Sailing the Virgin Islands: A Guide to the US and British Virgin Islands

Exploring the Virgin Islands

• 🏝️ The Virgin Islands encompass both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, offering diverse experiences for travelers.
• ⛵ Captain Shane McClellan shares insights from his seven years of chartering in the region, highlighting sailing as a primary mode of exploration.
• ☀️ The islands are ideal for those who enjoy beaches, sun, snorkeling, water activities, and famous beach bars.

Itinerary: British Virgin Islands (BVI)

• 🗺️ A typical week-long BVI itinerary often starts in St. Thomas, heading to St. John for relaxation, then checking into the BVI at Sopers Hole.
• 🐠 Key stops include Norman Island for snorkeling at The Indians and exploring the Caves (inspiration for Treasure Island), Cooper Island for its atmosphere and resort, and The Baths on Virgin Gorda for its unique boulder formations.
• ⚓ Other notable BVI locations include the North Sound (Leverick Bay, Saba Rock, Bitter End Yacht Club), Anegada for its coral landscape and lobster dinners, and Jost Van Dyke with its famous bars like Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar.

US Virgin Islands & Spanish Virgin Islands

• 🏞️ St. John, largely a national park, offers nature-oriented experiences with quiet bays and excellent snorkeling, contrasting with the more bar-centric BVI.
• 🌊 The Spanish Virgin Islands, including Culebra and Vieques, are described as more remote and less developed, offering a glimpse of the Caribbean as it was decades ago.
• ⚓ Longer sails are required for St. Croix (a 35-mile trip from St. Thomas) and the Spanish Virgin Islands (20 miles from St. Thomas), offering opportunities for open-water and downwind sailing.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• 🎒 Pack light: focus on swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, and t-shirts, as you'll be in swimwear most of the day. Double the money you think you'll need.
• 💰 The BVI is considered the charter capital of the world, but St. John and the Spanish Virgin Islands offer alternatives for those seeking less crowded, nature-focused experiences.
• 🛥️ Options for boat travel include bareboat charters (self-captained), captain-only charters (you pay for expenses), or all-inclusive charters with a captain and chef.

Unique Virgin Islands Experiences

• 🌊 The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a highlight, featuring a unique geological formation of house-sized boulders to explore between two beautiful beaches.
• 🍹 Jost Van Dyke is home to the Soggy Dollar bar, famous for inventing the "Painkiller" cocktail and its unique cash-handling system.
• ⚠️ "Only in the Virgin Islands" moments include the close proximity of islands, the "third world nation with first world prices" dynamic of St. Thomas, and the unexpected local culture.
• ⚓ Salt Pond Bay on St. John is cited as a favorite anchorage for its protection, beauty, and diverse activities.