A 5-day sailing itinerary in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) could include the following destinations:
Day 1: Start at Norman Island, which is known for its historic caves and the famous pirate ship turned floating bar, “Willy T.”. Spend the day exploring the island and anchoring for the night.
Day 2: Sail to Peter Island, stopping at Deadman’s Beach for a break. Enjoy local cuisine at the Deadman’s Beach Bar or have your on-board chef prepare a meal.
Day 3: Visit Salt and Cooper Islands, where you can explore the Wreck of the Rhone, a 150-year-old shipwreck with a rich coral reef. Spend the night anchored at Cooper Island.
Day 4: Sail to North Sound, which is surrounded by small islands like Mosquito Island, Bitter End, Prickly Bear Island, and Scuba Rock. Visit the Bitter End Yacht Club and enjoy the azure blue waters.
Day 5: Return to Road Town, the capital of the BVI, and sail through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. You can visit Beef Island and Scrub Island on your way back to Tortola.
This itinerary covers a mix of islands and experiences, including snorkeling, beach time, and local cuisine. However, it’s essential to consider the weather and sea conditions when planning your sailing route.
What are the best snorkeling spots in the BVI?
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) offer a variety of excellent snorkeling spots. Here are some of the best snorkeling locations in the BVI:
- The Indians: Located off Pelican Island near Norman Island, the Indians are a well-known favorite for snorkeling. This site is part of the National Parks Trust and is protected, leading to amazing reef snorkeling. It is a daytime spot with mooring balls and is home to a wide range of fish species.
- The Caves: At Norman Island, The Caves are a must-visit for snorkelers, especially if you are a fan of Treasure Island. Here you will find several shallow caves leading into Norman Island, believed to have once housed treasure. Upon entering the caves, you’ll see schools of colorful fish and schools of cuttlefish swimming in formation.
- The Baths: Located on Virgin Gorda, the Baths are known for their fantastic snorkeling and remarkable boulder formations. Snorkel in toward the beach and then follow the trail through these behemoth rocks and explore the pools of water. Tropical fish live in the tunnels and crevices formed by these enormous boulders as they meet the sea.
- Monkey Point: Located at the southern tip of Guana Island, Monkey Point is a beautiful rocky outcrop with National Park moorings available. As you slide into the water, you’ll see a blue-striped grunt and a yellowtail snapper. Sea turtles are also known to inhabit this area.
- Diamond Reef: Across from Scrub Island, Diamond Reef is another favorite spot for its incredible variety of fish. It’s like an aquarium, and you may be lucky enough to see a sea turtle swim by.
- Devil’s Bay National Park: Located on Virgin Gorda, Devil’s Bay National Park is a popular snorkeling spot. The park features a marine sanctuary with a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish.
- Treasure Point: Located in Road Town, Treasure Point is a great spot for snorkeling, with clear waters and a variety of marine life.
- Conch Island: Located in Anegada, Conch Island is a favorite spot for snorkeling, with crystal-clear waters and a diverse range of marine life.
These are just a few of the many excellent snorkeling spots in the BVI. Be sure to check the local marine parks and conservation organizations for updated information on mooring buoys and any restrictions or guidelines for snorkeling in specific areas.
BVI beaches
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) offer a variety of beautiful beaches for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best beaches in the BVI:
- White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: Known for its calm waters and stunning views, White Bay is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming. It is home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, where the famous Painkiller cocktail was invented[5].
- Cane Garden Bay, Tortola: This beach is popular for its sheltered setting and clear-blue bay, which is fringed by a sweep of beach lined with swaying palms and laid-back bars.
- Brewer’s Bay, Tortola: Another favorite beach on Tortola, Brewer’s Bay offers some of the best snorkeling on the island, with tons of tropical fish just offshore from the palm-lined sand.
- Devil’s Bay National Park, Virgin Gorda: This beach is located on the island’s southwestern tip and offers less-crowded snorkeling in sheltered waters, with marine life abounding.
- Spring Bay National Park, Virgin Gorda: This beach is northeast of Devil’s Bay and features Instagram-worthy granite boulders, with just a fraction of the crowds compared to The Baths National Park.
- Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada: Known for its incredible white-sand beaches and delicious Caribbean spiny lobster, Cow Wreck Beach is a must-visit on the northernmost island in the BVI chain.
- Loblolly Bay, Anegada: Often named among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Loblolly Bay is an unspoiled sweep of sand that stretches for miles.
These are just a few of the many beautiful beaches in the BVI. Be sure to check local tourism websites for updated information on beach access and any restrictions or guidelines for visiting specific beaches.
About BVI
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) offer a variety of sailing itineraries, with options ranging from 7 to 10 days. Here are some of the best sailing itineraries in the BVI:
7-day sailing itinerary: This itinerary includes stops at Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Marina Cay, Cane Garden Bay, and Great Harbour. It offers a mix of snorkeling, beach time, and local cuisine.
10-day sailing itinerary: This itinerary expands on the 7-day itinerary by including North Sound, Trellis Bay, and West End. It allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the BVI’s diverse offerings.
8-day sailing itinerary: This itinerary includes stops at Nanny Cay, Dog Islands, Anegada, Cane Garden Bay, and Guana Island. It prioritizes snorkeling and beach time, with an emphasis on the unique vibe of Anegada.
7-day itinerary starting from Tortola: This itinerary includes stops at Tortola (base marina), Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Salt Island. It offers a mix of quiet anchorages and busy harbors, with opportunities for restaurants and activities.
Favorite BVI itinerary: This itinerary includes both quiet anchorages and busy harbors, with stops at Cooper Island, Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. It prioritizes staying on mooring balls and avoiding marinas, with a preference for eco-friendly facilities.
These itineraries showcase the best of the BVI’s sailing, snorkeling, and beach experiences. Be sure to consider the weather and sea conditions when planning your sailing route.