Sailing in the BVI is a longstanding tradition- in fact the region’s popularity among yachties has made it an extraordinarily convenient place to go. While you may not necessarily find uncharted waters you can find your own version of paradise, and having all the services you need can make it that much more comfortable along the way.
In terms of where to go, those in the know may have their own favorite spots. Many, many boaters return to the region year after year and chances are they all go to one place first. Some have a certain list of spots they like to go to each and every time.
While everyone’s idea of the perfect BVI sailing vacation is different, we do have a short list of the best places to go. Take a look and see if you agree!
The Baths of Virgin Gorda
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, it’s always great to get out to The Baths and take that famous photo between the giant boulders. Go early to avoid the majority of tourists and you can almost have it to yourself, to enjoy snorkeling and just hanging out before sailing on to your next destination.
The Indians
The four rock pinnacles here rise a whopping 60 feet into the air. They are a sight to see in and of themselves, but they also host some of the highest numbers of fish and marine wildlife. It’s a great place to stop off, drop anchor and snorkel or dive.
The Rhone Wreck
Moor off of Salt Island and check out the Rhone Wreck. The interesting thing about this wreck, aside from its history which you can read about here, is that you don’t have to be a diver to explore it. To be sure it is an incredible dive site, touted by many divers as one of the best in the Caribbean, but certain areas are shallow enough that they can be viewed by snorkelers near the surface.
Guana Island and Monkey Point
Here you can enjoy a beautiful day of snorkeling and then go for a picnic on the beach at Monkey Point. Guana Island is privately owned and only has one resort, meaning that a day trip there allows you to experience the Caribbean as it was before the arrival of tourists. It is simply beautiful.
A Drink at the Soggy Dollar Bar
Drop anchor off of White Bay on Jost Van Dyke and swim up to the beach (a long, sweeping white sand beach) for some cocktails at this famous bar. Try one of the painkillers to wash all your troubles away. Jost Van Dyke is also home to Foxy’s Bar, where you can experience one of the legendary full moon parties.
Soper’s Hole Marina
Voted #1 marina in the BVI this is a beautiful place to go. Have lunch at Pusser’s Landing and do a little shopping- this is a great place for the obligatory souvenirs. You can also get a good amount of provisioning done before setting off again. Soper’s Hole was apparently built on the pirate Blackbeard’s hideout, so it has its own history. It is also a great place to use as a base for exploring Peter Island.
Have you sailed in the BVI? We’d love to hear your favorite places to go.
