Sample British virgin islands Itinerary
Getting to BVI and other frequently asked questions
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Getting to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) from the United States offers several convenient options. You can opt for a direct flight to Beef Island (EIS) from Miami, or you may choose to fly via San Juan, using a smaller aircraft. Alternatively, you can fly into St. Thomas and then select between scheduled public ferries or water taxis to reach the BVI.
Once in the BVI, getting to your yacht is easy with one of the many taxi’s stationed at entry ports or if using a water taxi- they could take you directly to your yacht. If arriving to WE, Tortola, usually the yacht will dinghy over to pick you up right from the dock. An exact plan will be customized for you with the crew, prior to arrival.
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BVI uses the US Dollar, making it very easy to pay and acquire money while travelling in the country.
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Yes, all of the locals speak English, albeit with a strong Caribbean accent.
Sample British Virgin Islands Sailing Charter Itinerary:
Day 1
If you are meeting your yacht in St Thomas, USVI
Sail to St John which is 60% National Park and covers much of the island both above and below water. It is home to tropical birds, fish, corals and other marine life. Have a refreshing swim in the waters at stunning Trunk Bay and then head over to Francis Bay, St John to anchor or moor for your first night aboard your yacht.
The following morning you will clear out of US customs in St Thomas and sail over to Tortola and clear into the British Virgin Islands.
If you are meeting your yacht in Tortola, BVI.
Sail the short reach to exclusive Peter Island. Here you will anchor in the pristine water at Deadman's Bay and take your first swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. After lunch aboard it's time to set sail to Salt Island and snorkel (or scuba dive) the Wreck of the Rhone, then on to Cooper Island to pick up a mooring and enjoy your first night aboard under the starry Caribbean sky.
Day 2
Wake up slowly and take a swim right off the back of your yacht. After breakfast it is time to head to The Baths, a unique formation of large boulders and one of the worlds wonders, set along the southern tip of Virgin Gorda. You can explore the rock caverns by foot where they end at the stunning Devils Bay. Bring a towel and dive in the sea! In the afternoon we sail to The North Sound, one of the BVI's watersports playgrounds. The protected waters in The North Sound make water activities including windsurfing, water-skiing, kayaking or paddle boarding easy and enjoyable. Also, take the opportunity to see some of the Virgin Islands flora and hike up to Gorda Peak, the highest point on Virgin Gorda. After all, the higher you get, the better the view!
After all the action you will be ready for appetizers and sundowners back aboard the yacht while the sun sets.
Day 3
Following breakfast, take part in an adventurous sail to Anegada, a flat coral island which is surrounded by a reef.
In long years past large ships have been lost on the reef, providing an underwater paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Anegada is home to many cows and it is said that the first cows swam to the beach after a shipwrecked on the reef.
While here, it’s worth it to rent a Moke and explore the island, which is the second largest but with only 200 residents, the least populated of the BVI’s. Don’t forget to indulge in a lobster lunch, Anegada’s main export.
Make your way back to the boat for your galley-made, gourmet dinner aboard!
Day 4
Time to haul up the anchor, raise the spinnaker and sail downwind for Monkey Bay, Guana Island. Get involved in the sailing or lay out and watch the world sail by. After snorkeling and lunch, sail along the north shore of Tortola to Cane Garden Bay, a palm lined beach with a lively Caribbean feel. Cocktail hour is best had on land in this anchorage, with its many beach bars and famous sunset!! The legendary Quito Rhymer should be playing for happy hour at Quito’s Gazebo, right off the dinghy dock.
Day 5
Set sail early for Jost Van Dyke and before you reach, drop the anchor at Sandy Cay and kayak ashore to explore the island. Then it’s off to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, home to the legendary white sandy beach and the Soggy Dollar Bar or to Great Harbour, home of the world famous Foxy's, where you are often entertained by Foxy himself. Or head to one of Jost Van Dyke’s very secluded anchorages and enjoy some R&R under the warm Caribbean sun.
Day 6
After a relaxed morning, set sail and head around Tortola’s West End where you can make a stop at Soper’s Hole which has souvenir and gift shops in a picturesque setting. Then an upwind sail to Norman Island, which is named after the infamous pirate Captain Norman, who was eventually hanged for his misdeeds! Go ashore and have a hike or just relax on the beach until it’s time to dinghy back to the boat for sunset.
Day 7
The Indians are a short sail from Norman Island and offer an excellent deep water scuba dive or cliff snorkel. The Indians are large rock pillars rising from the seabed that abound with a rich variety of fish, sponges and corals.
Depending on where you’re departing the yacht, set sail to your final evening anchorage which is close to your end port. Time to have a celebratory evening meal, cocktails and reminisce about your fun and adventurous week spent sailing the Caribbean Virgin Islands.