First-Time Sailing: Itinerary Must-Haves in the BVI
If it’s your first time sailing, there are few places as ideal for learning as the Virgin Islands. Crystal-clear waters, warm temperatures, and consistent breezes throughout much of the year make the islands a true paradise for sailing. The British Virgin Islands are among the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, with protected bays, spectacular sunsets, and plenty to do both on the water and on land.
If you’re planning your first BVI sailing itinerary, you’re in for a treat. But choosing the best destinations can go a long way toward making your vacation unforgettable. While the exact sailing route may change depending on boat traffic and the weather, these are a few stops we hope every visitor has the chance to experience.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Near Cooper Island
If you’re interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, the coral reefs and wrecks near Cooper Island are a must for your BVI sailing itinerary.
The most famous scuba site near Cooper Island is Wreck Alley. There are four shipwrecks here, which have developed into artificial reefs that are home to eels, blue chromis, barracuda, and other marine life.
If you’re planning to snorkel, you can pick up a mooring in Manchioneel Bay and take a dinghy to Cistern Point, where beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish make it one of the best snorkeling spots in the BVI. When you’re ready for lunch, you can head back to Manchioneel Bay and go ashore at Cooper Island Beach Club for an upscale lunch al fresco!
Exploring The Baths at Virgin Gorda
One of the most photogenic locations in the British Virgin Islands, The Baths National Park is home to huge granite boulders that rise from white sands and clear blue water. Sailors can approach the area by dinghy before exploring the trail that connects Devil’s Bay and The Baths.
The beach at Devil’s Bay is a great place to spend some time before or after the walk over to The Baths. Once there, you can walk around—or even inside—the collection of boulders to find sea caves, rock pools, and secluded spots. If it’s your first time sailing, pay attention to local conditions, as strong currents and swells can sometimes make marine access and swimming unsafe.
Happy Hour on a Floating Bar
If it’s your first time sailing in the BVI, Norman Island is a beautiful location long associated with Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It’s also home to a famous landmark, Willy T, a floating bar and restaurant named after famous architect and BVI resident William Thornton. Today’s Willy T is the third vessel to carry the name, but it remains one of the Virgin Islands’ most popular happy hour destinations on the water.
Trellis Bay
Go Sail Virgin Islands’ BVI sailing itineraries usually include a few hidden gems picked by our captains and crew. One often overlooked stop is Trellis Bay, where it’s often much easier to get a last-minute mooring ball than at other locations near Tortola. But it’s not just convenience that makes this a must-stop location. Trellis Bay is a great place to experience local culture, pick up some souvenirs, and even get fresh bread sold from a dinghy.
Plan a First-Time Sailing Itinerary
If you’re planning to take Virgin Island sailing courses for the first time, the British Virgin Islands are a great choice. Along with having ideal sailing conditions, there are a lot of fun things to add to a BVI sailing itinerary. Talk to our ASA sailing specialists about planning the perfect first-time sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands and learn other helpful tips for planning a great getaway in the Caribbean.