Rent a boat in St. Thomas

Boat Rental in St Thomas 

St Thomas is a Mecca for boat rentals, offering private or commercial tours through the crystalline Caribbean Sea around the Virgin Islands. St Thomas itself is ideally situated for seaborne exclusions around the island's hidden coves and pristine beaches. From Havensight harbour in Charlotte Amalie, the Caribbean Sea is your oyster with chartered boats ferrying passengers to beautiful and remote islands. You can even book your next yacht rental in the Caribbean for a once in a lifetime experience. 

How much does it cost to rent a boat in St Thomas? 

There are many different factors that can affect the price of sailing in St Thomas.  A few of these factors include the size and model of the boat, the season, the duration of your trip and the type of boat.  If you want to book a skippered boat rental in St Thomas, this will also usually cost more.  Below is a list of prices according to boat type: 

Catamarans 

$11661/week 

Sailboats 

$3714/week 

Is it possible to rent a boat in St Thomas with or without a skipper? 

Yes, it is possible to go sailing in St Thomas either with or without a skipper. However, to book a bareboat charter, you must make sure that you have the appropriate boating licence. If in doubt, check with the boat owner before booking to ensure no nasty surprises when you get there. 

A skippered boat charter in St Thomas is perfect for people who want to relax during their nautical adventure, without having to worry about the technicalities of sailing the boat. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a trip that’s full of adventure and spontaneity, you should book up a bareboat charter and take your St Thomas boat rental wherever you please, stopping off whenever you want. 

Chartered Sailing Holiday Rentals in the Caribbean 

A whole range of luxury and affordable boats rentals are waiting in St Thomas for your next Caribbean adventure. Flanked by crystal waters and luscious panoramic mountain views, St Thomas is a great starting port to explore this treasured region of the world. Boats can be chartered from St Thomas through the US Virgin Islands' other main islands, St John and St Croix, on to the British Virgin Islands and beyond. St Thomas is more than just a breathtaking port; the island offers gourmet food, remote and private landmarks and a signature watercolour Caribbean sunset. 

Exploring St Thomas by Boat 

Even if you're sticking to the astonishing glamour of St Thomas itself, the island is a treasure trove of beauty. Renting a boat around this sensational island uncovers hidden jewels in secluded coves. With a trade wind of between 10 to 20 knots, you can expect a steady and comfortable sail through sheltered waters surrounded by captivating coastlines. Warm — and enjoyable — year-long temperatures allows guests to unwind in prime sites like Coki Point and Magens Bay Beach, the latter of which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 

What weather and sailing conditions should you expect when you go sailing in St Thomas? 

The weather in St Thomas is subject to great seasonal variation, at least with regards to the amount of rainfall and wind speeds. You will typically see the hottest temperatures for your St Thomas boat rental in August, when the temperature can get as high as 89°F (31.5°C).  In contrast, January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dipping as low as 74°F (23.5°C). 

The wettest month in St Thomas, which usually sees around 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) of rain, is September.  On the other hand, if you go in March, which usually sees just 0.3 inches (0.8 cm), you are guaranteed plenty of sun.  July is the windiest month, with wind speeds getting as high as 16 mph (25.7 kph).  October is usually the calmest month, with wind speeds reaching just 12.2 mph (19.6 kph). 

When is the best time to rent a boat in St Thomas? 

Although the weather is fantastic for a St Thomas boat rental throughout the majority of the year, we would generally recommend going from December to April, just after the hurricane season ends.  It’s never a great idea to go sailing in St Thomas during the hurricane season, which runs from June until November as although hurricanes don’t always hit the island, the weather can be a little erratic. 

If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists that flock to St Thomas every Christmas in an attempt to escape colder weather elsewhere, we recommend going either towards the end of March or in April.  During these months, not only will there be fewer tourists, but there will also usually be more boats available and thus lower prices.  If you book your boat rental for the end of November, you should also manage to avoid both the hurricanes and the tourists. 

What to do when you rent a boat in St Thomas? 

St Thomas is an amazing place to go not only for the sensational scenery, but also for the different activities that you can do while there.  In particular, water sports are a popular pastime for those visiting this idyllic island.  Of course, you can try things such as paddle boarding and windsurfing, but the real attraction of St Thomas is its amazing snorkelling and scuba diving sites. 

On the north shore of St Thomas, you will find Coki Point, with coral ledges that are perfect for exploring throughout the year.  On the other hand, if you’re based in the south of the island, you can head to the Cow and Calf Rocks in the southeast.  Here, you will find an enchanting network of coral tunnels that are full of reefs, caves, and rocks covered in coral.  They are just begging to be explored and will enthral all who enter. 

If you’re after a slightly different experience, you can sail to St John, the smallest of the three main USVI and visit Hurricane Hole.  While mangrove forests aren’t typically the first place you would think of going to snorkel, you will find this area to be truly unique and well worth the trip.  Aside from corals growing on the mangrove roots, you will also find starfish, sponges, anemones, and even hawksbill turtles.  There truly is nowhere quite like it.

How to get to your St Thomas boat rental? 

The quickest and easiest way to get to a boat charter in St Thomas is by flying directly into the Cyril E King International airport in Charlotte Amalie. 

However, if you want to extend your trip a little, you could also fly into Puerto Rico and either take the monthly ferry from there or start your St Thomas boat rental a little early and rent a boat from Puerto Rico and sail there. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Thomas

What is the daily cost to rent a boat in Saint Thomas?

The average price of renting a boat in Saint Thomas is approximately $936 per day. Prices typically range from $195 and $5,038 per day.

What is the daily cost of a skipper in Saint Thomas?

The cost of a skipper varies depending on the destination and the boat owner. In Saint Thomas, you can expect to pay an average of $213 per day for a skipper.

What is included in the price of a boat rental in Saint Thomas?

The price of a boat rental in Saint Thomas usually includes amenities such as GPS, VHF, Wi-Fi , and more.

What types of boats are available for rent in Saint Thomas?

In Saint Thomas, you can rent various types of boats, such as Motorboat, Sailboat or Catamaran.

How many cabins are there on a boat in Saint Thomas?

The average number of cabins on boats in Saint Thomas is 5. For larger groups, you can find boats with up to 7 cabins.

Good to know