Where to Stay for the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta 2026

The 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 US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism lists the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta for November 28, 2026 on St. John.
• The tourism listing names the Surf Club Cantina as the best spot to watch boats come and go from Coral Harbor.
• Cocoa Tea Villa sleeps up to 8 in three queen bedrooms, with a pool and a deeded private beach a 3-minute walk away.
• Cancellation is Strict: 50% refund 14 or more days before check-in, none after that.

When is the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta in 2026?

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.

Where is the best place to watch the regatta?

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.

Why stay in Coral Bay for the regatta?

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.

What does Cocoa Tea Villa offer a group?

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.

• A wrap-around deck with an ocean view and an outdoor dining area
• A plunge pool surrounded by palms
• An outdoor shower, and a stone path through the woods to a hillside gym
• A kitchen, BBQ grill, washer, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace
• Pets are welcome

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.

What about the private beach and snorkeling?

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.

What should I know before booking a Thanksgiving stay?

• Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM. Early and late check-in are not offered, so plan your ferry and flight arrivals around that.
• You can book up to 145 days ahead and at least 1 day ahead, with a maximum stay of 30 nights.
• The cancellation policy is Strict: 50% refund if you cancel 14 or more days before check-in, and no refund after that. A 24-hour grace period applies after you book.
• If you want the fridge stocked before you land, tell me after booking and I will arrange provisions from our local store.

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.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta in 2026?

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.

Where is the best place to watch the regatta?

The tourism listing recommends the Surf Club Cantina for views of boats coming and going from Coral Harbor.

How many people can Cocoa Tea Villa sleep?

Up to 8 guests across three bedrooms, each with one queen bed. There are two bathrooms.

Can we bring a dog?

Yes, pets are welcome, and there is a one-time pet fee.

How far ahead can I book for Thanksgiving?

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.

Sources

• Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta | US Virgin Islands — US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (visitusvi.com)

Photos: SURF CLUB CANTINA via Google Maps.