Visiting the VI

The Virgin Islands’ weather is generally more predictable than a lot of popular sailing locations. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead.  Sailing conditions can change quickly, so it’s always important to understand the basics of weather safety before setting sail. Here’s a look at some frequently asked questions about the weather in the…

The Virgin Islands are often described as having “champagne sailing” due to the normally calm conditions and the picturesque Caribbean Sea. For most of the year, the BVI and USVI are an excellent place to learn how to sail, with gentle breezes and small swells.  But as with much of the Caribbean, it’s important to…

Virgin Islands Safety During Hurricane Season Virgin Islands sailing weather is ideal for most of the year, making it a fantastic place to learn how to sail or increase your nautical miles. However, for a few months each year, hurricane season rears its (sometimes) ugly head and can cause conditions that will challenge even the…

Predicting the weather when sailing isn’t always possible, but it certainly helps to have the right tools. If you’ve ever been to the Virgin Islands during hurricane season (or even peak sailing season), you’ll know that the winds can shift and the skies can open up in the blink of an eye.  Sailing weather apps…

Whether you’re taking your first sailing course or have years of nautical miles under your belt, the Caribbean has some of the top sailing spots in the world. From the calm waters of the Virgin Islands to the more challenging open sea in the Southern Caribbean, taking a sailing vacation in the Caribbean is in…

Sailors who want a taste of what the Caribbean was like decades ago can plan a trip to the Spanish Virgin Islands. The 2 main islands and the smaller cays treat visitors to a remote section of the Virgin Islands that is full of wildlife and adventure.  But where should you visit on a Spanish…

The US Virgin Islands are made up of St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Each offers some of the best sailing destinations in the USVI, with beautiful coastline, excellent dive spots, and trade winds that rarely exceed 15 mph. Top Sailing Spots in St. John St. John is one of the most tranquil islands…

A few things are synonymous with the 4th of July, one of which we can’t recommend enough—sailing. The Virgin Islands are the perfect place to celebrate the holiday while building nautical miles. The crowds thin out, and hurricane season hasn’t hit its peak yet, making the summer holiday a great time to sail.  If you…

Virgin Island carnivals offer visitors a chance to learn more about local traditions, history, and cuisine while attending one of the best parties in the Caribbean. The best part? There are 5 different carnivals to choose from.  No matter what time of year you’re planning a Virgin Islands vacation, there may be a carnival happening…

With Wreck Week 2025 just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your travel itinerary for one of the top sailing events in the Caribbean. There’s fun on land and in the sea with all the activities and dive sites around the British Virgin Islands this summer. Are you planning a trip to BVI…

Whether you just finished taking sailing courses or have sailed for years, chartering a Virgin Islands bareboat requires some planning. Understanding how and when to book a bareboat charter goes a long way to ensuring that your trip to the Virgin Islands is smooth sailing. Here is a quick look at everything you need to…

Facts About Virgin Islands National Park Virgin Islands National Park is full of adventure and fun! Here are a few things facts about Virgin Islands National Park that are worth knowing before you visit: This is no British Virgin Islands National Park The British Virgin Islands is home to a few different national parks but…

Many families dream of going to the Virgin Islands with their kids. It’s easy to see why, as it offers one of the most tranquil backdrops imaginable for family fun! Picture spending a week under the Caribbean sun, island hopping in USVI. Priceless. However, family travel in the Virgin Islands takes some planning, especially when…

Sailing is a popular eco-friendly travel option that allows you to see another side of the Virgin Islands that many people simply fly over. However, sailing sustainably requires some planning and understanding of what you need to bring along for the journey. Take a look at some helpful tips we put together so that you…

Reducing our carbon footprint when traveling is crucial to preserving our national parks and oceans. While many of us travel by air, an eco-tour on a sailboat is a more sustainable mode of transportation, especially when island hopping in the Virgin Islands.  Go Sail Virgin Islands offers eco-friendly travel experiences in the Caribbean Sea. Our…

So, you’ve finished the basic courses and are ready to start sailing solo. Congratulations—the time and effort will pay off once you’re on the water! Not only can this help you avoid getting caught in irons once you hire a bareboat charter, but it’s also lots of fun to learn new skills. Mile building is…

Imagine cruising around the Caribbean Sea with a few of your closest friends—sunshine, a constant breeze , and the crystal clear open water all around you. Chartering a yacht is a great way to connect with nature and make the most of your vacation. But before you can call yourself captain and set sail in…

The USVI attracts a wide range of tourists seeking differing vacation styles. While staying at US Virgin Island resorts may be the right choice for some, for those who seek adventure and a unique experience, a sailing vacation might be a better option. Here is our comparison of resorts vs sailing vacations: Resort Vacations: Comfort…

The Virgin Islands National Park is what sets the island of St. John apart. Covering about 60% of the island, the park protects it from overdevelopment, resulting in pristine beaches and lush hiking trails. These are some of the best-kept secrets within the Virgin Islands National Park: Denis Bay Beach All the beaches of the…

The long and proud history of sailing in the Virgin Islands is central to the region’s identity and has led to its reputation as a premier sailing destination today. Here’s the key facts to know about the history of sailing in the Virgin Islands for history buffs and curious visitors! Pre-Colombian People Before Europeans ever…

Maritime technology is constantly evolving. Until recently, long ocean crossings with a small sailboat meant accepting that there would be minimal or no internet access onboard. But nowadays, you don’t have to sacrifice staying connected when you set sail.  Internet at sea is still more costly and complicated than it is on land, and the…

“Old Year’s Night,” as we call it in the Virgin Islands, is a magical event when we say goodbye to the previous year while welcoming the next one. Around here, we celebrate wearing flip-flops surrounded by palm trees and white sand. If you want to join us this year, don’t miss these top activities on…

Looking for fun things to do on Christmas in the VI? While everyone is battling the snow further north, December marks the start of the Caribbean’s best season for sunny skies and warm temperatures, and locals love to open the season with numerous Christmas celebrations. These are our top picks for things to do on…

Christmas in the Virgin Islands promises warm, sunny weather and sugar sand beaches, but it is also a great opportunity to shop for unique gifts for the holidays! Whether you are browsing for someone special or treating yourself, the Virgin Islands have something to delight everyone! These are some of the top items to look…

Late November is one of the best times to visit the US Virgin Islands because the weather is mild, and peak tourist season has not yet begun. This means you can enjoy uncrowded sunny beaches and lower costs. If you are thinking about spending Thanksgiving in the USVI but are worried about finding a good…

A vacation to the VI promises more than breathtaking beaches! Visitors will also savor the bold and unique flavors of Virgin Islands cuisine. African, European, and Caribbean influences converge to create a culinary experience you can’t find anywhere else. Discover these tasty dishes on your next trip to the VI: Fish and Fungi Fish and…

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! Go Sail Virgin Islands has officially opened our very own sailing gear shop, offering an exclusive range of branded shirts and hats that we know you’ll love. Our new shop is stocked with stylish apparel designed to let you showcase your support for Go Sail…

If you’ve never attended a sailboat show, they are a great chance to delve deeper into the world of sailing. One of the most renowned boat shows in North America, the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2024, will be coming to Maryland from October 10 – 14. You won’t want to miss it!  Go Sail Virgin Islands…

Spending a vacation at a resort may be appealing to some people, but there is a better option for those who want a more fulfilling, immersive experience. When you cruise on a Virgin Islands all-inclusive sailing trip, you spend your voyage surrounded by the aquamarine sea rather than in a crowd of tourists who all…

The USVI comprises over 50 islands and cays, each more breathtakingly beautiful than the last. With so many gorgeous locations and exciting activities, choosing where to spend your vacation can feel impossible. Thankfully, sailing gives you the flexibility to customize your itinerary as you hop from island to island. Check out our guide to finding…

https://www.gosailvi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5908/2024/08/092024_Week1_AdvancedCourses.mp4 If you have already taken the American Sailing Association’s popular beginner courses and are eager for a new challenge, Go Sail VI also offers advanced ASA courses. The topics we cover are ASA 105 (Coastal Navigation), ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising), and ASA 114 (Catamaran Cruising). Here is why you should join us in…

In search of the best British Virgin Island to visit during your holiday? There is more than one! We’ve detailed our top spots to visit on a few of our favorite islands so you can create the best BVI itinerary to fit your individual interests and timeframe. Norman Island: life of the party While Go…

Ready for an unforgettable vacation sailing in the BVI? Here is our advice to guarantee a successful trip: 1. Fly to the USVI If you are sailing in the British Virgin Islands from the US, flying into St. Thomas will probably be significantly cheaper and more direct than into the BVI’s airports. Then, an easy…

Choosing the best month to sail the British Virgin Islands can make a big difference in the success of your voyage. Sailing is possible year-round in the BVI, but some periods of the year have easier weather conditions, while others will be less crowded. This is your guide to picking the best month to visit…

Learning to sail is made easy when you have a great instructor! But how do you find them? Every year, the American Sailing Association (ASA) recognizes the best ASA sailing instructors around the world. This annual award can help you to find the best sailing instructors in the Virgin Islands and beyond. Here’s what you…

Congratulations! You’ve completed your ASA courses and you feel confident bareboat charter for a family and friend vacation! So what’s next? We recommend bareboating in the British Virgin Islands! Here’s what makes bareboating in Tortola and beyond such a fantastic sailing experience and what you need to do to ensure your bareboat trip is a…

While the United States, Canada, and other countries don’t have any travel advisories for the Virgin Islands, there are still steps you can take to ensure you have the safest US Virgin Island experience possible. Here are a few safety recommendations to keep in mind when visiting the US Virgin Islands. Don’t flash your cash…

The US Virgin Islands is the place to be in the Caribbean the first week of July! That’s because this US territory celebrates US Independence Day just like in the states. There will be fireworks, parades, and all the American classics. Here are our top 4th of July events you won’t want to miss in…

What’s the best way to travel to the Virgin Islands? These strategies will make your travel to the Virgin Islands as seamless, cheap, and stress-free as possible.  Flying into the US Virgin Islands The USVI has two commercial airports. One in St. Croix and one in St. Thomas. If you are setting sail in the…

July 7th is all about mangoes in the US Virgin Islands as the Mango Melee Festival rolls through St Croix! Here’s the scoop on how to sail into the festival and enjoy the day of festivities:  What is the St Croix Mango Melee Festival? The St Croix Mango Melee Festival is an annual event hosted…

On June 25th, we honor the contributions of seafarers today and throughout history to the world economy, international trade, and the environment. Maritime careers are often demanding, dangerous, and require great  sacrifice. The International Day of the Seafarer recognizes all who work at sea. Every time you cast off your lines, you become part of…

For a fun getaway, the annual St John Carnival is a favorite Virgin Islands event. The carnival offers endless amusement for everyone from locals and tourists to families and young partiers. Join us in Cruz Bay for a celebration of St John’s vibrant cultural heritage!  What is the St John Carnival? The St John Carnival’s origins can be traced…

Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day in the 1930s and it is still being celebrated today! Find out more about the holiday and how you can celebrate it below: What does National Maritime Day celebrate? National Maritime Day celebrates all those in the maritime industry! That includes those in the marine shipping industry,…

What’s the best food to try in the US Virgin Islands? Well on June 8, it’s wings! The King of the Wing Festival is the perfect opportunity to eat your heart out and celebrate USVI culinary excellence with tourists and locals alike.   What is the King of the Wing Festival? The King of the Wing…

A yacht charter broker is someone with extensive knowledge of the yachting industry and helps match yacht owners with those going on yacht charter vacations. But is it worth booking your sailing charter through a Virgin Islands yacht charter broker? Absolutely! Here’s why: 1. Yacht charter brokers don’t cost you a dime.  It won’t cost…

Planning on sailing the world? You’ll need your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) first! In this quick guide you’ll learn where you need the ASA IPC to sail, what countries don’t require the IPC, and how to become certified before you take off on your world travels.   What is the International Proficiency Certificate, (ASA IPC)? The…

Before heading out to sail, you always want to be well apprised of the weather conditions! Unfortunately, many traditional weather apps just don’t cut it in the sailing world. Let’s take a look at which sailing weather apps to use and why before hitting the water: Traditional Weather Apps There are a few reasons you…

The learning journey isn’t over once you complete Bareboat Certification or even feel confident as a skipper! Every sailor out there can improve in some form or fashion. Here’s why you should take advanced ASA courses and which ones we recommend you sign up for:  What are ASA Advanced Courses? ASA advanced courses are the…

Provision shopping for a weeklong live aboard sailing trip can feel intimidating. However, there are plenty of options to make sure you have everything you need before you set sail! Here’s our guide to shopping in the Virgin Islands for provisions and other items you may want on your sailing vacation.  Provision shopping at home…

You’ve booked your sailing trip but what about your accommodations before you set sail? Here’s a few options of where you can stay in St. Thomas before or after a sailing trip with Go Sail Virgin Islands: Short-term stays in St. Thomas If you are looking for where to stay in St. Thomas for just…

Caribbean Learn to Sail vacations are American Sailing (ASA) sailing trips you can take with an instructor to become a (ASA) American Sailing certified sailor. Here’s the scoop on Caribbean Learn to Sail vacations: What’s Included with a Caribbean Learn to Sail Vacation ?  A Learn to Sail vacation with American Sailing will come with…

A Virgin Islands Spring Break trip is the perfect way to spend the spring season with family and friends! From where to visit and how to get there to the best events to enjoy, this guide will help you to plan the ultimate spring break vacation in the Virgin Islands. 1. Decide Which Islands to…

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Virgin Islands can be just as fun as celebrating in Ireland itself! Here are a few of the best places to visit on St. Patrick’s Day in the Virgin Islands, the history behind each island’s celebrations, and what you can expect when you visit: Montserrat: Celebrating A Fusion of…

Sailing on your own is fun but sailing with your significant other can take your love of sailing (and potential of your partner) to all new heights! This guide to couples cruising in the Virgin Islands will help you to book the sailing trip of a lifetime with your special someone.  1. Consider Both of…

The Virgin Islands is one of the most romantic spots you can take your special someone! However, these fun date ideas in the Virgin Islands are sure to keep the romance alive each and every day of your trip. Pick one or try out them all!  1. Savor a Candlelit Dinner on a Sailboat Take…

Oftentimes sailing with your mate is much more fun than sailing alone! Sailing with your spouse can also be a great way to strengthen an already healthy relationship. Here’s 5 ways sailing with your husband, wife, or significant other can help you strengthen your relationship and support each other’s strengths: 1. Sharing Experiences and Hobbies…

World travelers can be difficult to gift shop for. It may seem like they’ve gone everywhere and done everything already! So how do you impress a world traveler with your Valentine’s day gifts? Blow them out of the water with one of these awesome Valentine’s gift ideas for world travelers!  1. A Cruising Couple’s Catamaran…

If you are starting to dabble in the sailing world, you’ve probably heard the word “bareboat” thrown around. So what exactly is bareboat chartering ?  What Is Bareboat Sailing? Bareboat sailing is the term used to describe sailing a rented boat without a hired captain or crew. Going bareboating essentially means you are choosing to…

Visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands doesn’t have to be overly expensive. In fact, if you time your visit right or meet certain requirements you can even get free access to the Virgin Islands National Park! Here’s how: Entrance-Free Dates at the Virgin Islands National Park You can enjoy free access to the Virgin Islands National…

Top 4 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Travelers The most popular New Year’s resolution ideas aren’t exactly fun. They focus on hard to accomplish tasks like quitting bad habits or weight loss through regimented workout routines. Oftentimes, we fail at these New Year’s resolution ideas because they aren’t fun! However, these New Year’s resolution ideas…

If you are visiting the Virgin Islands over the holidays, you’re in for quite the treat! Here’s the top things to do in the Virgin Islands for Christmas: 1. Island Hop Your Way Through the Holidays There’s no need to limit your Christmas cheer to just one island! One of the top things to do…

There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season in the U.S. Virgin Islands than with the Crucian Christmas Festival! Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming St. Croix festival: When is the Crucian Christmas Festival? St. Croix’s festival begins on Tuesday, December 26 with a pageant and wraps up on Saturday, January…

The Best Cyber Monday Sailing Deals Cyber Monday will be here before you know it! If you’re looking to snag some new gear at a discount or find the perfect gift for the sailing enthusiast in your life, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Take advantage of these Cyber Monday sailing deals to make…

Celebrating Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands is truly special! As a U.S. territory, the USVIs celebrate the holiday much the same as in the continental U.S. Think turkey, parades, and plenty of good times! Here are a few events, festivals, and ideas to make your Thanksgiving in the Virgin Islands…

A great VI sailing school will offer you a wealth of information to decide if they are the best fit for you before you book. Here is what you should expect to see from a great VI sailing school before deciding on whether to set sail with them: 1. Plenty of Top-Notch Ratings 5 star…

It can feel like a big jump to go from being a weekend warrior sailor to embracing a full-time sailing lifestyle. Here are a few tips to get you ready for the big transition:  1. Try Out A Few Different Liveaboard Options First Getting as much experience as possible before becoming a full-time sailor is…

You’ll find the Caribbean’s top beaches in St. John in the US Virgin Islands. However, it’s more than the sparkling turquoise blue waters and white, crystal sands that make St. John beaches so special. Here are six stand-out features of St. John’s beaches that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else: 1. Protected by…

Sailors tend to be the type of people who are always looking for new adventures. Here are a few fabulous adventures we recommend adding to your sailing bucket list no matter how experienced or new you are to sailing: Circumnavigate an island Circumnavigating the world is a great sailing bucket list item— but it’s not…

Wondering where to eat while in the Virgin Islands? From the top restaurants in the VI to unforgettable local cuisines, here’s what you need to know about dining in the Virgin Islands: 1. Visit One of the VIs Unique Restaurants You’ll find some incredibly unique restaurant options in the Virgin Islands. That’s in part thanks…

Sailing on a private boat in the Caribbean offers ultimate freedom and luxury! Here is what you need to know before booking a yacht charter vacation in the Caribbean:  Booking Sailing Trips Directly vs. Through a Broker When you start searching for companies to book a yacht charter vacation through, you’ll be met with two…

The U.S. Virgin Islands is generally regarded as a safe place to sail. However, before setting off on your USVI adventure, there are a few things you should know regarding safety in the Virgin Islands.   Safety While Sailing the U.S. Virgin Islands The safety risk while sailing in the U.S. Virgin Islands is very low….

If you already have your basic sailing courses completed, you may be wondering what’s next. Oftentimes, ASA 118 is a logical next step to improve your sailing abilities. Here’s why: What Is ASA 118? ASA 118 is the docking endorsement course offered through the American Sailing Association. This 2-day course equips sailors with the knowledge…

Checking the weather is an absolute must before heading out on the water. However, what are the best tools for checking sailing weather before setting off on your adventure? Check out the 5 favorite tools of Go Sail Virgin Islands: 1. NOAA NowCOAST The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is one of the best…

Is travel insurance a great investment or a waste of money? Here’s our take on whether or not to buy travel insurance for your Virgin Islands sailing trip.  Is Travel Insurance Required in the Virgin Islands? No, it is not required to buy travel insurance in order to visit the Virgin Islands. This might come…

Setting sail outside of the U.S. and not sure if you need a sailing certificate? Read on to discover everything you need to know about international  sailing certificates, when you need them, and how to get one:  What is an international sailing certificate? An international sailing certificate is proof that you meet the basic requirements…

The world is full of sailing itineraries and trips! So how do you choose the perfect sailing location for your trip? The Virgin Islands has some of the best sailing conditions you’ll find anywhere and  should absolutely be a top contender for your next sailing adventure. Here’s what makes sailing here so impressive:  1. Temperatures…

Bareboating sailing provides sailors the opportunity to rent a sailboat without a crew. It’s a truly unique and wonderful experience, made all the better if you plan your trip in the Virgin Islands! Here’s why: 1. Bareboat sailing is the most customizable way to see the Virgin Islands Bareboat sailing gives you the freedom to…

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are both absolutely gorgeous sailing locations. However, if you are only able to visit one on your upcoming Caribbean trip, these tips will help you to make an informed decision about which territory to go to first:  BVI vs USVI Passports and Visas For U.S….

The key to finding the best sailing schools in the Virgin Islands is knowing what to look for. In this post we discuss what elements to look for before booking your dream sailing course. This includes finding the best deal, greatest instructors, most flexible sailing schools, and most fun courses. Here?s how you can ensure…

Stuck between the choice of hiring a captain vs. chartering your own bareboat in the Virgin Islands? Let us help you make an informed decision. Read on to find out which option is best for you. What Does It Mean to Charter Your Own Bareboat? To put it simply, bareboating means sailing without a crew….

Unsure what you need to bring for a Virgin Islands ASA certification course? This list will make sure you are fully prepared before your adventure begins: 1. The Essentials Many of the things you’ll want to bring to your Virgin Islands ASA certification course are the same things you’d want to bring on any other,…

ASA sailing courses aren’t just for beginners. Captains with all levels of experience can benefit from taking sailing lessons. Here’s why: 1. There is always more to learn The learning journey never ends! This is especially true when it comes to sailing. Even captains  with decades of experience continue to find new tricks of the…

The best USVI cruising itinerary is the itinerary that best meets your needs and goals. In this post we discuss how to make an informed decision when choosing a USVI cruising itinerary and provide you with a sample itinerary so you know what to expect aboard.  What’s the best length for a USVI cruise? If…

  schedule and price Before sailing the Virgin Islands, there are a few things you should know about the sailing logistics, opportunities, conditions, and culture. This go-to Virgin Islands cruising guide will provide you with all the information you need for the sailing trip of a lifetime. Page Contents Virgin Islands sailing conditions  Virgin Islands…

As a longtime Sailing Instructor for ASA and Go Sail Virgin Islands, we wanted to share some “insider tips” that may help you plan for your ASA Sailing Courses in Virgin Islands. 1. Champagne Sailing! The weather is blissful, tropical conditions of between 80°F and 85°F. The inviting crystal-clear Caribbean turquoise waters are about 82°F year-round. The…