Why go
Little St James (often nicknamed Little St J) is a tiny private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands that has garnered attention for its past owners. Today, travelers chartering yachts in the area sometimes drop anchor nearby for secluded beaches and the chance to host their own party. With no resort or infrastructure, the appeal of Little St James lies in its exclusivity, calm anchorages and gossip‑worthy history.
The island sits off the east end of St. Thomas and is dwarfed by its sister isle, Great St James. Dense tropical foliage covers its rocky hillsides and a small sand spit curls into a quiet cove on the west side. While it’s privately owned and access on land is restricted, the surrounding waters are open to all. Underwater rock formations harbor schools of fish, sea turtles and spotted eagle rays, making this a popular snorkeling stop on private charter itineraries. On calm days the water is flat and glassy, reflecting the changing colors of the sky as sunset approaches—perfect for floating with a cocktail or SUP board. The island has also become an infamous footnote in pop culture history, so there’s a certain thrill to glimpsing it from the deck of your boat and snapping a photo (from a respectful distance).
If you’re drawn to the vibe but crave more than just a peek, broaden your horizons to the wider U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas hums with nightlife, restaurants and duty‑free shopping in Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie. St. John’s national park offers countless hiking trails and emerald bays like Maho and Cinnamon, while St. Croix boasts Danish‑colonial architecture and the snorkel trail at Buck Island. Little St James is simply one stop on a longer sailing journey where you can immerse yourself in Virgin Islands culture—sampling johnnycakes at a roadside stand, dancing to reggae at a beach bar and watching moko jumbies during Carnival.
Getting there
There are no commercial flights or ferries to Little St James. Yachts and private charters from St. Thomas or St. John are the only way to reach it. Many visitors simply view the island from the water while sailing the surrounding USVI.
Most charters depart from St. Thomas’s East End marinas—Red Hook, American Yacht Harbor and Compass Point—just 15 minutes by taxi from Cyril E. King Airport. You can choose a day sail on a catamaran with a dozen guests, a private motor yacht with captain and crew, or a high‑speed powerboat that also hops over to the British Virgin Islands. The sail to Little St James takes about 20 minutes; most captains will anchor off Great St James’s Christmas Cove, a sheltered bay with good holding, calm water and a floating pizzeria named Pizza Pi. From there you can snorkel around the coral heads, paddle over to the tiny beach on Little St James, or simply relax on deck. Charters often combine stops at Maho Bay, Lovango Cay, Water Island or even the Baths at Virgin Gorda, depending on passport requirements and weather. Because you’ll be at sea all day, pack reef‑safe sunscreen, hats and plenty of water, and follow your captain’s guidance on where you’re allowed to go ashore.
Where to stay
There are no hotels on Little St James itself. Instead, stay on neighbouring islands and plan a day sail:
The Ritz‑Carlton, St. Thomas – Luxurious base with easy access to charter yachts.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort – Condominium resort with marina connections.
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove – Villa‑style resort overlooking Charlotte Amalie harbour with multi‑bedroom villas, infinity pool and a small beach.
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham – Colourful resort on Water Bay with pools, restaurants and the on‑site 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar.
The Westin St. John Resort Villas – Spacious villas and kids’ club on the edge of Virgin Islands National Park.
Things to do
Charter a yacht from St. Thomas or St. John to cruise around the island and anchor off Great St James’s Christmas Cove. Many captains provide snorkeling gear, paddleboards and coolers stocked with drinks so you can spend the day in and on the water. Order a floating pizza from Pizza Pi—radio your order in and they’ll deliver to your boat by dinghy. Host a beach picnic or party on a secluded cove, keeping music low and packing out trash to respect local regulations. Snorkel or paddleboard in the clear waters around the islet to spot turtles, stingrays and colorful parrotfish, or try your hand at freediving along the rock walls. On more adventurous charters you can climb Carvel Rock (if conditions allow) or jump from its ledges into the sea. Tube or wakeboard behind a powerboat in Pillsbury Sound, then sunbathe on the bow while spotting dolphins. Use neighboring St. Thomas or St. John for accommodation and nightlife—spend an evening barhopping in Red Hook, enjoy a sunset sail in Charlotte Amalie harbor, catch live music at Cruz Bay’s beachfront bars or dine at farm‑to‑table restaurants in Coral Bay. You can also schedule a spa day or golf round at Mahogany Run, zipline through the rainforest canopy at Tree Limin’ Extreme or join a rum tasting at Bones Rum.
Hotspots & beaches nearby
• St. Thomas’s Southside bays – Calm anchorage areas for charter yachts.
• St. John’s Cruz Bay – Dining and nightlife hub after a day of sailing.
• Trunk Bay – A perfect snorkel stop to pair with a Little St James sail.
• Great St James & Christmas Cove – Sheltered bay with excellent snorkeling, sea turtles and the famous Pizza Pi boat.
• Sapphire Beach (St. Thomas) – Long beach with watersports rentals and great snorkeling just a short taxi ride from the marinas.
• Coki Beach & Coral World (St. Thomas) – Small beach with reef just offshore and an adjoining marine park where you can touch starfish and see sea lions.
• Honeymoon Beach, Water Island – Secluded strand accessible by water taxi from St. Thomas, often combined with yacht charters.
• The Baths, Virgin Gorda (BVI) – Granite boulders and grottos reachable on longer charters (passport required)
