Spanish Virgin Islands Yacht Charter, Caribbean

A yacht charter in the Spanish Virgin Islands takes one on a journey back in time. Until recently the islands were off limits to charter yachts as they lie within the territory of the United States Navy. The uncomfortable possibility of either been targeted by a torpedo, or arrested for espionage, kept most charter yachts away for many years, preserving the natural charm and landscape of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Now days, the passage is safer and the islands still hold the charm, of yesteryear. The Spanish Virgin Islands, or Passage Islands, lie 15 miles to the east of Fajardo on Puerto Rico. The island of Culebra in the Spanish Virgin Islands is an untouched Caribbean bliss boasting spacious white and mostly deserted beaches. If you're expecting the glitzy nightlife of St Maarten or Antigua though, the Spanish Virgin Islands is not the right yacht charter destination. Culebra is spotted with local cafes and restaurants which may be open, or they may be closed, depending on the proprietor's whim - it's all part of the enchanting island way. A brilliant anchorage by night is Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques. The water around your charter yacht is filled with glowing organisms turning the entire bay into a luminous 'twighlight zone' at night. You'll also find a more active nightlife in Vieques as the island is two thirds owned by the US Navy. If you're searching for the incredible beauty of the Caribbean, without the crowds and commercialism, the Spanish Virgin Islands are the ideal yacht charter destination.

As with most of the Caribbean, the Spanish Virgin Islands yacht charter season runs from November through to July. The Caribbean's primary high season is from mid-December to March, when North Americans and Europeans come, escaping the winter. The hurricane season is from late July to early October, although hurricanes are in general rare and more likely to hit the East Coast of the U.S. than the Caribbean. This is the least expensive time for chartering in the Caribbean and there are some really good deals are available. However, as well as running the risk of storms, this time of year also tends to be associated with lighter (or non existent) winds.

The types of yacht charter available in the Spanish Virgin Islands include motor, sailing, bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, luxury yachts and even the occasional super yacht charter.