Check out our The Ultimate Guide To Dining Out On A Boat In The US Virgin Islands, a list of the best destinations to dine out on a boat or a charter cruise in the USVI. Knowing where to go, and making plans in advance, can make the difference between a ho-hum day and a great experience!
St. John and St. Thomas are some of the best cruising grounds in the world and offer many boat-friendly dining options that allow charter captains and their guests to eat and explore the waters of the Virgin Islands in unique and memorable ways. From dinghy-friendly beach bars to floating taco and pizza delivery to waterfront sit-down dining at a private island resort there’s no shortage of creative ways to experience St. John + St. Thomas dining while cruising or aboard a charter boat in the Virgin Islands.
St. John
St. John offers an abundant variety of choices for boaters looking for a good drink or bite to eat and Cruz Bay is the center of the action. This sheltered harbor offers mooring and anchorage for charter boats and private vessels, all within dinghy distance from the beach bars that line the edge of town. If you choose to visit Cruz Bay, the primary town on the island, you can put your feet in the sand while enjoying a cocktail at The Beach Bar, a local landmark known for its casual atmosphere and four dollar painkillers. If you’re looking to grab and go, venture a little further into town to North Shore Deli for sandwiches and fresh lunch options to enjoy during a day of cruising.
Across Pillsbury Sound from Cruz Bay lies the new Lovango Resort + Beach Club, a private island resort that offers waterfront dining; a shopping village, beach club and convenient touch-and-go takeout from their gourmet waterfront restaurant. The new resort has received a lot of positive national press.
Everyone passes Lovango to/from the BVI or if you are headed to St. John’s National Park Beaches so it’s a very convenient stop. Lovango provides tender service to/from their moorings to their island dock. Simply reserve a mooring online to visit the Beach Club for the day with lunch and drink service at your seat (their infinity pool, snorkeling and hiking options are excellent) or you can just opt to come in for lunch or dinner or just touch-and-go and take-out lunch and your favorite alcoholic beverage. If you choose the touch-and-go option, just wait for the text that your order is ready, and hail VHF 71 to let them know you’ve arrived. They’ll meet you at the dock with your order, all packaged up in boat-friendly containers. Order a cocktail to-go and it will come in an insulated Lovango cocktail glass. Depending on the night you can choose from a la carte dining or their popular Caribbean Buffet with live music. You can bring your boat in for the evening or overnight; reserve a mooring and watch the sunset.
On the far side of St. John, Lime Out, is a custom designed raft with a full kitchen aboard, anchored in pretty Coral Bay. Lime Out serves up hand squeezed juices, mouthwatering tacos, and creative cocktails to boaters. From ceviche to short rib, order up your taco spread from a menu prepared by chef Amaro Rivera. You can dock at their floating kitchen in Coral Harbor. Pair it with one of their fantastic cocktails and enjoy it while cruising to the other side of St. John. You can have your lunch delivered to your boat or you can swim up to one of their seating areas attached to their raft. Lime Out and Coral Bay are a great destination, just be mindful of the potential for rough seas on days when the wind blows strongly out of the E/NE. Your captain will know what to recommend.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas offers its own gems too. On Water Island, just south of Charlotte Amalie, Dinghys Beach Bar is a local hangout. Located on beautiful Honeymoon Beach, Dinghys is a classic Caribbean beach bar where patrons come and go by boat. Enjoy a congenial atmosphere with your toes in the sand over drinks, cornhole, and lounge chairs. Water Island is close to Charlotte Amalie, is a sheltered location, and the beach is beautiful. Try to visit Water Island on days when cruise ships are not in port as the beach can get crowded.
Near Red Hook, on the east end of St. Thomas, anchored in Christmas Cove is Pizza Pi, a local favorite and a one-of-a-kind experience. Their custom built 37’ G.L. Watson motor sailer is equipped with two pizza ovens and homemade (rather, boat-made…) pizza is served fresh daily to boaters. Simply place your order by phone, text message, or over VHF Ch. 16 and a freshly made pie will be waiting for you at the delivery window on the vessel’s stern. It’s been compared to a floating food truck and has been a regular feature of Christmas Cove since 2014. For an extra charge, they’ll deliver too! Combining lunch with some snorkeling at Christmas Cove is a fun option.
At the end of the day it’s up to you and your captain where you would like to visit. Wherever you choose to go, plan in advance or early in the day so you can make a reservation and avoid disappointment. These destinations are all popular. Have a wonderful day Dining Out On A Boat at sea in the USVI!
