BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
With a Paradise archipelago made up of over 60 Islands, most of them uninhabited, its no wonder these Islands call themselves ‘Natures little secrets’.
Beside offering an incredible all year round sailing itinerary, each of the Islands and Islets, has its own unique character and enchanting history. Discover the diversity of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, superb snorkel hide aways, exciting opportunities for Island adventures, lush green mountains and friendly anchorages.
After an activity filled day, the evenings offer you a choice to sit back on deck and relax with a sundowner or perhaps step ashore for somelive music entertainment, before indulging in a delicious three course dinner onboard. Every day in the BVI’s reveals a new wondrous adventure, with you as its lead actors.
Here is sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a sailing vacation with TradeWinds. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course. The decision on whether to include a trip to Anegada is made on a weekly basis, to allow for weather and sea conditions.
Check-in is until 4 pm, with embarkation at 5p.m. You will be greeted by our base managers, who will take you through the embarkation procedure. We kindly urge guests to arrive by 4 pm in order to check in and board at 5 pm which will help us be able to cast off our bow lines and set sail before sunset. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can check in and drop off your luggage at our office and then relax by one of the Bar's or Restaurants or by the pool or even by the Beach on the Marina grounds . Once you board the boat you will be introduced to your crew and fellow sailors. After a refreshing welcome cocktail on board, you will be shown to your cabin and helped to settle in. Providing all guests have arrived timely we will be setting sail to the magical Peter Island across the sound, where a delicious dinner will be served onboard.
After a scrumptious breakfast, you can enjoy your first amazing snorkelling, or SCUBA diving experience. Later this morning we then set sail for Cooper Island.You are very welcome to try your hand at handling the yacht, and helping with the sails, but - if that’s not your style - just lie back and relax! The choices are yours! After a delicious lunch, we cruise around to Manchioneel Bay, where you can snorkel, kayak or spend some time ashore, on one of the BVI’s most beautiful beaches. The water is crystal clear and teeming with tropical fish and reef life, just waiting for you to explore. Later in the afternoon, we raise the sails again and head up the Sir Francis Drake Channel to the paradise island of Virgin Gorda. We anchor in St Thomas Bay and enjoy dinner under the stars.
After breakfast, we take a short trip by dinghy, to The Baths - the most renowned, natural feature in the BVI. The Baths are a collection of giant boulders which form spectacular pools and grottos. The huge boulders and rocks form a maze that leads to Devil's Bay Beach. Here you can spend a memorable day, snorkelling in the clear blue water around the boulders and chilling out on the beach. Alternatively, you can clamber through a huge tunnel and inside, and under, the large caves, which have been created by erosion.
After lunch at the Bath, there's time to enjoy more snorkelling in the warm, sheltered pools around the rocks, or to visit the beautiful marina at Spanish Town and shop in local stores and boutiques. Later, we sail to North Sound, the BVI's favourite playground. The protected waters here lend themselves to every possible water sport - including windsurfing, Hobie Cats and kayaking. Perhaps, some of you sailors may feel like playing volleyball on the beach. After all this activity, well deserved sun downers are mixed, followed by another delicious dinner onboard. Lie back and relax under a beautiful star-filled sky, while listening to the sounds of the Caribbean steel drums from Saba Rock, or the waves lapping against the shore at Vixen Point.
Following breakfast, pay a visit to the quaint, Bitter End Yacht Club or Leverick Bay, before we set sail for the Dog Islands. A stop at Great Dog enables a SCUBA dive of The Chimneys, or snorkelling above the arches and canyons, where you will be entranced by the soft coloured corals and the variety of fish. After lunch we have a leisurely, downwind sail to Marina Cay. With its brightly coloured villas and tropical flowers, it is, undoubtedly, the most spectacular Cay in this region. Snorkel on Diamond Reef and then enjoy an evening stroll around the island. During high season the "Pirate Show" is a must! After another enjoyable day of snorkelling and diving, dinner is taken ashore - at the world famous, Pusser's Landing, where a pre-dinner Pusser's "pain killer" should not be missed.
Before Breakfast we set sail to Trellis Bay there you can after breakfast, enjoy a short visit to the arts and crafts studios in Trellis Bay. It's then only a short trip over to Monkey Point, off Great Camanoe Island, for snorkelling and kayaking. Here, you can also watch the aerial shows provided by the vast numbers of pelicans, which live and nest along the cliff walls. After lunch, we set sail for the island of Jost Van Dyke and the picturesque Diamond Cay. Step ashore and check out the boutique at "Foxy’s Taboo", before frolicking in the world famous, geological wonder, called the "Bubbly Pool." This is like a natural Jacuzzi and can be quite invigorating when the tide is in!
Enjoy dinner on board this evening. Later, you may feel inclined to spend a few hours ashore, at "Foxy's" - one of the Caribbean's favourite hangouts. The light pollution from the islands is virtually non-existent at this anchorage, so you may want to finish off a truly fantastic day, with a night cap on deck - and some amazing stargazing, with your fellow guests and crew.
While you are still asleep in your cabin, your Captain will set off for either Sandy Spit, or Sandy Cay, so that you can put the "first footsteps in the sand". Use the time after breakfast to swim, snorkel, or take the kayak ashore for some more exploring. A beautiful sail through Thatch Island Cut leads us to the original Dutch settlement of Soper's Hole. Once ashore, you can admire the amazing architecture of some of the best shops and boutiques on the island - and have the opportunity to purchase the infamous Pusser's Rum! After lunch onboard just a stone's throw from Norman Island, and beside Pelican Island, is a wonderful place named "The Indians". From a distance, these four tall rock formations look somewhat like an Indian headdress - hence their name! There will be ample time to snorkel and Scuba dive here, in one of the BVI's most popular spots. The Bight, at Norman Island, is a sheltered bay which provides an idyllic overnight anchorage. Now you can relax with your favourite cocktail and enjoy another great dinner on board. Your main course might just be the fish we caught earlier in the day! Some of you - with excess energy! - may wish to pay a visit later to the infamous "Willy T" (the William Thornton Floating Bar and Restaurant) where you're guaranteed to have a raucous good time!
An early move to the west side of Norman Island, offers an ideal opportunity to snorkel in three water-level caves, at the base of the cliffs. The caves push deeply into the cliffs, so that the darkness makes the experience like a night dive. There is a documented history of pirates' treasure having been stowed in these caves - so keep your eyes peeled! A sail up the Sir Francis Drake Channel brings us to Salt Island, so named after its salt ponds, which were once an important resource in the BVI. Here, you can snorkel above, or SCUBA dive down to the wreck of The Rhone - the Royal Mail Steamer which sank in October 1867. You may remember the Rhone from the movie "The Deep", starring Nick Nolte. This spectacular wreck is recognized as the best wreck dive in the Caribbean and is the jewel in the diving crown of the BVI. If you prefer to snorkel, the aft of the ship lies in very shallow waters, offering a unique viewing experience of the varied fish species and corals. After lunch we set sail for our home base in Tortola - just in time for those powerful sun-downers! A quick change and we’re ready to go ashore to a nearby restaurant, for our last dinner on this trip.
After a last tasty breakfast onboard, it is time to gather your belongings, as well as your wonderful memories of a week in this most beautiful environment. Before exchanging fond farewells, your crew will arrange transport to the airport. Already you will be planning your next cruise with TradeWinds Cruise Club.
There are a number of ways to get to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI); Most common route is to fly into Tortola and its main airport, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (also known as Beef Island Airport, although its actually connected to Tortola by means of a bridge!) (airport code: EIS).
The most direct way to fly to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico, Airport Code [SJU]. Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle (American Airlines), Cape Air, Liat, and with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights. Air Sunshine has direct flights from San Juan to Beef Island, Tortola.
If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas, (airport code STT), Air Sunshine has regular flights to Tortola. There is also an excellent network of ferries frequenting between St Thomas and Tortola. Its a great service and not expensive.
Fly directly into St Thomas (airport code STT). Then take one of the frequent ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to either West End of Tortola or Road Town, Tortola. From the St Thomas airport to Charlotte Amalie, its approximately 12 minutes by taxi. From the St Thomas airport to Red Hook by taxi, its approximately 45 minutes.
Getting to the next ferry is very easy - just take a taxi at the St. Thomas Airport and let the taxi driver know that you need to take the next ferry to Tortola. The taxi drivers will know of any schedule changes and make sure you reach the proper ferry terminal for your connection. There are two ferry terminals in Tortola - Road Town and West End. Both are approximately 15 minutes taxi ride to TradeWinds base in Hannah Bay Estate right next to Nanny Cay Marina.
Remember that ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola only operate during daylight hours - so the last ferry is usually around 5pm. Make sure that your flight arrives in time. Ferry service starts at approximately 7:30am. Click www.bviwelcome.com for the complete ferry schedule. Upon arrival in Tortola, you will need to clear with immigration at the ferry dock.
Travel tip; take a look at the schedules to see if the same ferry company is returning at a convenient day/time. If not, then it is recommended to purchase one-way tickets so it doesn't tie you in to any particular ferry company on your return journey.
At the larger docks, especially Charlotte Amalie, porters will attempt to take your luggage from you so you travel with their ferry company. It is advisable to resist and check out which ferry you want to travel on before handing your bags over.
Many Canadians and Europeans find it easiest to fly into one of these Caribbean islands on an international carrier, then use Liat or Winair to connect to Tortola.
If you would like to stay in St. Thomas en-route many of our guests have stayed at Mariott, Green Iguana, Blackbeard Castle, Wyndham and Ritz Carlton. For more accommodations see www.wheretostay.com or www.virgin-island-hotel.com.
Our base is located at Hannah Bay Estate, Tortola, next to Nanny Cay Marina. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes from the airport and cost US$36. Hannah Bay Estate is located between Road Town and West End, from the ferry docks at both West End and Road Town, it is approximately 15 minutes and cost US$15.
You are welcome to arrive in Tortola early and stay at the Hotel of Nanny Cay Marina, 2 minutes walk from TradeWinds,Nanny Cay Marina Hotel, Trade Winds guests receive a 20% discount off below rates (below rates include the 17% VAT). Hotel rates; November to April Standard room US$216.45, Deluxe room: US$263.25. May to October Standard room US$146.25, Deluxe room: US$193.05. For more accommodations www.bviwelcome.com or www.ultimatebvi.com.
If you will be staying for a few days and renting a car, then Sopers Hole towards the West End of Tortola is a must. Also a stop at the top of the mountains at Skyworld, which offer magnificent views over all the Islands. A drive out to Cane Garden Bay is always lovely and there are a few places there for you to have a bite. Myetts is a reasonably rated little hotel on Cane Garden Bay www.myettent.com and then you have the upmarket Sugar Mill hotel www.sugarmillhotel.com which is a truly wonderful experience with its high end restaurant.
A visit to GreenVI 's glass studio in Cane Garden Bay is a must! In our ongoing commitment to support and sponsor green initiatives and local non-profit organizations, TradeWinds is assisting GreenVI in the BVI's, whose mission is to demonstrate the principles and benefits of sustainable living. The Glass Studio creates a variety of beautiful recycled glass goods, perfect for your home or as gifts. We invite you to come down to Green VI’s Glass Studio, opposite Myetts in Cane Garden Bay, to see the glass blowers in action or to try it yourself! Experience local creativity and artwork while doing your part to go green in the BVI. For more info : greenvi.org
If you experience delays and you feel that you cannot get to the base in time then please call +1 284 542 1133 (or +1 284 494 9261) leaving your name(s) and a short description of the situation along with contact details for where you are.
Your charter ends, after a delightful breakfast, on Saturday at 9 am. Your yacht will have arrived on the dock from Friday evening so if an early flight or ferry is on your schedule, then our office can book a taxi pick up for you on Saturday morning. Once you are at the airport or ferry terminal you will be required to pay a national departure tax of US$20 for each passenger leaving Tortola via air and US$5.00 if by ferry.
Charter Airline Service can be arranged from almost anywhere in the Caribbean. The following charter airlines provide service between the BVI and many Caribbean destinations:
See our further information section for information on visas, currency, weather and more.
Updated April 2012
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located in the Caribbean Sea, Latitude 18.25 degrees North and Longitude 64.36 degrees West - approximately 90 miles east of Puerto Rico. Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is known as the yachting capital of the Caribbean. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is bordered, mainly in the north, by uncrowded, white-sand beaches where excellent swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed. US Virgin Islands is right next door and always clearly visible.
Road Town is the capital of Tortola. Here you will also find the Botanical Gardens, along with shops, banks, post office and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Tortola is where most visitors to the Islands arrive, either by plane into Beef Island Airport (code EIS) or by ferry from St Thomas, the US Virgin Islands to Tortolas two ferry terminals in Road Town and in West End.
The British Virgin Islands are situated just 18 degrees north of the equator and are considered subtropical. Temperatures fluctuate slightly between winter and summer months where the average day temperature in the winter ranges between 22-28°C (72-82°F) dropping a few degrees at night; it does get slightly warmer in the summer months, it is still very pleasant - average temperatures range between 26-31°C (79-88°F).
Brief, intense showers followed by beautiful sunshine can occur at any time of the year but the rainfall is higher in the autumn. The hurricane season is officially between June and November with the majority of possible activity taking place in September. TradeWinds has an excellent safety and weather preparation record, should a named storm approach, yachts will be redirected and guests assisted with alternate arrangements on land. The upside to traveling in the summertime and autumn in the Caribbean in general is that the weather is truly great and the waters are as gorgeous as ever. There are no high seas to talk about and the waters are calm with a great breeze for sailing.
Gentle trade winds (8-15 knots) waft through the islands year-round reducing the humidity in the hottest months. On land the temperature drops by a few degrees if you seek higher altitudes.
Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.
If you are a scuba diver, you may want to bring a thin wetsuit in the months between November to March. We have many guests who don't need one all year around, but you may find it more comfortable to wear one throughout that period. Water temperature in January is 79F/26C and in July 85F/29C.
It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage got lost enroute it will not be able to be delivered to you until days later.
You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard. If you are a runner, bring your sneakers, there are several opportunities to go for some nice runs!
All of our yachts have a fishing rod onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch, served fresh off the yachts barbecue or as a sushi/sashimi dish!
We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, changes to flights etc.
Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.
The currency in Tortola and all of the British Virgin Islands use the US Dollar as their only form of currency.
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and boutiques, but smaller businesses may ask for US$ cash.
All imports are subject to varying rates of duty. Imports entering the BVI temporarily are not subject to duty.
Dress code on the islands is casual (shorts and t-shirts) and only the most exclusive restaurants require elegant clothing. The wearing of swimsuits is considered offensive if worn around town or in residential areas. Please cover up.
You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.
A valid driving license is required by all those seeking to drive in the British Virgin Islands. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road throughout the islands. Minimum age for hiring a rental car is 25 years.
The electrical current is 110 volt, 60 cycles.
It is advisable to inform your credit card company (if you plan to use it on island) that you will be staying in the British Virgin Islands. Some credit card companies will decline a card, especially for larger amounts, assuming it to be a fraudulent transaction.
A valid passport is required to enter the British Virgin Islands with proof of a return or onward ticket. Visitors from some countries may require a visa - If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.
As in all Caribbean Islands, a valid passport is required to enter the British Virgin Islands with proof of a return or onward ticket. Visitors from US, Canada and the EU do not require a visa. Some other countries, including some of the Caribbean Islands may require a visa - If in doubt, please contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.
Updated April 2012