I have scheduled a trip to the Virgin Islands and actually have chartered 3 days/3 nights out of Tortola. Does anyone have suggestions on where to go on a shorter trip like this?
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Try these:
Assuming you're leaving from Roadtown: Cooper Island Beach Club - great fun with mooring balls and a place to anchor out Norman island - just across the channel Peter Island - Little Harbor or the anchor out These are close and should give you some sailing on a such a short stay. All the rest of the places are further away. I'd stay out of Soper's Hole on a short trip - you could just as well have stayed in Roadtown. Have a great time. Stu
Assuming you're leaving from Roadtown: Cooper Island Beach Club - great fun with mooring balls and a place to anchor out Norman island - just across the channel Peter Island - Little Harbor or the anchor out These are close and should give you some sailing on a such a short stay. All the rest of the places are further away. I'd stay out of Soper's Hole on a short trip - you could just as well have stayed in Roadtown. Have a great time. Stu
The crown jewel
Foxies on Jost Van Dykes is, in my opinion, the best stop in the BVI. If I had only 3 daysm my itinerary would include that. Spot #2 would have to be the Baths. Unfortunately, those are at opposite ends of the chain. Been there twice and that is my opinion.
Foxies on Jost Van Dykes is, in my opinion, the best stop in the BVI. If I had only 3 daysm my itinerary would include that. Spot #2 would have to be the Baths. Unfortunately, those are at opposite ends of the chain. Been there twice and that is my opinion.
vERY BEST SUGGESTION
CANCEL YOUR RETURN TRIP. Three days is too too short. YOu will want to stay at least a week. Foxy's & Jost Van Dyke are on the opposite side from most of the charter companies. I would sail straight to Spanish Town, and catch the Baths. If time allowed I would try to get to Virgin Gorda (Bitter End YC for the night), and then sail back to Norman for the last night,
CANCEL YOUR RETURN TRIP. Three days is too too short. YOu will want to stay at least a week. Foxy's & Jost Van Dyke are on the opposite side from most of the charter companies. I would sail straight to Spanish Town, and catch the Baths. If time allowed I would try to get to Virgin Gorda (Bitter End YC for the night), and then sail back to Norman for the last night,
Some Thoughts
Tim, Let me start by saying I lived on my boat (Zeno's Arrow, a 26 Ft. Mac 26X) in the US & BVI's off and on between sailing trips down to South America for a total of almost two years; during that time I worked as a Charter Capt. for Ocean Runner on a 282 Mako on day runs. The one thing I saw over & over was folks trying to do too much in too little time. All the above suggestions are great if the weather is good, everything works well and you can be flexable with your return. Trying to do too much is just bringing the 'ratrace' with you. One suggestion, not yet offered; Tortola to Norman Island (Willy-T, Pirates, the caves), then do a 'round St. John trip, with two nightly stops in USVI National Park; talk to folks about where to go on your NEXT, LONGER trip if you like the Islands (Woody's in Cruz Bay is a good place to get discount drinks and good advice from locals). Whatever you do, just pick one place-don't try to rocket about the Islands; save some things for your next visit. Maddmike.
Tim, Let me start by saying I lived on my boat (Zeno's Arrow, a 26 Ft. Mac 26X) in the US & BVI's off and on between sailing trips down to South America for a total of almost two years; during that time I worked as a Charter Capt. for Ocean Runner on a 282 Mako on day runs. The one thing I saw over & over was folks trying to do too much in too little time. All the above suggestions are great if the weather is good, everything works well and you can be flexable with your return. Trying to do too much is just bringing the 'ratrace' with you. One suggestion, not yet offered; Tortola to Norman Island (Willy-T, Pirates, the caves), then do a 'round St. John trip, with two nightly stops in USVI National Park; talk to folks about where to go on your NEXT, LONGER trip if you like the Islands (Woody's in Cruz Bay is a good place to get discount drinks and good advice from locals). Whatever you do, just pick one place-don't try to rocket about the Islands; save some things for your next visit. Maddmike.
Beware
The charter companies don't tell you but this time of the year the trades are blowing 20-25 knots, it makes for fast crossings but no leisure sailing. If you are not experienced in sailing in these conditions you may spend your three days tied to the dock.
The charter companies don't tell you but this time of the year the trades are blowing 20-25 knots, it makes for fast crossings but no leisure sailing. If you are not experienced in sailing in these conditions you may spend your three days tied to the dock.
My 2 Cents
Usually by the time you finish 'check in' with the boat, buy and load the provisions, you won't leave the harbor till noon. We often make the first day a short sail such as Marina Cay which has plenty of mooring balls, snorkeling and a nice restaurant and bar. The second day could be a longer sail to Virgin Gorda to visit the Bitter End yacht club and do some shopping. Got to keep the Admiral happy too! It's easy to spend several hours there and perhaps the evening. The next morning a few hours sailing to the Baths for some swimming and exploring and then off to Norman Island for the evening. Willy T's for drinks, Pirates Restaurant for dinner and the next morning snorkeling in the caves near by. This still leaves time for sailing the last day and returning the boat by noon. Always try to get to your destination by 3:00. This insures you will get a mooring ball and one preferably exposed to the prevailing winds to keep things cooler down below. With all this said make your next trip at least a week. There is much more to see in the beautiful area. Jeff
Usually by the time you finish 'check in' with the boat, buy and load the provisions, you won't leave the harbor till noon. We often make the first day a short sail such as Marina Cay which has plenty of mooring balls, snorkeling and a nice restaurant and bar. The second day could be a longer sail to Virgin Gorda to visit the Bitter End yacht club and do some shopping. Got to keep the Admiral happy too! It's easy to spend several hours there and perhaps the evening. The next morning a few hours sailing to the Baths for some swimming and exploring and then off to Norman Island for the evening. Willy T's for drinks, Pirates Restaurant for dinner and the next morning snorkeling in the caves near by. This still leaves time for sailing the last day and returning the boat by noon. Always try to get to your destination by 3:00. This insures you will get a mooring ball and one preferably exposed to the prevailing winds to keep things cooler down below. With all this said make your next trip at least a week. There is much more to see in the beautiful area. Jeff
Only three days?
I took the family on a 7 day trip counter clockwise around Tortola two years ago. We are going back because we didn't have enough time to see and do everything we wanted. I agree with Stu's itinerary for a short 3 day vacation. Have fun! How could you not?
I took the family on a 7 day trip counter clockwise around Tortola two years ago. We are going back because we didn't have enough time to see and do everything we wanted. I agree with Stu's itinerary for a short 3 day vacation. Have fun! How could you not?
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