The British Virgin Islands: Sailor’s Paradise

If you’ve ever considered a British Virgin Islands vacation, you probably have heard it called the Caribbean’s sailing capitol. There are many excellent reasons for this name, from the weather to the communities on the islands.

There are very good reasons the British Virgin Islands are so perfect for sailing. First, the weather is warm year-round, with excellent trade winds blowing nearly constantly up to 25 knots, and a little stronger in winter - perfect for catching in sails. The islands are pocked with little bays and small anchorage points ideal for anchoring and snorkeling, swimming, or just enjoying the views of the closely-placed islands. Because the archipelago is so dense with islands, the waters stay exceptionally smooth, even where the channels run deep - this is great not just for sailing, but also for protecting the many beautiful reefs scattered throughout.

Chartering a private yacht in the British Virgin Islands is the ideal way to explore this unique archipelago. You have the freedom to move from island to island, enjoying each perfect beach, snorkeling in crystal waters off coral reefs sprinkled with anemone and colorful tropical fauna. If this sounds ideal to you, you’ll be glad to know that there are more charter yachts located in the British Virgin Islands than anywhere in the world.

Looking to get here The BVI are located at the mouth of the Caribbean Sea, south of the Bahamas and only sixty miles east of Puerto Rico. There are 50 islands and cays making up the group, and each is a little different, some covered with mountains and jungle-filled valleys, others bare white sand beaches, and several with dozens of coves pocketing the coast, each with a unique beach. There are two primary island groupings here, the Windward and Leeward (leeward meaning the region that does not catch the wind).

In fact, the BVI vacation experience won’t feel like a vacation at all. You won’t see the typical tourist casinos or tall hotels; instead, you’ll find friendly people, light or nonexistent traffic, beautiful isolated villas, and more peace and tranquility than you have ever known in your life. Tropical rainforests butt up against swimming pools and sophisticated restaurants, or you can spend time sailing between island exploring the deep coral canyons below the waters.

The BVI government has done a great deal to preserve its beauty. They’ve earned worldwide applause with innovations like the National Parks Trust, a government agency that protects and maintains the underwater ecosystems and the natural jungle of the islands. Because they’ve done such an outstanding job, you can’t find better snorkeling anywhere in the world; underwater parks are dotted throughout the Islands. Think about it: you charter a boat, sail from island to island, and stop your leisurely journey only long enough to explore the underwater canyons and little shore restaurants that are found all over the island. Can you imagine a better vacation than a chartered yacht in the British Virgin Islands?