Virgin Islands Boating Expo 2026 Returns to St. Thomas May 14–16 at Yacht Haven Grande
Virgin Islands Boating Expo 2026 Returns to St. Thomas May 14–16
The Virgin Islands Boating Expo 2026 (VIBE) returns to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, May 14–16 at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande Marina, one of the Caribbean’s premier superyacht facilities.
Now in its third year, VIBE has quickly established itself as the Caribbean’s leading boutique boat show, combining luxury yachts, marine vendors, and Virgin Islands culture in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Produced by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), the event highlights the full spectrum of the USVI boating lifestyle, including sailing, powerboating, fishing, diving, and chartering.
Visitors will be able to explore yachts, meet marine industry professionals, attend seminars, and experience the vibrant maritime culture that defines the Virgin Islands.
Captain Don Dingman Headlines Youth Fishing Clinics
New for VIBE 2026, nationally known television fishing personality Captain Don Dingman will host a series of youth fishing clinics designed to introduce children and families to the sport.
The clinics will take place:
- Friday, May 15 — 4 p.m.
- Saturday, May 16 — 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Each registered child will receive a complimentary rod and reel along with hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of fishing.
Families must register in advance at vibe.vi by selecting a clinic session through the ticket portal.
“Parents think there must be a catch,” says Dingman. “Instead they receive real tips that help them catch fish and spend quality time with their kids while creating lifelong memories. Fishing is one of the few sports families can enjoy together.”
Dingman founded the television show Hook the Future after the tragic loss of his son Brian in 2004. Since then he has dedicated his work to mentoring young anglers and inspiring the next generation to appreciate marine conservation.
Promoting Ocean Stewardship in the Virgin Islands
The fishing clinics reflect a core value shared by VIBE and the broader Virgin Islands maritime community—encouraging access, education, and stewardship of the ocean.
Members of the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, founded in 1963, will also participate in the event. The club promotes responsible fishing and conservation programs in partnership with the USVI Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Upcoming tournaments hosted by the club include:
- Kids Fishing Tournament — October 3, 2026
- Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) Tournament — April 12
- Billfish Tournament — July (TBD)
- Wahoo Tournament — November 15
“The USVI is a hot spot for fishing year-round,” says Kelvin Bailey Jr., President of the Club’s Board of Directors. “We regularly see large pelagic species such as blue and white marlin, along with tuna, wahoo, and dolphin.”
Luxury Yachts and Marine Brands on Display
At the heart of the Virgin Islands Boating Expo is a curated display of luxury yachts available for viewing and sea trials in the Virgin Islands’ renowned cruising grounds.
Visitors will find internationally recognized brands including:
- Lagoon
- Fountaine Pajot
- Bali Catamarans
- Pursuit
- Grady-White
- Tiara Yachts
- Axopar
Sagramoso Yachting, the exclusive Axopar dealer for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, will exhibit the Axopar 37and the new Axopar 29 CCX.
“We enjoy the opportunity to meet potential clients face to face,” says Roberto Sagramoso of Sagramoso Yachting.
“These boats are modern, efficient, and comfortable. They maximize seating and interior space while offering features like enclosed heads and overnight accommodations. The Axopar 29 CCX is designed specifically for fishing, with a baitwell, tackle station, extended range, and a large open cockpit.”
Marine Vendors, Food, and Caribbean Culture
Beyond the yachts, VIBE offers a lively Harbor360 Vendor Expo, featuring marine products, services, and lifestyle brands.
Visitors can also enjoy:
- culinary experiences
- live music and entertainment
- cultural performances
- educational seminars on yacht ownership and chartering
Tickets include yacht tours and access to the air-conditioned vendor expo, along with a complimentary beverage.
Travel to St. Thomas for VIBE 2026
Getting to St. Thomas (STT) has never been easier.
Airlines serving the island include:
- American Airlines
- Delta
- JetBlue
- United
- Spirit
- Frontier
Southwest Airlines recently launched new service with:
- daily nonstop flights from Orlando (MCO) beginning February 5, 2026
- service from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) beginning February 7, 2026
Regional connections are available through:
- Cape Air
- Air Sunshine
- Fly the Whale
- SKYhigh Dominicana
- Seaborne Airlines
Hotels Offering VIBE Discounts
Several St. Thomas hotels are offering special rates for VIBE attendees, including:
- The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
- Westin & Buoy House Frenchman’s Reef
- Margaritaville Vacation Club
- Bluebeard’s Castle Resort
- Pink Palm Hotel
- Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
- Mary Anne Boutique Hotel
- Hampton by Hilton Yacht Haven
- Hotel 1829
- Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant
The Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant, located 866 feet above Yacht Haven Grande, is offering a 20% discount using code VIBE.
“We love hosting VIBE attendees,” says Stephen McGonigle, Managing Partner of Bowline Hospitality Group. “Guests wake up to panoramic views of Yacht Haven before heading down to the show.”
Plan Your Visit
Tickets for the Virgin Islands Boating Expo 2026 are available now at:
vibe.vi/tickets
For exhibitor information and sponsorship opportunities, visit:
vibe.vi
To learn more about the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association, visit:
vipca.org
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