Sailing & Boating in the BVI - British Virgin Islands

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Blue fills your sail.

Constant trade winds fill your mainsail. The Sir Francis Drake channel stretches out in front of you. These are the British Virgin Islands, and whether you’re a first-time sailor or an experienced captain, your first mate will be the endless ocean and the inviting blue sky.

The BVI- the center of the sailing world. With consistent winds, clear blue water, sunshine every day, and islands close enough to navigate by sight, the BVI is a sailor’s paradise. From the main capital island of Tortola, sailors have incredible variety in a cruising area that is about 32 miles long and 15 miles wide. A sailing vacation allows for the ultimate freedom in exploring the sixty islands and endless number of cays, harbours, anchorages and moorings that make up the BVI. Host to many yacht clubs, the BVI Spring Regatta features more than 100 yachts in three days of exciting festivities and competition.

Crewed Charters

Vacationers to the BVI can charter any type of boat such as catamarans, monohull sailboats and power boats from the many charter companies located throughout the BVI. View the listings below to contact the BVI’s various crewed charter operators.

Hire a captain and crew and charter a catamaran, monohull sailboat, or power boat and sail BVI! Vacationers to the British Virgin Islands can charter any type of boat from the many charter companies located here. These include monohull or catamaran sailboats as well as powerboats. View the listings below to contact the BVI's various crewed charter operators.

Bareboat Charters

Vacationers to the British Virgin Islands can charter any type of boat from the many bareboat charter companies located here. These include monohull or catamaran sailboats as well as powerboats. View the listings below to contact the BVI's various bareboat charter operators.

Day Sailing

BVI Day Sailors range from roomy schooners to wide-decked multihulls. There are also a number of monohulls ranging in size from 34 to more than 80 feet which specialize in small groups and customized itineraries. Many boats offer half day cruises in addition to full days and some offer discounted rates for children. Sunset cruises are also a popular option. They generally depart mid-afternoon and return in the early evening. Crews of most of the day sail yachts will regale passengers with island facts and lore of the legendary BVI.

Dozens of day sailing yachts ply the BVI waters, catering to those staying in the islands' numerous hotels and guest houses.

A day out on the water is an invigorating experience. As the captain cuts the engine and hoists the sails, there is a feeling of casting one's cares to the wind and the thrill of journeying to an unknown destination. Most day charter yachts provide lunch on board or at an out-island restaurant, as well as snorkel gear and instruction. And if you have never snorkeled before, go anyway! Day sail crews will generally show you how.

Powerboating

Explore the BVI's most remote areas and secluded beaches by a power boat. Companies on Tortola and Virgin Gorda will rent an unmanned boat for the day, all you need is some power boat experience. Other charter companies specialize in power boat day- sails, which come complete with crew and in most instances, lunch and drinks. Boats can range from a zippy inflatable that will whisk passengers from island to island, to a sedate luxury trawler. In addition, a number of water taxis will take passengers to the destination of their choice. Your hotel can help make all the arrangements.

For more information on everything you need to know about the marine services and charter industries in the BVI, please visit the Marine Association of the British Virgin Islands at www.marinebvi.com.

Current Weather Conditions

Partly Cloudy
82 º F / 28 º C
86º F / 30º C
From the East, 9.2 mph
70%
http://weather.gov/

Sailing Itinerary

There are many wonderful sailing charters available in the BVI. You can choose a bareboat charter or a crewed yacht. Take your choice of monohull, catamaran or luxury yacht. You can plan the sailing vacation of your dreams. Here are suggestions for things you don’t want to miss when boating in the BVI.

Day One

Depart dock and set sail for The Caves, off Norman Island. If you have a crewed vessel, they can cast off before you even wake up and you can arise to the smell of coffee and salt air. Have your breakfast underway.

Don your snorkeling gear and jump over the side. This site has four caves whose walls are covered in sponges, and schools of fish surge through.

Pull up anchor and head over to Peter Island for some lunch and a tour of the property.

Back on board in the afternoon, sail to Salt Island and Ginger Island then dock at Cooper Island. Freshen up for the evening and go onshore for a tour of the island. Dine at one of the establishments on land, or head back to your vessel where your crew is cooking up some delicious local fare like fish and fungi. Fungi is cornmeal and okra, prepared like a polenta, and yummy!

Dessert and after dinner cocktails on board, then tie up to a mooring for the night.

Day Two

Depart from Cooper Island to the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Drop anchor and have your breakfast surrounded by incredible natural beauty. When you’re ready, go off for some exploring and snorkeling in a path of glowing underground pools and caverns. The Baths are one of the most iconic locations in the BVI

After you dry off and dress, head over to Spanish Town for some lunch and a tour, and some shopping! Experience the island's exquisite cuisine, a wonderful combination of all its influences, and explore the variety of shops offering local arts and crafts, as well as gifts, resort wear, and souvenirs.

Back on board, local fish and conch salad are on the menu. Sip on cocktails as the sun sets, and it’s lights-out early on a perfect day.

Day Three

Sail to Guana Island, with breakfast on the way. Guana is a private island, so you can’t go ashore without invitation. But the island itself is worth a look from the water. It’s an amazing blend of clear turquoise water, primitive rock formations, huge cactus and tropical plants.

Lunch is on-board while enjoying a breathtaking sail to Jost Van Dyke. You’ll see Sandy Cay and Sandy Spit on the way. They are prefect little islands ringed by glowing white sand beaches. You’ll be tempted to stop and explore. It’s all right; they’re open to the public.

Dock at Great Harbor in Jost Van Dyke. Take an ATV tour of the island and up to Bubbly Pool on the East End. Remember to make your dinner reservations for Foxy’s by 5:00!

Foxy’s is famous worldwide for it’s outgoing host. He will entertain you with Calypso music while you dine on delicious local fare and fresh seafood. Foxy likes to say that “you can dance on the tables and sleep on the beach.” Or you can go back to your boat – we won’t tell.

Day Four

Breakfast onboard while sailing to Road Town in Tortola. Enjoy a day of shopping, dining and exploring. Now you should have some ideas on what you’d like to do for the rest of your charter, or ask your crew or the locals for some tips. You can’t go wrong; you’re in the Sailing Capital of the Caribbean!