Where to Stay for the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta 2026
By k8 · October 13, 2026
coral baythanksgiving regattast johnwhere to stayvilla
By k8 · October 13, 2026By k8 · October 13, 2026The Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta is listed for November 28, 2026 on St. John, and the easiest place to stay for it is Coral Bay itself, the harbor where the boats are. This guide is for sailing fans and groups of up to 8 planning a Thanksgiving week on St. John who would rather be based in Coral Bay than in Cruz Bay.
Key takeaways
The tourism board lists it for November 28, 2026. It is the Coral Bay Yacht Club's classic regatta, held in November over the Thanksgiving holiday, per the US Virgin Islands tourism listing.
That page does not give race-day start times or a party schedule, and I won't guess at them. The listing links to the Coral Bay Yacht Club's Facebook page, so check there as the date gets closer. As of October 12, 2026, that is the place to confirm details.
I'm Kate Swanson. My family spends the winters in Coral Bay, and I host guests at Cocoa Tea Villa, so everything below about the house and the neighborhood comes from our own time here.
The tourism listing says spectators get the best views of vessels coming and going from Coral Harbor from the Surf Club Cantina. That is the one viewing spot the source names, so start there.
Until the yacht club posts its timings, plan the day around the water rather than a fixed schedule. Pack sun protection and a cooler. We keep coolers and beach chairs on the lower deck of the villa, and guests are free to take them.
Coral Bay is the regatta's home harbor, and our villa sits in the heart of it. You are staying where the event happens instead of crossing the island on a holiday weekend.
On my list of nearby places are Skinny Legs, Johnny Lime, Aqua Bistro, Irie Pops and Dolphin Market - Coral Bay. I'd check each one's hours for the holiday weekend before you plan around it.
Parking at the villa is one free space on site. If your group needs wheels, I can provide a truck on request, so you are not hunting for a spot near the harbor.
The villa is rented as an entire place. It has three bedrooms, each with one queen bed, and two bathrooms, and it sleeps up to 8.
The grounds are half shaded and lush, which is unusual on an island where most properties are very exposed. That matters on a long day outside watching boats, because you can come home to shade.
There is also a greenhouse and several fruit trees, and you are welcome to pick any vegetables or fruit you find ripe.
The villa has deeded access to a private beach, a 3-minute walk away. Walk to the end of the driveway and turn left. After a few minutes you will see a sign on your right for the private beach.
It is also a very good snorkeling spot. We provide snorkel gear for 4, and paddle boards are available on request. If your group is larger than 4, plan for some people to share the gear or bring their own.
We are close to some of the best snorkeling on St. John, and I am happy to tell you how to find the good spots so you don't waste time decoding online directions. Our guidebook, which is emailed to you and which I can also give you at check-in, has maps for snorkeling spots and hiking trailheads. For more on the area, see Lazy Afternoons & Snorkel Strolls: A Local’s Guide to Coral Bay.
About 10 minutes down the road there is a salt pond with lots of flamingos, and you can walk out among them. It makes a good morning outing before race day.
Because the policy is strict, I suggest confirming your group and travel dates before you book. For meal ideas once you are here, see Coral Bay’s Laid‑Back Eats & Essentials.
If you want a walkable base for the regatta, Cocoa Tea Villa is where we stay ourselves in winter, and I'm happy to answer questions before you book.
The US Virgin Islands tourism board lists it for November 28, 2026 on St. John. Check the Coral Bay Yacht Club's Facebook page for race-day timings.
The tourism listing recommends the Surf Club Cantina for views of boats coming and going from Coral Harbor.
Up to 8 guests across three bedrooms, each with one queen bed. There are two bathrooms.
Yes, pets are welcome, and there is a one-time pet fee.
Bookings open up to 145 days before arrival and close 1 day before. Since the regatta is about 47 days away as of October 12, 2026, the dates are open to book now.
Photos: SURF CLUB CANTINA via Google Maps.