Not much changes in the British Virgin Islands year on year, yet, every time we go there on a yacht charter, the experience is very different. The favourite spots remain at the top of our list, but something new is added every time. It is an archipelago with so many possibilities. The colours everywhere are bright and alive. They bring a profound sense of tranquillity. Snorkellers and divers will particularly enjoy the islands as the underwater world is so rich and colourful. And one can go barefoot pretty much anywhere, giving a rare and beautiful feeling of freedom. The pace is slower in the BVI and it’s hard to resist it.
Catamarans are a great chartering vessel in this area and they get more sophisticated each year. The crews are true experts and will adapt the route to accommodate your wishes and your group dynamics. Do tell them a bit about yourselves so they can match it to the best experience for you.
DAY 1 – Nanny Cay – Trellis Bay for the Full Moon party – Aragon’s Art, fire dance, disco
We ended up swapping the days to accommodate some events and the weather. It was very easy to do.
So we started with snorkelling at the Diamond Reef and a cocktail on the Manchionell Island. This is a great anchorage just off Tortola (in front of Scrub Island).
Trellis Bay famously hosts the best Full Moon Parties so we went to check that out. Our catamaran anchored in the bay and we took the tender out. Aragon’s Place is an art workshop and I never missed that on my visits. They are famous for their iron fireballs. All were lit on the beach at night, creating the most magical atmosphere together with music and dancing.
DAY 2 – Trellis Bay – the Baths – Spanish Town – hike to the Gorda Peak – Coco Maya
We had an early start to make it to the Baths before the crowd. We love sailing in front of the Baths, taking in those incredible boulders that look like perfect sculptures. We docked in the Spanish Harbour Marina and decided to hike up the Gorda Peak. First time ever! This is a 20 minute hike and not for the faint hearted. But the reward is big – the view from the Peak is incredible, over the North Sound, Monkey Island and Necker Island. Far out, one can clearly see Anegada too.
In the evening, we dined at the restaurant Coco Maya, our all time favourite place!
Day 3 – morning visit to the Baths – mooring ball by Bitter End Yacht Club –dinner at Saba Rock
Early morning start to visit the Baths on land. This is always a ‘wow’ experience. The boulders are even more impressive when walking through them. Mother nature has done something very special and beautiful there. It should not be missed.
In the afternoon, we arrived at North Sound. We visited the Bitter End Yacht Club for their signatory Painkiller and then headed to the SABA Rock for dinner. This is the more glamorous end of the BVI, although barefoot still applies!
Day 4 – Guana Island all day – swimming, beach combing, sunset cocktails, dinner on board
Guana Island is the favourite of many yacht charter guests and crews. This is a private island with access to the most beautiful sandy beach in the area. Everything is very pristine. The sea is turquoise with the clearest sandy bottom. The beach has the finest sand with no traces on it. An invitation for a beautiful walk.
Later, we got the sunset cocktails ready and marvel at the fiery sky until it got dark. Overnight at quiet anchorages are bonding moments for all.
Day 5 – Anegada
To all yacht charters: Do not miss Anegada! This place is something very different! A flat island, made of sand, bushes and mangroves. Surrounded by reefs and the most beautiful turquoise colours for miles. There, life runs on a very different clock and style and I recommend spending two days there if possible.
There is a lot to do on Anegada: the best snorkelling is there, around the Loblolly Beach; the beach combing is so much fun, kitesurfing is great, the conch islands are there too, lobsters are a speciality of all restaurants, flamingos can be seen regularly, you can ride horses on the beach and dance around the fire at night.
Day 6 – Jost Van Dyke – White Bay for Soggy Dollar Bar – Great Harbour for Foxy’s
We had a long sail to Jost Van Dyke and a beautiful one. White Bay is a must day-stop to swim out to the Soggy Dollar Bar to spend your soggy dollars on the best Painkiller in the BVI! There is music all around and the beach games are popular with young and old.
In the afternoon, we moved to the Great Harbour Bay and spend our evening at Foxy’s restaurant.
Jost Van Dyke is, in many ways, the most authentic of all islands in the area. And they make delicious gingerbread out there!
Day 7 – Willy T for jumping and fun lunch – Peter island for snorkelling and anchoring overnight – last night on board
We sailed to Peter island, to jump off the Willy T ship. The ultimate party place of this area and a must visit for anyone who appreciates a good party.
In the afternoon, we moved to an anchorage, where the old Willy T sank. This is a famous diving spot for visitors. We snorkelled and got back to admire the last sunset on board.
We finished the charter with last night at anchor and decided that that is our favourite thing to do when chartering. It allowed for the most relaxing time on board, barefoot and fancy free!
I often say how much I love my job. Organising yacht charter for guests has allowed me to do many wonderful things: meet some incredible people, visit beautiful destinations, widen my personal horizons and make many people so happy!
Some of our favourite yachts would be ideal for this route:
THE BEST TIME TO GO: between December and June
THE MOST POPULAR/EXPENSIVE PERIOD: Christmas and New Year
WHERE TO FLY TO: Beef Island, Tortola
TIME ZONE: GMT -4
DIVING SPOTS: Normal island, Peter island, Ginger island, Salt island
SNORKELLING SPOTS: Loblolly Bay and Horseshow reef on Anegada, The Indians, The Caves on Norman island, Rhone reef, Diamond reef
KITESURFING: Anegada, North Sound
WHAT KIND OF CHARTER FLEET IS AVAILABLE IN THE BVI: Charter Fleet
Crewed catamaran charter resources
For further details on making the most of your crewed catamaran charter, explore the following resources:
Contact Catamaran Charter Experts at High Point Yachting
If you have an enquiry or would like to find out a bit more about where you could charter catamaran yachts with us, our team of yacht charter experts is ready to help. Contact our yachting industry specialists for more information.