Virgin Islands Boating Expo Showcases USVI as a Premier Multi-Sport Marine Destination – TV Fishing Personality Captain Don Dingman to Lead Youth Fishing Clinic at VIBE 2026
Virgin Islands Boating Expo Showcases USVI as a Premier Multi-Sport Marine Destination – TV Fishing Personality Captain Don Dingman to Lead Youth Fishing Clinic at VIBE 2026
Photo: The beautiful VIBE venue at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande Marina in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit: Mango Media.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.The U.S. Virgin Islands are best experienced from the water, and the Virgin Islands Boating Expo invites visitors to do exactly that.
The third annual Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) returns to St. Thomas, May 14-16, 2026, at IGY’s award-winning Yacht Haven Grande Marina on St Thomas. Now firmly established as the Caribbean’s leading boutique boat show, VIBE pairs luxury with authentic Virgin Islands culture, offering direct access to a premier marine playground while showcasing the full scope of the USVI boating lifestyle.
New for 2026, nationally known television fishing personality Captain Don Dingman will headline the event with a youth fishing clinic designed to inspire the next generation of anglers and marine stewards.
“The Virgin Islands Boating Expo showcases the incredible range of ways people can enjoy our waters,” said Kennon Jones, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association, which produces VIBE. “From sail and power yachts for sale and charter, to fishing, diving, and watersports, VIBE reflects the full marine lifestyle of the USVI. Bringing Captain Don to VIBE allows us to inspire young people and support a vibrant, sustainable future for the Virgin Islands’ maritime community.”
Photo: Captain Don Dingman travels to boat shows around the USA to host his Kids Fishing Clinics. Credit: Hook the Future.
Inspiring the Next Generation – Kids & Families can “Hook the Future”
Captain Don Dingman’s kids’ fishing clinics – which will take place Friday, May 15, at 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – are open and free to children of all ages. Each registered participant will receive a complimentary rod and reel, along with hands-on instruction in the basics of fishing, designed to be fun, welcoming, and accessible to families across the Virgin Islands. Families need to register in advance at www.vibe.vi by clicking the “Buy Tickets” link and selecting a clinic session. Children and families are welcome to attend regardless of whether they plan to visit the show itself.
“Parents think there must be a catch, and instead they receive real tips that help them catch fish, and more importantly, learn another way to enjoy quality time with their kids while creating lifelong memories. Fishing is one of the few sports that families can all enjoy together. The fish don’t know who’s holding the rod. Kids can catch fish too, if given the chance,” says Dingman.
A lifelong mariner and respected angler, he founded the TV show “Hook the Future” after the tragic loss of his 21-year-old son, Brian, in 2004 and has since dedicated his work to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of young anglers.
“We jumped at the opportunity to be involved with VIBE. It’s taking place at one of the most beautiful places on the planet, with great people, and unbelievable fishing. How could we say no?”
The clinics reflect a core value of VIBE and of the Virgin Islands maritime community: ensuring access, education, and inspiration for the next generation of ocean stewards.
Members of the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club will also participate in VIBE, sharing information about recreational fishing programs and conservation initiatives in partnership with the USVI Department of Fish and Wildlife. Founded in 1963, the Club will host its annual kids fishing tournament on October 3, 2026, as well as family-friendly Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), Billfish and Wahoo tournaments on April 12, July TBD, and November 15, respectively.
“The USVI is a hot spot for fishing year-round, with large pelagic species here such as blue and white marlin, as well as good eating gamefish such as tuna, wahoo, and dolphin,” says Kelvin Bailey, Jr., President of the Club’s Board of Directors.
Photo: The Axopar 29 CCX set up for fishing. The model will be on display at VIBE 2026. Courtesy: Sagramoso Yachting.
Luxury Yachts and the Boating Lifestyle
At the heart of VIBE is a showcase of luxury yachts available for viewing and sea trials in the Virgin Islands’ renowned world-class cruising grounds. Attendees will find globally recognized brands such as Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Pursuit, Grady White, Bali, Tiara, and Axopar.
“We enjoy the opportunity to meet potential clients face to face,” says Roberto Sagramoso, of Sagramoso Yachting, exclusive dealer for Axopar in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with an office in Compass Point Marina, St. Thomas. The company will be exhibiting an Axopar 37 and an Axopar 29 CCX. “Both are super modern, efficient, and comfortable boats. They maximize seating and interior space, and each has a head and an area to sleep. They are also boats proven to last for thousands of hours. The Axopar 29 CCX version is designed specifically for fishing, with an extended range, full-length windshield, baitwell with tackle station, and a huge open space for fishing activities.”
In addition to yachts on display, VIBE also features a marine vendor expo, culinary experiences, cultural entertainment, and educational seminars on yacht ownership and chartering throughout the event. vibe.vi/schedule-of-events/
Photo: Sunset from the Restaurant at The Mafolie Hotel. Courtesy The Mafolie Hotel.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets for VIBE 2026 are on sale now at vibe.vi/tickets. All tickets include yacht tours and access to the air-conditioned Harbor360 Vendor Expo, complete with a complimentary beverage, live music, and cultural performances.
Travel to St. Thomas is easy, with direct commercial flights from major US cities and expanded regional service. Southwest Airlines launched daily nonstop flights from Orlando on February 5, 2026, with service from Baltimore-Washington starting February 7. Additionally, commercial carriers offering direct service to St. Thomas include American Airlines (Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York), Delta (Atlanta, New York), JetBlue (Boston, San Juan), Spirit (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), United (Houston, Newark, Washington-Dulles), and Frontier (San Juan). Regionally, air connectivity remains strong through Cape Air, Air Sunshine, Fly the Whale, SKYhigh Dominicana, and Seaborne Airlines, which continue to serve St. Thomas from neighboring islands.
Several St. Thomas hotels are offering special VIBE discounts, including The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, the Westin & Buoy House Frenchman’s Reef, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Bluebeard’s Castle Resort, the Pink Palm Hotel, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, the Mary Anne Boutique Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Yacht Haven, Hotel 1829, and the Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant. Discount codes are on the VIBE website.
“We love hosting VIBE attendees and participants,” says Stephen McGonigle, Managing Partner of Bowline Hospitality Group, which owns and operates the Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant. “For them, there’s nothing like waking up after a comfortable night’s sleep, having a free hot breakfast overlooking Yacht Haven from our elevation at 866-feet, then catching a short cab ride down to what promises to be a great show. We’d recommend booking early as we’re seeing record guest stays this year on the island.”
The Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant offers a 20% discount; use code VIBE for booking. www.mafolie.com or call (340) 774-2790.
For full VIBE event details, exhibitor information, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.vibe.vi
To learn more about the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), visit www.vipca.org
Photo: Virgin Islands cultural entertainment is always a big hit at VIBE. Credit: MediaBoostVI.
About VIPCA
The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, supporting, and protecting the charter yacht industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands. VIPCA advocates for the sustainable growth of the sector, working closely with local businesses, the government, and the community to ensure a thriving maritime economy.
