The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are more than just a tropical postcard. They are a sailor’s and diver’s paradise, home to some of the Caribbean’s most accessible and exciting underwater realms. With peaceful, sheltered waters and island-to-island distances of only a few miles, the area encourages an effortless transition from deck to deep sea.

One of the best ways to experience this aquatic haven is to sail in the USVI, where you’re not just moving from island to island, you’re discovering reefs teeming with marine life, dramatic underwater caves, and shipwrecks shrouded in history. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned diver, the USVI offers routes that effortlessly combine sailing with underwater exploration

Here, follow a number of sailing routes around the USVI that take you directly to memories-to-be-made snorkeling and diving destinations, including comprehensive stopovers and what you can expect underwater.

1 St. Thomas to Christmas Cove – a Perfect Introduction to Underwater Life

Sailing Distance: ~3 nautical miles

Number One Underwater Feature: Turtle Cove

Start your adventure from St. Thomas, the vibrant center of the USVI. Off its southeastern coast is Christmas Cove, close to Great St. James Island. The gentle waters and light currents create perfect conditions for your initial snorkel.

Turtle Cove lives up to its name: look for regular encounters with green sea turtles feeding off the seagrass beds. The reef here is also teeming with angelfish, sergeant majors, and an occasional octopus hiding in crevices between rocks. The anchorage is straightforward, and it is a frequent lunch stop and swimming break.

2 St. Thomas to Buck Island – Wreck Diving at Its Best

Sailing Distance: appx. 5 nautical miles

Underwater Top Highlight: Cartanser Senior Wreck A brief sail to the south of Charlotte Amalie will take you to Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge (don’t confuse it with the similarly named Buck Island off St. Croix). Here, the big draw is the wreck of the Cartanser Senior, a World War II freighter that sank in only 40 feet of water.

The location is a haven for corals and fish, with bright schools of yellowtail snapper, blue tangs, and even reef sharks visiting the site regularly. Visibility is usually great, so it’s a popular spot for underwater photographers.

3 St. Thomas to St. John – The Cathedral and the Caves

Sailing Distance: ~10 nautical miles

Best Underwater Top: “The Cathedral” at Carval Rock

Take a northward sail to St. John, an unspoiled treasure of nature. One of the most enchanting dives in the region is to be found at Carval Rock, lying between St. Thomas and St. John. This dive is most famous for The Cathedral, an underwater chamber lit by filtered light that creates stage-like effects against the coral-covered walls.

According to Waypoints, the site is full of snapper, rays, and the rare reef shark. It’s a challenging dive, though snorkelers can also explore the reef areas at the edges of the rock.

4 North Shore of St. John – Trunk Bay and Waterlemon Cay

Sailing Distance: Short hops along the coast

Greatest Underwater Sights: Coral Gardens and Starfish

After you moor along the St. John North Shore, the magic sets in. Trunk Bay boasts an underwater snorkeling trail with plaques explaining the coral and fish around you. Waterlemon Cay, further east, promises a braver swim with more payoffs – vibrant coral, sea turtles, and starfish gardens are yours.

Since these sites belong to Virgin Islands National Park, anticipate unspoiled ecosystems and impeccably kept mooring fields. Plan to show up early in the morning to minimize crowds and maximize visibility.

5 St. John to Coral Bay – Tranquil Coves and Vibrant Reefs

Sailing Distance: Approximately 8 nautical miles

Top Underwater Moment: Haulover Bay

Coral Bay is the quieter brother to Cruz Bay and has secluded snorkeling areas like Haulover Bay. With little development here, the reefs are untouched and teeming with life. Look for parrotfish munching on coral, purple sea fans waving in time with the waves, and the occasional barracuda swimming by.

The trip to Coral Bay provides unspoiled green hillsides for a scenic view and an actual feeling of tranquility. Anchor off Hansen Bay or Lime Out for an evening of peacefulness under the night sky.

Sailing Tips for an Epic Underwater-focused Route

• Best Time to Go: December through April provides the best sailing conditions and visibility.
• Snorkeling vs. Diving: Snorkel-friendly sites prevail, but for deeper reefs or advanced wrecks, take dive gear or arrange for a rendezvous dive service.
• Mooring Etiquette: Use mooring balls where possible to preserve the coral below, and always comply with marine park regulations.
• Weather Check: The Virgin Islands have a steady trade wind, but keep an eye on forecasts, particularly during hurricane season (June to November).

Set Sail and Enjoy Epic Underwater Adventures

There’s something magical that occurs when your sailboat becomes a gateway, not only to new islands but to entire subterranean worlds lingering just beneath the surface. To sail the USVI is to connect with a Caribbean beat where exploration doesn’t stop at the waterline, it starts there. Whether gliding above coral gardens, descending into church-like caves, or following the lines of a submerged ship, the US Virgin Islands provide a thrilling marriage of sailing experience and underwater beauty.

Nella Romani