Sailing the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a dream for many, but venturing beyond the popular spots reveals a whole new level of Caribbean magic. This guide dives into some of the BVI’s hidden coves and underrated islands, providing you with the insights needed to craft an unforgettable sailing adventure.
Discovering the Charm of Anegada
Anegada, the northernmost of the BVI, stands apart from its volcanic siblings. It’s a flat coral and limestone island, a characteristic that contributes to its pristine, white-sand beaches and abundant marine life. Often overlooked, Anegada offers a tranquil escape from the bustling anchorages and crowded bars found elsewhere in the BVI. Getting to Anegada requires a bit more planning, as it’s further offshore and the approach involves navigating a marked channel through the reefs. Consider checking the latest charts and consulting with local experts on navigation conditions. You’ll often find conditions ideal but it’s always best to be prepared. The distance deters some boaters, contributing to its unspoiled charm.
Getting There: From Tortola, Anegada is approximately a 15-mile sail northeast. Expect the journey to take 2-3 hours, depending on wind conditions. Be aware of the reef surrounding the island and rely on a GPS chartplotter and visual cues to navigate the marked channel safely. Many charter companies will require specific approval to sail to Anegada, due to the navigational challenges, so be sure to check with them beforehand.
Things to Do: Anegada is famous for its lobster, so a visit to Cow Wreck Beach or Potter’s by the Sea is a must. Both offer delicious grilled lobster meals and a relaxed beachside atmosphere. Beyond dining, Anegada’s vast flats are a haven for bonefishing, attracting anglers from around the world. Snorkeling or diving at Loblolly Bay reveals vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. Don’t miss the chance to explore the island’s interior by renting a scooter or jeep. You can visit the flamingo pond (yes, flamingos in the BVI!) and explore the intriguing Anegada Rock Iguana Headstart Facility, which plays a vital role in protecting this endangered species.
Cost: Expect to spend around $30-$50 per person for a lobster dinner. Scooter rentals average around $40-$50 per day. Mooring fees are similar to other locations in the BVI, typically around $30-$40 per night.
Exploring Jost Van Dyke Beyond White Bay
While White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is legendary for its Soggy Dollar Bar and Painkillers, the island holds much more to offer. Venture west to discover secluded anchorages and authentic Caribbean experiences. Great Harbour, the main town of Jost Van Dyke, is a charming alternative to the more touristy White Bay.
Great Harbour: Unlike the lively, beach-centric White Bay, Great Harbour offers a glimpse into local life. The anchorage is generally well-protected, providing a comfortable overnight stay. Here, you’ll find local restaurants serving authentic Caribbean cuisine, as well as laid-back bars where you can mingle with residents. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, a Jost Van Dyke institution, is known for its legendary New Year’s Eve parties and live music. Even outside of the holiday revelry, Foxy’s offers a fun and festive atmosphere, along with delicious local dishes. Exploring the town on foot is easy and rewarding, providing opportunities to discover local crafts, souvenir shops, and historic buildings.
Little Jost Van Dyke: A short dinghy ride from Great Harbour, Little Jost Van Dyke boasts intriguing ruins and secluded beaches. The “Bubbly Pool” at the east end of the island is formed by waves crashing over rocks, creating a natural jacuzzi. The hike to the Bubbly Pool is scenic and relatively easy, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be rocky. Sandy Cay, a tiny uninhabited island just off Jost Van Dyke, is also worth a visit. It’s a picture-perfect tropical paradise with pristine white sand and swaying palm trees, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Cost: A taxi from Great Harbour over to White Bay will cost around $8-$10 per perosn. Mooring fees are similiar to other islands, around $30-$40 a night. Drinks and food cost is comparible to other islands, around $8-$12 per cocktail and entrees from $20-$30.
The Secluded Beauty of Guana Island
Guana Island is a private island and nature reserve, offering a unique opportunity for secluded exploration and unparalleled tranquility. While access is limited to guests of the Guana Island resort or those with special permission, if you have the opportunity to visit, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. The island is dedicated to preserving its natural environment, making it a haven for wildlife and a pristine paradise for nature lovers.
Exploring the Island: Guana Island’s hiking trails wind through lush tropical forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. The island is home to a variety of native plants and animals, including rare birds, iguanas, and tortoises. You can often swim with sea turtles and manta rays in the secluded bays. The island boasts seven pristine beaches, each offering soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. The resort on Guana Island is known for its commitment to sustainability, and its guests are encouraged to participate in conservation efforts such as beach cleanups and wildlife monitoring.
Cost: Since it is a private island, you cannot simply visit the island on your own. Stays at the private resort will range from $800-$2000+ a night.
Cooper Island: A Sustainable Gem
Cooper Island is a small, eco-conscious island renowned for its pristine beach, excellent snorkeling, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Located just off the southern coast of Tortola, Cooper Island offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the larger and busier islands in the BVI. It’s a popular spot for sailors seeking a tranquil anchorage and a chance to connect with nature.
Manchioneel Bay: The main anchorage on Cooper Island is Manchioneel Bay, a sheltered cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The snorkeling here is exceptional, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. The Cooper Island Beach Club, the main establishment on the island, is dedicated to sustainable practices. They generate their own electricity through solar power, desalinate seawater for their water supply, and implement various recycling and composting programs. The Cooper Island Beach Club Rum Bar boasts an impressive selection of over 280 different rums from around the world. You can enjoy a rum tasting, sample unique cocktails, or simply relax with a favorite spirit while taking in the stunning views. Their restaurant offers a delicious menu featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Snorkeling and Diving: The wreck of the Marie L, a small freighter that sank off the coast of Cooper Island in the 1990s, is a popular dive site. The wreck is located in relatively shallow water, making it accessible to both snorkelers and divers. It’s teeming with marine life, including barracudas, groupers, and colorful coral formations. The calm, clear waters of Manchioneel Bay are also perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. The Cooper Island Beach Club rents paddleboards and offers lessons for beginners.
Cost: Mooring fees are similiar to other island, around $30-$40 a night. Lunch and dinner entrees at the Beach Club range from $25-$40 per plate.
Norman Island: Beyond The Caves
Norman Island, rumored to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” is a popular destination known for its caves and sheltered anchorages. While the caves are a must-see, Norman Island offers even more opportunities for exploration and adventure.
The Bight: The Bight is a large, well-protected bay offering numerous mooring balls. It’s a popular anchorage, but the sheer size of the bay means you can usually find a spot, even during peak season. Willy T, a floating bar and restaurant, is a notorious attraction anchored in The Bight. Known for its lively atmosphere and “jump-off-the-top-deck” tradition, Willy T is a fun but often raucous experience. Live bands play well into the night. For a quieter experience, anchor further down the bay. Pirates Bight, located on the south side of the bay, offers a more relaxed atmosphere. It features a beach bar, restaurant, and water sports rentals. The snorkeling off Pirates Bight is excellent, providing opportunities to see a variety of colorful fish and coral formations. Hike up to the top of Spyglass Hill for panoramic views of The Bight and the surrounding islands. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to navigate.
The Caves: The caves at the western end of Norman Island are the island’s most famous attraction. These underwater caves are accessible by swimming or dinghy. They are teeming with marine life, including colorful sponges, corals, and schools of fish. Snorkeling or diving in the caves is an unforgettable experience. It’s best to visit the caves early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Cost: Mooring fees in The Bight are similar to other anchorages, $30 – $40 a night. Drinks and food at Willy T can be pricy and the overall cost will depend on how long you stay, but expect over $10 – $12 a drink.
Virgin Gorda’s North Sound: A Playground for Sailors
While The Baths are Virgin Gorda’s most iconic attraction, the island’s North Sound offers a vast playground for sailors with numerous anchorages, secluded beaches, and world-class resorts. Exploring North Sound allows you to experience a different side of Virgin Gorda, away from the crowds and tourist hotspots.
Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC): After being rebuilt after Hurricane Irma, the Bitter End Yacht Club is once again a thriving hub for sailors. It offers a variety of amenities, including a marina, restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals. The Club boasts new, modern facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of North Sound.
Saba Rock: Saba Rock, a tiny island in the middle of North Sound, is home to a popular bar and restaurant. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and underwater lights that attract marine life at night. You’re guaranteed to spot tarpon swimming around. Saba Rock is a must-visit for sailors looking for a fun and festive evening.
Prickly Pear Island: Prickly Pear Island is a designated national park that offers pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling, and hiking trails. Vixen Point, on the east side of the island, is a popular anchorage with calm, clear waters. The beaches on Prickly Pear are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and shell collecting. The snorkeling around the island is excellent, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The little beach shack offers snacks and local drinks.
Eustatia Sound: One of the most scenic stretches of water in the BVI, Eustatia Sound is a mostly shallow expanse with a number of small islets and reefs. It is considered a kiteboarding mecca. If you are a kitesurfer, this area will blow your mind with its vast flats and constant wind.
Cost: Mooring fees and dining and drink range in price depending on which area of North Sound you are in. Saba Rock is a must-do experience, and lunch or dinner will run around $40-$60 per person. The Bitter End Yacht Club is the most expensive area, and food and drinks will run in the same range. Prickly Pear has a more relaxed bar with snacks and drinks, and prices are lower than the other two spots.
Setting Sail on Your BVI Adventure: Practical Tips
Planning a sailing trip to the BVI requires careful consideration of several factors, including the time of year, the type of boat you want to charter, and your sailing experience. Here’s some practical advice to help you plan your adventure.
Choosing the Right Time of Year: The best time to sail the BVI is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, the weather is typically sunny and dry, with consistent trade winds. The hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s best to avoid sailing during these months. Keep in mind that prices are generally higher during the peak season (December to April).
Selecting a Charter Company: Numerous charter companies operate in the BVI, offering a wide range of boats and services. Consider your budget, group size, and sailing experience when choosing a charter company. Research different companies and read reviews before making a decision. Some popular charter companies include The Moorings, Sunsail, and Dream Yacht Charter.
Choosing Your Boat: The type of boat you charter will depend on your budget, group size, and sailing preferences. Catamarans are popular in the BVI due to their spaciousness, stability, and shallow draft, which allows them to access shallow bays and anchorages. Monohulls are generally more affordable, but they offer less space and can be less stable in rough seas. Consider hiring a captain if you’re not comfortable navigating the waters of the BVI yourself.
Essential Provisions: Stock up on essential provisions before you set sail. You can purchase groceries and supplies at supermarkets in Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Consider purchasing a cruising guide to the BVI, which provides valuable information about anchorages, navigation, and points of interest. Download navigation apps on your phone or tablet. Make sure that you have proper sunscreen, clothes and anything that you can’t live without, because some items may not be available in the islands.
Cost of a BVI Sailing Vacation: Budgeting Tips
A sailing vacation in the BVI can range in price depending on the time of year, the type of boat you charter, and your spending habits. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved.
Charter Fees: Charter fees typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 per week, depending on the size and type of boat. Catamarans are generally more expensive than monohulls. Bareboat charters (where you sail the boat yourself) are typically less expensive than crewed charters (where a captain and crew are provided).
Provisioning: Provisioning costs typically range from $500 to $1,000 per week, depending on your meal plan and drinking habits. Eating at local restaurants will increase your expenses.
Mooring Fees and Dockage: Mooring fees typically range from $30 to $50 per night. Dockage fees at marinas can be significantly higher, ranging from $2 to $5 per foot per night.
Other Expenses: Other potential expenses include fuel, water, ice, park fees, customs and immigration fees, and gratuities for the captain and crew (if applicable). Allow for an additional $500 to $1,000 per week to cover these expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to sail in the BVI?
You will need a valid passport, boat registration/documentation, and boat insurance. If you are a non-US citizen, you may also need a visa.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in the BVI?
It is generally not recommended to drink the tap water in the BVI. Most boats have water makers to convert salt water to fresh water. If you do not have a water maker, it is recommended to purchase bottled water.
What is the best way to get around the BVI?
The main mode of transportation in the BVI is by boat. You can also rent cars, scooters, or taxis on some of the larger islands.
What is the currency used in the BVI?
The official currency of the BVI is the US dollar.
What should I pack for a sailing trip to the BVI?
Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. A light jacket or sweater may be needed for cooler evenings. You don’t need to bring towels or bed linens.
References
- British Virgin Islands Tourism Board
- The Moorings
- Sunsail
- Dream Yacht Charter
Ready to trade ordinary for extraordinary? Don’t just dream about sailing the BVI – make it happen! Contact reputable charter companies, research your itinerary, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Ditch the crowded tourist traps and create unforgettable memories exploring the hidden gems of the British Virgin Islands. The turquoise waters, secluded coves, and vibrant culture await you. Your unforgettable BVI sailing escape starts now!
