The British Virgin Islands are a prime location for sailing, but there are many questions about how to sail in the BVI.
It would be fantastic if weather and sea conditions remained uniform all year round, but even paradise has fluctuations.
This raises the question of when the best time is to sail. You will also need to know what qualifications are needed for sailing, which islands are worth the journey, and which yacht should be sailed in the BVI.
Developing a game plan before venturing out is always a good strategy and saves you from any unexpected last-minute preparations.
The Best Times to Sail in the BVI
The best time to visit the BVI depends on what you’re seeking to avoid. Some people want to avoid crowds, while others simply want to stay safe and wait out hurricane season.
It is better to avoid hurricane season, even if that is not your main concern, so that leaves before and after season sailing.
Hurricane season runs from June-November, but many sailors will not begrudge themselves a few weeks in the beginning and the end of the season, though a threat still exists.
When it comes to crowds, summer months enjoy lighter tourism due to the heat, which is ideal for a sailor looking to get away from the logjam of people descending on the islands.
The best of both worlds (few tourists and calm weather) occurs from April to June. You will also find everything is cheaper that time of year.
Required Qualifications to Sail in the BVI
The BVI requires sailors to fill out a sort of questionnaire that is designed to determine their level of expertise before deciding if they are qualified to captain their charter.
If you lack experience, there are licensing schools in the BVI that can get you up to speed within a week.
3 Beautiful Islands to Explore
it’s difficult to narrow down the best islands in the BVI, but there are certainly a few standouts.
Marina Cay
This little white sand island is a getaway from your getaway. The island is nestled within a lagoon surrounded by coral and green water.
A perfect, family-friendly spot where you can snorkel, windsurf, or kayak in peace, Marina Cay is a hidden jewel among the jewel-hued waters in which it is surrounded.
Peter Island
The largest island in the BVI, Peter Island, is home to a more festive scene. In addition to pristine white sand beaches and a vast marina, Peter Island has performances by Caribbean musicians and dancers and serves some of the best local cuisines to be found in the BVI.
Virgin Gorda
Nearly as large as Peter Island, Virgin Gorda is home to many grottoes and beaches that are strewn with enormous boulders (always fun for a photo!) This is a fun island to explore in and out of the water.
Recommended Yacht to Sail in the BVI
Bareboat sailing is probably the most pleasurable way to sail in the BVI, but if you are a novice or not up to par, a crewed sailing yacht may be a better choice for charter.
Any sailing yacht would be perfect as long as you are comfortably skippering it. For crewed vessels, just be sure whatever you choose meets all of your needs for the duration of your trip.
Want to Know More About the BVI?
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Have you already sailed in the BVI? Please share your experience in the comments just below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Wow Daniella! Your images make me want to go there immediately. Your advice is really encouraging for a novice like me. Thank you so much for this enticing information. Cheers, Fiona.
Hi Fiona,
Thank you for the compliment and for passing by!
Hope to see you soon and have a great day
Hey Daniella, never been to the British Virgin Islands before, looks impressive.
Hi Paul,
Maybe it’s time to think about it!
Thank you for passing by
Have an awesome day