TIPS FOR MARINE TRAVELERS

Marine Overview

USVI offers all the natural amenities for marine travelers seeking a Caribbean vacation with the comfort and convenience of a U.S. destination — no ferries, no customs lines, just land and go.. 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.

The USVI Advantage highlights making the USVI your destination of choice for:

Arriving by boat — no passport required for U.S. citizens

Convenience of chartering to boat and sail with a crew or on your own

Boating, sailing, sport fishing, fishing and diving-related businesses

Fishing tournaments, nautical weddings, boating festivals and yacht regattas

Purchasing a vessel in the USVI — no sales tax or tariffs

Marine Environment

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

Marine Concierge Center

Centralized access to marine services

Before you travel, review  Information for Marine Vessels and Passengers and Travel Tips & Frequently Asked Questions.

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 Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.

The Territory welcomes investment in the marine industry. For more information, visit the United States Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority. Learn more about how the USVI is using its coastline and marine resources in a responsible manner to boost its economy.

Marine and charter 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 or here for Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association member businesses.

ST. THOMAS

American Yacht Harbor Marina

Boater’s Haven Marina

Compass Point Marina

Crown Bay Marina

Fish Hawk Marina

Frenchtown 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 and Marina, 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.

mooring, anchoring and fees

FISH AGGREGATING DEVICES

There are currently five Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), four north of St. Thomas and one west of St. Croix.

M0ORING AND ANCHORING

All vessels anchoring 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 the Virgin Islands Port Authority for information on marine vessels and passengers.

Location of Moorings: Virgin Islands National Park on St. John.

One-hundred anchor moorings for transient vessels, including charter boats, super yachts 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.

TARIFFS AND FEES

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

More ways to explore by boat

Best snorkel and dive spots

Best St. John snorkeling spots & tours

Charter fishing in USVI

Embark on USVI sailing excursions

Explore cool coral reefs

Fun boating excursions

Romantic sailing trips

St. Croix boat tours: See the island by water

St. John scuba diving experiences

Spend a day exploring Water Island

Stunning snorkeling spots

Take a Buck Island day trip