Traveling as a family or even a couple or with friends is something that should be cherished – but it can be challenging to choose the right location and the right style of holiday. Luckily, getting around the BVI’s no matter what company you have is always easy if you love to sail.
One of the locations that are world-renowned for incredible sailing is the British Virgin Islands – it is known as the Jewel of the Seas – and with good reason!
The BVI’s are ideal for those who love scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing. It is also great for those who want convenience when travelling around the island?. You can go from your beachside break to your chartered yacht with Borrowaboat in the BVI’s and spend the day or week exploring the divine waters.
It’s not uncommon for people to head back to sail here year after year because the destination lends itself so easily for relaxation, exploration, and fun for all the family. To get to your sailing holiday, you’ll most likely be flying – and with the reduced price of flights from America to the BVIs, it’s a dream location that is possible.
Where are the British Virgin Islands?
The BVIs are located in the northeastern Caribbean, which is why the weather is warm and balmy, and the water is so welcoming. About 50 miles east of Puerto Rico and not too far from the US Virgin Islands.
Something else that makes the British Virgin Islands extraordinary for sailing is that there are 50 or so islands, islets, and rocky formations to explore.
What are the biggest islands in the BVIs?
75% of the British Virgin Islands population is located on Tortola island, the largest island. Road Town, the capital of BVI, is also located here.
Several other islands are inhabited, including Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. What is extraordinary is that the population of the BVI is less than 25,000 people.
And while many tourists visit the island, it doesn’t feel as ‘overrun’ by tourists as many other locations.
What is sailing like in the British Virgin Islands?
If you want to experience a smoother and more calming sailing experience, then head to the BVIs between September and October. However, if you’re going to enjoy a faster pace with a little more knots, then November to May is ideal.
BVI is better for avid sailing families because the weather is warm throughout the year, but if you are looking for peak temperatures, then July is the best time to go. For those who want to enjoy sailing in warm but not hot temperatures, August to December offer highs of around 23 degrees.
Where is the best anchorage in the BVIs?
There are over 17 anchorage spots that you can choose from, but a few really stand out as the best.
- Deadman’s Bay offers white beaches and the Peter Island Yacht Club.
- Cooper Island is an ideal mooring for overnighters who want to check out the Cooper Island Beach Club for dinner and drinks.
- Sandy Cay is akin to a desert island and offers solitude and peace.
- Marina Cay is a small island but ideal for those who want to enjoy some snorkeling and has a restaurant bar too.
These places are perfect for those who are getting around with friends and their partner.
Where can families explore when on vacation in the BVIs?
It can be tricky to cater to the whole family in one location, but when you have a chartered yacht, you make site switching more effortless than ever. You don’t need to rely on public transport or taxis to travel around.
In practical terms, it means that everyone can choose somewhere to go and something to do – and your chartered yacht makes it possible.
So, where should you be checking out with the kids?
Smuggler’s Cove (Tortola)
What could be cooler than taking the family, especially younger childer, to a place called Smuggler’s Cove? It sounds like a name straight from Pirates of the Caribbean. What makes this place a must, is that not many tourists go here. There is only one snack bar, but there is plenty of beaches to enjoy. Perfect for a little moment away from the busiest locations.
Devil’s Bay National Park
If your family loves hiking, then going from the Baths to Devil’s Bat National Park will make your list of things to do. Contrary to the name, the location is peaceful, inviting, and ideal for those who want to swim quietly.
The horseshoe-shaped Bay has mooring buoys and a dinghy dock, so if you don’t want to hike, you can get here on your yacht.
The Baths (Virgin Gorda)
An adventure in the water is what the Baths offer. The Baths are a vast formation of granite rocks. Musch of the BVIs are soft stunning sandy beaches, and The Baths offer something a little more exciting.
The Baths have a maze-like formation, and you can spend hours wading through the warm waters with the kids exploring the crevices and hiding spots. While the ‘maze’ isn’t tough to navigate, it is easy to spend hours here.
Tip: pack your water shoes with a gripping sole for this location, as the rocks can become slippy if you are climbing on them.
White Bay (Jost Van Dyke)
Jost Van Dyke offers several mooring spots and a who range of beachside bars. For parents, there is a massive range of fresh cocktails, while younger children can play on the beach. If you want to spend a few nights on the island, there are several cottages and villas too.
The sand on white Bay has been described as some of the softest in the world.
The British Virgin Islands are the perfect place for anyone to enjoy time together, soak up some sun and enjoy a wide range of delectable dishes. A family-friendly location as well as a place full of romance and fun! You will definitely head back here year after year.