The British Virgin Islands: Sailor’s Paradise
Occupying a tiny amount of the world’s dry land, the British Virgin Islands are giants in the world sailing community. Known as the sailing capitol of the Caribbean, the BVI are a remarkable destination for sailors and those who would be sailors alike.
The geography of the BVI’s is remarkable. The weather throughout the islands is very stable, varying only a little with the seasons. The wind is perfect for sailing and other water sports, a Caribbean trade wind of ten to twenty-five knots or just a little more from December through February. Partly because of this stable weather, the temperature of the water is almost always swimmable, hovering within five degrees of 80 all year. Because the islands are so tightly packed, the water remains calm in most areas, making sailing here very easy - ideal for a beginner - and also providing plenty of anchorage and great places to stop for dinner or exploring.
Chartering a private yacht in the British Virgin Islands is the ideal way to explore this unique archipelago. You have the freedom to move from island to island, enjoying each perfect beach, snorkeling in crystal waters off coral reefs sprinkled with anemone and colorful tropical fauna. If this sounds ideal to you, you’ll be glad to know that there are more charter yachts located in the British Virgin Islands than anywhere in the world.
It’s a good thing you can rent a yacht, too; most of the fifty islands that make up the BVI are inaccessible except by water. Both Windward and Leeward islands offer a remarkable variety of ecosystems for you to explore, from the mountainous terrain of Treasure Island to the flat sands of Dead Chest Cay, from sea caves to thick jungle.
Those mountains and valleys and beaches of the British Virgin Islands are nearly unspoilt. Unlike many of the islands in the Caribbean, the BVI aren’t touristy or built up with casinos and tall hotels. Often, you’ll find the towns and villages here lack even traffic lights and the traffic to justify them. Instead, you’ll find islands filled with peace and beauty, quiet glorious sunsets and the symphony of jungle birds drifting to the beaches nearby. You can hear yourself think on the British Virgin Islands, a rare treat in today’s world.
All this natural beauty doesn’t come easily. The British Virgin Islands are recognized all over the world for the efforts they’ve taken to protect their ecosystem above and below the water. The BVI’s National Parks Trust protects the coral reefs and underwater beauty of the Islands, creating a perfect snorkeling habitat for you to explore or for scientists to investigate. Since so many snorkeling spots and other BVI locations are inaccessible other than via water, that yacht charter is the ideal way to explore all the parts of the islands. Imagine it: skimming over the water, exploring beaches and caves and corals during the day, watching the perfect sunsets at night, and then dinner at one of the softly lit restaurants on shore, looking back at your yacht as it awaits your return for the evening. It’s a life away from the one you normally live.
Tags: bareboat, British Virgin Islands, BVI's, chartering, luxury charters, Sailing, Tortola Sailing, yacht chartersBarry Monteiro has spent over 35 traveling in the Caribbean. Exploring Tortola and yachting in the BVI’s are some of his favorite activities. He enjoys writing about his favorite subjects Tortola Beaches and Tortola Yacht Charters
