Marine

Marine Overview

The U.S. Virgin Islands – which includes St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island and our uninhabited out islands – await. Come and enjoy our rich culture and history, culinary diversity, breathtaking beaches, amazing marinas, beautiful coves, picturesque views, boat experiences and off-the-beaten path experiences. The USVI offers all the natural amenities for travelers seeking a Caribbean vacation with the comforts and conveniences of a U.S. destination.

Tourism is the largest industry in the United States Virgin Islands, contributing an estimated 60 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Territory. The USVI is the destination of choice for marine travelers to and within the Caribbean. Our facilities stand out for their numerous berths and ability to accommodate sizeable boats and mega yachts as well as exceptional facilities, services, staff and entertainment.

We are your destination of choice for:

  • Boating, sport fishing, fishing, and diving related businesses
  • Fishing tournaments, nautical weddings, boating musical festivals, yacht regattas

Marine Environment

The Territory cares and is sensitive and protective about the environment. It is illegal to discharge or discard refuse of any kind within the three (3) nautical mile limit of the territorial waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Marine Concierge Center

Providing centralized to access marine services

Before you travel, review Information for Marine Vessels and Passengers

When you arrive, review Information for Leisure Travelers

Business and Investment

  • You will need a license to operate a marine business. It is only a 72-hour turnaround if you expedite the application. For more information, visit the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
  • Investment: The Territory welcomes investment in the marine industry. For more information, visit the United States Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority.

Marine Services

Marine services are provided by a host of local businesses and include maintenance/repair/mechanical, ship chandlery and vessel provisioning. Click here to find registered businesses

Facilities

  • St. Thomas
    • American Yacht Harbor Marina
    • Boater’s Haven Marina
    • Compass Point Marina
    • Crown Bay Marina
    • Fish Hawk Marina
    • French Town Harbour Marina
    • Pirate’s Cove Marina
    • St. Thomas Yacht Club
    • Saga Haven Marina
    • Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina
    • Vessel Bay Marina
    • Yacht Haven Grande Marina
  • St. Croix
    • Green Cay Marina
    • Jones Maritime Marina
    • St. Croix Yacht Club
    • Salt River Marina
  • St. John
    • Canak Bay Shipyard
    • Coral Bay Marina (Project in process)

Boat Yards

  • Independent Boat Yard, St. Thomas
  • Haulover Marine Yachting Center, St. Thomas
  • St. Croix Marine Center, St. Croix

Virgin Islands Port Authority Facilities: 14 facilities: 6 on St. Thomas, 3 on St. John and 5 on St. Croix.

FADs: There are currently 5 Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), 4 North of St. Thomas and 1 West of St. Croix.

Mooring and Anchoring

  • Anchor Rules: All vessels that anchor in the waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands are required to obtain a long-term anchoring permit and pay long-term anchoring fees. Long term is 14 days or more. See Information for Marine Vessels and Passengers for more information
  • Location of Moorings: Virgin Islands National Park on St. John
  • Anchor Moorings: 100 anchor moorings for transient vessels, including charter boats, superyachts and private recreational cruising yachts have been approved. The moorings will be strategically placed around the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, within the territorial water limit.

Tarriffs and Fees

Click here to view our competitive rates for docking fees, head taxes, harbor use fees.