Island-Hopping in the BVI
Island-hopping has long been a highly desirable vacation for travelers from all walks of life and continents. Imagine sailing between picturesque deserted islands, remote sandbars, and unique cays in the Caribbean, or experiencing must-see destinations like The Baths in Virgin Gorda, while traveling by luxury catamaran.
Sea adventurers, land explorers, leisure vacationers, and all curious humans have one thing in common - everyone loves island-hopping! As thousands of Navigare Yachting guests have discovered since our first ships set sail in 2001, it’s a memorable and unique way to travel from island to island. It’s also a highly efficient way of getting around while on vacation because it helps travelers visit many local destinations via the shortest water route.
The British Virgin Islands are uniquely beautiful destinations with coastal nature and a particularly relaxed culture that can’t be found in the mainland of most countries. If you don’t own a boat, you may think it is difficult to island hop in the Caribbean, but we are here to make it super easy and surprisingly affordable!
There are several things to consider when planning your BVI island-hopping adventure. Where you go and how you get from island to island matters. Let’s discuss the best and easiest way to embark on an island-hopping adventure in one of the Caribbean's treasures: the British Virgin Islands.
Why Choose the BVI?
There are many destinations you could potentially choose for island-hopping, so you may be tempted to ask, why the British Virgin Islands?
It’s not surprising that this eye-pleasing Caribbean setting has become an increasingly attractive destination for travelers from all over the world. Equipped with a subtropical climate, crystal clear turquoise water, powder white beaches, world-class snorkeling sites, vibrant local culture, and a bustling nightlife, the BVI is filled with wonders that attract diverse visitors. We like to say that anyone can find exactly what they are looking for in this stunning tropical archipelago.
The British Virgin Islands consists of about 60 islands and islets, all ranging in geographical dimension and population size; some are completely uninhabited and others feature several towns and settlements.
Island-Hopping vs Traditional Travel
Traditional travel typically only allows you to visit one city or island and use certain limited modes of transportation such as rental cars, taxis, or public transportation. In the BVI, this doesn’t get you very far; which island would you visit if you could only pick one?
There is a ton of sightseeing to do in the BVI, but it is all spread out on different islands. The iconic beach called The Baths is located in the south part of Virgin Gorda, while the snorkeling spots and dive sites, such as the famous RMS Rhone and the Indians, are all spread out. For a beach party, you can go to Trellis Bay on Beef Island, and then cap off the night with a nice waterfront dinner on the north coast of Virgin Gorda. The distant island of Anegada offers the unique experience to enjoy freshly caught lobster on the beach, and the northwest island of Jost van Dyke features the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar and one of the best beaches in the BVI. Choosing only one island to visit in the BVI is nearly impossible and could result in you missing out on a true once-in-a-lifetime island-hopping experience.
Undoubtedly, island-hopping is the preferred way to travel around the British Virgin Islands. This will present a much wider selection of things to do and see and allow you more freedom when putting together your itinerary of must-visit places. Additionally, some of the top places to visit in the BVI are easiest to reach (or must be reached) from the water; certain beaches, waterfront restaurants, coves, bays, snorkeling spots, and diving sites are a few examples.
Now that we have determined that island-hopping is the ideal way to experience the BVI, let’s delve into the easiest and best way to do this.
How to Island-Hop in the BVI
Commercial ferries are available as a travel option to get to and from certain islands in the BVI. Unfortunately, this option restricts your itinerary, limiting which islands you can go to and when you depart/return. Having to stick to a preset ferry schedule isn’t ideal when you’re on “vacation time” but still want to get the most out of your getaway. Relying on public transportation adds unnecessary pressure to what is likely an already tight itinerary and can bring about unwanted vacation stress.
Luckily, we have a better solution. Enjoy ultimate freedom and relaxation on an island-hopping sailing vacation in the award-winning BVI with Navigare Yachting. Your adventure can be just as peaceful or exciting as you prefer. With our yacht charter options in the BVI, travelers can rent a boat for however long they want, and even add a professional skipper or chef, for the ultimate island-hopping experience.
Exploring the BVI via a luxury sailing catamaran is like having a modern hotel suite with an amazing water view at all times, and is the ultimate solution to get you from point A to point B. With Navigare Yachting, you get to decide when and where to visit, and for how long. We encourage planning stops along the way as you discover beaches and hidden coves that you wish to explore. There’s never any stress to get back to the boat in time for a group departure: your private vessel departs on your terms. Don’t forget to take in the simple pleasures of life by enjoying an adult refreshment with the Caribbean sunset as your backdrop. There are no limits when it comes to island-hopping via private yacht charter.
Chances are you’re now scratching your head wondering how to do this in practicality. The good news is that our team of chartering experts is always ready to assist! Our travel blog also contains lots of valuable information for your ready pleasure, whether you’re new to chartering or already have some prior experience.
Our blog articles always aim to provide in-depth answers to your questions, but let’s review a few frequently asked questions below to highlight how easy it can be to charter a boat in the BVI.
Chartering a yacht FAQ:
Do I need sailing experience to rent a sailing boat?
No, you don’t. We can provide a professional skipper upon your request. They will take care of the boat and bring you to all the stops on your sailing route. The skipper is an added expense beyond the cost of the boat.
On the other hand, if you do have adequate sailing experience and you present the required documentation, you are allowed to sail the boat on your own, should you prefer to do so.
Do you offer other crew members?
Yes, we do! Besides the skipper who will bring you safely to the stops along your itinerary and serve as your local guide, we also offer professional chefs, who will prepare 2-3 delicious locally inspired meals per day and serve snacks/drinks in between. The chef makes sure you have all you need at your fingertips at all times and is an additional expense beyond the cost of the boat. In other words, if you choose to, you can enjoy an island-hopping vacation in the BVI onboard a comfortable yacht without having to lift a finger. One crew member sails the boat and another cooks your meals. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Sign me up! How do I book?
Booking is easy! Just reach out to our charter sales team and they will reserve the boat and week of your choice. You can also browse available yachts in our online booking platform on our website and complete the booking on your own.
Do I need to pay a security deposit?
We get it. Renting a yacht is not like renting a bicycle. It’s only natural to expect a security deposit, however, at Navigare, our commitment is to our guests’ total peace of mind. That’s why we have put together the Carefree package, our answer to the financial liability question. With our damage waiver, none of our guests are ever liable to pay for minor damage or wear and tear that occurs during their sailing vacation. The Carefree package includes yacht insurance and a damage waiver: you never need to pay a security deposit.
Can I create my own itinerary?
Yes, absolutely! Our blog and our website provide sailing route inspiration for when you face the exciting task of creating the itinerary for your island-hopping adventure. If you need help or have questions about the itinerary, don’t hesitate to reach out to our charter agents. Always consult with the base staff or a charter agent before making your final decisions on the itinerary, as some destinations may be too far away to reasonably make it back to the base in time for checkout.
If you sail with a skipper, the skipper will discuss the itinerary with you on your first day and let you know if it’s reasonable when accounting for the weather forecast and the number of days you plan to sail. They will always do their best to accommodate your wishes but will propose changes if your requested itinerary is not achievable due to the weather and/or time and distance limitations.
When is the BVI weather best for sailing?
Thanks to the year-round warm weather, steady tradewinds, low precipitation, and calm sea state, the British Virgin Islands is one of the best sailing and boating destinations in the world regardless of season. More and more travelers (boating and non-boating people) are discovering the beauty of the BVI and how it is best experienced from the water. The weather is ideal for sailing year-round, except for a few months during the "hurricane season" between mid-August and mid-October, when there is a rare but possible threat of storms or hurricanes.
As proof of the popularity of the BVI among boating people and travelers alike, our fleet of charter yachts has grown steadily over the last few years. Today we are proud to operate a huge fleet of 82 yachts!
Is it expensive to island-hop via private yacht charter?
Typically, it’s not more expensive than a cruise ticket. Here is a breakdown of the costs.
Since 2001, over 350,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventure will be in capable hands. With 12 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.