The Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) takes place Thursday through Sunday, May 15-18, at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas. The hottest yacht show in the Caribbean offers the public and visitors an up-close-and-personal chance to tour and test-drive yachts for sale and charter. Plus, the four-day VIBE schedule is packed with activities – an expo of local and international vendors inside the Harbor 360 Building and along the docks, sailing demos, a drone demonstration by V.I.C.A.R, fun and educational seminars, food for sale, a rum tasting by Cardow, cultural entertainment, and live music all day every day – to appeal to everyone’s on-the-water interests. Don’t forget to grab the exclusive 2025 VIBE sun shirt, available for purchase at the Box Office. It’s a great souvenir of this don’t-miss celebration of the Virgin Islands’ vibrant boating community.
“I invite you to VIBE – where the Virgin Islands’ marine industry comes alive!” invites Staci Smith, VIPCA Executive Director. “Open to the public, this is your chance to step aboard stunning vessels, jam to live musicians, and connect with marine professionals. Don’t miss it! Buy your tickets online at vibe.vi. Use promo code VI-Resident for 20 percent off. Or buy tickets on-site at the box office.”
Every Day: The four-day main attraction! Yachts – power and sail, one hull and two – will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Global brands represented include Axopar (Sagramoso Yachting), Bali (Pyper Yachts), Boston Whaler & Cigarette Racing (Wally Castro Marine), Fountaine Pajot (Atlantic Cruising Yachts & Waypoint Yacht Charters), Jeanneau (St. Thomas Leisure Boat Charters), Lagoon (Caribe Yacht Group), and Grady White, Nor-Tech and Tiara (Boat Management Corp.)
The Vendor Expo, in the Harbor 360 Building and along the docks open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors include VI Lottery, Charter Smarter, Pyper Yachts, Caribtrans Logistics, Chef Nathan Neibaur, LaVela, Lift Foils, Natural Balance, Newcoast Financial, Peter Island Resort & Spa, Rainman Desalination, Reef Response, Riteway Food Markets, RT Park, Sail Frenchtown, STEEMCC, St John SailSack Co., Techness Pro, Tropless Beach LLC, VIBE Jewelry, and local food and drink booths.
Sailing Demos by the St. Thomas Yacht Club happen daily from Noon to 2 p.m..
Thursday May 15: Music fills the air for the VIBE 2025 kick-off day. Enjoy the musical vibe of Andrew Douglas, Roxnonstop, and From Broheem with Love. The Exhibitor Opening Reception takes place from 5-6:30 p.m.
Friday May 16: The Seminar Series kicks off at 11 a.m. in the Harbor 360 Building, with Understanding Financing, presented by Zack Hamric of Azul Marine Lending. At 11:30 a.m., listen to Susan Restauri, of Waypoints Yacht Charters, talking about ‘Placing your boat into Bareboat Charter.’ Walk the docks to the toe-tapping tunes of Andrew Douglas, Patrick Hermon PH Powerhouse Entertainment, and Lady Ena.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 16-18: Enjoy a Cultural Celebration of Virgin Islands dancers on the dock in front of the Harbor 360 Building from 2-3 p.m.
Saturday May 17: Learn about ‘Mission: Ocean Reef’ by Guy Courtney, during the 11 a.m.- Noon seminar. Hear Reggae Dynasty, Top Notch, and Andrew Douglas play live.
Sunday May 18: The ‘Rum Education and Tasting’ seminar is from 11 a.m.- Noon, presented by Cardow. Andrew Douglas, and Eva and Mark perform throughout the day.
