. In between Leinster Bay and Trunk Bay is beautiful Cinnamon Bay. Sail straight through or stop at Cinnamon Bay Water Sports for some fun on the ocean.

Leinster Bay

Snorkeling in the USVI is fairly exceptional overall, but rocky windswept Leinster Bay is the #1 snorkeling spot in St. John. TripAdvisor even named this area, in conjunction with Waterlemon Cay, the #1 St. John attraction for travelers because there’s a little something for everybody. 

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early.

Things to do

The must-do activity in Leinster Bay is snorkeling because of the abundant marine life and fringing reefs. Sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish are spotted often along with bright and beautiful corals. On land, explore over 30 different trails along Leinster Bay Beach and see the historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins along the way.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available in Leinster Bay.

Leinster Bay

Continue on a leisurely ocean journey as your expert captain navigates your luxury yacht around the eastern-extending coast of St. John to Leinster Bay. Once you reach the northern side of the island and begin heading towards your final destination, you’ll be able to stop off at a popular tourist attraction, Matt’s Reef, in Newfound Bay.

Saltpond Bay

When it’s time to eat, choose from a number of unique restaurants in Coral Bay such as The Danforth, Skinny Legs, Miss Lucy’s, Aqua Bistro, or the swimming taco bar Lime Out. You can even shop for groceries here if you wish.                                                                                                                                                                                                                In Saltpond you can snorkel with turles and the healthy reef in the center of the bay or hike ramshead trail for a beautiful scenic view. The 2 mile out and back trail is very exposed so be sure to bring water and sunscreen.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early. Anchoring is allowed in Coral Harbor.

Things to do

Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, sunbathing

Facilities

Saltpond -No facilities                                                                                                                                            

Coral Bay: Restaurants – Bars – Grocery stores (three) – Shops – Watersports rental – Mall – Mail center-ATM-taxi

Saltpond Bay

Enjoy sunbathing or sightseeing on your way to Saltpond Bay. Make a lunch stop in Coral Bay which is a naturally protected bay on the east end of St. John which is made up of smaller bays such as Princess Bay, Hansen Bay and Coral Harbor which features Lime Out, a floating Taco Bar! From Coral Bay, it’s an easy sail to the beautiful and family friendly salt pond.  Enjoy tropical sightseeing & convenient access to several trails right from the beach! The water here is fairly shallow, and the snorkeling is some of the best that the island has to offer.                           

Great & Little Lameshur

In Lamshure you can explore preserved and renovated sugar mills on the western end of the bay, which is the start and end of many amazing hiking trails. You can hike 3-miles downhill from the petroglyths to the beach. This hiking trail is worth doing as you will find huge trees, some of the oldest on the island, waterfalls and remains of a sugar mill and sugar plantation.

Mooring

Anchoring is not allowed here.  NPS moorings ($26) are available but not plentiful, so get there early. Anchoring is allowed in Coral Harbor.

Things to do

Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, sunbathing

Facilities

No Facilities

Great & Little Lameshur

Lameshur Bay is located on the south shore of St John. It’s a must-see spot due to its remote location, white sandy beach, fantastic hiking trails with access to sugar mill ruins.

The snorkelling is some of the best in St John so make sure you try this out – you may even spot some octopus, rays, barracuda, tangs, parrot fish, Caribbean lobsters, coral banded shrimp and Queen Angelfish.

Lavango Cay

Great snorkeling on the north and south side of lovango. Day passes will give you access to the resort pool. 

Mooring

Moorings can be reserved from lovango bay resort. Anchoring inbetween lovango and congo is permitted in sandy areas only.

Things to do

Bar, restaurant, snorkeling, pool and small gift shop

Facilities

Restaurant, Bar, pool

Lavango/Congo Island

Head to Lavango Cay, an 118 acre island where you can relax and bask in the sun on Crescent Beach, north of the cay. Congo cay is a smaller cay and only a hundred yards or so off the beach.

Lavango Cay is renowned for the beach club, where you can get day passes for a fee. The resort offers a restaurant, bars, cabanas and private beach access.

Magens Bay

Located in the north shore of St Thomas, Magens Bay is about one mile long. As this beach is one of the most popular in St Thomas, it does get busy so the best times to visit are morning and late afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds.

If you woud like a break from the beach, you can hike a nature trail. Amongst the mangrove trees, you may spot exotic birds and flowers.

Mooring

Anchoring (left side outside of swim zone)

Things to do

Kayak around the bay, relax on the remote beachfront. For a more active Magens Bay experience, learn about the island’s history while taking in the tropical scenery during a guided walk along tjhe water or an eco tour. Or take a taxi to Estate St. Peter and get your thrills by zooming along the Tree Line Extreme zip line.

Facilities

Public restrooms & showers – Snack stands – Bars – Souvenir shops – Recreational rentals (paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, floats) – Beach rentals (towels, lounge chairs, lockers); taxi

Red Hook to Magens Bay

Arrive in beautiful St. Thomas, where you’ll meet your crew to begin boarding. From here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful sail along the northeast coast of St. Thomas before arriving in Magens Bay. Widely praised as one of the best beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Magens Bay is a scenic haven of calm waters and secluded shoreline, perfect for getting in the swing of island time.

Great Harbour – Brewers Bay & Playground

Brewers Bay is not only the perfect place for discovering marine life, it is also a nice spot for bird watching such as pelicans. As it is one of the widest shores in St Thomas, there is ample space to play sports such as beach volleyball.

Mooring

Anchoring is permitted in sandy areas only

Things to do

Swimming, Snorkelling, 

Facilities

Toilets; roadside food vans 

Brewers Bay

This hidden gem is a sun-drenched pristine beach with lush forested hills on the right and the University of the Virgin Islands campus on the left. This calm spot is great for snorkeling as green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles tend to reside around this area.

Stroll along the waters edge and discover beautiful sea glass, coral and shells washed up by the tide, or head for the shade under the palm trees and sea grape trees that line the beach for a picnic. Stay until sunset and experience the stunning view.

Druif Bay

Enjoy snorkeling with turtles, relaxing on the beach or grab some drinks and food at Dinghys beach bar. Golf carts are also available for rent to drive around the island. Be sure to eplore the historic fort and enjoy the scenic view.

Mooring

Anchoring is only allowed where seagrass and coral are not present. Moorings for a fee are available.Ask for mooring Ball info at check-in as all mooring balls are private.

Things to do

Select the perfect patch of white sand and temporarily settle into your very own sunbathing sanctuary. Go for a refreshing swim in the surf-free ocean or enjoy snorkeing your way through the clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. With the palm tree scenery and the sparse beach population, take advantage of this incredible photo opportunity.

Facilities

ATM; Restaurant & bars; taxi; Recreation rentals (kayaks,  stand-up paddleboards, beach chairs); Dingy’s -Dingy’s offers drinks and nice fresh food (tuna ceviche was a must!)

Magens Bay to Druif Bay

From Magens Bay, you’ll cruise along the western coast of St. Thomas, continuing southward to secluded Water Island. From here, you’ll drop anchor in Druif Bay, also known as Honeymoon Bay. Upon your arrival, your captain can then escort you on the dinghy to beautiful Honeymoon Beach, which is only accessible by boat or ferry.