The following is an itinerary for a one-week trip. We would however point out that the prevailing wind and weather conditions when planning your sailing trip must be taken into account.
The BVI are also called "The little secret of nature" and because of its breathtaking beauty, probably one of the most popular of all Caribbean destinations. All bareboat yacht charter companies in Tortola provide a detailed description of the area. If you want to plan your trip, however, even before the arrival in Tortola, print-out this page.
Your sailing holiday in Tortola will start about noon. If you are well prepared, you should be able to leave the dock in Tortola something 12-2pm. The first station is within easy reach - The Bight a beautiful bay on the Norman Islands . Just make a brief stop at The Caves for snorkeling in the warm water.
Norman Island and The Caves , made famous as the inspiration for the caribbean novel by Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island".
restaurant tip: William Thornton William Thornton Floating Bar & Restaurant. "Willy - T" served Lunch served from 12:00 until 3:00. Dinner is served from 6:30 to 9:00. The bar is open from 11:30 clock until dawn. Use VHF Channel 16 for reservations.
The Indians are an excellent snorkeling and diving place just a stone's throw away! If you are not ready for physical activity, continue to sail to Peter Island and save the Indians for the last day of your sailing trips on.
On Peter Island, you will anchor in the Dead Man's Bay. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful beach or the rich lunch buffet at the beach. The prices are comparable higher, but worth it if you bring a healthy appetite! Their desserts are a gastronomic delight!
Note: The Dead Man's Bay is not recommended for an overnight anchorage. Sudden wind changes you might spoil the holiday fun
The next stop is Salt Island . It is very popular among divers for the wreck The Rhone . In the evening you sail to Cooper Island and take down a a buoy. Do not anchor! Many sailors who have tried it and have found themselves far out at sea, since the ground does not provide a good fit for the anchor. If no more buoys are free, you set sail to Trellis Bay or any other secure anchorage.
Virgin Gorda, The Baths : One of the most impressive sights in the British Virgin Islands are the Baths at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda. There are conflicting theories on how those incredible rock formations have emerged. Some say the "Baths" are remnants of a meteor shower, others suggest volcanic activity. It seems there is some evidence of lava flows that took centuries... , but geologists can you possibly say more about this.
When sailing to Gorda Sound in the afternoon you will find several restaurants and beach bars. If you want to stash some stores, fuel, water or ice, you can do this in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor and the Bitter End Yacht Club
Spend the day in North Sound . Enjoy the fantastic Island. You can enjoy lunch on the boat or visit one of the nearby restaurants. All of them are highly recommended. In the afternoon, set sail in either direction Trellis Bay, Beef Island or Marina Cay, southeast of Great Camanoe and west of Virgin Gorda.
Set sail to for the incomparable Monkey Point on Guana Island. Enjoy a leisurely day at the beach, take your picnic basket with you and visit on of the best snorkeling places in the BVI. This is a really fabulous place, and a MUST SEE!
In the afternoon sail to Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, or White Bay, Jost Van Dyke -it's a difficult decision for your crew. Suppose you have planned only a 7-day vacation, I suggest you check your Virgin Islands Cruising Guide before making the decision.
Sail morning early in the morning to Sandy Cay or Sandy Spit and Green Cay , for more great snorkeling and relaxing in the beautiful BVI sunshine. Early afternoon sail to Soper's Hole , Tortola.
If you want to make the evening a little more exclusive, set sail towards Little Harbor, Peter Island to a really nice dinner. (Gentlemen, remember to brush your jacket and tie. Ladies, you have to dress accordingly. No jeans please.)
Your BVI sailing vacation is over and the time just flew by. Plan to return to the charter base until noon or earlier. If you have time, you should enjoy your last swim or snorkeling before you leave the British Virgin Islands. Upon check-out on a charter basis, you can save time by taking notes on all problems you had during the trip.
Seven days are gone and you have probably realized that a week in the BVI is not enough. Do sit down and write a list of all those places that you would like to have seen anything like (eg Anegada) and use it to schedule your next vacation in the BVI. In particular, we would be pleased if you upload some of your vacation photos to YachtAdviser or write a customer review on the chartered yacht .