7-Day British Virgin Islands Sailing Itinerary Recommendations

July 28, 2017 6 min

The following is a collaborative guest post written by Jessica and Taylor, Moorings Vacation Planners and BVI newbies.

Come along for the journey as the duo highlights their incredible week of sun, fun and sailing in the one-of-a-kind British Virgin Islands.

Plus, score some helpful hints on how to plan your BVI sailing charter vacation itinerary.

Day 1 – Norman Island

Norman Island was the first stop of our trip where we moored at The Caves to snorkel. This is a must-see spot. The water is Caribbean blue with beautiful coral reefs and lots of fish. There are two caves you can snorkel into and if the lighting is right the colors are amazing inside. Of course, it’s still beautiful either way!

Our tip: While here, you can stop by Pirates Bight for dinner, known for its waterfront views. Be sure to arrive just before sunset for breathtaking photos. Afterward, adults can head over to the famous Willy T’s, a floating barge for drinks, dancing, and, for the adventurous, a jump off the top deck into the water!

Sailing time: Around 1 hour from The Moorings base in Road Town.

Day 2 – Wreck of the Rhone

Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands is impressive on so many levels and in so many locations, but hands down our favorite spot was at the famous Wreck of the Rhone. The Rhone was a 310-foot long sail-steamer commissioned in June of 1863 that sank just offshore of Black Rock Point.

The ship’s bow section resides in about 80 feet of water, making it perfect for scuba divers to explore. The ship’s stern section is located closer to shore, up against the rocks in about 30 feet of water, which is ideal for snorkeling. The anchor can still be seen wrapped around the same coral head in which she tried to free herself from initially until the captain gave the orders to cut the anchor line.

Our tip: Local legend says that Captain Wooley was thrown overboard in the initial crash and was never seen again, but his teaspoon survived the wreckage and can still be spotted today. Whether or not it is the Captain’s teaspoon or not, you can still see it wedged in the wreck, so see if you can spot it!!

Sailing time: Approximately 1 hour from Norman Island.

Day 3 – Virgin Gorda

Just East of Tortola is where you’ll discover the wonderful isle of Virgin Gorda. Here you will find the home of the famous boulders known as The Baths. This was our favorite destination out of the entire trip. After getting into Spring Bay we took the dinghy to the dinghy line. From there we swam into shore amongst crystal-blue waters.

This is only a journey suitable for strong swimmers, and we also had to bring along a waterproof box and bag with us to hold our cell phones and cameras while we swam to shore, just to add to the challenge!

Then we made our way through the caves, and ended up in Devil’s Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches either of us have ever been to. The water was crystal clear, the sand white, and surrounded by giant boulders.

After spending some time there, we made it through the caves again to go and see the restaurant at the “top of The Baths”, which also happens to be the name of the restaurant. There is a freshwater pool, indoor and outdoor seating, live music, great food and great drinks. The views from the restaurant are nothing short of amazing so sit back, sip on a daiquiri, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!

Our tip: Water shoes are a must when coming to The Baths because the sand is extremely hot and you will be doing lots of walking through the mysterious caves. It took us about 30 minutes to complete the trek, with plenty of photo-opps along the way!

Sailing time: 1-2 hours from the Wreck of the Rhone.

Day 4 – Saba Rock

This small quaint island just off of Virgin Gorda is not one to miss, and that’s because Saba Rock is home to one of the best happy hours in the British Virgin Islands. The island offers stunning views of the surrounding waters and nearby islands, making it a picturesque spot to enjoy drinks and appetizers. We loved exploring the range of creative and well-crafted cocktails, which are often featured during happy hour specials.

Our tip: Be sure to arrive in the evening to witness the daily tarpon feeding or get hands-on by feeding them yourself. You might even catch the eel feeding! Saba Rock also features an outdoor aquarium where kids can enjoy learning about local marine life, so there’s something for the whole family here. For those looking for a unique experience, try holding one of their giant lobsters.

Sailing time: Around 30 minutes from Virgin Gouda.

Day 5 – Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay is known for its beautiful beach, lively bars, and vibrant atmosphere. As you pull into the bay, you might spot a few sea turtles swimming near the shore. The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the surrounding seaside establishments offer a great variety of dining and entertainment options.

We were happy to discover Quito’s for their fun-tastic happy hour! Here you can enjoy delicious snacks and drinks at delightful prices. Before leaving, we made sure to stop and take our picture at the “I heart BVI” sign to capture a core vacation memory.

Our tip: Take a short walk to the rum distillery where you can pay $1 for four shots of locally-made rum! After you leave the rum distillery, take a stroll down the beach and stop at one of the laid-back bars for a delicious rum punch. Listen to the music and relax in the water until 5pm.

Travel time: Approximately 1-2 hours from Saba Rock.

Day 6 – White Bay at Jost Van Dyke

While on a yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands, a visit to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is a definite must. This incredibly popular destination attracts guests from all walks of life. It is not hard to see why – with the white powder sand, crystal-clear Caribbean water, and a line of good vibes beach bars hiding between the palm trees along the shore.

Without a doubt, world-famous Soggy Dollar is the most popular beach bar, well-known as the original creator of the iconic “painkiller” drink. Soggy Dollar also comes with great music and a cute little souvenir shop that showcases different patches from all over the world.

Our tip: Hendo’s Hideout is right next door to Soggy Dollar and offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere combined with an island-inspired menu of specialty cocktails and tasty food items. We recommend going there because this is also a popular place for sea turtle sightings!

Travel time: About 1-1.5 hours from Cane Garden Bay.

Day 7 – White Bay at Jost Van Dyke

After a memorable week exploring the British Virgin Islands, it’s time to return to The Moorings base in Road Town. Spend your final morning of your BVI itinerary enjoying a leisurely breakfast on board and taking in the last views of the stunning Caribbean waters.

Our tip: If time allows, you might want to explore a bit more of Road Town before you finish your trip. Take a stroll through the local shops or enjoy a final meal at one of the nearby restaurants. Reflect on your trip and capture a few more photos to remember your fantastic BVI adventure.

Travel time: Approximately 2-3 hours from Jost Van Dyke, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Plan Your Ultimate BVI Sailing Adventure

After an unforgettable week of sailing, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun, your British Virgin Islands adventure will surely leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. From the vibrant beach bars of Jost Van Dyke to the breathtaking beauty of The Baths at Virgin Gorda, each stop along the way offers its own unique charm and excitement.

Ready to start planning your own dream sailing vacation in the BVI? Head to our destination page to explore more and build your personalized quote today!

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