Sail to US Virgin Islands

Begin in Charlotte Amalie Harbor, then slip across to Water Island for an easy first afternoon. This is a useful reset day: swim off the stern, take the tender to Honeymoon Beach, or walk up to Fort Segarra, a World War II coastal defense site built to help protect the harbor approaches. If you prefer a quiet history stop without leaving the harbor area, Hassel Island sits right in Charlotte Amalie Harbor and is part of Virgin Islands National Park lands.

Cruise east into Cruz Bay, then plan the day around Trunk Bay’s underwater snorkel trail. The National Park Service describes the trail as a marked route that begins from the beach and follows signs through the reef area, with guidance to stand only in sand. Trunk Bay also sits inside Virgin Islands National Park, where large portions of St John are protected and the shoreline is managed with a clear focus on conservation. Late afternoon works well for a short shore walk in Cruz Bay, then back on board for a calm evening.

Keep today close range and detail oriented. Begin at Maho Bay, where the National Park Service notes that seagrass beds in the bay provide habitat for green sea turtles, often seen more frequently early or later in the day. After lunch, shift toward Leinster Bay for an on shore history stop at Annaberg Plantation, described by the National Park Service as the park’s most accessible historic plantation site, with the remains of quarters, the sugar factory, and the windmill, and interpretation that directly addresses slavery and colonialism on St John. Finish the day in Coral Bay for a quieter anchorage feel and a low key evening.

Depart early for the longest passage of the trip, then arrive at St Croix with time to step ashore in Christiansted. Christiansted National Historic Site covers more than seven acres and tells the story of the Danish economy and daily life, and the interactions between Europe, Africa, the West Indies, and North America during the Danish period of occupation. If you want a second stop beyond the town, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve offers guided activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, and interprets more than 2,000 years of human and natural history in the Caribbean. 

Start the morning at Buck Island Reef National Monument, where the National Park Service highlights the famous underwater trail and the protected elkhorn coral reef system. After snorkeling, begin the return run to St Thomas, arriving late afternoon for disembarkation logistics. If time allows before you dock, finish with a final swim stop at Magens Bay, which is managed as a public beach with calm water conditions that suit an easy last hour in the water