Best-Kept Vacation Secrets in the BVI
If you’ve ever set sail in the British Virgin Islands, then you know how this charming island chain pulls wanderlust spirits back time and time again. And if you have not yet embarked on a BVI charter vacation aboard your own private Sail, Power, or all-inclusive Crewed yacht—what are you waiting for?
Nestled in the heart of the cerulean-blue Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (affectionately known as “Nature’s Little Secrets”) will transform your dream vacation into a real-life experience you’ll treasure forever. From the compact cruising grounds to the warm tropical climate and even warmer island culture, there’s simply no place like the BVI. In addition to the fan-favorite attractions and popular travel hot-spots, here are six lesser-known ways to capture unforgettable memories in the blissful British Virgin Islands.
Image credit (below): Oil Nut Bay Villas and Marina
Go Jeepin’ in Virgin Gorda.
The island of Virgin Gorda is gorgeous to explore by land. Hire a taxi or rent a Jeep to enjoy the ultimate on and off-road adventure revealing all sorts of Caribbean gems along the way. Be sure to stop at Hog Heaven where the sweet aroma of low-and-slow-cooked BBQ will tempt and satisfy your taste buds with mouthwatering flavors and the elevated location will deliver majestic views. The Marina at Oil Nut Bay located at the island’s eastern tip allows visitors to enjoy relaxed outdoor dining at its overwater restaurant Nova with a pool, bar, overwater hammocks and more, as well as boutique and provisioning shopping.
Make it a Beach and Lobster Day
With an elevation of only 28 feet the island of Anegada is distinct from the other, rather mountainous, British Virgin Islands. Its remote location ensures that it’s not on everyone’s itinerary and is therefore still a somewhat hidden gem in these cruising grounds. The northern coast features beautiful long sandy beaches paired with great snorkeling at the nearby reefs, and no visit to the island would be complete without enjoying some of the amazing, freshly caught spiny “Anegada” lobster served at the local restaurants, like the Anegada Reef Hotel. Adventure seekers can take a tour to the local conch shell mounds, go horseback riding, rent a scooter or jeep, or visit the iguana head-start facility in the center of the island.
Enjoy a Little Bubbly.
On the east side of Jost Van Dyke at Diamond Cay, a short walk from fan-favorite Foxy’s Taboo restaurant, you’ll find a geological delight known as the “Bubbly Pool”. This naturally splendid place is particularly fun when a north swell is in, topped off with an island-inspired cocktail at Foxy’s Taboo.
Get Crafty at Cooper Island.
Cooper Island is such a charming place that it makes it impossible not to fall in love with the Caribbean. There are several unique places to visit, including a local coffee shop, rum bar, and a darling boutique, and a new, solar powered brewery. No vacation is complete without at least one cold one in your hand and there’s no better place to sit back, relax, and indulge in one of the six craft beers on tap while savoring the laid-back island vibes and picture perfect scenery that surround you.
Sail to the Windward Side.
Sail from Virgin Gorda to Norman Island on the windward side of the islands, if only just once. The scenery is completely different, featuring jagged rock formations and glistening cliffs on the other side of the islands that you can’t see from inside Sir Francis Drake Channel. It’s also a prime location to drop the fishing line and go trolling for dinner in the deep water.
Explore the Local Bar Scene.
Everybody who steps foot onto the British Virgin Islands ends up at the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar once or twice, or ten times, and with good reason! But don’t stop there. Explore beyond the Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay, Jost van Dyke. The beach is lined with one-of-a-kind bars and memorable restaurants, many of which are not crowded and are frequented by the island’s locals. Grab a table and enjoy some refreshing cocktails paired with supreme relaxation.Not all who wander are lost….And all who wander into the BVI will most definitely find their way back to this enchanting country. Few places have the unique ability to deliver such an inviting experience time and time again, but the British Virgin Islands never cease to amaze us. Whether you’re visiting for the first, second, or 17th time, you can always bet on the BVI to whisk you away on an unforgettable charter escape that you’ll daydream about forever and ever—or at least until you return for your next visit!
Contributor
Leslie Montenegro
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