British Virgin Islands
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British Virgin Islands
REVIEW
The British Virgin Islands consist of a group of over 40 islands in the Caribbean Sea. With high temperatures year-round and white sandy beaches with crystal-clear water, this is the “Capital” of yacht chartering in the Caribbean.
TIPS
- Explore the caves of “The Baths” in Virgin Gorda.
- Go kitesurfing in Anegada.
- Snorkel at “Cister Point.”
- For experienced divers, diving at “The Indians” is a must.
- Try the famous PainKiller drink at Soggy Dollar Bar in Jost Van Dyke.
ITINERARY (7 days)
DAY 1 – Norman Island
Your first day of sailing in the British Virgin Islands will take you south to Norman Island, where you’ll anchor at The Bight. This island is famous for being home to the Treasure Point caves, a fascinating spot for snorkeling.
DAY 2 – Peter Island
Just north of Norman Island lie Pelican Island and Indian Island (Excellent), four rocky pinnacles considered one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the area. This day can be an excellent opportunity to visit them and enjoy their natural beauty.
Very close to Norman Island is Peter Island, with several beaches in perfect condition. We recommend avoiding the Deadman’s Bay area, but you may find the beaches on the other side of the island very interesting.
Whalk Bay, White Bay, and Key Bay are still very beautiful and have quiet anchoring spots to shelter from the currents.
DAY 3 – Salt Island, Cooper Island – Ginger Island
After just a short sail through the naturally protected Sir Francis Drake Channel, you’ll arrive in the area of Cooper Island. Salt Island, located to the west, has very good moorings for a day visit, where you can swim and dive before heading to Manchioneel Bay in the late afternoon/evening, the main bay of Cooper Island (it’s recommended to arrive early as there is high demand and moorings are limited). We recommend Cister Point for snorkeling, and you can also make a stop at Hallovers Bay. Ginger Island is an excellent spot for diving. You can arrange an excursion with the dive center on Ginger Island. The underwater life is in perfect condition, making diving far superior to snorkeling.
DAY 4 – Virgin Gorda
On the way to Virgin Gorda, you can make a quick stop at Fallen Jerusalem. Keep in mind that the buoys in the national parks can only be used during the day for 90 minutes, but it’s worth stopping for snorkeling. You can observe excellent marine life there.
The beautiful island of Virgin Gorda, the second largest island in the British Virgin Islands after Tortola. About 5 nautical miles from Cooper Island, on the western end of Virgin Gorda, you’ll encounter a rock formation known as The Baths, a fascinating mix of rocks, some of which form interesting caves to explore. Little Dix Savannah is a very nice option to visit. Lastly, you can visit Long Bay or head to Oil Nut Bay and visit the Nova restaurant.
Opposite Virgin Gorda, just a few minutes of sailing away, are the islands known as The Dogs, which can be used for a snorkeling or diving stop. Eustatia Sound has several beautiful anchorage spots. It’s always advisable to navigate the area with caution. You can spend the night at this point to depart the next morning towards Anegada.
DAY 5 – Anegada
The fifth day will require the longest journey of the entire voyage when you have to cover the 14 nautical miles separating the north of Virgin Gorda from the island of Anegada. This island stands out for hosting an interesting terrestrial and marine fauna and primarily for being surrounded by the Horse Shoe Reef, one of the main coral reefs in the Caribbean and the world. This is an excellent island and worth spending a full day or two. This is the best place to enjoy a lobster meal. Among the standout restaurants are the Anegada Beach Club Restaurant and The Wonky Dog Restaurant & Bar.
DAY 6 – Marina Cane y Cane Garden
Marina Cay’s beauty is worthy of a painting; it’s truly breathtaking. Another excellent option is to visit the national park at Monkey Point, one of the best snorkeling spots if water visibility permits. Finally, there’s the picturesque Cane Garden Bay, considered by Tortola residents as the island’s most beautiful, with its crescent-shaped beach of fine white sand juxtaposed against a lush backdrop of palm trees. A series of beachfront venues can be found right along the beach. You can dance, dine, and enjoy great cuisine. We recommend checking if the venues are open during your visit. An excellent alternative could be Brewer’s Bay, where you can witness dreamy sunsets.
DAY 7 – Jost Van Dyke (Sandy Cay)
Your last day will take you to the exotic island of Jost Van Dyke.
It’s recommended to stop near Sandy Cay or Sandy Spit for snorkeling as well as to enjoy a delicious lunch. There are five mooring spots on the island, each with its own special charm. Peaks over 300 meters high rise to the sky from the shore of the main harbor, home to Foxy’s, one of the most famous restaurants in the Caribbean. Sundays usually host fun beach parties to conclude an excellent week in the islands.
Maritimes conditions
General Conditions
During the winter months (November to January), the wind is from the northeast at 15 to 20 knots. Christmas winds can produce 25 to 30 knots for several consecutive days. In February, the winds shift to the east, and by June, they change to southeast at 10 to 15 knots. In September and October, the trade winds are at their weakest, and the weather may be less settled. By November, the high-pressure system around Bermuda begins to stabilize, and winds of 15 to 20 knots become the norm. Local seas are “relaxed” and generally in the range of 3-4 feet.
Historical Climate
Tides
In the British Virgin Islands, the tidal range is very small: 12 inches to 18 inches (one to two feet), including the variation in level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.
Weather Forecast
The customer can obtain the weather conditions at any time by listening to maritime weather forecasts. Weather updates are provided every hour during severe weather.
