Destination comparison
Florida vs US Virgin Islands
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Florida | US Virgin Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Region | US East Coast & Florida | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | May, Nov | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | beginner friendly | easy |
| Recommended level | beginner | beginner friendly |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 15 / 9 kn | 17 / 13 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | USD | USD |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $12,000 | $9,500 |
| Luxury tier price | $55,000 | $36,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Florida is the US catamaran gateway: huge fleets, bareboat-friendly checkout, and 300+ days of sun. November-May is the season - 75-80°F, Gulf Stream easterlies and calm Keys water. June-October brings afternoon storms and hurricane risk, but also the lowest prices of the year.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 3 must-visit anchorages
- • 11 boats in our fleet database for this region
Hurricane season June-November. Less crowded than BVI; easy day-sail to BVI. US citizens do not need passport.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 5 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Florida averages 15 knots in winter and 9 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
US Virgin Islands averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Florida is generally rated beginner friendly and US Virgin Islands is easy. The difference matters: US Virgin Islands asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $4,800
- Mid season: $12,000
- High season: $28,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $55,000+
- Low season: $3,500
- Mid season: $9,500
- High season: $19,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $36,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Florida Keys Overseas Highway — Key Largo to Key West - 100+ miles of reef-protected, shallow water
- Dry Tortugas National Park — Fort Jefferson and the clearest water in Florida; a 70 nm passage from Key West
- Everglades (Flamingo) — Mangrove wilderness and a real offshore feel just an hour from Miami
- Buck Island (St Thomas) — Underwater snorkel trail; reef fish
- Magens Bay (St Thomas) — Often named one of the world's most beautiful beaches
- Caneel Bay / Honeymoon Beach (St John) — Crystal clear water; snorkeling
- The Baths (drive-up alternative) — BVI side easily accessible by ferry
- Christiansted, St Croix — Danish colonial architecture
Which Should You Choose?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Florida or US Virgin Islands.
Choose US Virgin Islands. Warmer water year-round (often 75–85°F), palm-fringed anchorages.
Florida has 0 cultural anchorages vs US Virgin Islands's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"Fort Lauderdale is the least intimidating place in the world to start a catamaran charter - the Intracoastal gives you a protected shakedown and the Keys give you your first ocean miles in tiny steps. The classic week is down the Keys with an overnight in Key West. Keep an eye on the Gulf Stream: it runs north at 2-4kt and decides every passage you make. Summer afternoons bring building storms; plan to be anchored by 15:00."
"If you only have 7 days and want both sides, base yourself in St Thomas (USVI) and day-sail to BVI. The USVI has easier entry (US citizens no passport needed) and reliable provisioning in Red Hook or Yacht Haven. The BVI has better-protected anchorages, smaller distances between islands, and the iconic spots (Baths, Norman Island). Most of our guests do 3-4 days USVI + 3-4 days BVI; this works well from Christmas to April when seas are calm."
Timing and Budget: Florida vs US Virgin Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
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