Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is located on the shores of St. Thomas Harbor, the busiest port in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Originally inhabited by the Danish, Charlotte Amalie (the name of a Danish Queen, originally) still retains much of that heritage today, and this can be seen in the local architecture that sometimes looks more European than tropical.

As evidenced by the large cruise ship terminal to the right (east) in the image above, and the scoured channel leading into the harbor, St. Thomas Harbor is deep, wide and easy to enter for all vessels under most all weather conditions. Ashore are many different marina and marine facilities that range from small wharfs to major resort marinas with concierge service and full repairs.

St. Thomas Harbor is normally approached form the south via the Caribbean Sea, but there are also entrances from the west via the West Gregerie Channel behind Water Island and from the East Gregerie Channel between Hassel and Water Islands. Both of these passages meet up at Haulover Cut, which runs behind Hassel Island (visible in the image above to the left [west]), and then into the harbor.

From the Caribbean Sea, simply set a course to line up between Cowell and Muhlenfels points, and then head straight into the harbor area. Alternatively, you can divert around Hassel Island and then cut behind at Haulover Cut into the harbor, or use the West gregerie Channel is you are approaching from the west.

Yacht Haven Marina is located behind the cruise ship terminal on the east (right) end of the harbor and is the largest facility in the harbor. There are moorings and an anchorage just off this facility in 16- to 30-foot depths.

See our “Local Notices to Mariners” blog for updates on the latest conditions and advisories for this area.

The Cyril E. King International Airport is located only 2 miles from St. Thomas Harbor and has major commercial service to hundreds of locations on regular schedules. Transportation to and from the airport is most convenient by taxi cab.

United States Virgin Islands Tourism

St. Thomas Calendar of Events