With so many spectacular beaches to see during a Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You will want to get the most out of Caribbean sailing, so take your yacht to the Virgin Islands. Close your eyes, imagine lying on a tropical beach in the Virgin Islands far away from the maddening crowds and jam-packed tourist resorts. There are many wonderful secluded beaches to choose from with easy access, ideal when you’re on a crewed superyacht charter. Get your skipper to sail to these incredible destinations:

St. Thomas: Rising Sun Super Yacht. Photo by Scott Smith

1. Trunk Bay, St John

Donated to the US National Park Service by Laurance S Rockefeller, this beautiful beach and its coral reef remains one of the Virgin Island’s most breathtaking and well preserved attractions. Its famous 225 yard long underwater snorkeling trail offers a spectacular photograpic opportunity, so don’t forget your camera. Your Virgin Islands sailing vacation wouldn’t be complete without visiting Trunk Bay, St. John.

St John Trunk Bay

2. The Baths in Virgin Gorda

One of the largest islands in the Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is said to have been named the “fat Virgin” by Christopher Columbus. This was due to the island’s profile on the horizon that looked like a woman lying on her side. The Baths is a wonderful natural park full of white sandy beaches with tidal pools, arches and awesome grottos formed by gigantic granite boulders.

The Baths in Virgin Gorda

3. Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

The most popular beach in the Virgin Islands, it offers silky, sandy white beaches, palm trees and mouth-watering great food. Sailing here on a crewed yacht charter ensures having a good time in this fabulous spot. Try barefoot island dancing in the evenings and cool tropical drinks at the beach bars.

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

4. Magens Bay Beach, St Thomas

It is the most charming beach in the Virgin Islands. Two peninsulas protect the shore from strong waves and erosion, making Magens Bay Beach the ideal spot for swimming. This nearly three quarter mile long beach is known for its pebble-free sand and remarkably calm waters. You can usually see turtles, tarpon and other fish. Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake waited here for ships to plunder.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

5. White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

A ribbon of snow coloured sand and turquoise waters await you here. The beach is fringed by low palms, sea grapes and one or two rustic buildings. The beach is cut in half by rocks where you can follow a path over them or swim around them, to a stress free bar, wow that sounds great. The offshore reef is also a great place for snorkeling, so don’t forget your snorkeling gear.

White Bay, Jost van Dyke

6. Sandy Point, St Croix

Two miles long makes Sandy Point, St Croix the largest beach in the Virgin Islands. It has shallow and calm waters. St Croix is a geological exception on the islands because it’s a sea mountain and not part of the Puerto Rican shelf. It is an ideal nesting site for endangered sea turtles, especially leatherbacks. Did you know that the final scene of The Shawshank Redemption was filmed here?

Sandy Point, St Croix

7. Loblolly Beach, Anegada

This jewel of an island is almost completely surrounded by white sandy beaches. It’s protected by an ancient reef a few hundred yards offshore. Snorkeling is excellent here and the beach is usually deserted. If you want a bite to eat and a cold drink, there’s a great little restaurant close by. Yet again another great reason to sail around the Virgin Islands.

Loblolly Beach, Anegada

8. Jack and Isaac Bay’s Preserve, St Croix

These twin beaches are home to fragile bays, rolling hills, steep valleys and wind shaped ecosystems. They are two of the best places to visit on a Virgin Island sailing vacation. The awesome coral reefs have over 400 species of fish making it a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. The beaches are beautiful and pristine with powdery soft sand while the water is calm.

Jack and Isaac Bay’s Preserve, St Croix

9. Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada

Cow Wreck beach is simply spectacular. Conch shells line a little bar at the point where Cow Wreck beach is located on Anegada. You can easily walk there from where your yacht charter is anchored, what better way to enjoy the views of the turquoise ocean and the blue sky. While not necessarily a famous snorkelling spot, this beach captures the hearts of all who visit.

Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada

10. Caneel Bay, St John

Saving the best till last perhaps. Caneel Bay is a string of seven beaches and a Rosewood Resort. Caneel means “cinnamon” in old Dutch, it’s known to be one of the most breathtaking resorts in the Virgin Islands. There are open-air restaurants and old sugar mill ruins. There’s also an exciting variety of activities here like snorkelling, wind surfing, diving, sea kayaking and even tennis.

Caneel Bay, St John