A portrait of Caribbean destinations: The British Virgin Islands - the Caribbean bestseller
Andreas Fritsch
· 27.11.2023
- Arrival: ***
- Level of difficulty: ****
- Versatility: ***
- Infrastructure: ****
The British part of the Virgin Islands is the number one charter destination for German crews. The neighbouring US and Spanish Virgin Islands follow far behind, the change of territory is simply too complicated. The very small archipelago between Tortola, Virgin Gorda and the small offshore islands is ideal for crews who love short distances. You are rarely travelling for more than two or three hours. Ideal for a swim stop during the day. The longest trip is usually the 15-mile detour to the shallow coral island of Anegada in the north-east.
Highlights
A perfect beach, restaurants and bars on every island. There are usually buoy fields or jetties and marinas on site. An area for the sweet life with drinks under palm trees, chilling out, full moon parties (Trellis Bay/Tortola), swimming. Great destinations are the granite rock formations of The Baths, the coral and lobster island of Anegada, cult beaches such as Sandy Spit and bars such as "Foxy's", the "Soggy Dollar Bar" on Jost van Dyke or the mini-island of Saba Rock and the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. The picture-book hotel complex on Cooper Island or the similarly beautiful resort in Soper's Hole are also top destinations.
You have to come to terms with the fact that there are many yachts and tourists on the water and you often have to pay to moor at buoys (usually 30 to 40 US dollars per night). The area is expensive, the charter yachts are more expensive than in other Caribbean destinations, as are the restaurants and bars.
Charter
Large selection of boats in various marinas on Tortola. The previously popular option of sailing over from St Martin is no longer attractive for yachts not registered in the BVIs due to the high marina fees.
Journey
Via Paris/Amsterdam to St Martin, then with the island hopper to Tortola. Alternatively via the USA including overnight stay and via ferry to Tortola.
