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The Virgin Islands

U.S. or British V.I. You can't go wrong!

Easy Access: The Virgin Islands are easy to get to, with direct flights into St. Thomas (where some of the bases we represent are located) or a short connection from San Juan in Puerto Rico. 

Great Boats: We recommend the exceptional boats that we have placed  with some of the best managed companies in the Caribbean and in addition, we broker charters for other companies. 

Eric Smith   President

Other favorite Bases...

• Virgin Islands  

• The Grenadines--St Vincent

• St. Martin & the Leeward islands

• Belize!

• Florida (South Beach) and the Keys (Key West)

• Bahamas (Marsh Harbor--Exhumes)

• Chesapeake Bay--Annapolis, base. Cruise itinerary, what to do and see and more.

• New England--Mystic, base. Cruise itinerary, what to do and see and more.

The Caribbean...

For a quick look at a typical vacation--check out this picture loaded tour.

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See a typical vacation experience here.

Review our operations manual--in advance. Everything from how to operate the equipment to brush up courses on anchoring and docking. 

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A British Virgin Island Visit.

Now you can take your choice of where to leave from--Tortola or St. Thomas. Below is a quick summary of the advantages of each location. In either case--you will be hosted by a smaller, more personal management company rated tops in each area.


Welcome to

SAME DAY...(A) Bight on Norman Island...(1.25 HRS) Anchor and dinghy over to the bar on the old trading schooner, The Thornton, anchored in the harbor. Pain Killers are the drink of choice for serious unwinding.

DAY2...(B) Head over to St. John.(1.5HRS)In the morning, stop at the caves (MOTOR OVER-10 MIN) on Norman Island for snorkeling. This is the place where the story about Treasure Island took place. The caves feature phosphorescent walls. You snorkel in among the colorful fish keeping a sharp eye for any gold doubloons that may have spilled out of the caves. By late morning, you sail for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to check in at customs on St John. You can wander around town and the colorful gift shops, have lunch, then motor around the corner to the Rockefeller resort at Caneel Bay. Here you can have an elegant dinner ashore while you watch the sunset. The grounds, old rum mill with stone walls and flowers, and elegant surroundings offer great picture taking opportunities with St Thomas and the beautiful turquoise waters in the background.

DAY3...(C) To Jost Van Dyke.(1.75 HRS) Get an early start, and plan a stop at Sandy Cay (EXTRA 20 MIN), or Cane Garden Bay.
As you pass through Thatch Island Cut you'll note a beautiful home site. Built by an architect, the home is actually several detached rooms cascading down the rocky hill sight and stilted over the precipice. It's spectacular. (There's a Pusser's Rum store, supplies and the Sunsail Charter base in Sopers Hole--which is also a ferry boat stop. Hustley, bustley and not worth a stop, this early in your itinerary, generally.) (E) Cane Garden Bay... Features one of the prettiest coves in the Islands. The beach is lined with palm trees and bar/restaurants. There are moorings to pick up and a short dingy ride takes you up to a dock/landing.
(D) Sandy Cay... is a protected, (Rockefeller owned..) undeveloped Island. Kind of what you expect to see in the Caribbean. A beautiful, sandy beach wraps around the South west side. Snorkeling and swimming are great. Follow the path through the knurly scrub trees up to the backside (be sure to wear shoes--it's rough on the path). You'll find lots of cactus, plants, birds and lizards for entertainment. There's a great photo op on the top of the hill (you have to wander off the regular path a bit). The craggy shore drops down precipitously to the ocean where the surge is coming in, unobstructed, all of the way from Europe to crash on these rocks and cliffs.
Instead of walking down the way you came, continue on to the East and wind down to the coral strewn beach on the SE side. Here, we've always found treasures to take home. Brain coral, and brightly colored (or bleached out) fan coral. (We've never had problems getting these treasures through customs, though of course, you should never disturb any live coral!) (C) Jost Van Dyke--Great Harbour. This is not a great harbor for swimming. It is an easy port of entry if you're entering back into the BVI. But most important, main street is a sandy stretch of beach backed by a series of bars. Rudy's has a band at night, Foxy's is a must stop. Walk under the palm trees to the right, past the net hammocks into Foxy's world. A nice, fun gift shop is on the left, but the real feature here is Foxy. You'll hear his lilting guitar and raspy voice as you approach, most times. Foxy has traveled all over the world. Mention your home town, and he'll have (or make up) a song about it. Wear a funny hat, and next thing you know it'll be featured in the song he's singing! Take his picture, and you'll get an interesting comment. It's hard to tear away as the patter changes constantly as people come and go.
However, on the way back, be sure to stop at the bakery up the hill by the main dock. Also, fresh fruit is available as is ice.
The foods simple, Caribbean and good if you choose to eat ashore. Make a reservation while you're wandering around.

DAY4...Where to end up? (If you didn't stop at Sandy Cay yet, do it early in the morning. Sail up the backside of Tortola, it's mountainess beauty will have everybody quiet as you slip by. Following around the East end of Tortola, follow your cruise guide--it's easier than it looks, choose to anchor for the night at Marina Cay or Trellis Bay. (ABOUT 1.5-2 HRS)  (F) Marina's Cay... This is a pleasant stop. The Pusser's company runs a dock where you can refuel, re-water and or get some supplies. If you don't need these services, dinghy in to the dock. A laundromat and hot showers are available. There's a very nice Pussers Restaurant up the hill with a nice display in pictures and words of the history of the Island. You can grab a mooring here for the night, or go over to...
(F) Trellis Bay if you want to be entertained by Englishman, Tony Snell at the Last Resort. His donkey, "Chocolate" will likely greet you along with a host of ragtag dogs, and misc. animals.
Tony generally has two shows. You can have dinner here if you like--simple and O.K. But the real feature is his one-man show complete with sound affects, and commentary songs about Rhine stoned captains, and sunburn. His act is always good for a laugh from first timers!
SPECIAL NOTE: If you need some supplies, or if you need to pick someone up, or drop someone off at the Beef Island Airport (the main airport for charterers coming in), go into the dock on the West side of the Bay and visit the nice little store, or take a 3-5 min. walk to the airport. (We've picked up late arriving guests here with bags and all--the walk is so short it's just not worth a cab ride!)

DAY5...(G) The Baths... The reason you came to this location, is to have early access to the Baths. Here you will find giant granite boulders uncharacteristically piled and strewn about the South end of Virgin Gorda. They cascade down to, and into the water, creating beautiful pools (baths) among the boulders, which tower over you while filtering in rays of sunlight. Climb the rocks. Snorkel around them. Lie on the pristine beaches while sipping your beer from the beach bar.

What's the problem with this picture? Everyone wants to visit here and recently, access has been granted from the land side by Taxi from the Island resorts. IT GETS CROWDED! That's why we've positioned you at Marina Cay or Trellis Bay. The early riser in your group should slip the mooring and motor over (1/2 HR) and you'll be at your new mooring before the rest of the crew even has their teeth brushed! Enjoy the morning and depart by early afternoon after lunch for...

SAME DAY...(H) Gorda Sound... (If you need a Marina, you can stop at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor--however, other than service, you can get most of the same services (water, ice, supplies) at the Bitter End in Gorda Sound which is much nicer!)

There's lots of choices here, and many people stay in this beautiful setting for a couple of days. Here's what I like:

Call on the radio and make a reservation for dinner at Biras Creek --more on this later. Pick up a mooring at Bitter End and go ashore. (If you need water or ice, take the boat to the Marina dock for a few minutes.)

A TIP... Pick up a mooring on the left end of the anchorage, in the cut between Bitter End and Prickly Pear. Here, you'll be guaranteed a fresh breeze all night and the reefs break the surge. (Other areas are so blanketed by the hills that it might get stuffy aboard, at times.)
Things are expensive everywhere around Gorda Sound, but this is the one place to splurge. Enjoy a Pina Colada or Pain Killer. View the shark pen. Shop the shops and walk the walks--it's all beautiful. If you have some extra time before or after your dinner reservations, dinghy in to the Bitter End outdoor bar for cocktails, or if you're going to Biras Creek--go there for cocktails out on the veranda. In either case,  the pace is absolutely liquid if you get my drift.
After cocktails, you can have a very nice dinner at the bitter End, Biras Creek is my favorite Restaurant in the world!

• BIRAS CREEK RESORT... Here's your one time to get dressed up. (Jackets and ties are not required--but nice dress (and long pants) is. Why not?) Biras Creek resort was recently rated one of the 10 best in the World--by Playboy Magazine. You dinghy over. (About 10-15 min.--bring raincoats to sit on, or wear if you encounter a sprinkle.)

  Land at the dock which is lined by subtle, yellow foot lights, and proceed up under the arch to the floral path that winds up to the Scandinavian inspired restaurant. The Restaurant is positioned on the crest of the connecting ridge between Biras Hill and one of the mountains on the main Island of Virgin Gorda (SE end of North Sound).
  From the verandas and patios surrounding the restaurant you have a commanding view of Gorda Sound with the twinkling resort and Yacht lights to the West, and the deep, dark, Caribbean on the East.
  Each table in the two rooms, which are both open air with breezes wafting through has its own charm. The service is gracious, the wine list substantial, and the food sumptuous. Even waiting in the open air lounge, upholstered rattan chairs makes you want to linger. Sometimes there's dancing on the Patio after dinner.

  We've heard wild reports of people wandering down the hill, past the cottages to the pool which canter levers out over the Caribbean and then engaging in the age-old practice of skinny dipping! Of course I can't confirm or condone this, however I have noted that there are plenty of fresh towels around in the cabanas surrounding the pool, the lighting is subtle and who knows?

  Returning from Biras Creek, with a glow (and do I detect wet hair?) if you're not ready for an early night, scootch back over to Bitter End and have late night drinks while you listen to the surf break out on the reef. This will have been a night you will long remember!

  Choices, Choices, Choices...

• DAY6...(I) Anegada! If you're very experienced, have permission (and/or a guide) this is a must stop!

  Anegada, the drowned Island. Following the directions from the guide closely, you sail out early on a course of 360 degrees. There is absolutely nothing but the glistening sea on the horizon. You sail for about an hour, and someone finally spots a palm tree--growing right up out of the sea! (We usually create a pool with the money going to the first confirmed sighting.) You look back and Tortola and Virgin Gorda look so close that you could throw a sea shell and hit them.
  Gradually more trees and eventually houses and a strip of beach emerge from the Ocean. With butterflys in your stomach, keeping in mind the over 300 wrecks around the only reef island in the Virgins, you search for the tiny red nun marking the channel. (Here is the one place that GPS adds measurably to your comfort if this is your first time. The instructions in the guide are sketchy. But, eventually you'll sight the buoy--generally you shy away too far left to protect yourself, which makes the small buoy just that much harder to see!

  Now, the adventure is still not over. Having found the buoy, you have to find the tiny red balls that mark the rest of the path through the reef. Hopefully, if all goes well, you eventually end up in the anchorage where there are never too many boats because of the rigorous test to get there!
  Bring your snorkeling gear, and dress in swim wear. Get to the wobbly dock and note the large lobster pen. Stop at the beach bar for a quick one while the crew reserves a rental car or taxi for the trip to Loblolly Bay, and to make dinner reservations. Visit the classy little gift shop.
  A bumpy, rock and roll ride past flats and cactus, cows and goats, and even an occasional flamingo, takes you to my favorite beach in the world! You emerge from the parking area behind some dunes and grape trees which pretty much restrict your view of the beach which you can hear, however, roiling in the background. Head down the path, pass the little restaurant/bar (great conch fritters) and you emerge to an unbelievable sight.
  It's hard to describe. If you take the best of the unending miles of the dunned beach on Nantucket, and the waters and reef of your favorite south sea island (mine's Pago Pago) you're part way there. The pristine, but wild beach stretches as far as you can see in both directions. It's all but deserted. The waves crash and surf on the outer reef about 100 yards out. In between, you have the luminescent colors of the variegated coral tinting the waters from emerald to gold.
  As you walk down the beach, looking for a place for your blanket, you'll note that there are warm pools captured by the close in smoothed over coral formations. These little baths invite you for a languid dip in the all together--later, after you've knocked yourself out with some of the best snorkeling in the world. You slip off the sandy beach swimming out among ever larger and more spectacular coral formations. The fish get bigger. Caves and cliffs of coral form as you approach the outer rim. Use the buddy system. Bring an underwater camera (disposable ones are available at most resorts.) You'll come back tired and full filled. If you didn't do anything else, you will feel that your vacation is now worthwhile. Linger. Enjoy beach combing pool lounging and sunning.

  After you return to the base, you can lounge around the beach bar and sit in the chases on the beach. By now, you fix your own drinks and keep a tab on a clip behind the bar. You meet interesting people from all over the world here. The conversations are tinged with interesting accents accentuated by Pain Killers.
  After watching for the green flash ("I saw it, did you?" You've got to be kidding..." No, really--right...") Somebody must have seen it or else it's the most successfully perpetuated myth ever! As you return to the boat to shower for dinner (very informal attire, no shoes allowed--tops optional-only kidding.) you'll note the preparations for your dinner.
  Ashore, beach fires flare up as beach wood fires are ignited under the huge oil drum come barbecue grills. The butchered lobsters are laid out on the grills by the time you get back to the beach bar. Soon, everyone is ushered into the open air dining rooms and seated family style around large tables. The wine is chosen. The lobsters are the best you'll ever have. The vegetables and accompaniments are generous and tasty. You hardly have room for desert. If you haven't already joined another table and started singing, or cavorting you drift back out to the beach bar hub of activity where there may be a band with dancing in the sand, or a game of ??? Whatever it is, you throw these things in turn some way and...well you've just got to see it to get it. It's fun if not rewarding. You finally settle up on your bill for the day--everything from the Taxi to the bar and restaurant bill--bring lots of cash, and amongst lots of hoot'n and hollar'n , laughing and gay talk you zig zag your dinghy back to your haven after a very full day!
  

• DAY7 Depending... If you've got to get back, you can get all the way back to the base (downwind) by noon with an early start. If you've got more time (or for those of you who had to pass on Anegada) there's lovely Cooper Island, with the wreck of the Rhone, around the corner; the resort at Peter Island, not to mention numerous other anchorages right in Gorda Sound.

  I've tried to give you some ideas on a few of my favorite spots gleaned from over 20 trips to these friendly, happy Islands. You will find more places in the creases than I've begun to tell you about. The Cruising guide will be a big help in planning, or as I mentioned there are videos. Remember, this is the most popular charter destination in the world--for good reason. Things book up fast. Call us right away for availability. Because we keep bringing in new boats, we often have space available at the last minute. Watch our Web page for specials and call our 1-800 YACHT20 number for up to date scheduling information. (Perhaps some day we'll be able to keep this on the WEB?)

For a U.S. Virgin Island Visit--More details, go to our page on St. Thomas

Charterers Links to visit...

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