Who is the Best Sailing Charter in the Virgin islands, St. Thomas or St. John?
With over 750 Five-Star reviews and personal service, Max Charters is easily the best sailing charter you can book. We are unashamed to say it as this is quite an accomplishment for a small, boutique sailing business. Max has been in business for over 25 years and our reputation and word-of-mouth shows it.
Max Charters does not crowd people onto boats. No more that 6 ride on any sailing charter. This allows personal service and room to spread out and enjoy our Hanse 445 Sailing Yacht.
There are no hidden costs, such as fuel surcharges. No surprises - other than the ones you’ll want to experience sailing, dining and snorkeling throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What if you’re booked up on the day we wish to charter?
We encourage people to plan ahead and book early with our limitation of 6 passengers per charter. The good news is we have a couple options per day for you. Also, during your travel it’s a good idea to have a window of a day or two for your charter booking. Flexibility will land you the best opportunity and chance to sail.
Now, in the unlikely event you are unable to make it on another day and all of our charters are booked, we will personally direct you to another charter company we trust with our referral. If you can’t be with the best of us that day, we’ll make sure to get you on the water with a charter worthy of your patronage. Our objective is to get you out on these wonderous waters!
Is there a fuel surcharge?
NO. We don’t charge or hide fuel charges - they are absorbed in our costs. The price you see at your booking is the price you’ll pay. The only other charge is the gratuity for the crew. We don’t automatically add gratuity as we believe it is up to you to determine the worthiness of your crew.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations made well in advance (more than two weeks prior to your trip) will be fully refunded.
From two weeks to four days prior to your scheduled departure, the cancellation fee is 50% of the cost of your charter and will be charged to your credit card.
From four days to two days, the cancellation fee is 75% of the total cost of your private charter and will be charged to your credit card.
Within the 48 hour window of departure there are no refunds for cancellation. Your credit card will be charged for the 100% full amount of the trip. This includes no-shows.
Please understand, we only take up to 6 passengers and rarely are able to book someone last-minute in the case of late cancellations or people that use reservations as place-holders, only to cancel at the eleventh-hour.
We are arriving by Cruise Ship. What should we know and do?
It is very important that Cruise Ship travelers have knowledge of two things:
1) Their deboarding time for your arrival to St. Thomas, in Atlantic Standard Time (we don’t do daylight savings on the islands).
2) The final on-board time (different that departure time). This is the final boarding call for your cruising vessel. Again, make sure you know the time given is in Atlantic Standard Time.
Upon your arrival be the first off the cruise ship and take a taxi to us at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook. There are always plenty around.
If you’re time is short returning, give us a call and we will arrange for a taxi to be waiting dockside to return you quickly to your ship.
Standard departure times from Red Hook are 9:15 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Check your times at the time of your booking. If your ship will not be in early enough, please inform us and ask if it’s possible to alter the schedule to accommodate you. Calling direct or texting is the most expedient form of communication. Note: Private Charters all have the option of changing the departure time if they don’t interfere with other bookings.
What resources are near Red Hook and at American Yacht Harbor?
You can take out cash as two ATMs outside on the main floor.
There are several general stores in the area, including clothing and gift stores.
Dining options for post-charter enjoyment. Ask the crew about some of their favorites.
What should I bring with me?
For all our day trips we recommend bringing reef-safe lotion sunscreen (no spray), towels, a light rain poncho if you feel you need it, and cash for taxis, souvenirs and gratuities.
Wear your swimsuit and swim wrap to the boat if you’re snorkeling or swimming. It’s easier than changing into them on the boat. Feel free to bring a change of clothes for after the charter. We have room for changing below deck.
And, of course, bring your sense of Fun and Adventure!!
How much should I tip the Crew?
20% of the overall cost of the trip is a customary tip. Your crew not only sails you, feeds you, serves you drinks, and guide you to fantastic snorkeling locations: they ensure your safety and train hard to attain their level of expertise. They rely on gratuities for their daily living, as do all hospitality workers on the islands.
When we visit countries outside the U.S. we are very aware of the local customs regarding gratuity and tipping and respect the local culture and way-of-life and participate and contribute appropriately. We simply ask our guests do the same.
Should you feel the crew is not deserving of at least 20%, please email us through our contact form and let us know why. We constantly strive to make our services better, why it’s not unusual for even higher gratuities -the result of a dedicated team and exhibiting leadership in the industry.
Where do I meet on the day of the charter?
Tell your driver that you are going to American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook on the East End of the island. The marina is pretty much the town. Ask your driver to drop you at the marina office which is at the top of “C” dock. The gate to the dock is there and there are some benches to sit on. Your captain will meet you there.
If you arrive a bit early, please visit our friends at Hook’d for a coffee or light bite before we depart. They are very near Gate “C”.
Is there storage for my belongings on the boat?
Yes, there is interior storage for any items you may want to keep dry.
Do we need passports?
Not in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unless you decide to book a private charter and travel to the British Virgin Islands you will not need a passport. All standard trips stay within the United States Virgin Islands.
Please be aware of the new Driver’s License requirments in the US and the real-ID identification. The deadline to receive your Real-ID is May 7, 2025. You can read more about it here: REAL ID.
Is there a minimum age requirement for children?
No, there is no minimum age for children. But please inform us if any passenger is of the age of 5 or under.
Where do I park?
The best place to park is across the street from The Easterly Restaurant, There is a market there called Moe's, drive through that parking lot, through the gate and to the lot in the back, Sunshine Parking. It’s about $20.00. After paying at the check out kiosk, just walk across the street to American Yacht Harbor marina along the docks to “C” dock. The sign will be posted on the gate next to the American Yacht Harbor Marina Office.
Staying close by? Taxi is usually and economical option for short trips from Sapphire Beach, Secret Harbor, or Cowpet Bay and the Ritz area in Nazareth.
Do you ever have to cancel a trip?
Rarely. Our excursions happen rain or shine. Luckily if it rains here it usually doesn’t last very long. Safety is our highest priority. We reserve the right to cancel a trip due to unsafe weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. If a trip is cancelled due to weather we will offer a full refund.