Embrace Adventure Sailing in the British Virgin Islands

Relying on the elements of wind and water to propel your travel is both nostalgic and sophisticated, at least that’s how it felt when I sailed the British Virgin Islands.

With their sparkling turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and easy access from Dallas/Ft. Worth, the BVIs are a must visit.

I’ve enjoyed Caribbean luxury at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, but when a friend chartered a 51-foot Jeanneau sailboat named Lucky and invited us to sail with him, it gave me a different perspective of the islands.

Spring and early summer are perfect times to sail the Caribbean, with mild weather, moderate wind, and only occasional brief showers typical for this time of year. 

Charter services are abundant on the islands and offer experiences ranging from bareboat sailing as we did, to fully crewed excursions in sail or power boats in monohulls or catamarans.

Moorings is the largest and most respected charter service which offers turnkey sailing or powercatting adventures and can supply the craft, crew, and itinerary for your group. 

Other charter companies serve the area, but research before committing. You want a charter company with a well-maintained fleet who will send help if you get stuck. Ask me how I know why this is important.

Most charters depart from Road Town, a bustling, compact community with merchants and service providers that cater to the marinas. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the Tortola airport. There you can shop for provisions including fresh food, alcohol, snorkel gear, toiletries, and other necessities before boarding your vessel. From there, your adventure awaits.

Bareboating is best for experienced sailors and guests who enjoy the challenge of provisioning, cooking, sailing, mooring, and docking the boat on your own. Charter companies require that someone in your boat is competent to sail, and, in our case, our host was a licensed skipper. Sailing is a physical, manual mode of transportation. The five of us worked together to sail the boat throughout our voyage.

Catamarans are more spacious and stable than monohull vessels which are likely a better choice for novices and leery sailors. You can also make your trip easier by choosing a motorized rather than sail-powered catamaran. 

The beauty of exploring the area by boat is the flexibility to spend the night in whichever cay you choose, and island hop during the day. Having your own vessel also means you can avoid areas overcrowded with cruise ships. That’s not to say there aren’t crowds. During the busy season, you should reserve your mooring balls and plan dining in advance. 

Sailing is a nostalgic, almost primitive adventure and can connect you to nature in a unique way. The people of the British Virgin Islands are welcoming and well-equipped to host you, wherever you land. From Virgin Gorda to Norman Island, you can experience them all in a week.

There are plenty of great (and not so great) restaurants and bars throughout the BVIs. There are many more I don’t have experience with, but I can vouch for these.

Anegada
Sid’s Pomato Point

Cooper Island
Cooper Island Beach CLub

Norman Island
Pirate’s Bight
The Willy T Boat Bar

Peter Island
The Drake Steakhouse

Saba Rock
Saba Rock

Scrub Island
Cardamom & Co.

Tortola
Sugar Mill in Apple Bay

Virgin Gorda
Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound
Coco Maya, Spanish Town
Nova, Oil Nut Bay
Sugarcane Restaurant, Nail Bay
Sugar Mill at Little Dix Bay
Top of the Baths

All photos are courtesy of Kersten Rettig.
Kersten Rettig, a freelance writer with leadership experience in the food and travel industries, lives in the Park Cities, where she is known as “the restaurant sherpa” for her recommendations. Follow her on Instagram @KerstenEats.