Creating a British Virgin Islands (BVI) sailing itinerary seems intimidating, but it is truly inspiring and fun. Whether you are a newbie like we once were, or a pro, the British Virgin Islands are the ideal sailing destination. All of the islands are within sight, the bays protected, and the activities are limitless. Oh, and the food is fantastic.

From pristine beaches and crystal clear water to boulders, caves, fresh seafood, and delicious umbrella drinks…this is The British Virgin Islands.

We spent a week sailing throughout the British Virgin Islands during the summer of 2018. While not our first time, this adventure was different. Our sail occurred less than a year after Hurricane Irma slammed the islands, leaving them devastated as far as the eye could see. It was humbling.

BVI Sailing Itinerary

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

I don’t want this post to appear negative in any way because our experience was a dream come true. The British Virgin Islands were as beautiful as ever. The citizens of the islands worked tirelessly, providing their visitors with the best experience possible.

Everywhere you look is beauty.

Go visit and see for yourself.

How to Plan Your British Virgin Islands (BVI) Sailing Itinerary & What You Need to Know Before You Go.

Fun facts to know when planning your BVI Sailing Itinerary.

Location. ~ The British Virgin Islands are an archipelago of four main islands; Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Plus about 60 tiny islands and Cays, located in the Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico.

Total Area. ~ 59 square miles.

The highest point. ~ Mount Sage in Tortola at 1,709 feet.

Population. ~ 35,800 of mainly descendants from African slaves, plus a small minority of persons of European descent and ex-pats from the United States.

Demonym. ~ New word for me. A demonym is a word used to denote the natives of a particular country, state, city, or island. The demonym of the BVI is the Virgin Islander.

Are the BVIs owned by the British? ~ The BVIs are a British Overseas Territory, and the British Virgin Islanders are British Overseas Territory Citizens. The territory is NOT part of the European Union (EU), but they are considered citizens of the EU because of their British Citizenship. The territory operates as a parliamentary democracy, the ultimate executive authority belongs to the Queen. And their National Anthem is “God Save the Queen.”

Currency. ~ US Dollars, I don’t get it, either.

Economy. ~ Obviously, tourism is the mainstay of the economy of the British Virgin Islands with perfect weather, stunning vistas, water sports galore, and fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and umbrella drinks. Tourism is almost half of the island’s income.

Climate. ~ Dreamy is what I call it, but the BVIs are considered to have a tropical rainforest climate which generally is the same year-round. The highest temperature in the summer is about 89 degrees F, and 84 degrees in the winter. Hurricane season occurs between August and October.

Why is the group of islands called “The Virgin Islands?” ~ The islands were named in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, he called them “Saint Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins.” I don’t see the similarity, but I guess after all of those months of sailing, maybe Columbus saw something different?

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands of the Carribean.

Why Travel to the British Virgin Islands.

  • White sand beaches, crystal blue water, relaxed vibe. ~ What more do you need?
  • Endless water sports. ~ Scuba diving, snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, or just floating around on a noodle sipping Champagne.
  • To Sail. ~ With the consistent trade winds and the warm year-round weather, the BVIs are a sailor’s dream.
  • Peace and quiet. ~ Find tranquility on one of many secluded and spectacular beaches.
  • To drink a Painkiller. ~ The drink of the island, discovering the perfect Painkiller is a must.
  • The Roti Wrap. ~ My favorite local dish, a curried stew with meat and potatoes, folded up in a wrap.
  • The fresh seafood. ~ AND tropical fruits.
  • The economy needs you. ~ The citizens of the BVIs are working tirelessly to recover from the devastation due to Hurricane Irma. They need your continued support to thrive once again.

Before you start planning your BVI sailing itinerary, you should know how to get there.

There are no direct flights into the main airport in Tortola on Beef Island (EIS) from the United States, Europe, Canada or South America. You will have to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, or St. Maarten. Then board another flight to Trellis Bay in Tortola on Beef Island.

Another option that is cheaper than flying directly into Tortola (EIS) is to fly to St. Thomas, then take the 50-minute fast ferry to Road Town in Tortola. A one-way trip will cost you $40, round-trip $60 (for adults).

The best things to add to your BVI sailing itinerary.

1)  The Baths.

The Baths British Virgin Islands
BVI Sailing Itinerary

The Baths are located at the southwest end of Virgin Gorda.  If you are arriving at The Baths on a sailboat, you can attach to a mooring ball and take your dinghy closer (there are specific mooring balls for dinghies).  Then swim in.  This is when your dry bag will come in handy as you will want your good camera and some cash.

Touring The Baths is the most popular activity in the British Virgin Islands.  The area can be crowded especially on a cruise ship day.  Definitely check into the cruise ship schedule when planning your itinerary.

The Baths British Virgin Islands
BVI Sailing Itinerary

When you see these massive grey granite boulders, you will be in awe.  They create a kind of maze to walk through which at times can be tricky.  There are steep steps and ladders to climb; calm and tranquil pools to wade through.  The boulders can be slippery, so wear proper shoes.  The hike is easy to moderate.

The Baths British Virgin Islands
BVI Sailing Itinerary

Hike to the top of the hill and grab a bite at Top Of The Baths.  The view is astounding and your taste buds will go crazy with the Roti, a curry stew that contains potatoes and meat folded within a wrap. I tried it several times during our trip and I think this one was the best.

Delicious drinks, a dip in the pool, and a souvenir and your day is complete!

2)  Coco Maya Restaurant, Bar, Lounge and Beach.

I won’t get into the fiasco of a day we had trying to get it together with our boat at the marina.  Our time at Coco Maya totally erased all of it.  The food, the ambiance, the drinks, the people, the view.  It is amazing.

Dinghy ride British Virgin Islands
BVI Sailing Itinerary

Secure a mooring ball at St. Thomas Bay and take a dinghy into Yacht Harbour in Spanish Town.  From there, either walk or hail a 5-minute taxi ride to Coco Maya.

Coco Maya is warm, relaxing, quiet, and beautiful.  We ordered drinks, sat by the firepit, took tons of pictures.

Coco Maya British Virgin Islands.
BVI Sailing Itinerary
The Official Smile Award Winner.

The servers are happy, attentive and fun.  These are people who not a year ago lost everything to Hurricane Irma, and they wanted nothing more than to give us a culinary experience we would never forget.  And they succeeded.

We ordered mainly tapas that had a Latin/Asian Fusion.  Delicious.

Coco Maya British Virgin Islands
BVI Sailing Itinerary
That is a Lemon Basil Mojito and a Deconstructed Cosmo. Beautiful, strong and tasty!

3)  Monkey Point ~ Snorkel and SUP.

Monkey Point is located at the southern tip of Guana Island.  The area is protected so it is a great spot for lunch.  Grab a mooring ball and spend the day snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

There is a massive coral reef to snorkel (or dive) right off of the boat. Calm, crystal clear water full of lots of fish and other sea life.

Monkey Point British Virgin Islands.
BVI Sailing Itinerary

There is a little piece of island that is accessible only by swim, boat or SUP; fun to explore as well. We had it all to ourselves!

Monkey Point.  BVI Sailing Itinerary

4)  Pusser’s Marina Cay ~ Unfortunately, closed as of this post.

Pusser’s at Marina Cay has since closed after more than 25 years due to the overwhelming financial burden caused by Hurricane Irma; although still has restaurants located at Myett’s at Cane Garden Bay, Pusser’s Painkiller Bar in Road Town, and a Pusser’s Store in Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda.

Even though it is now closed, I still want to share with you our experience at Pusser’s at Marina Cay. Let me start by saying that Pusser’s Marina Cay was wrecked by Hurricane Irma.  To be able to recover and begin serving food and drinks so soon after this storm is phenomenal.   The restaurant had only been open for three weeks when we visited.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Open sign for Pusser's Marina Cay British Virgin Islands
Lucky for this OPEN sign or we would not have known.

We tied up to the rebuilt dinghy dock early evening; secured a table for dinner right away.  By the time we finished dinner, there was a line practically down the dock waiting to be seated.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Lobster Pusser's Marina Cay British Virgin Islands
I ate a 3 1/2 pound lobster!  Not kidding.
BVI Sailing Itinerary
Bushwacker Pusser's Marina Cay British Virgin Islands
And drank a couple of Bushwackers!

Many recognize the Marina Cay Dock by the large red phone booth at the end.  Well, it is now underwater, but can be seen by the dock.

A humbling, yet enlightening experience.  The bathrooms were a disaster, the island a mess.  But the food was so good, those Bushwackers tasted fantastic.  The servers working so hard to create a memorable culinary experience for us all.

5)  Try the Brews on Cooper Island Beach Club.

The eco-friendly Cooper Island brews all of their own beer for the resort on-site. With six craft beers on tap, you are destined to find one to fit your taste. You can even contribute to Sea Turtle Conservation by sipping on the Turtle IPA, a dollar per glass is donated.

Cooper Island Beach Club has the cutest boutique full of quality souvenirs.  There is a coffee shop, a rum bar, a dive shop, and a restaurant. 

The snorkeling around the island is fantastic.  The floor of the ocean is covered with eelgrass so there are lots of turtles to see, fish and barracudas, too! The barracudas will escort you right back to your boat. So polite, those barracudas.

We hiked down the shoreline and spotted a healthy goat munching on some new leaves. I mention this to bring attention to the resiliency of nature after a devastating storm.

If you are into diving, do not miss the Wreck of the RMS Rhone, which is considered to be one of the world’s best wreck dives.  You can book a rendezvous dive to the RMS Rhone with the dive shop on Cooper Island.

The mooring at Cooper Island can be a bit rolly, so it may not be the best place to moor overnight for those of us with issues with seasicknessHowever, it is a great day stay.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Sangria Cooper Island British Virgin Islands
I must have loved that Sangria!

6)  Explore the Caves at Norman Island.

Norman Island said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s pirate novel, “Treasure Island.”  

Forever my favorite island in the BVI’s. 

Norman Island is protected, creating the perfect spot to spend a couple of nights. Spend your day stand up paddleboarding, kayaking or floating around with a glass of champagne. Plus, it’s a great snorkeling spot.

Dinghy over to the Norman Island caves, known for tales of buried treasure chests filled with silver. Swim right in from the boat and walk/swim through the caves; keep your eye out for pirates and treasure, of course. Plus tarpon, octopus, and orange cup coral. The water in the area is clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling.

Pirates Bight, the restaurant on Norman Island was demolished during the storm but was rebuilt.  It is better than ever.  Food was scrumptious.  Roti, jambalaya and lobster rolls, and the ice-cold island beers delicious.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
sunset Norman Island British Virgin Islands
And then there is the sunset!

7)  Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke.

We arrived at Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke late morning and secured the last mooring ball.

Lesson learned, arrive early.

Great Harbour has a special place in my heart.  The harbor was hit so hard by Hurricane Irma, however, they are rebuilding and smiling.  Unbelievable resilience.

What I saw here was nothing but devastation.  Roofs gone.  FEMA tents still being used as the residence for many.  The church was nearly blown away with only the walls standing.  The church organ.  A shredded bible.  Sad.

However, the horses are healthy and being taken care of by the locals.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Horses in Great Harbour Jost Van Dyke

Kids are playing on their dinghies, helping out emptying trash and bringing ice to the boats in the bay.

Dinghy up to the beach and walk right in Corsairs. We were set up in the sand surrounded by tiki torches for our amazing dinner. They had been open for only three months.  The place was rugged, but beautiful in its own way.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Corsairs Jost Van Dyke British Virgin Islands

Serenaded by Old Country Music including Willie and Waylon!  The food, dessert, and drinks were fantastic.  And the sunset phenomenal.

Visit Corsairs, this is a must.  And then, grab a nightcap at Foxy’s.

Christine’s Bakery is open at 8 AM (ish).  Get in line early for fresh-baked apple turnovers, cinnamon buns, banana bread, and carrot cake.  Scrumptious.

8)  White Bay in Jost Van Dyke.

The best word I can come up with is DREAMY.  In White Bay, you will find the pristine white sand beach and crystal blue water that is quintessential British Virgin Island.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
White Bay Jost Van Dyke
We did a lot of this!
BVI Sailing Itinerary
White Bay Jost Van Dyke
And this!

The strip has several fantastic restaurants going strong.  They have rebuilt and they are better than ever. The area is bustling with boats full of families.

The Soggy Dollar Bar, appropriately named for the sailors swimming to shore and spending wet bills.  And known for inventing the famous rum cocktail, The Painkiller.  You have to try one, it is a right of passage.  Take a selfie and post with #painkiller, just like the rest of us.  Truthfully, I like them, but I much prefer a glass of champagne or an ice-cold island beer.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Soggy Dollar Bar British Virgin Islands

The food at the Soggy Dollar Bar is the best, loved the Mahi and of course, the kids loved the burgers.

Seriously, no shoes required and the view is unbeatable.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Soggy Dollar Bar Jost Van Dyke
Even the teenager was smiling.

Hendo’s Hideout is another restaurant on the strip that has rebuilt and is thriving.  Hard-working, resilient citizens wanting to make your night a memorable one.  We ate here several times.  Try the sushi and the ice-cold beers.  And make a reservation.

9)  Board the Willy T.

The Original William Thornton (Willy T) has been beached on Norman Island.  Once one of the most iconic bars in the British Virgin Islands, now rests on the shores uninhabitable due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Willy T Norman Island

The story does not end there.

The Willy T owner purchased a new boat for replacement.  Norman Island did not accept the new boat.  Rumor has it that Norman Island has some plans for new development and the Willy T, with is raucous, adult-only vibe did not fit the business model.   However, Peter Island granted permission for Willy T to move into Great Harbour where he resides today.

Not done yet.

In June of 2019, the BVI Government announced that the Willy T would be returning to its original location anchored off of the Bight at Norman Island.

The Willy T is worth a visit.  I would advise that if you have kids, take them during the day, as nighttime brings out the best and worst in people.  You know what I mean!

10)  Sandy Cay

Sandy Cay is a National Park and wildlife sanctuary.  Spend a few relaxing hours on this tiny uninhabited island found between Jost Van Dyke and Tortola.   Pristine white sand beaches surrounded by crystal blue water, perfect for snorkeling.  Bring some protective shoes for a hike around and through this tropical paradise.  And bring your camera for some stunning images.

BVI Sailing Itinerary
Sandy Cay British Virgin Islands

11)  Three Places that I am sad that I missed.

  • Oil Nut Bay-An exclusive resort on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda.  All we have heard about is how luxurious this place is…next time!
  • Necker Island-A private island owned by billionaire Richard Branson.  You can book a tour, Gumption’s Wildlife Nature Tour, way ahead of time, to thoroughly explore this island.  A friendly lemur family inhabits this beautiful island, as well as giant Galapagos tortoises, flamingos and parrots…next time!
  • Anegada-The northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, known for delectable lobster, secluded beaches, as well as flamingos and iguanas. The Anegada Express Ferry launched in February 2018.  Running seven days a week, with morning and afternoon options from Trellis Bay in Beef Island.  This we have missed with each visit…next time!

12)  Add This Things To Your “Bucket List” While In the BVI’s.

BVI Bucket List.
Things to do in British Virgin Islands

What to pack for your BVI sailing itinerary.

Here is what you need and what you don’t.

The packing list is geared toward the ladies, as men pack very differently.  My husband is good with two shirts, two pairs of shorts, maybe a guayabera, one rash guard, couple undies, flops and boat shoes and maybe a cap.  The rest is up to me!

***First things first…do not forget your travel documents including your passport and sailing documents!***

Luggage.

  • Soft Duffel Bag. ~ Even on a large sailboat or catamaran, storage space is limited and not conducive to hardback suitcases. Therefore, pack a soft duffel bag. After you unload everything and tuck it all away in drawers, you can then roll up the bag and store it easily out of the way.
  • Dry Bag. ~ You also need a dry bag to carry your camera equipment, phone and wallet through the water to the shore. Most of the time, there will be a dinghy dock. However, even travel by dinghy can get your stuff wet, so protect it with a dry bag.  Occasionally, you will not have the luxury of a dinghy dock and will have to get to shore by swim!
  • Ziplock Bags of Various Sizes. ~ One more thing on bags, bring several sizes of ziplock/plastic bags. Ziplock bags can be used to carry cash, keep your wallet dry, or to store a wet swimsuit at the end of the trip in your duffel.  They are also useful in the kitchen.   Plus, if you buy a bottle of Rum (you might), you can use a large ziplock bag for transporting back home safely.

Toiletries.

Your day will consist of swimming and watersports.  You will hike and see amazing views.   Casually hanging out with friends and family on deck.  Eating and drinking.  Floating around in the water.  You will sweat and be covered in sunscreen and bug spray for a good amount of time while in the islands.

Your hair will be in various stages of wet, salty, dry, salty, in a cap, ponytail. Did I mention salty?  What I am getting at is, many things that you may use on a typical day at home, you will not need on the sailboat.

  • DO NOT bring a blow dryer or a hair straightener. ~ These items will take up space and you will not use them.
  • Pack a good quality shampoo and conditioner and your favorite leave-in detangler/conditioner.
  • Salt Spray. ~ Use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray after towel drying your hair, then let the salty air be your blow dryer.  The Surf Spray is oil and salt-infused, does not dry out my hair, and gives it that beachy look. 
  • Advice for makeup users. ~ It is hot out there; you will sweat.  Foundation, blush, and powder will be washed off because you will be in and out of the water all week long. Bring a waterproof mascara, if you must. I always bring lip balm with SPF and some tint and that’s about it for makeup.

Other things that you will need:

  • Sunscreen with SPF 50.  DO NOT bring the spray sunscreen because this will create a slippery deck and can damage the surface.  Make sure you use a sunscreen with protection against both UVB and UVA.  UVA penetrates the skin deeper and causes skin aging (AKA wrinkles). UVA also contributes to the development of skin cancer.  Use Sunscreen Lotion, biodegradable if possible, to protect the reefs.  There are multiple reef safe products on Amazon.com.  I’m in love with Sun Bum Products.
  • Bug Spray, I prefer DEET free, again to do my part in protecting the reefs.  My husband hates bugs, so he likes extra DEET (only half kidding).  My kids prefer wipes.
  • Tide Travel Packets (in case you want to wash something).
  • After-sun lotion with aloe
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush, Toothpaste
  • Hairbrush/Hair ties
  • Razor

    What to pack to wear.

    The first time we sailed for 10 days, I brought back half of my clothes unused.  The second time, we sailed for a week, I did a little better, although, I still brought back about a quarter of my clothes unused.  The third time, even better. You will basically be in a swimsuit and cover-up all day, mostly every day. Many days, I used two swimsuits. We would swim in the morning. Freshen up before lunch, then put on a dry swimsuit. Hang the wet one out to dry.

    • 4 Swimsuit cover-ups
    • 2-3 Rashguards
    • 4 Sport shorts/4 sport shirts (to be used for hiking and as a cover-up)
    •  1-2 Maxi dresses for evening dinner
    • 3 Cute shorts/3 tops to match (for lunch or dinner on the islands or exploring markets and/or boutiques)
    • Maybe pack a romper (or two) if you are into rompers!
    • Lightweight impermeable jacket as sometimes it rains
    • 4 PJ’s/socks to sleep in if you wish
    • Underwear and bras for the week
    • Flip flops or Crocs (for the teens)
    • One pair of strappy sandals
    • Boat shoes or quick-drying tennis shoes
    • Water shoes (although quick-drying tennis shoes will work for this purpose as well)
    • Don’t bring heels or wedges.  Wear your flops or strappy sandals or go barefoot in the sand!
    • Costume jewelry (nothing too flashy or expensive)
    • Sunglasses (polarized) with neck strap
    • Cute straw hat/cap
    • Bring heavy-duty clothespins for hanging swimsuits and towels to dry.  Remember to not leave your clothes hanging too long, no one wants to see that!  AND it doesn’t look good in pictures!
    • I waited until the last line to discuss the total number of swimsuits.  Pack swimsuits last because they can be rolled and tucked all over the place in a duffel bag.  I bring 6-8 suits.  It is difficult for me to decide which ones to bring because I love them all.  You will need sporty suits for paddle boarding, snorkeling, and kayaking; swimsuits for just hanging out on the island or in the sun.  And you will need some insta-worthy suits.  So, I bring lots!

    Pack your pharmacy.

    When traveling with the family, there is always some sort of ailment.  Save time and stress by packing medications and ointments for every situation you can think of, especially with kids.  For a Free Printable DIY First Aid Kit, check out THIS POSTHere are the basic items that I include.

    • Motrin/Tylenol (pain relief/headaches)
    • Imodium (diarrhea)
    • Pepcid or Prilosec (heartburn)
    • Pepto Bismol (GI upset)
    • Sea bands, Dramamine, or Scopolamine patch (seasickness)
    • Zofran (this is a prescription medication for nausea/seasickness)
    • Allegra (allergies)
    • Benadryl and EpiPen for our food allergic daughter
    • Benadryl ointment (rashes and bug bites)
    • Cortisone ointment (rashes and bug bites)
    • Basic first aid kit (Bandaids, gauze, tape, disinfectant wipes)  You can also purchase a basic first aid kit from Amazon.com.

    Seasickness.

    My entire family experiences motion sickness, it is clearly genetic. Don’t let your fear of motion sickness keep you from experiencing the vacation of a lifetime. I devoted an entire post on how to prevent seasickness and how to treat it. This post is full of my best tips! Don’t be this guy.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
Things to do in the British Virgin Islands.  Seasickness.

    Tech and Toys.

    We travel with children so we need lots of stuff for safe exercise and entertainment.  The boats often come equipped with watersports items, but I still make sure that all of the following are included:

    • Kayak ~ It’s challenging to get your workout on when sailing, no weights, no track for running, and it’s kinda difficult to jump rope on a boat. Kayaking and standup paddleboarding are both calorie-burning activities and lots of fun.
    • Two stand up paddleboards
    • Noodles for floating with a glass of champagne (the kids also use the noodles for snorkeling)
    • Goggles ~ Use when you are out for a swim for exercise.
    • Snorkel gear including fins. 
    • Waterproof camera with floaty (some need two floaties)
    • Lifeproof cover for iPhone
    • Bring your Canon EOS and protect it with your dry bag.  The pictures are so worth the effort.
    • Ipad (yes I allow some screen time for the kids)
    • Each of us brings a book.  The kids have some summer reading for school.  Maybe I can talk them into it during our vacation.  Doubtful.
    • Deck of cards/”Uno” for the kids
    • Maybe a board game.
    • A couple of good DVD’s
    • Lots of chargers
    • Binoculars
    • Flashlight (this will be helpful at night when traveling by dinghy)
    • Bluetooth speaker with an island playlist
    • Soft-sided cooler for the beach.
    • Personal water bottles labeled for each member of the family
    • Beach football
    • Bring a flag to help identify your boat as they all tend to look alike!
    • Bring an extra flag to hang up at the Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay.

    Now for what you can leave at home.

    One of the biggest mistakes that first-time sailors make, including me, is packing too much.

    Remember, you don’t need a lot of clothes.  On a typical day, you will be in and out of the water, on the boat deck, on the beach, hiking, on a stand-up paddleboard, kayaking, snorkeling.  And you may find yourself in a beach bar, drinking umbrella drinks and/or champagne.

    Don’t pack too much and don’t bring these items:

    • Hardback suitcase
    • Heels
    • Wedges
    • Blow dryer
    • Hair straightener
    • Spray sunscreen
    • Flashy, expensive jewelry
    • Lots of makeup

    One Week BVI Sailing Itinerary.

    Day 1. ~ Get settled in and get to know your boat.

    Unpack and put away provisions.  Take a spin.  Make sure your water tanks are full, and all of your windows are closed and latched.  AND, make sure that the valves for the heads are OPEN.  Just a few tips from experience!

    Apply sunscreen and let’s go.

    We set out from Road Town, Tortola in the afternoon on Day 1.

    Our first stop was Spanish Town for dinner at Coco Maya.  This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to.  Dress up or go casual.  And make a reservation.

    We initially planned on spending the night in Yacht Harbour, but our plans changed once we arrived.  Yacht Harbour was a ghost town, heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma.  Boat cleats were missing or cracked in half, damaged beached boats everywhere.  It did not seem safe at that time.  I hope they have rebuilt because this was once a beautiful, bustling harbor.

    If Yacht Harbour is still not right when you arrive, or it is full (hopefully), grab a mooring ball at St. Thomas Bay which is right outside of Yacht Harbour.  A very protected spot to spend the night and not crowded.  Take your dinghy over to Yacht Harbour and a taxi to Coco Maya. Don’t forget your camera and try to time it so that you can catch the sunset.

    Day 2. ~ Leave early for The Baths. 

    You can get a mooring ball and then dinghy over closer to the beach at Devil’s Bay.  There you will find specific mooring balls for your dinghy.  Don’t forget your dry bag as you will need to swim up to the beach from the dinghy and you are going to want to bring your camera and some cash.

    Hike through the labyrinth of boulders at The Baths.  It is stunning.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
The Baths.  Things to do in the British Virgin Islands.

    Take lots of pictures (perfect for holiday cards).  Hike to the top of the Baths where there is a restaurant cleverly called “Top of the Baths.”  Stop in for lunch and a drink.  There is a pool to cool off and the views are spectacular.  The Roti was fantastic!

    Make a slip reservation at Leverick Bay with Nick at nick@surfbvi.com; the perfect stop for the night.  The staff was super helpful at the dock.  The bay is colorful, clean and rebuilt complete with a gift shop, restaurant, health club, and laundry.  And take a picture with the Red Phone Booth at the end of the dock.

    Day 3. ~ Scrub Island Resort.

    Scrub Island Resort was not open for overnight stays in the resort at the time of our visit.  However, we were able to reserve a boat slip and spend the night.  Again, super helpful at the dock when we brought our boat in.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
Friends toasting champagne on a sailboat at Scrub Island Resort.  Things to do in the British Virgin Islands.

    Take a dinghy ride over to Marina Cay for dinner at Pusser’s Restaurant.  When we visited, the restaurant had only been open for 3 weeks.  Marina Cay was wrecked by the storm, but fiercely working to rebuild.  Dinner was great, lobster so tasty.  Arrive early as it gets really busy.

    ***Unfortunately, Pusser’s Restaurant at Marina Cay was unable to withstand the financial burden placed upon them after Hurricane Irma. After serving the BVIs for over 25 years, Pusser’s has been forced to close. ***

    Day 4. ~ Cooper Island.

    Spend the day in Manchioneel Bay at Cooper Island.  There is eelgrass on the floor of the ocean in this area, so tons of turtles.  Also barracuda and lots of colorful fish.  If you scuba, plan a rendezvous dive from Cooper Island to The RMS Rhone, one of the most famous wreck dives in the world.

    Cooper Island has a restaurant, coffee shop, rum bar and they even make their own beer.  Cooper Island is the perfect day stay.  The bay can be quite rolly and not the best all nightspot for those of us who teeter on seasickness. So, head over to my favorite, Norman Island, to spend the night.

    Day 5. ~ Norman Island.

    Norman Island is always my favorite overnight spot.  It is protected and there is not a bad spot in this bay.

    Pirate’s Bight Restaurant was destroyed by Hurricane Irma, but has been rebuilt and is better than ever.  There are new palm trees lining the beach.  It is beautiful.

    During the day, you can snorkel, standup paddleboard, kayak or just float around with a glass of champagne.  The sunsets are fabulous.

    The Original Willy T sits on the shore and is uninhabitable.  A new Willy T was constructed and was in Great Harbour on Peter Island during our last visit. However, in June of 2019, the BVI Government announced that the Willy T would be returning to its original location anchored off of the Bight at Norman Island.

    Day 6/Day 7 ~ Jost Van Dyke.

    You may need two days at Jost Van Dyke.  There are two bays there, side by side, but quite different.  Both will be full so arrive early.

    Great Harbour has several restaurants open for business.  We had dinner at Corsairs and loved it.  They set us up on the beach surrounded by tiki torches.  We ate amazing food.  Those conch fritters, though. Watched the sunset.

    Corsairs was destroyed by Irma.  They are tirelessly rebuilding.  Their efforts to make our night unforgettable were humbling.

    Christine’s Bakery opens 8 ish.  If you want fresh baked goods for breakfast, arrive early.  There was a line out the door by 8 AM.

    White Bay is the prettiest BVI bay, in my opinion.

    Again, arrive early to grab that mooring ball.  Soggy Dollar Bar and Hendo’s hideout have been rebuilt and are better than ever.  Ivan’s Stress-Free Bar was not open, as far as I could tell.

    Snorkel and paddleboard and float around in the bay.  There is no dinghy dock, but you can beach your dinghy.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
Christmas in July.  White Bay, British Virgin Islands.

    The following sites are perfect to explore for a few hours.

    • Pond Bay. ~ A secluded, calm spot for snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding.  The beach is perfect for a long walk.
    • Monkey Point. ~ Huge reef to snorkel or dive, full of fish.  There is a little beach that you can get to with your kayak or SUP. The beach is secluded, we had it to ourselves for the day.
    • Sandy Cay. ~ Perfect little uninhabited island to explore and maybe have a picnic.
    • Three places that I have yet to explore include Anegada, Oil Nut Bay and Necker Island.  Try to fit these in somehow, I will be sure to next time.

    Create a “soft” itinerary, have an open mind for changes, and have fun.

    A few more of my favorite pictures and it’s a wrap!

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
Boulder Formation The Baths British Virgin Islands

    The boulder formations at The Baths were fantastic.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
New Bananas British Virgin Islands

    New Bananas.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
New Palm Trees British Virgin Islands

    Brand New Palm Trees at Norman Island.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
Horses Great Harbour Jost Van Dyke
    These beauties love apples. They have my heart.
    BVI Sailing Itinerary
New Papayas British Virgin Islands

    Recovering papayas.

    Nature’s Recovery.

    BVI Sailing Itinerary
Corsairs Jost Van Dyke
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