The Best Boat Rentals in St. Thomas

Most private powerboat charters run about $175–$350 per hour, with half-day trips typically $800–$1,500 and full days $1,200–$2,500 depending on size, speed, and itinerary. Sailing catamarans and monohulls often range from $1,200–$3,000 for a private day sail, while larger luxury yachts can be $3,000–$8,000+ per day. Pricing commonly includes a licensed captain on captained trips, U.S. Coast Guard–approved safety gear, iced coolers, bottled water or soft drinks, Bluetooth sound, and snorkel equipment. Fuel may be included on some sailing trips but is often an extra charge on powerboats. Taxes, marina pick-up fees, gratuity (customary 15–20%), and any BVI customs fees for international itineraries are typically additional. Always review the specific inclusions on your booking before you confirm.

You’ll find a wide mix to match your group and budget, including fast center-console powerboats for island-hopping, comfortable sailing catamarans for relaxed cruising and snorkeling, classic monohull sailboats, sportfishing boats geared for offshore runs, and larger motor yachts for premium celebrations. If your plan includes lots of beach stops and snorkeling, catamarans and center consoles are especially popular; for a slower, scenic day under sail, monohulls are a great fit.

If you book a captained charter, no license is required—you’re hiring a professional to handle the vessel and navigation. For bareboat (self-operated) charters, adults are generally approved based on boating experience and a skipper’s resume rather than a formal “license.” Local rules require boating safety education for certain operators (such as teens and personal watercraft users), and minors must follow life jacket laws. Most visitors find a captained charter the easiest, most relaxing way to get on the water, especially when exploring reefs and mooring fields.

Common pickup points include Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie, American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, Crown Bay Marina near the airport, Sapphire Marina on the east end, and Compass Point Marina. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and meeting time after you book, and many can arrange alternate waterfront pickups by request.

Typical routes showcase Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Hassel Island, the turquoise shallows at Water Island’s Honeymoon Beach, turtle-rich Turtle Cove at Buck Island, and nearby cays like Lovango and Great St. James (including Christmas Cove). Northside cruises offer views of Magens Bay and the dramatic green hills of the island, and many itineraries add stops along St John’s protected coves for clear-water snorkeling with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.

Yes—most private charters welcome families. Boats carry properly sized U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for every guest; let your captain know children’s ages and approximate weights so they can have the right sizes ready. Local authorities require minors to wear life jackets while underway, and many crews also carry snorkel vests and float noodles to make time in the water comfortable for younger swimmers.

On most private charters you can bring your own snacks, lunches, and beverages, and many crews supply coolers with ice and water. Glass is often discouraged for safety, so opt for cans or reusable bottles. Some boats can arrange catering with advance notice. Please use non-aerosol, mineral-based sunscreen and avoid spray sunscreens—local rules restrict certain sunscreen ingredients to protect the reefs, and sprays can damage boat upholstery.

Some private charters will approve well-behaved dogs on a case-by-case basis, often with a cleaning fee and restrictions around swimming or snorkeling areas. If your plan includes crossing to the British Virgin Islands, understand that pet entry requires advance permits and veterinary documents, so most operators will not allow pets on international day trips. If you’re bringing a dog, keep your route within the U.S. Virgin Islands and confirm pet policies with your captain before booking.

Captains monitor marine forecasts daily. Summer trade winds can make afternoons breezier and seas a bit choppier, while brief showers typically pass quickly. Peak hurricane season runs from June through November, with the most activity in late summer. If a captain determines conditions are unsafe, trips are usually rescheduled or refunded according to the listing’s policy. To maximize calm seas and smoother snorkeling, consider a morning departure.

Absolutely. Boats regularly host celebrations, proposals, family reunions, and corporate off-sites. Most day boats carry 6–12 guests, with larger yachts available for bigger groups within local passenger rules. Crews can help you plan a route with swim stops, sandbar time, and a great sunset vantage, and many welcome simple decorations and your playlists. Booking a weekday or a morning slot often yields more availability and easier dock logistics.

December through April brings the driest weather and peak demand, so reserve early for winter and spring trips. May and June offer excellent boating with fewer crowds, while late summer into fall is quieter and more budget-friendly but coincides with hurricane season. Holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up quickly. For calmer water and clearer snorkeling, mornings are best; for golden light and a chance at a sunset cruise, choose a late-afternoon start.

Pick a captained charter if you want a stress-free day with a local expert handling docking, reef navigation, moorings, and weather calls—ideal for first-timers, special occasions, and groups that want to relax. Choose a bareboat only if you have recent, relevant experience with similar-size vessels and are comfortable with local conditions and seamanship. If you’re on the fence, many operators offer flexible options—hire a captain for part of the trip or add a mate to help while you handle the helm.

Yes. St John’s coves and beaches are easy to reach on a half- or full-day from St Thomas and don’t require passports for U.S. travelers. Trips to the British Virgin Islands are also possible on many boats but require valid passports for all guests and payment of customs/immigration fees; your captain will advise what’s needed and how much time to budget. If you want to avoid customs altogether, plan a USVI-only loop with stops at Water Island, Buck Island, Christmas Cove, and St John.