The BVI has Over 60 Islands, Sunny Subtropical Weather and Trade Winds make them Ideal for Sailing
The British Virgin Islands have a renowned charm and character of their own. With over 60 picturesque islands bathed in sun and blown by the Trade Winds, they’re considered the best sailing destination of the Caribbean, if not the most idyllic. The BVI has the almost perfect sailing conditions in the Caribbean. Come sailing and see for yourselves why the BVI is considered one of the most popular sailing destinations. Here are six reasons just to get you started.
1. The History of the BVI
Steeped in Pirate myths and tales of hidden gold the names conjure up a swashbuckling past, from Dead Chest Island to Treasure Point and Little Trunk Bay, even Salt Island still pays in salt to the British Queen!
2. The Stunning Beaches
Whatever your sailing experience you’ll love a sailing holiday in the British Virgin Islands where a couple of hours sailing in the warm steady trade winds will take you to your next idyllic anchorage. There are dozens of white sandy beaches and hidden coves for you to discover on your crewed yacht charter. An amazing variety of underwater life make for fantastic snorkelling and diving.
Each hilly island is covered by lush tropical vegetation that stretches down to white sand beaches; surrounded by the calm, clear, turquoise waters which are teaming with sealife. You can watch the pelicans dive while little bait fish swim round your toes in the surf or take a snorkel dive off the back of a yacht and discover the beautiful reefs where Parrot fish nibble on the coral, and turtles glide by.
3. The Islands of the British Virgin Islands
Sailing the St Francis Drake Channel which has sheltered passages round Tortola and the islands, Norman, Peter, Salt and Cooper Island is a must. Being close to each other guarantees carefree easy sailing, with your next anchorage always in sight. For those more experienced who wish for longer passages then the Virgin Gorda to Anegada passage can take 4 hours. The largest island in the chain is Tortola (the capital), then Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and the wild coral atoll, Anegada.
4. The Yachts
BVI is home to some of the finest yachts in the world. Let us find the best sailing or motoring yacht for your needs – check out our featured yachts here.
Get in touch with us to book a crewed yacht charter for the British Virgin Islands or the Caribbean.
5. Limitless Fun
On a typical day you could leave Tortola’s pretty West End in the morning, sail out and across the channel to Jost Van Dyke. Anchor up and swim the few meters to shore to the ‘Soggy Dollar Bar’ for one of their famous Pain Killers in time for a leisurely lunch!
A must see is Virgin Gorda and the Baths, is one of the Caribbean’s oddest but most magical anomalies – a series of tiny coves of fine white sand hemmed by weird jumbles of volcanic boulders. Clamber among the rocks and through the tunnels they create, swim and be facinated by the subterranean green light. Dinghy ashore and swim through these enormous boulders and tropical green waters, they make an ideal lunch spot.
6. The Climate
The British Virgin Islands are considered the Sailing Capital of the Caribbean due to our subtropical weather with temperatures moderated by trade winds which are ideal for sailing.
There is little variation between summer and winter, rainfall is low varying from island to island, humidity levels range from 78 to 88% with the most humid months between June and August. This climate is a delight for all levels of sailors with warm steady winds. We have a comprehensive guide to what to bring with you for all eventualities.
Here is a typical Itinerary for your sailing in the British Virgin Islands.
Day 1 – Meet up with your crewed charter yacht in Tortola then sail to Norman Island. You can stop on the way at the Indians for a snorkel and then once you get to Norman, you can dingy over to the Caves for another snorkel. Spend Happy Hour on the famous floating Bar the Willy T.
Day 2 – Next morning travel from Norman Island to Cooper Island Eco resort go ashore and check out Rum Bar and swim off the beach. Stay overnight enjoying the happy hour ashore meeting other sailors and the ambience of the hotel.
Day 3 – Set sail for The Baths at Virgin Gorda, experience the wonderful giant boulders and wander the caves. After lunch set sail for Leverick Bay in the North Sound a great spot for evening meal.
Day 4 – North Sound to Anegada try and get there by noon so you can take a taxi to the north side of the island and the idyllic beaches. Anegada is famous for its flat terrain and lobster dinners. This is the place to eat ashore and enjoy the Caribbean lobsters still alive and kept until cooked to order.
Day 5 – Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. This can be a longer sail so if you have the time take a break in the beautiful half moon bay of Cane Garden Bay. Then travel on to the last leg to White Bay, Jost Van Dyke. Swim ashore to the Soggy Dollar Bay (the name says it all) and enjoy their famous pain killers.
Day 6 – Jost Van Dyke to Norman Island. Stop at the Indians and the Caves if you didn’t see them the first day. Get your Captain to dinghy round to Benures Bay where turtles like to swim.
Day 7 – Norman Island to Road Town. Too bad you are leaving!!!
There are lots of other islands and any number of ways.to circumnavigate the BVI. You may want to skip Anegada and do more short hops. Fit in a trip to Salt Island to snorkel over the Wreck of the Rhone or take a short hike. It will take more than one trip to see it all so COME AGAIN and experience the sailing bliss of BVI.
