Have you ever experienced the magic of the wind on a sail? Feeling the wind coming at you, and somehow moving up into it by sail alone? There is no feeling like it, the wonder at how this quiet, smooth motion can propel a yacht forward while you relax in comfort. Or learn to sail it yourself, there are yachts captained by certified sailing instructors who can teach you the mysteries of sailing. The gentle trade winds here in the Virgin Islands virtually guarantee that you'll have steady winds to take you wherever you want to go.

In minutes, you can learn how to see the underwater world easily and comfortably. Coral reefs, colorful fish, lobster, everything the Discovery Channel has, and more! Most yachts have snorkel gear for you to use, and can teach you everything you need to know to be relaxed in the water. Don't forget to look for a disposable waterproof camera you can take pictures to rival Jacques Cousteau's (well, maybe not, but close).

The water here varies from 79 degrees to 84 degrees, and is beautifully clear. Visibility of 100 feet or more is not uncommon, making snorkeling, diving and just playing in and around the water an undeniably wonderful experience.

Your own charter yacht can take you to "secret" beaches, or to the big ones. It is your choice. And rather than see the same beach every day, you can see a new beach everyday if you like. Beautiful white sand beaches, shell beaches, even rocky climbing beaches; whatever suit your tastes.

Select a yacht with Dive Instructors on board, and you can gain full access to the underwater world. You do not have to be a Navy SEAL to enjoy SCUBA diving, people from ages 12 to 80 have gotten certified and enjoy this relaxing way to view the reefs up close at their leisure. For certified divers, there are yachts that offer casual diving, and others that are much more dive oriented. Here in the Virgins, we have most every type of diving available, from the wreck of the RMS Rhone which went down in 1867, to pinnacles like the Indians, going from 50'-60' below to up out of the surface.

St. Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands is a true shopper's paradise. With duty free stores, and liberal exemptions, this real life "Free Port" can compete with prices anywhere in perfumes, liquors, jewelry, watches, and other imported items. You will also find unique local crafts, spices and herbs, beautiful antique charts and maps of the Caribbean dating from pirate days, and much more. In many locations, you can even enjoy dealing with the merchants and negotiate your own price.

In the calm waters of our protected bays, you can enjoy water-skiing and kneeboarding, whether you've done it before or just want to try it out. And with water that's so warm and nice, who cares if you fall down?

There are many places you can have a wonderful meal, but how many chef's can follow you around from island to island on your vacation like your own chef aboard your chartered yacht? Experience local foods and gourmet favorites (and those may even have a local twist).

The best part of your own chartered yacht is that you will fill out detailed preference sheets beforehand to let us know what you like, what you don't, and what you're willing to try. Just look through the comments that our chef's have received from their guests to see what we mean.

Night clubs

You don't need to get dressed up for most of our dancing, as it usually happens right on the beach. If the Caribbean rhythms of calypso and reggae don't get your feet moving, nothing will. You just won't be able to help yourself. Especially entertaining is if you can schedule your trip to coincide with one of the islands' Carnivals, usually a week of dancing, parades, food and partying. These happen throughout the year, so check when this year's Carnivals are scheduled.

Many yachts have small ocean kayaks for you to use if you like. Paddle yourself around on your own voyage of discovery, and enjoy the hidden shallow waters and beaches that you can find.

Swing from a hammock on deck with your favorite book, or one selected from the boat's shelves. You set the pace, if you don't feel the need to move we won't make you. If you want to do more, we can accommodate that too, certainly, but this is your vacation. Take long relaxing walks on the beach, or just sit and watch a gorgeous Caribbean sunset that can take an hour.