Islas Vírgenes Británicas Frequently Asked Questions

Less is more and pack collapsible suitcases. Check out my sailing trip packing list post for all the details.

Most likely, yes. You'll need to confirm with your charter company.
I actually think catamaran's are much easier to maneuver and handle as compared to a monohull. Read more about why I think the catamaran is the better option for your sailing trip here.

It's a reservation system to book mooring balls at some of the popular bays and anchorages. I break it down in more detail here.

No, you don't need to use it. But, in peak season, the mooring balls at the most popular spots (Cooper Island and Great Harbour in particular) will fill up fast - sometimes before noon! Most crews would prefer to spend the day enjoying themselves rather than racing to their next destination. In that case, it might make sense for you to try and use their system.
Good luck!

Make sure it is not just reef-friendly. You want reef-safe. We like Reef Repair, SPF 50.

We spend a lot of time on the hook. Yes, we enjoy the beach bars and some restaurants, but we like seclusion better.

My favorite places to anchor are Eustatia Sound (if not redlined), Muskmelon Bay (day stop), and Key Bay at Peter Island. I also used to recommend Benures Bay at Norman Island, but there are mooring balls there. It is still a good option if you want fewer crowds.

That depends. You vessel needs to be registered for fishing. Confirm this in advance with your charter company.

We recommend purchasing a quality mask/snorkel combo and taking it with you on every trip. You will have a much better snorkeling experience. Don't rely on the low-quality gear that comes from the charter company. That said, the fins they offer are usually just fine.
I've had my snorkel/mask since I got scuba certified in 2009 and it is still in great shape. Make the investment! 

Food:

• Riteway Food & Liquor, OneMart , Bobby's (locally owned)
Specialty food:

• Relish Gourmet Food & Wine , Steakation (butcher), Italian Wine Food Caribbean , The Fench Deli
Liquor:

• Caribbean Cellars , Tico

These are my favorites:
• The Caves, Norman Island
• The Indians
• Cistern Point, Cooper Island
• The Chimney at Great Dog
• HMS Rhone (yes you can see it if the water is not too murky)
• Eustatia Sound
• Loblolly Bay and Flash of Beauty in Anegada
• Muskmelon Bay, Guana Island

Make sure you pick up a copy of the Guide to Snorkeling and Diving in the British Virgin Islands.

We usually end up at Cane Garden Bay in the middle of our trip. Bobby’s Supermarket is our spot to re-provision. Grab another couple avocados for that ceviche you are going to make and pick up another carton of eggs.

Other places that are convenient:

• North Sound: Leverick Bay and the Bitter End Yacht Club have small stores where you can pick up essential items
• Scrub Island also has a provisioning store
• If you visit Soper’s Hole, there is a well-stocked Riteway that should have everything you need

I think the best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is April-June or November. Learn more about the sailing seasons here.

Why?

• The weather is more settled (10-15 knots of consistent trade winds)
• It is less hot
• There is less risk of a disruption due to a tropical storm
• It tends to be less crowded

Anywhere it is legal!! We always run a line when moving the boat. You never know what you might catch.

Ok, but where are the best areas?

I like to fish the south drop when we are near Norman or Peter Island. I've hooked mahi down there.
On your way to and from Anegada is also a good bet. Try trolling over the wreck of the Chikuzen.
Don't expect to catch much in the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

It is customary to tip 15-20% of the cost of the charter, distributed to the crew at the end of the trip.

Offshore on the drops (north or south) you can catch mahi, tuna, and wahoo. The north drop is known to get lots of marlin bites, but we rarely target them and don't too often visit the north drop.
On the shelf areas, you can also catch mahi as well as mackerel and barracuda.
If you do some bottom dropping at a place like Kingfish Banks, you'll have good chances to catch snapper and perhaps a grouper.

Check out the link for more details.

Troll back and forth from 200-600 feet. Another way to do it: go from 200 feet until your depth sounder zeros out, and then head back. Rinse and repeat until the reel alarm goes off!

More is better, but two makes sense for most on a charter trip. Arrive mid-morning from North Sound on your first day. Explore the North Shore beaches. On your second day, do a reef excursion.

Flash of Beauty and nearby Loblolly. Cow Wreck Beach is better for lagoon swimming.

Rent a couple mokes or a truck with seating in the back for the crew. Don't rent scooters unless you would like to end your trip early. I don't like taxis because they don't give you the flexibility you need to explore.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. If I had to pick, it would be Wonky Dog.

Kelly or Sherwin. I’ve used Kelly in the past, but I’ve heard Sherwin is great too.

Hendo's hideout, in my opinion, has the best food.

Yes! Everyone over 18 years old that plans to fish needs a license. Visit the link above - it has all the details on how to get one.

Most people get to the BVIs in one of two ways.
1. Fly to Puerto Rico or St. Thomas and grab a "puddle jumper" flight to the Beef Island airport (EIS). 
BEWARE: a lot of these flights have been cancelled or delayed recently due to staffing issues with the smaller airline operators that manage these routes. This is not a reliable option right now.
2. Fly to St. Thomas and catch the ferry to Roadtown. You can also book a private water taxi - this will run you about $1,500-$2,000, but it might be worth it for the convenience. You may need 2 taxis depending on your group size. Crews like this option since it is more convenient, faster, and the taxi will also take care of clearing you in to BVI customs (usually at Soper's Hole).
Read more here: How to get to the British Virgin Islands?

Yes, this is possible. Some yachts are able to pick up and drop off in the USVI and cruise to the BVI during your charter. Confirm with your yacht charter broker that the yacht you are considering is approved for cross-border travel.

Absolutely — and you should. Anegada is unlike anywhere else in the BVI: a flat coral atoll with miles of empty beach, world-class lobster, and reef snorkeling that few other charters reach. The one caveat is weather. When the trade winds are unfavorable in direction or blowing harder than usual, the crossing can be uncomfortable, and your captain may suggest skipping it for the comfort of the group. On shorter trips (around 5 days), including Anegada usually means trading off another world-class anchorage. Your captain will balance the call against conditions and your group's priorities.

Included: a professional crew (captain, chef, and stewardess on most yachts), all meals and a standard bar (beer, wine, and spirits), water sports equipment, fuel for normal cruising, BVI cruising permits, linens, and towels. Not included: crew gratuities (15-20% of the base charter rate), marina/dockage fees, premium drinks or specialty provisions, onshore dining, and transfers to and from the yacht.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance — a pre-paid fund (typically 25-35% of the base charter rate) that covers food, beverages, fuel, mooring/marina fees, and other running costs during your trip. Your captain keeps an itemized account, and any unused funds are refunded at the end of your charter.

For peak season (December through April), book 6-12 months ahead — the best yachts and crews go first, and Christmas/New Year and Spring Break weeks often book 12+ months out. For shoulder season (early November or late April through May), 3-6 months is typically enough. We can always check last-minute availability too.

Yes. Your chef can accommodate virtually any dietary need — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, allergies, kids menus, and more. Before your charter, you will complete a preference sheet detailing every guest's dietary requirements, favorite foods, and anything to avoid. Your chef builds the menu around it.

Your captain reads the weather and adjusts the itinerary accordingly. The BVI is uniquely protected — even on windier days there are calm anchorages on the lee side of nearly every island, so the day rarely needs to be lost. In the rare case of more serious weather, your captain makes safety-first calls, which might mean a day in a protected harbor like Soper's Hole or Nanny Cay. Major storms are very uncommon during peak charter season (December through April).