Island-hopping Bites: the Best Beach Bars and Restaurants to Reach by Catamaran Charter in the Usvi
Island-hopping Bites: the Best Beach Bars and Restaurants to Reach by Catamaran Charter in the Usvi
Below are the can’t-miss beach bars and waterfront restaurants in St. Thomas, Water Island, and St. John that pair perfectly with a day on the water.
St. Thomas: beach bars + a sunset-worthy finish
Iggies Beach Bar (Bolongo Bay) is a St. Thomas classic: toes-in-the-sand energy, easy drinks, and that “let’s stay a little longer” vibe that fits perfectly into a mid-day swim stop on a boat charter. It’s a fun place to break up your cruising day with a casual bite and a cold bucket.
On the East End, Sapphire Beach Bar is a top pick if your boat rental plan is beach-hopping with great water color, a lively shoreline, and quick access back to your boat. It’s the kind of place where one frozen cocktail turns into an impromptu beach hang.
Nearby, add Sun and Sea Bar and Grill—a relaxed, breezy spot near the Wyndham Margaritaville resort. It’s perfect for a low-stress pause on a boat tour day: grab a casual meal, cool off, then get right back to the next snorkel stop.
To cap the day, Sunset Grille at Secret Harbour is a go-to for dinner with a view—polished but not stuffy, and exactly what you want when your catamaran charter wraps up on the East End. If you can time it for golden hour, even better.
Water Island: the easiest “add-on” stop (and totally worth it)
A quick hop from St. Thomas, Water Island is the perfect bonus leg for a half-day or full-day boat charter. The must-stop here is Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill at Honeymoon Beach—friendly, laid-back, and tailor-made for arriving by water. Pull in, grab a drink, and enjoy the “island time” pace before you head back out.
St. John: Cruz Bay sand, Maho Bay ease, and Coral Bay legends
If you’re coming over from St. Thomas on a boat rental or catamaran charter, The Beach Bar in Cruz Bay is the classic “welcome to St. John” stop. It’s right by the sand, casual, social, and perfect for a first round (or a celebratory last round) before you cruise onward.
Next, build in time for Maho Bay, one of St. John’s most beloved beach days thanks to calm, shallow water that’s ideal for floating, swimming, and spotting sea turtles. It’s an easy anchor-and-enjoy stop on a boat tour itinerary.
When hunger hits at Maho, the nearby beachfront hub is Maho Crossroads—convenient for grabbing food, drinks, and a quick recharge without sacrificing beach time. It’s a great “in-and-out” provisions stop when your priority is more water time, less logistics.
If your route continues around to Coral Bay, you’ve got two true St. John icons:
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Skinny Legs (Coral Bay) — unfussy, fun, and famous for that classic island-burger-and-a-cold-drink experience.
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Miss Lucy’s (Friis Bay, near Coral Bay) — a waterfront favorite when you want a calmer, scenic meal and a slower pace to end the day.
Two by-boat bonus picks that feel “only in the USVI”
For peak “arrive by water” bragging rights, Lime Out (the floating taco bar) is a quintessential St. John experience—perfect for a boat charter day because the destination is the water.
And if you want a beach-club-style stop, Lovango Resort + Beach Club is a beautiful by-boat add-on that pairs well with a catamaran charter day when your crew wants a more “resort-y” break between swims.