Grab your slice of the nautical pie in the USVI! 2nd Virgin Islands Boating Exhibition (VIBE)

Charter yacht vacations in the Virgin Islands © Charter Smarter

The countdown is on to the hottest yacht show in the Caribbean. The second annual Virgin Islands Boating Exhibition (VIBE) will take place May 15-18 at IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, four-time winner of International Superyacht Marina of the Year.

This exclusive boutique destination show, hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) and open to the public, offers attendees a hands-on, up-close-and-personal way to tour and test-drive yachts for sale and charter. Top global brands represented include Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Bali, Axopar, Grady White, Pursuit, and Tiara. The four-day VIBE schedule is packed with activities to appeal to everyone's on-the-water interests. Vendors will be located on the dock and inside the Harbor 360 Building, featuring local favorites like Charter Smarter alongside national and international exhibitors showcasing the latest marine products and services. Don't forget to grab the exclusive 2025 VIBE sun shirt, available for purchase at the Box Office. Attendees can also enjoy informative seminars, cultural entertainment, sailboat rides, delicious food for purchase, and live music—all contributing to an unforgettable celebration of the Virgin Islands' vibrant boating community.

"Whether you're a boating enthusiast, a potential charter guest, or simply looking for a fun community event, VIBE offers something for everyone. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the world of boating in paradise!" invites Staci Smith, VIPCA Executive Director.

Learn more - Charter smarter

"VIBE attendees will have the opportunity to have all their questions answered regarding yacht management and charters, meet our team, and engage in discussions about yacht sales, management, parts and maintenance, yacht clearing, or booking a discounted yacht vacation at the event," says Phil Scarlata, Director of Sales and Marketing for Charter Smarter.

Charter Smarter, launched last year by Paradise Yacht Management, the St. Thomas, USVI-based largest exclusively crewed yacht management company in the Caribbean, offers all-inclusive yacht vacations for up to 10 guests that explore the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands. The goal is to match the guest with the perfect yacht and crew. Charter Smarter's 50-plus yachts for charter include a custom itinerary, private cabins, a captain, a chef, onboard meals and drinks, and much more, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. This new venture complements bookings from the company's long-standing network of trusted charter brokers.

Yacht on show at VIBE 2024 with Harbor 360 Building in the background at IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St Thomas - photo © Savanah Willow

Scheduled highlights and tickets

Yachts will be open for viewing at the marina docks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be live sailing demos by the St. Thomas Sailing Center from Noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday. VIBE's Seminar Series runs from 11 a.m. to Noon in the Harbor 360 Building from Friday through Sunday. Don't miss dockside Cultural Entertainment from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Free copies of Latitudes & Attitudes magazine, the #1 selling Cruising Lifestyle publication globally for over 28 years, will be available at VIBE. The publication supports those who enjoy and those who aspire to participate in the cruising lifestyle.

"VIBE, located in the heart of the Caribbean cruising destinations, plays an integral part in showcasing the region to current and potential cruisers," says David Levesque, editor-in-chief. "Whether you're cruising the Caribbean or looking beyond for new and adventurous destinations, Latitudes & Attitudes will be your guidebook to the lifestyle!"

Get tickets online now

• One-day General Admission for ages 16+ is $30, including two free drinks and entry into the door prize drawing.
• Multi-Day General Admission, valid for any and all show days, is $50.
• Children 12 and under are free.
• Group rates, family rates, and local discounts are available.

Stay and play

Getting to St. Thomas is easy! There are direct flights on six major airlines from the U.S. gateway cities. These include American Airlines (Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York), Delta (Atlanta, New York), Frontier (San Juan), JetBlue (Boston, San Juan), Spirit (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), and United (Houston, Newark, Washington-Dulles). Air Sunshine, Cape Air, Fly the Whale, Sea Flight, and SKYhigh Dominicana operate within the Caribbean, serving St. Thomas. No passport is required for U.S. Citizens to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas is a 15-minute drive across the beautifully historic Charlotte Amalie Waterfront from St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport.

Strong show partnerships have translated into reduced room rates at some of St. Thomas' top resorts, including the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; Margaritaville Vacation Club St. Thomas; Bluebeards; the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort; the Pink Palm Hotel, and Hotel 1829. Discounted VIBE attendee rates are available at vibe.vi/accommodations.

VIBE 2025 sponsors include the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism, IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, Charter Smarter, VIPCA, VIYA, VI Lottery, Azul Marine Lending, and Latitudes & Attitudes.

For more information on VIBE 2025, visit www.vibe.vi. For information about the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), visit www.vipca.org