| For several years, one of the most popular activities | | | | tourists a chance to explore what lies beneath the |
| for visitors to St. Thomas hasn't taken place on the | | | | water. Most boating charters come complete with |
| island. Instead, tourists cruise the crystal-clear waters | | | | snorkeling equipment and visit many of the island's |
| surrounding this unique island, soaking up the sun and | | | | best sites for observing underwater life. If you |
| finding adventure in the water. With numerous | | | | charter a powerboat, you can also take advantage |
| charters and rental organizations catering to the | | | | of equipment such as water skis and inflatable toys. |
| tourists of the island - each with unique water sport | | | | Even if you want to stay dry, you can try your hand |
| activities and boating options - there are plenty of | | | | at deep sea fishing and reel in some of the |
| ways to set sail. | | | | Caribbean's most spectacular fish. If you have a |
| As conditions for sailing and water sports are nearly | | | | particular activity in mind, check the listings for |
| perfect year-round in St. Thomas, it is no wonder | | | | individual charters as most will detail the types of |
| that tourists regularly cite the weather as one of the | | | | water sport equipment available. You can also ask |
| most memorable details of their vacations. In addition | | | | the concierge at your resort for recommendations |
| to the persistent sunshine and mild temperatures, the | | | | based on your family's interests and budget. |
| waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands are typically | | | | If you have never attempted any of these sports |
| calm year-round, but light tropical breezes provide | | | | before, don't be discouraged from hopping aboard a |
| more than enough strength for the sails. Regardless | | | | boat. Many of the charter boats operating in St. |
| of where your boat travels, you will also experience | | | | Thomas are staffed by knowledgeable personnel |
| incredible underwater visibility, allowing you to see the | | | | that take pride in serving not only as tour guides, but |
| colorful diversity of the Caribbean Sea. | | | | also as teachers. While out at sea, you can receive |
| The easiest way to experience the Caribbean Sea | | | | lessons on snorkeling or scuba diving and gain valuable |
| while on St. Thomas is to charter either a sailboat or | | | | insight about how to reel in the perfect catch. Some |
| powerboat. St. Thomas currently has at least 100 | | | | charter companies even offer sailing lessons, allowing |
| different charter boats, each offering different | | | | first-timers a chance to man the sails. |
| activities and boating options. While day trips are the | | | | One of the best ways to find a charter boat or |
| most popular option with tourists, many charter | | | | sailing tour is directly through your resort with the |
| services also offer week long boating tours. In most | | | | help of the concierge or front desk staff. In many |
| cases, both single day and week long charters are | | | | cases, charter companies will offer substantial |
| staffed with a complete crew, allowing you to sit | | | | discounts or free add-ons to your rental through your |
| back and enjoy the ride. However, experienced | | | | resort. If you are still having trouble finding the right |
| sailors can also find boat rentals without crews, | | | | charter for your family, check local publications for |
| allowing tourists to take the helm and coast through | | | | detailed listings featuring the types of activities |
| the calm Caribbean waters. In most cases, charter | | | | offered by each company. When you have found |
| boats are limited to groups of 6-8, meaning your | | | | the right tour or boat rental, you can also make the |
| family will be able to enjoy not only the weather but | | | | necessary reservations directly through your resort |
| also the precious privacy afforded by luxurious | | | | and devote your free time to enjoying everything |
| Caribbean destinations like St. Thomas. | | | | else St. Thomas has to offer. |
| Boating in the Caribbean also allows adventurous | | | | |