Sailing: The Best Way To Experience The British Virgin Islands
The sailing charter industry has been the backbone of the economy in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for the last 100 years for good reason. Sailing is truly the best way to experience the BVI! Many of the best BVI vacation destinations can only be reached by boat and sailing gives you the opportunity to visit a variety of different islands in just one weeklong vacation. Not to mention the BVI sailing conditions are unbeatable. This year-round sailing destination comes with daytime temperatures normally between 80 – 85°F and reliable 15 to 20 knots easterly winds.
Learn to Sail in the BVI
There’s no better place to become a certified sailor than in the British Virgin Islands with Go Sail Virgin Islands’ sailing school! Go Sail offers the American Sailing Association’s (ASA) bareboat certification courses year-round in the BVI. These active learn to sail courses will provide you with all the instruction, know-how, and internationally recognized certifications needed to sail a catamaran on your own just about anywhere in the world. Go Sail’s weeklong live-aboard vacations offers adaptable itineraries with the opportunity to visit a variety of top BVI vacation destinations and hidden gem sailing locations. You’ll not only become a competent and confident sailor with our Virgin Islands sailing school but also have plenty of time to snorkel, island hop, experience Virgin Islands culture and cuisine, and explore the islands on and off shore!
A Sample 7 Day BVI Sailing Itinerary
Go Sail Virgin Islands offer bespoke BVI sailing itineraries as part of our Virgin Island sailing school with the opportunity for clients to visit a variety of different sailing destinations based on their interests, weather conditions, previous sailing experience, and more! Most itineraries are planned with not only plenty of sailing time but also daily opportunities to explore the islands, snorkel in crystal clear bays, sample the delicious Caribbean cuisine, and relax on board. Our Captain’s Logs offer unique insight into just how unique each and every trip with Go Sail Virgin Islands is. However, this sample itinerary will also give you an idea of what you can expect!
Day 1: Arrival
Fly into St Thomas, USVI (STT) and take the ferry to Tortola or fly directly to Beef Island, Tortola (EIS) and take a taxi to Nanny Cay Marina. We will spend the first night on the dock. The Captain will greet you at 5 pm and show you to your cabin. Unpack, unwind, and sleep aboard your chartered boat before setting sail in the morning.
Day 2: Norman Island
Home of the famous Willy-T’s floating bar (a double decker floating boat!)
Snorkel spots near by:
✔️ The Caves
✔️ The Indians
Day 3: Cooper Island
Home of the Cooper Island Beach Club and Rum Bar and is one of the most famous dive sites in the Caribbean
Snorkel spots near by:
✔️ Salt Island Wreck of the Rhone
✔️ Marine Turtle nesting protected area
Day 4: Virgin Gorda
Home of the Bitter End Yacht Club, Leverick Bay, and North Gorda Sound
Snorkel spots near by:
✔️ The Baths
✔️ Reef at Saba Rock
Day 5: Anegada
The second-largest island in the BVI but the least populated! Horseshoe Reef is one of the largest barrier coral reefs in the Caribbean, making this a top snorkeling destination
Snorkel spots near by:
✔️ Loblolly Bay
✔️ Cow Wreck Beach
Day 6: Jost Van Dyke Great Harbor
The best British Virgin Island to visit for Caribbean cuisine! Try the roti, jerk chicken, and island-style BBQ at Foxy’s Tamarind, Corsairs, White Bay, or Soggy Dollar!
Snorkel spots near by:
✔️ White bay
✔️ Sandy Cay
✔️ Diamond Cay
✔️ The bubbly pools
Day 7: Departure Day
We wake up in a bay near the marina. We will begin early with short sail and return to the marina dock at 9 am to get fuel and say your “see you soons” to your captain! We will will be off the boat by 10 am. The taxi ride is about 20-45 minute ride to the airtport. Plan to take an afternoon flight so you have plenty of time check in 2 hours early for your flight.
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example of what a week-long sailing journey aboard a Learn to Sail Vacation on a BVI Yacht Charter, exploring the breathtaking British Virgin Islands, may entail. However, it is important to note that the captain may adjust the schedule to ensure optimal sailing conditions and the best possible experience for guests.
Turning Your BVI Itinerary Dreams Into Reality
We offer an International Bareboat Cruising Certification with American Sailing Certifications ASA 101/103/104/114 with (IPC) or 106/114 with (IPC) in a learn to sail week-long course. All courses are customized and designed for you.
We are a crew of expert captains and instructors who have sailed all over the world. We know sailing but better yet we are mastering the art of teaching you everyday with patience and practice. Kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do. These are 7 key principles we follow and live by.
- Encourage active learning
- Give and ask for prompt feedback
- Emphasize hands-on sailing skills
- Communicate with honesty and clarity
- Respect diverse talents and ways of learning
- Encourage questions and growth mindset
- Develop reciprocity and cooperation
We are also providing this service for the betterment of the sailing community. When you are passing down your knowledge, you will have been inspired by the great mentor and Captain.
Meet the Go Sail Virgin Islands Captains and Crew
Check out our Captain’s Logs of recent trips.
Friends and Familes on a Learn to Sail Vacation
Go Sail Virgin Island’s Private Sailing Courses with your family or friends looking to charter a private luxury yacht for American Sailing Courses on a learn-to-sail vacation. This is a fully customized cruising course modified to meet your goals. Get Bareboat Charter Certified while on Vacation. Friends and Family can share the yacht with a fun itinerary built for everyone. There are no age restrictions, and not all guests need to take the courses.
Cruising Couples on a group course with Go Sail Virgin Islands
Solo Traveler Students on a Go Sail Virgin Islands course
