The Spanish
Virgin Islands
ITINERARY INFORMATION
WEST END OF ST THOMAS
The night before heading to the Spanish Virgins, you'll want to make sure everything is working properly on your yacht and that you are not having any issues. Since we cannot offer chase services to the SVI, we will want to address any problems you might be having prior to sailing that way. There are several good locations on the West End of St Thomas, so we recommend staying a night or two on that end of the island.
DOWNTOWN, CHARLOTTE AMALIE
There are seven first come first serve (FCFS) mooring balls in the Long Bay area or you could rent a slip at Yacht Haven Grande. IF you rent a slip at YHG, please be aware their concrete docks are very high and there are issues of "rub rash" on docking lines. Please be certain your lines are not rubbing.
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We recommend dining in the Yacht Haven Grande area, even if you pick up a FCFS mooring ball. There is a safe place for your dinghy (shown in image below). Remember, ALWAYS lock your dinghy when going ashore and keep it on the davits and secured at night.
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There are several great restaurants to choose from, but our favorites are Cutlass and Cane, Enkai, and Blue 11.
DINGHY DOCK AREA
FCFS
AREA
FINE CARIBBEAN CUISINE
The Experience
Chef “Benji” as he’s affectionately known to everyone has always dreamed of opening his very own restaurant. A high end small chefs table, where he can use his creative talents to prepare dishes using local ingredients in ways that has never been done before.
LINDBERG BAY
Lindberg Bay has really nice, calm waters most of the time. This is a great place to anchor is you are every picking up or dropping off people at the airport. You can dinghy right to shore and will be just steps away from the terminal.
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There are seven first come first served mooring balls located here. Lindberg Bay is also the home to Emerald Bay Beach Resort where you can hang out and enjoy their facilities and beautiful beach. There is a super chill beach bar and restaurant here, as well as Emerald Cafe where you can grab coffee, tea, smoothies and other breakfast items.
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Plan ahead by visiting Calypso Watersports for a fun day on the water or beach!
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Aquabana Rentals
Jet Skis
Umbrellas and Beach Chairs
Kymera Body Boards
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BREWERS BAY
Brewer's Bay is on the opposite side of the airport from Lindberg Bay and is a GREAT place to watch airplanes if you enjoy that!
This is also a really good place to spot sea turtles as the University has a marine biology study area where they release many turtles. The water here is clear and calm and there are several mooring balls. If you drop anchor, please make certain it is not in the precious sea grass where the turtle beds are located.
WATER ISLAND
Water Island is often referred to as the "White Bay" of the USVI and is known for its idyllic white sand beaches and transparent turquoise waters. Water Island is a great place to spend a super chill day. Explore the island and check out amazing views by renting a golf cart from Rachael's Rentals. Explore Fort Segarra, a unique piece of World War II history. There are two restaurants on Water Island: Dinghy's Beach Bar and Heidi's Honeymoon Grill.
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There are NO PUBLIC mooring balls on Water Island and Elephant Bay is a NO-GO area. You will want to anchor in the Honeymoon Beach area. Anytime you anchor it is important to dive it to check that it is secure, but it is particularly important here.
NOTE: The big island of Puerto Rico is OFF-LIMITS
CULEBRA
Begin your Spanish Virgin Islands adventure with a westward sail from St. Thomas to Culebra (approximately 12-15 NM). Pick up a mooring at Playa Melones, offering excellent snorkeling and a perfect base to explore the charming town of Dewey. After settling in, take your dinghy into town to experience local island life. End your day with dinner at Mamacita's, accessible by dinghy up the channel. This local favorite often features live music on weekends and spontaneous jam sessions any night of the week.
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You will need to clear Customs and Immigration so please go to the following website for more details about chartering into the SVI: USA Pre-Arrival Procedures for Yachts
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FLAMENCO BEACH
CULEBRITA
Culebrita Island, home to one of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches, Bahía Tortuga. This pristine destination offers:
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Crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling
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Powdery white sand beaches
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Historic lighthouse hiking trail
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"Las Pozitas" - natural tide pools on the north shore
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Well-protected overnight moorings
ENSENADA HONDA
After a peaceful morning in Culebrita, enjoy a downwind sail to Ensenada Honda, Culebra's main harbor. Anchor behind Cayo Pirata and take your dinghy to the aptly named Dinghy Dock Restaurant for lunch with a view. Options for the afternoon include:
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Exploring the rustic town of Dewey
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Shopping and provisioning
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Renting a scooter or jeep to tour the island
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For the evening, choose between:
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Remaining in the main harbor for dinner at Sally's
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Sailing to Dakity, featuring multiple moorings in a calm,
reef-protected harbor -
Anchoring in Bahía Aldomovar, a serene mangrove harbor
with coral reef protection
VIEQUES
Set sail southbound toward Vieques. Make your way to the exclusive Bahía de la Chiva, a remote anchorage accessible primarily by boat. This horseshoe-shaped harbor features:
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Isla Chiva at its center
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Extensive white sand beach
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Two premier snorkeling locations: "Blue Tang" reef and Isla Chiva
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Pristine, uncrowded waters
SOUTH VIEQUES AND ESPERANZA
Cruise along Vieques' undeveloped southern coast to Sun Bay. Pick up a mooring on the eastern side for easy access to both great snorkeling and the vibrant town of Esperanza. The town's Malecón (waterfront walk) offers:
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Local shops and boutiques
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Outstanding dining options:
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Bili (upscale dining)
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El Quenepo (gastronomic excellence)
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Lazy Jack's (casual fare and drinks)
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Duffy's (lunch and dinner)
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Must-do activity: Bioluminescent Bay Tour - Vieques' Bio Bay contains one of the world's highest concentrations of bioluminescent organisms, creating a magical nighttime experience
ESPERANZA AND WESTERN VIEQUES
Spend a relaxed morning exploring Esperanza before sailing to Punta Arenas on Vieques' western coast. This area offers:
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Multiple anchoring options
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Spectacular Caribbean sunset views
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Protected waters
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Excellent snorkeling