A Sample Itinerary For Your Trip to The BVI
Planning a trip round the British Virgin Isles is daunting. To help you start planning, we’ve created this sample itinerary to give you some ideas. Don’t plan every facet of your trip! The BVI is best enjoyed with plenty of free time to explore and relax. It’s possible to see most of the major destinations on one trip, but let yourself get lost and go off course. The archipelago will always be there for your next vacation.
DAY 1
Once you’ve gotten the keys to your power catamaran and you’ve got all of your provisions, make your way to The Bight Bay at Norman Island. It’s right past Pelican island- just cross the Sir Francis Drake Channel and you’re good to go. This is the perfect place to get your sea legs, as the large cost of the bay keeps the bay water calm. If you’re a new sailor, you’ll appreciate having the chance to practice docking procedure, as well as get used to sailing in general.
You can have some great fun right in the bay. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The main restaurant on the island is called the Pirates Bight, which serves a great variety of food. After you’ve moored your ship, grab a dinghy and explore the caves! This national park site is the perfect snorkeling spot with plenty of room to explore without being too strenuous. After you’re done, get changed into your evening wear and enjoy dinner at the restaurant!
DAY 2
After you wake up, it’s time to wave goodbye to Norman Island and head to the Indians. You might have passed it on the way to Norman Island, so you’ll know it’s not far enough to bother putting your sails up. Grab a mooring buoy from the national park and grab your breakfast right on your deck. Take this time to relax and grab the sun. Did you enjoy snorkeling yesterday? Here is a perfect hotspot to look at the gorgeous seabed around the island.
Time to stop relaxing, it’s time to party! Let’s go to the infamous Willy T bar. It’s floating in the Great Harbor on Peter Island, and it’s a must visit location on your vacation. Find a spot to moor on the island, then get your party gear on to go wild! If you aren’t a party type, why not grab food in one of the amazing restaurants on the island? Both Tradewinds and Deadman’s Beach can be great options.
DAY 3
The BVI is all about the once in a life time adventure. Why not travel to one such place for adventure after breakfast? RMS Rhone, a boat sunk in 1867, was a famous Royal Mail ship that was sunk on a trip from Southampton, UK. It’s right off the coast of Salt Island, so grab your diving gear and spend your morning exploring!
Our next stop is Manchioneel Bay, situated on Cooper Island. Moor here for the night and swim over to Cistern Point. Be warned- you can’t anchor here! The sea bed is filled with turtle grass, which is an important habitat for wild turtles. Why not see if you can spot one whilst you’re swimming and snorkeling? After your swim, there’s only one place for dinner- Cooper Island Beach Club. If you don’t fancy it, you can always head back to your yacht and enjoy a delicious homecooked meal. If this is a romantic getaway, this is the time to impress your partner!
DAY 4
Wake up! You don’t have time for a lie in today. Catch the morning winds and sail through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. All this sea air must be picking up on your skin, right? Well, maybe it’s time to hit the Baths! Just kidding, this scenic destination is in the south of Virgin Gorda, so grab a buoy here and park for the day. Please stay safe- if there’s a north swell, you could put yourself in danger if you don’t look at the flags on the beach. Take the dinghy if it’s safe, and then explore the Baths!
The true beauty of this place isn’t done justice with words. A million year old labyrinth of boulders is broken up with tunnels and caves. If you’re off the beaten track, some of the pools of water are so clear and reflective you can literally see your face in them. After your trip, grab lunch and find somewhere nice to relax. Our choice is Scrub Island Resort- sail over and explore! The Cardamom & Co restaurant is not to be missed. Whilst you’re here, why not use the pool and spa before turning in for the night?
DAY 5
Let’s go to North Sound, on Virgin Gorda. After such a jam-packed day yesterday, take it slow by stopping off at local islets. Any of the Dogs (the islets) are brilliant spots to dive. Sun yourself on deck once you’re done, before finishing your trip to Virgin Gorda. Don’t take the shortcut next to Mosquito Island, it’s dangerous and if it doesn’t go well it could ruin your entire vacation. Take the extra time to travel through the North Entrance- it’s worth it for the view alone!
Once you reach your destination and secure your boat, Leverick Bay is perfect for a day of pampering. The Leverick Bay Resort & Marina is the perfect all in one rest stop for the halfway spot of your trip. Massage parlor? Check. Pool? Check. Restaurant & Bar? Check. It even has a general store, so those provisions you may or may not have been using can be replenished! Bunker down on the boat, and get ready for an early start tomorrow.
DAY 6
Rise and shine! Anegada awaits. Check the weather before you leave- the 2-3 hour trip is usually very safe, but a tropical storm may cause issues travelling there. Make sure you anchor properly- there’s only one place you’re allowed to and it’s between the green and red entry markers. This island is large, and is best travelled by vehicle. Both car rental and taxis are available all day, so get yourself some wheels and go on tour! You can even grab a scooter or a bike if that’s more your fancy. There’s so many hotspots to see. The beach club, Cow Wreck and Loblolly Bay are all beautiful and well worth visiting.
There’s a lot to do before dinner, and with so many amazing restaurants, it’s hard to choose! You have the club and Cow Wreck as mentioned before, but Potters Bar & Lobster House is the height of luxury. After all, you’d be silly to miss out on lobster! Spend your time doing watersports, looking at wildlife, or diving. You can’t go wrong.
DAY 7
Take off for another early sail. You’ve got to go downwind to Jost Van Dyke. Don’t worry about the long sail! If you need a break, there’s many great places like Guana Island for you to moor at and have a swim. Otherwise, keep on your journey towards Great Harbor. You have so many fun things to do at Jost Van Dyke, but the best choice is to stop for a drink! Soggy Dollar Bar is a great tourist spot with an amazing cocktail called the “Painkiller”. If your arms are sore from the sailing, see if it’s just a name! It’s your last day in the BVI, so it’s your choice between Hendo’s Hideout and Foxy’s for tonight’s entertainment. Foxy is the best choice for a party, thanks to the live music on the weekends. After you’ve had your fun, bunker down and get ready to return your boat tomorrow!