Virgin Islands Boating Expo - The Caribbean's bespoke boating exhibition set for May 14-16, 2026

by Carol Bareuther 28 Jan 18:17 GMT May 14-16, 2026

There's no waiting in line at VIBE—only stepping aboard. Returning to IGY's award-winning Yacht Haven Grande Marina on St. Thomas, May 14-16, 2026, for its third year, the Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) delivers a hands-on, bespoke alternative to the traditional boat show.

Presented by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), VIBE is intentionally curated for quality over quantity, offering direct, on-the-dock access to the latest sail and power yachts in a setting designed for meaningful engagement and just minutes from world-class cruising grounds. With seamless travel options—including private jet access through St. Thomas-based Joyride Aviation—and a portfolio of premier accommodations offering exclusive attendee rates, VIBE pairs ease of access with the full U.S. Virgin Islands lifestyle.

"The 2025 VIBE Show was an excellent representation of the yachting industry in the Virgin Islands, particularly because of its accessibility to the general public. Unlike traditional charter yacht shows, which are limited to registered charter brokers, VIBE created a welcoming platform for the local community and visitors who may typically experience the islands only through land-based tourism. That broader exposure is incredibly valuable and helps grow overall interest in yachting throughout the region," says Jamie Deehan, yacht consultant and flagship specialist at ACY Yachts, headquartered in Annapolis, MD, with locations spanning from Hawaii to St. Thomas. ACY Yachts and Fountaine Pajot anticipate exhibiting a flagship model in the 59-80ft range at VIBE 2026.

Make plans to attend now!

"We are excited to invite attendees, exhibitors, and marine industry partners to register now for VIBE 2026. Visiting St Thomas has never been easier! With no passport required for U.S. citizens, St. Thomas remains strongly supported by major U.S. airlines, which offer direct flights from gateways across the U.S. For those seeking added flexibility and comfort, our luxury travel partner, Joyride Aviation, offers an exceptional way to arrive in style and on your own terms! Plus, this year's show has exciting new additions, so be sure to register early and check the website and social media channels for updates," says Melissa Popple, director of events for VIPCA.

Fly Private - the joy of Joyride Aviation

Joyride Aviation is a private charter brokerage that sources aircraft worldwide and arranges travel to and from virtually any destination. The company provides access to a broad range of aircraft, from six-passenger piston aircraft suitable for regional flights to turboprops, light, midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jets, helicopters, and VIP-configured airline aircraft accommodating up to 20 or 30 passengers. Joyride Aviation also facilitates empty-leg flights when available, offering reduced pricing for aircraft repositioning, though availability is limited and schedules are fixed.

"Whether you're flying in for the weekend or coordinating multiple stops, we make it seamless—private aviation arranged end-to-end, with VIP-level service so you can focus on VIBE, not logistics," says Jonathan Farrington, chief executive officer, who, with his team, will be at VIBE's Vendor Expo.

Book through the company's website, by email , or by phone (340-998-1793). Flights can often be arranged within 24 hours, although advance booking is recommended.

Commercial carriers offering direct service to St. Thomas include American Airlines (Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York), Delta (Atlanta, New York), JetBlue (Boston, San Juan), Spirit (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), United (Houston, Newark, Washington-Dulles), and Frontier (San Juan). Southwest Airlines will launch daily nonstop service from Orlando (MCO) to St. Thomas (STT) beginning February 5, 2026, with service from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) starting February 7, 2026. Regionally, air connectivity remains strong through Cape Air, Air Sunshine, Fly the Whale, SKYhigh Dominicana, and Seaborne Airlines, which continue to serve St. Thomas from neighboring islands.

World-class places to stay

Several St. Thomas hotels are offering discounted rates for VIBE, including The Mary Anne Boutique Hotel, a six-bedroom exclusive hotel opened in 2025 and located in one of Charlotte Amalie's most historic neighborhoods.

"The Mary Anne Boutique Hotel is the perfect home base for VIBE 2026 attendees looking to relax and recharge. Located just a five-minute drive from Yacht Haven Grande, guests can enjoy easy access to all VIBE events. Our rooftop pool offers one of the best sunset views on the island, and we're only a ten-minute walk from downtown Charlotte Amalie's dining options," says Nicole Miller.

The Mary Anne offers a 20% discount; use code VIBE at booking.

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, the Westin & Buoy House Frenchman's Reef, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Bluebeard's Castle Resort, the Pink Palm Hotel, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Hotel 1829, and Hampton by Hilton Yacht Haven are all offering VIBE discounts. For more information, visit: vibe.vi/accommodations

For exhibitor, sponsor, and attendee information for VIBE, plus ticket sales, visit www.vibe.vi.

For information about the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), visit www.vipca.org.