Bareboating is an experience not to miss, especially in the BVI, due to its friendly sailing ground. Many people start their sailing practices on this lovely island’s beautiful shallow clear blue water. It’s the perfect place to enjoy sailing, snorkeling, and swimming, thanks to its fantastic smooth waters.
When to Sail in the BVI?
The wind is nearly always blowing up to 15-20 knots, and for whom, like stronger winds, the winter is the ideal time to venture into the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The best time to sail in the BVI is from November through the middle of April, but it is the peak season, the rates are high, and it is much more crowded. Sailing from June through October can be very agitated since hurricanes are often present in this period of the year, but there are no crowds, and the rates are much lower.
Bareboat Charter
Bareboat charter means that you will be completely independent and responsible for the boat. It is ideal if you love freedom and want to decide on your own itinerary. Yet, bareboating is not always as easy as we think, as you’ll need to take care of the provisions, cleaning, cooking, and anchoring. In one word, you’ll be very busy. That is why it is recommended to sail with friends or some couples to help you with the maintenance of the boat.
Mooring in the BVI
The moorings are crowded during the high seasons, so it is recommended to book in advance, and best to arrive around 3:00 pm. In the low season, you can enter a little later, around 4:00 pm.. for the mooring payment; they only accept cash, so don’t forget to bring some with you.
As I have mentioned in many other blogs, a sailing certificate is not required in the BVI, but If you have one, then it is preferable to bring it with you. Most of the charter companies will require you to fill out some sailing resume and to show them your competence. They will then decide if you can handle the boat. In case they don’t accept the resume, you will have to sail with a skipper, which can also be very pleasant. Even if the sailing ground is considered as easy, for your own security, it is preferable to know how to anchor, mooring, navigate, and dock.
Do You Need a Sailing License to Sail in the BVI?
Start from Tortola
Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke are the main islands of the BVI and contain about fifty beautiful small islands which, fifteen of which are inhabited. Tortola is the largest island in the BVI as well as the highest elevated point. This island is very popular and has beautiful marinas, stores, restaurants, and bars. That is one of the reasons most travelers will start and end their sailing trip in Tortola.
The famous Baths of Virgin Gorda is one of the favorite activities on this island, but it is better to be there early in the morning or afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you like parties on the beach, culture, and beautiful shorelines, then Jost Van Dyke is the perfect place to be. Anegada is an island not to miss; almost all the travelers that sail around these islands don’t see Anegada because it is a flat coral, and it is only a few meters above sea level.
What to Do in the BVI?
As I stated above, the BVI is a very comfortable place to sail. There are plenty of anchorages; the seas are generally calm, with small waves and predictable winds. You will always end up doing something agreeable, like having a nice lunch after a great sail, having a refreshing drink in the sunset, dinner on board or ashore in one of the local restaurants, and maybe, having a party with your friends at the Foxy’s bar on Jost Van Dyke.
The Wreck of the Rhone is one of the most popular places for divers in the world, and if you are in the BVI, you surely will want to see the ship that drowned in 1867. Even for who are not divers can dive from the surface to explore this incredible site and the beautiful marine life.
Whether you are an experienced beginner or want to start a sailing course while enjoying your vacation, the BVI is by far the best place for it!
Still didn’t book your boat to the BVI? What are you waiting for? Send your inquiry now before the peak season!
Have you already bareboat charter in the BVI? Let me know in the comments 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.
