British Virgin Islands (bvi) Sailing Charters

By Author: Leo D. Cangelosi
Total Articles: 6
Comment this article

Without a doubt, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is one of the world's great charter vacation areas. Located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, this group of more than 50 islands and cays has earned its well-deserved reputation as premiere sailing territory. Some of its many enticements for sailing adventurists include white-sand beaches, boutique shopping, excellent dining options, stunning snorkeling, luxury waterfront resorts and beautiful restaurants located on the water.


With a BVI sailing charter, sailors can explore a multitude of islands in a relaxed manner, including the big islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada, renowned for its lobster that many fishermen still catch by free diving, sometimes as deep as 60 feet. Of course there are other, more intimate islands to explore as well, many of them uninhabited.


BVI sailing charters are well known as relaxed and family-friendly vacations, due to the optimal mix of consistent trade wins, line-of-sight navigation and simple deep-water island hops. There are also plenty of sheltered anchorages. All together, sailing ...
... charters in the BVI are great for both first-timers and more experienced sailors.


To understand a little about the serenity of the BVI, consider that they are not only lush and beautiful, but also the height of buildings is restricted to being no taller than a palm tree, accenting, rather than interfering with, the bucolic landscape. The social aspects of the BVI are enhanced by the absence of direct flights from other countries, so the islands are not over-crowded with tourists. Those you do meet will hail from the sea as they make land excursions from their yachts, BVI sailing charters, and island-hopping ferries.


Here is a closer look at the four most popular island destinations to consider visiting with a BVI sailing charter.


Tortola Island is the biggest island (at 26 square kms) with the largest population. It also has the most shops, restaurants, hotels and yacht charter operators, along with some great rain forest. The best beaches are on the northern coast, including Smuggler's cove, Cand Garden Bay, Long Bay, Josiah's Bay, Brewer's Bay, and Lambert beach. There's also surfing, kite boarding, scuba diving, windsurfing, hiking and more.


Virgin Gorda is the second most populated island (third in geographical size) in the BVI. Spanish Town, on the island's southwestern side, is the island's main town. Virgin Gorda is a major tourist destination in the BVI due to “The Baths,” an unusual geologic formation. The Bath features giant granite boulders, sometimes resting on top of one another, that form stunning scenic grottoes that are open to the sea. A great destination for BVI sailing charters.


Anegada is the only inhabited BVI formed from limestone and coral. The others are formed by volcanic action. For that reason, Anegada is close to sea level and flat, where the other islands are mountainous. In fact, the name Anegada translates to “the drowned land.” It's best known for its white sand beaches that extend for miles on end, and the Horseshoe Reef, the fourth largest coral reef in the world. Fly fishermen are frequent visitors for the multitudes of bonefish along the south shore flats.


Jost Van Dyke, at about 3 square miles (8 sq. km), sits as the smallest of the four main islands. Great Harbor draws the most visitors. Small bars and restaurants line the harbor, including the world-famous Foxy's Bar. Nearby, at the famous Soggy Dollar Bar (where purportedly the drink called the Painkiller was invented), still doesn't have a dock, so patrons set anchor, then swim to shore and pay for libations with wet money.


Leo D. Cangelosi is a freelance writer for Barecat Yacht Charters, a leader among BVI Yacht Charters. To learn more about BVI Sailing and Bareboat Charters, please visit us on the web.