What to See in the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands, more commonly known as the BVI, is yacht charter paradise. The BVI have all of the ingredients for a perfect Caribbean sailing holiday: consistent winds, gorgeous islands, a mixture of deserted beaches, luxury hotels, shipwrecks, beach party towns and a charm that perfectly fits the tranquillity of sailing. The BVI is one of the most prestigious yacht charter destinations in the world. Here are 3 of our favourite places to visit during your BVI Yacht Charter.

Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke (colloquially referred to as JVD or Jost) is the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands, measuring roughly 8 square kilometres and is situated in the northern portion of the Virgin Islands. Jost Van Dyke lies about 8 km to the northwest of Tortola and like many of the neighbouring islands, it is volcanic in origin and mountainous.

Great Harbour and White Bay at Jost Van Dyke are perfect stops if you enjoy a cocktail or two. Have a few rounds of Pain Killers at The Soggy Dollar, home of the infamous cocktail and one of the top bars in the Caribbean. Head on to White Bay’s beach bar scene, one of the liveliest anchorages in the BVI. Hop from Coco Loco, to Seddy’s One Love, and Gertrude’s, which are just a few steps away from Ivan’s Stress-Free. An evening spent in Great Harbour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Foxy’s. Incredibly fun, it is overflowing with island character, great food, dancing and Foxy’s Fire Water Rum.

The Baths

The Baths are BVI National Park located on the southwest tip of Virgin Gorda and are known as one of the most incredible experiences of the BVI. The Baths are large clear pools of water in a cave-like atmosphere that were naturally formed by the sea washing over large granite boulders. The boulders form natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches, and scenic grottoes that are open to the sea. The largest boulders are about 40 feet long. Light plays on the water in secret rock pools, which are bordered by cool white sand pathways.

Norman Island

Norman Island is an island at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. Norman Island is also known as Treasure Island with stories of pirate treasure being found in the Caves. A large harbour known as the Bight offers one of the most protected anchorages in the area. The Caves are just a short trip away in the tender and the snorkelling is fantastic. Norman Island is a well-known destination for cruisers and other tourists because of three water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of the Bight. With no permanent inhabitants other than wild goats, there are two restaurants on the island, Pirates Bight and The Club. Just outside of Norman Island is The Indians, an outstanding day stop for some of the best snorkelling in the BVI. The reefs showcase the most vibrant underwater life.

Contact one of our brokers today to help organise your BVI Yacht Charter!

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Ben Sutton

Where to Eat in the BVIs

The British Virgin Islands, more commonly known as the BVI, is a yacht charter paradise. The BVI have all of the ingredients for a perfect Caribbean sailing holiday: consistent winds, gorgeous islands, a mixture of deserted beaches, luxury hotels, shipwrecks, beach party towns and, of course, fantastic restaurants.

The impeccable white sandy beaches beckon you to sit back, soak up the rays and chill out, or by the ideal sailing conditions from island to island, the culinary landscape of the BVI naturally reflects Caribbean influences that will dazzle your appetite with all you’re looking to enjoy.

Cooper Island Beach Club

This breathtaking sunset stop is surrounded by a sandy white beach dotted with palm trees, connected by a lushly landscaped boardwalk. Happy hour, lunch and dinner menus are infused with delicious specialty options that can include Seared tuna salad and Josper grilled mahi mahi to Aberdeen Angus Steak and Vegan curry. Lunch is served between 12-3pm and dinner between 5:30 and 8:30 pm and is open between October 25th and August 11.

The connected Rum Bar has a collection of over 280 rums, meaning they have the largest selection in the Virgin Islands. Featured are a range of house-infusions, rare aged rums and classic cocktails made with rums from all over the world. Try a rum sampler board and their knowledgeable staff will explain the origins and history while you take in the atmosphere. Be sure to ask about their homemade rum infused chocolates.

Kick back on their comfy outdoor sofas and enjoy the sunshine with a cocktail. The beach bar and decked lounge faces west – perfect for watching a beautiful Caribbean sunset.

Saba Rock

Getting to Saba Rock near Virgin Gorda is just the beginning, as this tiny island resort is only accessible via yacht. Once you arrive, you’ll see why this has been a longtime favourite of both locals and tourists. The happy hour here is an especially lively scene. The food, however, is straightforward and comforting. A house specialty is Lobster Escargot, which features locally-caught Anegada lobster baked with lemon, garlic, and butter. Ben sure to take a look at one of the chef’s specialties, like the tropical beef stir fry or Caribbean spiced chicken. Wash it all down with a refreshing cocktail. Be warned that The Painkillers here are especially strong.

Note – Saba Rock has been closed since Hurricane Irma and is in the process of extensive renovations. It is slated for a reopening in the 2020 charter season!

CocoMaya

This beachfront restaurant in Virgin Gorda has a chic design – think basket pendant lighting, customised stone bar, and bamboo accents everywhere – and flavourful Asian-inspired menu of shared plates. Sip their signature cocktails in the open-air bar, or drink them right on the sand! Enjoy an exotic blend of Asian and Latin cuisines with creative twists. Try the Spicy Calamari Salad and Tempura Shrimp Lettuce Wraps or try our Sushi, including their famous CocoMaya roll. The wine list is extensive, and the cocktail program is fun, too, with the best seller being the Cojito, a playful twist on the classic mojito that features coconut water and a coconut rim.

Contact one of our Brokers today to organise your Virgin Islands Yacht Charter.

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Ben Sutton

Where to stay before your Virgin Islands Yacht Charter

The Caribbean Virgin Islands are back in full swing following regeneration works required after Hurricane Irma. You will most likely start your charter from St Thomas in the US Virgin islands, which has fantastic flight connections to most of the US East Coast. It is therefore the perfect pitstop to get into the Caribbean zone ahead of your Virgin Islands crewed catamaran charter. But where should you stay?

The most exclusive hotel on the island of St Thomas was always The Ritz-Carlton, which overlooks Great Bay. After a thorough two year renovation, The Ritz-Calton is now accepting bookings from the 22nd November 2019, just in time for your BVI Christmas Catamaran charter.

Guests will experience a new era of refinement at the Ritz-Calton, which welcomes families, couples, and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Caribbean in a new light. Get ready for turquoise bays, spectacular scenic views, white sandy beaches and exhilarating water sports. Our Brokers love it and know you will too!

Get in touch with the Boatbookings Broker team to plan your BVI bareboat sailing vacation, crewed catamaran charter or luxury motor yacht vacation!

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Ben Sutton

Yacht Charter Pricing Explained

Have you always wanted to spend your holiday on the water but thought that it was out of your financial reach? Yachting has never been so accessible, especially when you compare the prices against a high end Caribbean resort.

Take a look at our BVI Crewed Catamaran Breakdown to show you attractive it can be!

BVI Catamaran vs. BVI Resort

	Crewed BVI Catamaran	BVI 5 Star Resort
Price per Week	$27,000 (ALTESSE \| Lagoon 560)	$30,000 (4 Sea View Rooms)
Gourmet Meals	Included	$8,400 ($150 / Day / Person)
Drinks	Included	$1,400 ($50 / Day / Person)
Daily Watersports	Included	$2,800
Excursions	Included	$2,000
Transfers	Included	$150
Total	$27,000 (Plus Gratuity)	$44,750 (Plus Gratuity)

Chartering with Friends

Chartering a yacht has a single base price, so split the cost between family or friends and get an amazing deal. You have the whole experience for a segment of the cost. Spending a week on ALTESSE would be just over $3,000 per person – where else will you find such incredible value for the care, attention and quality that you will enjoy? We have a wonderful Pricing and Affordability guide to explain all further.

Shopping Around

All Brokers use the industry standard platforms and therefore have access to the same yachts at the same prices. It is incredibly beneficial to select your Broker carefully to build a solid business relationship and give your vacation the best chance of success. Playing the field will only drive the price up!

Our Brokers visit the yachts and destinations first hand so that you are able to make an informed decision. They look forward to showing you the best vacation to date.

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Ben Sutton

The BVI Bounces Back for 2020

Following the hurricane IRMA and MARIA, it is a well-known fact that most of the BVI’s infrastructure, boats and marinas were completely destroyed. Most charter companies had entire fleets either damaged or destroyed. However, the BVI has taken this nightmare as an opportunity to renovate and re-establish itself as the best place to charter in the Caribbean. The resilience of a tight-knit community, devoted holidaymakers and a great tourist board has allowed the BVI to be completely rejuvenated for 2020.

Forbes magazine reported that 75% of the territory’s marine berths and 37% of land accommodation reopened this Spring. Airways and ferries have also opened back up to full capacity following the destruction with the hurricane.

Willy T’s comeback

The infamous William Thornton floating back is back on Norman Island for 2020. The new Willy T is rumored to be bigger than ever! As one of the most iconic floating bars in the world, the new Willy T was constructed in the US before returning to the BVI on May 10th. The New boat is very similar to the original vessel and is already making its comeback for being renowned for parties, food, shots, and tattoos! Be sure to visit the new Willy T when you can.

Scrub Island Resort and Marina

The resort has just reopened with ten new villas and 52 guest rooms. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind before or after your yacht charter.

Foxys – Jost Van Dyke

After all, having served food and drinks to sailors since 1968 this bar was not going to let a storm affect their service, There is still an infamous BBQ running on Friday and Saturday night and a great menu and party vibe throughout the week.

Have a read over the recommend Boatbookings post IRMA sailing itinerary to get an insight into your yacht charter with Boatbookings this winter!

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Alice Newnham