British Virgin Islands Sailing Itinerary

We've visited the BVIs many times now, and every time we return our itinerary gets a little bit better. Here's what I would do on a first time visit or for those that want to hit all of the hot spots. You can also read my in depth post, BVI sailing itinerary, where I cover the trip in more detail.

Want to get off the beaten path? Check out my secret BVI anchorages.

Arrive, get settled in, and stow away your provisions. Familiarize yourself with the boat's systems if you'd like. Crack a beer - you've made it!

Plan for an easy, short sail on your first full day on the water. Cooper Island Beach Club is a perfect stop. Grab a mooring ball and head ashore to enjoy the facilities, bar, and restaurant. Arrive early - the mooring balls fill up quickly! You may also enjoy a snorkel at Cistern Point to the south.

Get an early start and sail up the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Stop for lunch at The Baths, a must see visit. Swim ashore and hike through the monstrous boulders to Devil's Bay.

Round Virgin Gorda and enter North Sound through the well-marked channel. There are many places to choose from including the Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, and Leverick Bay. Plenty of mooring balls are available.

Some will say to avoid Anegada if you are a beginner, but I disagree. The channel is well marked and it is only a couple hours sail offshore. Check with your charter company.

Anegada is a low lying, coral island making up part of Horseshoe Reef - the 4th largest barrier reef in the world. Rent a car and visit the spectacular beaches on the north shore.

Enjoy a freshly caught spiny lobster dinner at one of the many Setting Point restaurants.

Head back south and sail counter clockwise around Tortola. Monkey Point at Guana Island is a great snorkel lunch stop.

Cane Garden Bay is a picturesque spot with lots of room and plenty of mooring balls. This is a great opportunity to head ashore and shop for additional provisions if you need them. There are lots of restaurants to choose from if you want to eat ashore.

Make your way north and try your hand at anchoring near Sandy Spit. This is a fun day spot. Dinghy ashore for a picnic.

Great Harbour at Jost Van Dyke is home to the famous Foxy's Bar. Enjoy some late night live music and dancing. Over the weekend, they have a famous Beach BBQ.

Get an early start to grab a mooring ball on the east side of the bay. Check with your charter company to make sure it is not off limits.

Enjoy a full day of beach bar relaxing and fun. The Soggy Dollar Bar is world famous for its invention - the Pain Killer. If you're a beginner, I don't recommend anchoring at White Bay. Stay at Great Harbour and dinghy over, or walk.

Pass nearby St. John, USVI and head for a lunch stop and snorkel at The Indians. Make a loop around the rock formations and enjoy the abundant sea life.

Stay overnight at the Bight and join the party at Willy-Ts, the famous floating pirate ship bar and restaurant. 
The Pirate's Bight restaurant is also a very good choice for a last night send off.

Leave early enough to motor back to the base to comply with checkout procedures. Radio your charter company on your way back in if you'd like help docking the boat.