Been there? Done that in the BVI? Think again! In a recent NY Times article that listed 52 places to visit in the world during 2020, the British Virgin Islands came in at #2. There is so much to do here that you simply cannot say “I did the BVI and saw it all” in one trip. You have to take multiple trips to say you've done everything. Here is definitive guide on what to do, where to sail on a yacht charter vacation and what is newly rebuilt in the BVI in 2020. Our first visit to the Virgin Islands was in 1990 and the one thing that is consistent about these beautiful Caribbean islands is that they continually reinvent themselves as a leading travel destination.
You don't have to be a sailor to easily hop from island to island in the BVI. Just book a crewed yacht charter and let the Captain and Chef do the work for you! Visit a new island (or two) each day. Swim or stroll the white-sand beaches, explore ancient ruins or drop anchor and rock with the rhythm of the azure bays.
In our previous articles, we focused on sailing itineraries in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Now let’s take a look at what’s new in the British Virgin Islands for the upcoming 2021 yacht charter vacation sailing season.
There is a fascinating number of things to do on the islands — life here is never boring. From festivals to snorkeling & scuba diving to heart-pounding hiking trails to hidden “bubbly” pools, each of the islands in the area has plenty to offer to keep you busy with new discoveries. Our charter clients are always surprised that there is something new to see each time they visit!
While the huge granite boulders at the famous Baths didn’t move an inch during the hurricanes of 2017, every business in the Virgin Islands had to rebuild. Everywhere you go now you’ll experience a fresh new look of the islands and renewed attitude of warm hospitality by the locals striving to claim their fame as the best tourist location in the Caribbean.
First of all, let’s take a look at what has reopened in the British Virgin Islands & then check out a sample itinerary for those who have been there and want to see some of their favorite places as well as new anchorages. There are a lot of things to do that are worth another visit!
TORTOLA:
The new, widened boardwalk at Soper's Hole Marina has been completed & they are open for business! This colorful, quaint, and popular BVI destination has come back to life with a colorful new vibe and it’s better than ever. It’s the quintessential storybook Caribbean that is the stuff of dreams, yet a reality!
Omar’s Fusion: Indulge in sensory experience of a spicy curry, perfectly done steak, or whether you want lunch, appetizers, and a drink this is the place to be! It is a unique, Caribbean, and Indian Restaurant with Eastern/Western cuisine that can easily be described as the food lover’s paradise nestled dockside on the beautiful waterfront at Soper’s Hole Marina & Wharf.
With the mission of keeping to the flavors while elevating the palette, executive chef’s Raj and Das bring a piece of “India” to the Caribbean using their versatility in the kitchen to complement their Western cuisine in surprisingly delicious ways.
Other shops & businesses open now:
Arawak (clothing and gifts)
Island Surf & Sail (Need more gear? paddleboard, surfboard, and water toy rentals)
Ocean Dreams Water Taxi (operates from the Marina)
Omar’s Cafe (breakfast)
Pusser’s Landing Restaurant (lunch and dinner)
Sunny Caribbee (spices)
Harbor Market (groceries)
Serenity Spa (spa services)
Tortola Sailing School (sailing lessons)
Sugar Mill Hotel & Restaurant: Sometimes you just want to soak up the history of a spot. The Sugar Mill feels like a deja vu moment…You know that little feeling you get when you feel like you’ve time-traveled way back into history. We’ve enjoyed many visits to the Sugar Mill Hotel over the years. You have to see their gourmet restaurant in the restored ruins of a rum-boiling house! We’re hearing good things about this newly remodeled 24 room / 400-year-old Sugar Mill property. The property includes two restaurants – the original Sugar Mill Restaurant and the new beachside Tramonti – as well as a spa, pool, and their famous two-person “apple” beach loungers.
Cane Garden Bay:
Quito’s Gazebo & Luxury Inn: For us, when we think of Cane Garden Bay, we think of Quito. His artist spirit fills everything there. According to Quito, this is what makes his place special: “Years ago, I found out that everybody’s competing for the same clientele. And, I listened to people’s conversations, and I realized that people are looking for a different kind of experience and it’s nothing wrong with what we have, but we all had pretty much the same,” he said. “So when we decided to rebuild this property, we decided that based on what we have been hearing from visitors, we needed to bring it up a notch and make something for every level of traveler. So we decided to do this and make it a little higher-end,” Rymer said. Today it’s the place to be day or night enjoying music and the beach vibe.
Myett’s Garden Inn has been the gathering place for visitors and locals alike for dinner and a great view of the bay. Pusser’s at Myett’s offers open-air dining, featuring fresh lobster, fish, shrimp, steak, vegetarian, and much more. There is also a new Painkiller Rum Bar on the beach.
Pusser’s at Myetts: There are now three locations: West End, Roadtown & Cane Garden Bay! They invite you to shop the Caribbean’s largest collection of tropical, nautical & travel wear - Since 1979. Eclectic, Traditional, Functional, Comfortable ~ Certainly Not Fashion!
The Callwood Rum Distillery is back with a new roof and an extended rum selection! one of the Caribbean's oldest continuous pot distillery. Located in the Heart of the British Virgin Islands, the old walls and equipment take you a step back into history. Come take a visit and relive history. this 400-year old landmark of the British Virgin Islands. Callwood Distillery is one of the oldest, continuously-operating pot distilleries in the Caribbean, and they still employ the original distilling and aging techniques. Try any (or all) of their rum varieties. Tastings are only $1 for 4 samples.
Red Rock Restaurant & Bar: It’s nestled on the waterfront at Penn’s Landing Marina in Fat Hog’s Bay on the East End of Tortola. Patrons are treated to an elegant fine dining experience, with reasonable prices, generous portions, friendly service, and a relaxing casual ambiance.
Their menu features fresh seafood, meat entrées, vegetarian selections, pasta, and homemade pizza, along with other tasty dishes, small bites, and daily specials. Bring your friends and family and choose between waterfront dining, having a meal in their garden area, or bellying up to the bar for a beer, glass of wine, martini, frozen drink, or whatever you fancy.
Red Rock Restaurant & Bar is perfectly located for visiting yachts and the boating community, with easy access from the water via the nearby Penn’s Landing Marina dinghy dock.
When Irma, the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded, destroyed their first brewery site, they set their resolve to find a new location. They found a magical site on the oceanfront in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands. Conveniently located near the cruise ship pier, it was without a doubt the perfect setting for their new Tap-House. A place where locals, cruise ship passengers, ex-pats, and sailing visitors could all congregate on the gorgeous waterfront deck and experience quality BVI Tola branded premium beers fresh direct from the brewery.
Additionally, they feature over 15-20 amazing beers on-tap at our Wickham’s Cay waterfront location.
Brandywine Bay Restaurant: Operated by the husband and wife team of Regis and Claudine Bourdon, Brandywine Estate Restaurant is located above Brandywine Bay on Tortola. A BVI staple since 2012, the restaurant was completely rebuilt after Irma. Some of our most favorite meals in the BVI have been enjoyed here. The bonus is that this anchorage is calm almost year-round and there is a new dinghy dock that allows easy access. Brandywine offers a great view, great restaurant and fabulous food selections to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
Trellis Bay Market & Grill: Stop everything you have planned and grab one of their award-winning chicken rotis! Located in the heart of Trellis Bay, they provide all your bareboat and provisioning needs including ice, water, wine, beer, and liquor. Also enjoy their BBQ chicken, grilled pigtail, and grilled fish. At the Trellis Bay Market Bar & Grill, the bay comes alive every Friday and Saturday night plus monthly on each Full Moon with entertainment and an island BBQ.
Jost Van Dyke:
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar: Foxy is still holding down the fort and paradise is still beautiful! If you cannot go to the Foxy’s, you can still shop their store virtually: www.ShopFoxysBvi.com
Enjoy the SDB better than ever! Lots of tables & big umbrellas, the adjacent ice cream shop is the bomb! Originated and perfected at the Soggy Dollar in the 1970s, this smooth, full-flavored rum cocktail has become the essence of Caribbean imbibing. The correct concoction of premium dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice (proportions are secret), topped with fresh grated Grenadian nutmeg makes the swim to the Soggy Dollar worth the effort. What is it about this place? Perhaps it's the setting of White Bay, the thirst from the swim, the perfect blend, or just because of the tradition of the Original Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar... whatever the reason, welcome and enjoy. Stay Soggy my friends…
Flawless design, excellent service, great food, and a location on the beach that can't be beaten. Everything about Hendo's Hideout is first class, yet casual and well done. The menu at Hendo’s Hideout is based on traditional Caribbean favorites with a new American twist. We would definitely plan on spending some time here again!
Abe’s by the Sea is a much-loved spot for lunch or dinner, nestled in Little Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. And since Irma, they’ve rebuilt – with an official opening of the new restaurant in July of 2019 – and are now better than ever. Owner Abe Coakley and his wife, Eunicy, offer island hospitality and serve up specialties such as ribs, chicken, fish, conch, and of course, some of the best, fresh lobster you can find – all accompanied by a fully stocked honor bar.
For a memorable lunch or dinner right on the water in Jost Van Dyke, try Abe’s by the Sea Bar & Restaurant in Little Harbour.
Corsair’s Beach Bar & Restaurant: Corsair’s came back brighter than ever and definitely cooler inside! Dinghy right up to the beach in front of the restaurant and join the pirate party! Have a seat at the bar while you enjoy an ABSINTHE. Or try our Wench Juice, VOODOO Juice, and Exotic Shooters, if you dare!!!
Join us in a relaxing and laid back atmosphere that all the tourists rave about.
Seddy’s One Love: An island beach bar in White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, known for serving the best fresh lobster quesadillas, Seddy's fresh catch of the day, and bushwhacker drinks. For 20 years, Seddy has offered the freshest lobster dishes and served the coldest beer on Jost Van Dyke and entertains thousands of visitors every year with his own brand of "Island Magic."
Gertrudes Beach Bar: Gertrude departed the BVI after the hurricanes via air ambulance but she is back and so is her bar, now in bright orange & green with tons of beach chairs. You might even catch her going for an early morning soak in the ocean!
Ivan’s Stress-Free Bar: Just like in the good old days, Ivan says, “We have real Caribbean Honor Bar, if you can make it you can drink it, keep your own tab.” It’s always great to see the members of the “No Shoes Nation” hanging out and having fun at Ivans!
B Line Bar: Their motto is “Serve with Love, Aim to Please”. If you love secluded rustic beach bars (and who doesn’t??!!) then the B-Line on Little Jost Van Dyke in Paradise Cay is the place for you. B-Line serves up Bbq ribs, coconut curry shrimp, Bbq chicken, Jamaica curry chicken just to name a few. Cold beer's much more and this bar is the home for the passion confusion, and bee shots. Ting with the sting! Drop anchor and dingy ashore for chill island vibes in the BVI.
Foxy’s Taboo: We think Foxy’s Taboo is the gem of Jost Van Dyke! And it’s a great spot to enjoy the view with a cocktail either before or after a visit to the Bubbly Pool! Ask your charter Captain to tell you a bit about the history of this little spot on Diamond Cay and prepare to be amazed!
Harris’s Place: Our little slice of paradise was founded by Harris Jones, returning to Jost Van Dyke after serving in the US Army. Harris was born on Jost Van Dyke, May 18, 1929, and has many family members currently living in the British Virgin Islands. His daughter, Cynthia Jones, returned to JVD from New York shortly after her father passed. Cynthia continues to run Harris’ Place where she has earned the title of “Bushwacker Queen” of the BVI. She helped lead the rebuilding effort that became necessary after near-total devastation by category 5 hurricane Irma, which touched down during the daylight hours of September 6, 2017. From Cynthia Jones~“Our business is blessed beyond measure to spend time with friends & family once again. After hurricane Irma and Maria we weren’t sure what was in store for Harris Place and the legacy my grandfather worked so hard to build. My heart was so happy to see the beauty from the ashes. Harris Place is rebuilding and will is better than ever.”
Peter Island
The BVI Government announced on January 21, 2020 an agreement was signed by Premier Andrew Fahie and David Van Andel, director of the resort, on behalf of Peter Island (2000) Limited, for the redevelopment of the property. Upon completion, the resort is expected to have 52 rooms and suites as well as three villas. It appears, however, that the rebuild will be done in phases as the press release stated that the reopening of the “hotel’s main sections” will be done in December 2021. We’ll look forward to seeing Jean Kelly back at the restaurant, greeting guests and serving warm cookies with a flower tucked in her hair!
Ocean’s Seven Yacht Club: Newly rebuilt and rebranded, this little corner of Peter Island has gone from a quiet little forgotten spot of the BVI to one of the best spots for fun event gatherings & food. Their dinner menu includes chicken, fish, ribs, steak, and lobster along with a great selection of salads and appetizers including shrimp cocktail, fried calamari, and conch fritters.
Norman Island:
Home of Pirates Bight Bar, Restaurant, and Gift Shop, is perhaps most famous for being the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island. However, Norman Island also has a rich documented history of acting as a hiding spot for Pirate booty. I think we truly realized that the BVI had turned the corner with reconstruction when we visited here soon after it reopened. While they probably won’t let you dance on the bar as they did in the good old days, each rebirth of this restaurant improves upon itself.
The Willy T Bar & Restaurant: We’ve outlived 3 floating Willy T Bars and that is saying something! And the new Willy T is great too!
Cooper Island has come a long way since Irma and our first visit in 1990. (You had to wait for the bar to start the generator at 5 pm to run the blender!) The resort has been beautifully redone and visitors have been flocking here since April of 2018 when they reopened their doors.
Kick back on their comfy outdoor sofas and enjoy the sunshine with a cocktail. The beach bar and decked lounge at Cooper Island faces west, so it is perfect for watching a beautiful Caribbean sunset. Cooper Island offers its signature restaurant, an incredibly fun & extensive rum bar, a coffee shop, a boutique, and even their own microbrewery with custom-crafted beers.
Scrub Island:
We’re always in our “happy place” when we’re enjoying the infinity-edge pool with a cocktail in hand at the Scrub Island Beach Resort! Yes, that was us, jumping around like 10 yr old maniacs on the water trampoline. We indulge in self-care at their on-site Ixora Spa, providing the opportunity to close your eyes and unwind during a massage, facial or body scrub. Go casual or fancy and enjoy a night out at one of their enticing restaurants and bars, serving a variety of international cuisine with a fresh, Caribbean twist.
Virgin Gorda:
Showcasing relaxed outdoor dining, breezy covered lounging, and boutique island shopping, the Marina Village is a refreshing social destination to unwind with friends and family. Anchored by Nova, our signature overwater restaurant, visitors can dine on exceptional cuisine or enjoy the suspended pool, bar, overwater hammocks, daybeds, and more. As a part of the new marina complex, the property offers day passes for marina guests to enjoy the hotel’s exclusive amenities.
Gumption’s Nature Tour on Necker Island: Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to tour Necker Island owned by Sir Richard Branson himself! Gumption has exclusive rights to bring tours onto the island to visit the lemurs, large tortoises, and much more of nature's gems. Several of the species you'll see on Necker include Rock Iguanas, giant tortoises, flamingos, lemurs, scarlet Ibis, cockatoos, and others.
Leverick Bay Marina has been hopping this year and everything is bigger & better than ever! Michael Beans is a great musician who draws in the crowd and then never lets them go! Enjoy a fun-filled night of singing, dancing and just having a good old time for pirates of all ages. Don’t miss the conch horn contest at the end of the show!
During the charter season, every Friday evening they host a Beach BBQ. The famous Moko Jumbies & Profile Hard Core Band begins at 6:30 pm! The price of their succulent all you can eat Beach BBQ is $38 per person. Their Beach BBQ features roast pig, fish, chicken, and West Indian style ribs among salads, sides and delicious desserts! It’s all about smiles and friendly people at Leverick Bay. The Moko Jumbies is a must thing to do when you are in Virgin Gorda! Boaters and locals, families, and friends all submerged in the spicy scent of BBQ in the air, live music, Caribbean breeze, shimmering stars, and colorful costumed Moko Jumbies dancing high above the crowd while balancing on their impressively tall stilts. It’s a very special night and they will be happy to have you join them! Enjoy a delicious frozen cocktail at The Jumbies Bar or grab a snack at the Cove Grill.
Bitter End Yacht Club: Watch their Facebook page for updates. While BEYC is not open yet, they are happy to report the property has Bigger Beaches and they are pouring the foundations for the new resort! It's true that in the wake of Hurricane Irma, they gained on the waterfront. And by gaining, they mean more beach (and just below the tidelines too). So when they re-open, expect to see a lot more sand and people having a good time all along the waterfront. In the meantime, you can still buy Bitter End T-shirts, etc and learn more about the history of this iconic resort here.
Saba Rock Resort: Slated to open in early 2021, Saba Rock was put on the travelers‘ map in the 1960s, when Herbert “Bert” Kilbride founded his diving base. He also started the Pirates‘ Pub, renowned as one of the best bars in the Caribbean. We were there back in the day and still to this day relish the amazing stories of adventure and treasure hunting with Bert Kilbride. But we also loved when they built the new Saba Rock. Then after Irma/Maria, it was necessary to rebuild the entire resort from scratch…again! They will succeed and come back stronger than ever.
CocoMaya Restaurant: Facing West, just minutes from Virgin Gorda’s iconic Baths, CocoMaya rests between giant granite boulders, a white sand beach, and the shimmering turquoise waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, an idyllic destination-oriented towards the sunset. CocoMaya is perfect to relax and enjoy a slow lazy lunch with a chilled bottle of Rose, or sip on a thoughtfully crafted cocktail and watch the sun melt into the ocean as the beach fire pit blazes beside you. Contemplate or plan your next day of exploring the beautiful British Virgin Islands as you indulge in delights from our menus.
Slate tiles, twisted Leani vines, exotic timbers, along with a Thatch roof, give CocoMaya its Balinese feel. Architect, Viviana Jenik assisted in pulling these unique natural boulders, indigenous trees and natural beauty directly into your dining experience. 3 minutes from the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor by Taxi
Mad Dog Bar & Grill: Located at the Top of the Baths, we’ve recently returned to the newly built Mad Dog Bar & Grill to find Edith making her famous Pina Coladas and the world’s best triple-decker bacon sandwiches.
Top of the Baths Restaurant & Bar: Top of the Baths is on a hill overlooking the scenic views of the Sir Francis Drake channel. It includes a restaurant, bar, pool, and collection of shops - all with panoramic views of the BVI.
Hog Heaven Bar: At the top of the road overlooking the North Sound in Virgin Gorda, you’ll find the best ribs and a spectacular view!
The Sandbox Restaurant & Beach Bar: Located on quiet Prickly Pear Island in the British Virgin Islands, this is one of Virgin Gorda’s most wonderful beaches on Vixen Point, located on the island's southwestern tip. Swim from the stern of your yacht and enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling, hiking, and limin' at the Sand Box Restaurant and Beach Bar. Play a game of volleyball, rent a beach chair and umbrella for the day, have the signature BBQ, and enjoy the scenery.
Anegada:
Anegada Beach Club: Anegada Beach Club is Anegada's newest and best in accommodations, beach, activities and dining! Experience "Glamping" in our Beachfront Palapa Retreats for one night or ten. The restaurant has friendly and efficient staff who serve breakfast through dinner daily. Freshly caught grilled lobster is always on the menu, as well as fine dining, local favorites, and tasty snacks. Our complimentary shuttle will pick you up at the ferry dock or airport, whether you're just coming for lunch or staying with us for a week. Catch our complimentary shuttle at The Lobster Trap restaurant by the moorings on Anegada. Spend the day with us for great food, a beautiful beach bar and swimming pool. Come and discover the many details that make Anegada Beach Club the best place to visit in the British Virgin Islands!
Anegada Reef Hotel & Restaurant: This has always been where we began our adventure in Anegada and where is was finished at the end of our visit. Sip a Smoothie, their special drink, at the beach bar while watching the yachts. Just write your name on the tab, and when you need to move on, just settle up: our very own 'honor' bar! Lawrence and Lorraine will do everything to please their guests & you are guaranteed to feel like family before you leave.
The Wonky Dog: Located on the water's edge at Setting Point, Anegada. They are known for serving fresh seafood and famous Anegada Spiny Lobster, Fresh Pizza & Pasta. Enjoy nightly entertainment with their wild and wacky fun staff to make your time on the island fun and memorable. Put your toes in the sand or chill on the new upper deck for the best place to dine on Anegada
Cow Wreck Beach Bar: Many have experienced an afternoon at the newly refurbished Cow Wreck Beach Bar enjoying the beach, the view, and wonderful conch fritters & ceviche. But what made us so happy to see that Ann had completed building the comfortable Guest Houses for a most relaxing time after wrapping up a yacht charter vacation. Sleep to the gentle sounds of the sea, feel the gentle trade winds blow, and enjoy the comforts of being at home right on the best beach in all the BVI.
Big Bamboo: That quiet secluded Caribbean beach you were dreaming about; where the whispers of waves whet your appetite for the fresh lobster being grilled at the restaurant located a few steps away from your beachside cottage. The place being described is called Loblolly Bay. A few steps from the edge of its pearl white sands, the Big Bamboo Beach Bar and Restaurant continues to reinforce its reputation for the sweetest lobster in all the islands.
Since Irma, Neptune’s Treasure Hotel has made huge improvements to their hotel. Hand-cut antique stone walkways have been added leading from their dinghy dock to the restaurant and to guest rooms as well. A new tiki bar, twice as big as the old one, has been built. In addition, all of their guest rooms and cottages have been repaired inside and out and are appointed with a brand new decor.
Potter’s By the Sea: You go to Potters to meet Potter, enjoy dinner, and have fun dancing in the sand. It’s always a fun party!
The Conch Piles: We’re fascinated by how popular the conch-shell mounds have become over the past year or two. They may have existed for centuries, but a decade ago they were little-known, and inaccessible to all but local fishermen, who saw no good reason to tell anyone they were there. In 2012, Faulkner Lindsay, fisherman-turned-tour guide, saw an untapped business opportunity that would allow him to show visitors the mounds in one of the least invasive ways possible. While the conch population has thinned considerably since 2017, the mounds have evolved to not only serve as a place to dispose of the shells, but a temporary spot for fishermen to store the live conch they catch.
So you’ve been to the BVI in the past but did you visit these anchorages?
Day 1:
We suggest flying into St Thomas Airport (STT) so you can take advantage of an overnight stop in St John, which is renowned for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is not be missed. The yachts typically only spend one night in the USVI, either at one of the many beaches. Hawks Nest Beach has been a favorite lately for the first night or at Christmas Cove on your last night, where the snorkeling & sunsets never disappoint.
Once settled aboard your yacht, you will complete a safety briefing and go over a few finer details of the week ahead. It is a 1 hour trip from Yacht Haven Grande to Christmas Cove, and an additional 45 min to St John, with Bob Marley setting the mood and a cocktail in hand. The weather can always affect the itinerary and so you will help choose the bay on arrival to match the group's interests and the weather forecast for the night.
Another option is to sail onwards to Leinster Bay, St. John to snorkel and hike up the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. Great photos are made from Sugar Mill at any time of the day! We also highly recommend the hike overlooking the bay to Windy Hill / Murphy House Ruins.
If you still have energy and the weather is good, go for a snorkel trip completely around Waterlemon Cay. It’s tiny but you’ll enjoy the bragging rights of “I swam around an island!”
Enjoy a three-course dinner with wine on board the yacht aboard followed by optional star gazing or watching the huge tarpon glide through your yacht’s underwater lights.
Day 2
Wake up early or sleep in, your breakfast menu means you can eat when you wake or wait for the group. After breakfast, your charter yacht will then make the 30 minute trip over into the BVI and clear Customs and Immigration at Soper’s Hole, West End. This is a procedure that your Captain will take care of for you while you enjoy lounging on the deck with a tropical drink in hand.
Sailing Option 1: If the weather is right, Brewer’s Bay is one of the least developed bays on the Northside of Tortola. It offers a serene anchorage that will really make you feel that you are off the beaten track. Snorkeling here offers extensive & unusual coral formations. Because of the reefs all around, the snorkeling is some of the best in the islands and the abundance of reef fish and underwater wildlife make an afternoon in the water special.
Sailing Option 2: Even if they have been in the past, some folks just have to visit the Bight at Norman Island because it’s so special! This island was made famous in R.L Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’ and looking at the caves today, one cannot help but be swept back in time to the days of pirates and privateers.
Want to enjoy the nightlife in the Bight but find a little peace and quiet too? The perfect spot will be at the mouth of the Bight just inside Water Point. The water is crystal clear, the snorkeling excellent and you will get a bit more breeze at night to keep you cool. Here you’ll choose a secluded corner and you can suntan away the rest of the afternoon, or engage in any of the yacht’s water sports options. Later in the evening, your Captain might offer to take everyone on a sunset cruise in the tender, with a cooler of beers or a cocktail in hand. The sunsets here are beautiful!
Another option at slightly more remote anchorage, while still having access to the walking trails would be Benures Bay on the Northside of Norman Island.
After dinner aboard, spectators and fishermen alike enjoy a rather addictive few hours of ‘catch and release’, fishing for the Tarpon, Chubbs, Jack and Snapper caught off the back of the yacht
Day 3
Once again breakfast is open to your mood & the whim of the chef, after which you may head over to the stunning Indians, a snorkeling and dive spot, 5 minutes from the Bight. This spot has barely changed and still offers a host of marine life. You’ll see plentiful fish and even a hawksbill turtle. Guests are fitted out with masks, snorkels, and fins, with optional pool noodles for those less comfortable in the water.
Next, you can choose to head around to either Little Harbor, Peter Island. It’s where the charter crews hang out when they aren’t working. It’s easy to find a pristine nook where you’ll stern anchor the yacht to rocks ashore, so that yacht remains in the same spot and offers a private ‘swimming pool’ off the back. Here the water is crystal clear and further snorkeling along the bay after lunch, often shows it to be a nursery for an abundance of tropical fish. Or if you are looking for a bit more action, check out Ocean’s Seven in Great Harbor. You’ll get the music going and the crew will put out the floating mats along with the water toys lots of beverages!
Day 4
After breakfast, you’ll go on a 1h 30min sail, headed up to Virgin Gorda and the famous ‘Baths’, a series of gigantic granite boulders that form caves that are filled with crystal clear water. Guests swim ashore to the beach and work their way through with one of the crews working as your guides. Top it off by a swim on Devil’s Beach before heading back to the yacht.
Then based on the wind & weather, you’ll have a couple of choices for your evening anchorage. If you are looking for a night in splendid isolation under the green hills and protected by the barrier reefs, then Pond Bay is the place for you. Located in the middle of the big bight on the island’s western shore, the bay lies inside a long reef and just off a perfect white sand beach. The entrance to Pond Bay is just north of Blowing Point. You head southeast into Savannah Bay and then turn northeast while keeping in the deep (darker) water between the reefs. Once off the beach, you can anchor in 10 to 12 feet over soft sand. The snorkeling is great here and you will most likely have the anchorage and the beach to yourselves. The view of the setting sun over the hills of Tortola is spectacular.
Mountain Point is always a good spot too for a quiet anchorage without a crowd. At either spot, you’ll get comfortable and watch the night sky the way it was meant to be, in completely undisturbed darkness and without any light from onshore. Once your eyes adjust the ocean will also offer up her secrets, with special sightings of phosphorescent plankton and maybe a tarpon or two!
Day 5
After a delicious breakfast, where you can indulge in Eggs Benedict with homemade Hollandaise sauce or perhaps Banana and Nutella crepes, you will head up along Virgin Gorda to The Dogs, a series of tiny rocky outcrops, about a 45-minute sail away. Here, in a tiny bay, you will stop for a snorkel below the cliffs. It is very weather dependent but its a great stop. Alternatively, there are a number of great scuba diving spots in the BVI, including the famous HMS Rhone, a 310ft ship that sank during a hurricane in 1867.
After the Dogs, you’ll head up to the idyllic Eustatia Sound, where you will anchor off the beach for lunch. It’s great for a swim, photo opportunities, and turquoise water.
At about 3:00 pm, you will head across on a 2-hour sail to Anegada, the low lying sand island famous for its pristine beaches, pink flamingos and LOBSTER! Dinner ashore is the best bet to experience a Wonky Dog Lobster Dinner or the Anegada Reef Hotel or one of their other delicious options.
Day 6
The only morning we don't recommend a leisurely start and suggested a slightly earlier breakfast, but you’ll want to get to the beach by the latest 10:30. You can rent a scooter from S&K rentals to do your own exploration of this flat island. It is very simple to pick up and the roads are smooth and easy to handle. Its a fantastic sense of freedom to zoom around on your own wheels as we drive the 25 minutes to Cow Wreck beach. You’ll enjoy what must be one of the most stunning spots on the planet. Big Bamboo Bar and Restaurant are also operational and locals always appreciate the support.
2:30 is the cut off time unless guests would prefer to spend another night in Anegada and as always most yachts are completely flexible and try their best to match the itinerary to the mood. Otherwise, it’s time to take the scooter trip back to the yacht. From here you’ll sail down to Guana Island and spend the night in White Bay or farther south inside Monkey Point or Lee Bay Great Camanoe, depending on the weather. There is special little anchorage at Cam Bay that only the local charter captains and old time charterers will know. It is inside the little reef just north of the Scrub Island Cut.
Day 7
Breakfast on board, followed by a 45 minute downwind sail to Sandy Spit. This tiny bit of sand off Green Cay makes one think what mutineers on deserted islands must have experienced, but with a cold drink in your hand, it makes for a better place to walk with your friends and family and enjoy sun and sand for one last day. It is a great place to try your skills on a Stand-up Paddleboard or to kayak and as always the floats will be out for sunbathers before lunch onboard.
Everyone who charters in the B.V.I. has been to Foxy’s in Great Harbour and the Soggy Dollar beach bar in White Harbour. But these two anchorages are crowded & crazy when its busy. Just east of Great Harbour is Little Harbour at Gardner Bay where fewer boats will be anchored and the holding is quite good.
The famous Foxy’s Tamarind Restaurant & Bar is up and running. The gift shop is open and is the place to get your BVI mementos or T-shirts. Foxy himself is often around, playing his guitar at the bar and more than happy to share his stories and songs about the hurricanes and his life with any travelers over a cold beer. It's truly a local experience and one we still highly recommend.
Just over the hill from Foxy’s is the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar as well as Hendo’s Hideaway. You can hike over the hill to get there or the Captain will take you via dinghy.
If you really want an evening away from the sound of beach bars and revelry, then you can find solitude in the lee of Little Jost Van Dyke, Green Cay and Sandy Spit on the island’s eastern tip in what is called Manchioneel Bay. There are beautiful beaches on Green Cay and Sandy Spit and the snorkeling is excellent.
Alternatively, you might decide to head down to Christmas Cove in the USVI, late in the afternoon. This allows for a slower morning on your last day and is your best chance to see the green turtles that frequent the bay and enjoy a last swim in the morning.
Day 8
You’ll get an early start if you are still in Jost Van Dyke, leaving at 8:30 am and heading back around to St.Thomas with breakfast served underway. If you decided to go on to Christmas Cove the evening before, you will breakfast at anchor and enjoy last swims in the tropical waters, leaving the bay at 10:00 am. Your entire group, including crew, will head to the Customs and Immigration office to clear customs back into the USA.
This is when you’ll say your goodbyes. Your crew endeavors to find the perfect balance on your charter, between becoming solid friends and still allowing you space and privacy to enjoy the group you are with. Your crew will be as flexible and accommodating as possible. If you have a logistical issue or are trying to make the impossible happen, know that they are always willing to go above and beyond to make your vacation aboard your charter yacht a truly memorable and special time.
About Us:
We're former charter crew team, Captain, Chef and owners of an Award-winning 72' sailing yacht 18 years. With over 300 charters in our logbook, we currently represent privately crewed Caribbean sailing luxury yacht charters as professional CYBA yacht charter brokers. Recently, we interviewed over 120 catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats, and professional crews. We're happy to work together as a team to promote charter vacation yachts offering modern conveniences & unlimited pleasure.
What should you expect from a luxury crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean?
It's "ALL about you, ALL the time" onboard a privately crewed charter boat! It's surprisingly affordable too! Far away from overcrowded cruise ships, all-inclusive charter yachts allow you to explore some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive areas and delight in the natural, unspoiled beauty of secluded islands, hidden coves, and secret dive sites. Sail to a nearby island every day & snorkel around your own private beaches; enjoy your favorite cocktail while watching the sunset on your own private yacht; indulge yourself with 5-star gourmet cuisine that is prepared with Caribbean flair and served in the most beautiful surroundings you could ever imagine. We love matching the right crew & yacht with you!
6 Reasons Why We are Qualified:
1. As Members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association, we maintain contact with the yachts to keep abreast of the very latest information on crew/yacht conditions and new yachts entering the arena.
2. We stay on top of local and Federal Government to keep informed about changes in our industry, as well as involving ourselves with the changes in the environment in which we offer charters.
3 We engage in open dialogue with local publications to help keep the government and the public aware of this important industry in our islands.
4. We attend multiple charter yacht industry shows in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, go aboard each of the yachts, meet the crews, attend association meetings and seminars. We'll happily share our notes about changes to the boats and crews and confirm any newly added features and upgrades as well as re-fits to the boat’s decor like new carpets, interior and exterior soft goods & fun new water-toys.
5. As a seasoned charter yacht Owner & Crew, we have access to the "inner circle" and know all the insider facts.
6. We've developed a longtime friendship with vendors of services such as local taxi drivers, ferry companies, good places to stay on land, great restaurants and much more.
Learn more at www.YachtCharters.Guru
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