Tips for Sailing in the BVI – 9 Useful Advice!

When it comes to glamorous sailing destinations, the British Virgin Islands have created a special niche for themselves, rivaling the very best in the world, including the Mediterranean.

These islands witness high traffic of sailing boats throughout the year, especially from the US and Europe.

The upshot of BVIs’ popularity as a sailing destination has been a well-developed infrastructure catering to most of the demands of sailors.

Nevertheless, I always recommend doing your own homework and research prior to a sailing trip in order to ensure a hassle-free and memorable holiday.

In this article, I am going to talk about the essential tips for sailing in the BVI so that you have a trip of a lifetime.

1. BVI Cruising Guide

The best way to familiarize yourself with the sailing experience in BVIs is via a reliable guidebook.

Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Nancy and Simon Scott has been the go-to option for scores of sailors planning a trip to this beautiful Caribbean destination.

You should be able to buy the latest edition of this book either online at retailers such as Amazon or at your local bookstore.

The book itself is a veritable exhaustive guide on a varied list of subjects, including the best anchoring and mooring facilities in the region and fees charged by them, and important customs, immigration, and environmental regulations.

In addition, the book also provides a handy guide to the best spots for water sports and entertainment, shoreside facilities such as restaurants, internet cafes, bars, provision shops, and miscellaneous directories for most of the islands.

With a copy of the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands, you can easily plan an itinerary within your budget and sail confidently.

2. Plan Your Itinerary

While it is true that people sail for the freedom it affords them about choosing the destinations based on their last-minute whims, I would recommend that you carefully plan your itinerary with some scope for last-minute changes.

This is especially true for those who are on a budget aboard a chartered yacht and, want to see and enjoy as many places as possible.

Planning your itinerary allows you to see and do more within the limited time you have and also ensures that you get the best deals through discounts offered on early reservations.

While it is important to plan your itinerary, make sure that you have provided some latitude of a day or two.

After all, sailing has a rhythm of its own, and scheduled trips are not always completed on time.

Map for planing a trip

3. Anchorage

If you are sailing to the BVI in prime tourist season, then it would be a good idea to make sure you are never too late when it comes to anchoring.

Anchoring in murky waters is a tricky task at the best of times, and ideally, you should have a wide-open approach so that there’s room for errors.

Arriving early with plenty of light would also allow you to dive into the water and get a visual inspection.

Similarly, arriving early would allow you the opportunity to get prime public mooring spots.

Make sure to inquire about public moorings, as having your boat moored at a private facility may mean having to leave when the owner arrives.

Marina in the BVI

4. The Most Frequent Route

While every sailing trip ought to be unique and cater to the specific tastes of the touring party, there are certain routes and attractions that are simply not to be missed when you are in the BVI.

On a typical seven-day long sailing trip, you should look to traverse through iconic landmarks such as the Norman Islands through Sir Francis Drake Channel, Cooper Islands to the Bitter End of Virgin Gorda, Beef Island, Jost van Dyke, Peter Island, and Tortola, in that sequence.

This route would allow you to enjoy not only a celebrated sailing route but also some of the most popular restaurants and bars in the region.


5. Check the Water

Living aboard a sailing boat is different from your home in many different ways, as things you take for granted otherwise, such as water, are in limited supply.

In other words, it is extremely important that you and other charterers are prudent in their usage of this precious commodity, especially during long sailing passages.

Filling up your water tank means paying a visit to the dock and paying an exorbitant price for the same.

However, if you make certain behavioral changes, such as bathing in the ocean and finishing with a sprinkle of fresh water at the end, then you could sail for longer on a limited supply.


6. Don’t Miss Anegada

Anegada, also known as Beef Island, is an iconic BVI destination noted for its pristine, unbroken beaches, captivating flamingos, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots due to its rich coral reefs.

On the other hand, beginners are not allowed to sail here as the approach is tricky, and authorities do everything to protect the large coral field.

However, if you are aboard a chartered boat skippered by an experienced professional, you should be able to enjoy this enchanting island.

Beach in Anegada island

7. Check the Weather

The weather in this region is warm throughout the year, and the peak tourist season starts in December, which rings in the spring regatta.

The season lasts until February. However, while the region is ideal for sailing most time of the year, it is important that you have a VHF set to keep track of the weather report and plan your trips accordingly, especially if you sail in September and October as the hurricanes occur at that time of the year!

8. Best Activities

One of the appeals of the entire BVI for sailors around the world is that it offers something to everyone.

For those nature nuts who want to experience the marine life up close, the region is blessed with some stunning coral reefs and diving spots.

The spectacular weather, dreamy turquoise waters, and pleasant winds are perfect for those who want to simply take in nature at its finest.

For those who have a taste for a wider lifestyle, the many islands in this region have some happening bars and restaurants to dance until dawn.

In addition, there are luxurious resorts that offer an international shopping experience for those in need of retail therapy.

People on the beach in the BVI

9. Best Places to Eat

The BVI is a veritable haven for foodies, endowed as it is with cheap and abundant seafood. You will find exciting local cuisine through the many islands, with a predominance of seafood.

However, there are also several expats who have settled here and run their own establishments offering cuisine from around the world.

If you are feeling a little homesick and crave a comforting hamburger, you can be sure that you find it here.

In particular, Soggy’s Dollar Bar, Corsairs Beach Bar, and Foxy’s are some of the most celebrated restaurants in the region, offering a diverse and exciting menu.

Formentera_beach_restaurant-min

Conclusion

Hopefully, by now, you have a clearer idea of the items you need to take care of as you plan the exciting trip to BVI.

As mentioned earlier, BVI is a prime sailing destination and, therefore, has an infrastructure to cater to all your demands.

Nevertheless, paying heed to the tips provided above would help you not only enjoy a hassle-free sailing trip but also help you stay within your budget.

Do you know other tips to sail in the BVI?. If so, feel free to share them in the comments below.

8 thoughts on “Tips for Sailing in the BVI – 9 Useful Advice!”

  1. This is an outstanding article and very informative. I had never actually thought about the fact that approach and anchoring off such islands can be tricky due to coral reef, but it makes complete sense!

    You really covered all of the right points here in this article of things to make sure to consider prior to this or I’d imagine any other Sailing trip. I would not have thought about getting in early to get the best anchoring spots, or to have more room for anchoring evolutions. Thanks so much for a very well-written article!

    Mike

    Reply
    • Hi Mike,

      I am glad you found my article helpful, this is the purpose of the article.

      It is very important to know all these details when planning a sailing trip, it really helps:)

      Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day!

      Reply
  2. I think you information is great….what if I wanted to air B and B hop the BVI? Do you have any recommendations on great places to stay? or is that our of your relm? I think it would be fun! Would you recommend going with a group? or just a small bunch?

    Reply
    • Hi Jason,

      Thank you for the comment:)

      I will be adding soon articles about the best places to stay as well.

      It depends on what you are looking for. If you want to have an intimate sailing trip, then you should opt for a small bunch and if you want to have fun with friends, then, go with a group. It is as simple as that:)

      Have a fantastic day!

      Reply
  3. Daniella’s cruising sea site shows just how passionate sailing and cruising to some of the best places is and it shows in her site.
    her site gives advice on all relative subjects, from how to sail to how to stay safe and to making the correct choices with life jackets.
    Her site is well presented, clear content with photos any very easy to work your way through.

    Reply
    • Hi Peter,

      Thank you for the kind comment, I really appreciate and I am very happy that you see passion through the content:)

      Have a fonderful day!

      Reply
  4. Growing up as a live-a-board about a Tayana 37 then a Fountaine Pajot 42, sailing around every Cape our globe has to offer and completing 1.5 circumnavigations I feel I can offer some great sailing advice. Working on Virgin Gorda and my favorite Tortola, I can also offer some great eatery’s on the islands.
    First off, you have nailed it on the head with these helpful BVI tips. Unfortunately, there’s just too much to list to give more. There’s nowhere I have been that is like the BVI, especially Tortola. I lived there for several years until meeting a love and becoming a dirt dweller on the mainland.
    You have an amazing site here and anyone considering doing some sailing in the tropics, I will send them your way. You can always tell a sailer by the boats they talk about and you my love…you definitely got salt in your veins. Safe travels, full sails, and full glasses!

    Reply
    • Hi Jair,

      Living aboard a yacht should be exciting, you surely had a great time! I agree with you when you say there are so many tips to give. The list would be way too long! But the most important ones have been listed in the article, which is quite enough to have a pleasant sailing trip:)

      You must have a lot of knowledge if you live in the BVI, and you are welcome to share your experiences with all the passionates of the sea world. It will without a doubt help many to plan their trip. Can’t wait to hear from you:)
      That would be a wonderful idea to share this site with some friends of yours:)

      Thank you very much for this kind comment and I wish you a fantastic day!

      Every source flows to the sea!

      Reply

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