British Virgin Islands Sample Itinerary
You will begin your charter in Tortola in the beautiful sun kissed British Virgin Islands. You can fly directly into Tortola, or into St Thomas where you can enjoy a short ferry ride over.
Day 1
Arrive in Tortola and spend the evening exploring the island and dining at the C&F Restaurant- a well know spot frequented by the locals and knowledgeable sailors, the best island Bar-B Que in town!
Day 2
Sail from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. After sailing we will anchor in Great Harbor and dingy over to White Beach for world famous “Pain Killers” at the Soggy Dollar Bar. It got that name because sailors used to swim or dingy over and their dollars were always wet. Later dinner at world famous Foxy’s, were the man himself may serenade you with his guitar, or dance with you!
Day 3
Sail to Guana Island for snorkeling and lunch. We will then continue on to Marina Cay, a lovely private island now owned by Pusser’s famous for it’s Navy Rum. At the top of the hill stands the White house, built by American author Robb White and his bride Rodie. Marina Cay became the subject of White’s book “Our Virgin Island” which was made into a 1950’s movie “Two on the Isle” starring Sidney Poitier and John Casavetes.
Day 4
Virgin Gorda, “the fat Virgin”. We will sail to North Sound and Bitter End Yacht Club. From there you can take a breath taking ride across the island and spend the day at the baths, a natural rock formation with caves and great snorkeling, before heading back for dinner ashore.
Day 5
Long sail to Anegada, a reef island north of the chain. Here you will eat the best lobster you have ever tasted. The snorkeling and diving here are second to none and flamingos, wild donkeys and friendly natives inhabit the island.
Day 6
To Norman Island and the home of the famous William T. Thorton, which is now a floating restaurant and bar. Norman is also the site of incredible snorkeling at the “Caves”, where Captain Cook buried his gold, the book “Treasure Island” was written about this.
Day 7
Back to Tortola where you may bid your crew adieu.
Grenadines Sample Itinerary
Begin your charter from Blue Lagoon on St. Vincent.
Day 1
Leave St. Vincent and set sail for Britannia Bay, Mustique, an easy 2.5 hour sail. While the island is well known for its stately villas and famous inhabitants, what’s more important are the beautiful beaches. From the main anchorage it’s a leisurely 25-minute stroll south to Lagoon Bay. Golden sand beach, fringed with palm trees, a couple of picnic areas with wooden umbrellas and tables, and not a human being or building in sight. Later for dinner we can visit Basil’s home of the Mustique Blues Fest. Given the islands famous home owners, you never know who may stop in to jam at Basil’s Bar. I recently had drinks with Mick Jagger and spotted Hugh Grant sipping a cocktail! www.Basilsbar.com
Day 2
We head for Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau – the “Caribbean beach dream come true” and one of the loveliest anchorages in the Caribbean. There’s good snorkeling on both reefs and the white sand beach is pristine. The main resort nestles in the palm trees on the beach, it consists of a dozen stone and wood cottages, and the resort’s floor is the sand. The quaint beach bar is a popular meeting place for cruising yachties at Happy Hour, and the restaurant, set under the palms, serves great food at reasonable prices.
Day 3
Our next stop is Tobago Cays, this is one of my favorite places and the 2nd Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here. In the Cays, you’re anchoring in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – with nothing between you and Africa except Horseshoe Reef. The view is truly amazing as is the snorkeling and the abundant sea turtles.
Day 4
We sail to Union Island where we can get fresh water for our tanks and do a bit of shopping. Later we sail off to Petite St. Vincent for the evening. When in PSV, whether you’re thirsty or not, you need to visit the bar, a few minutes’ walk up the hillside. The ambience is extraordinary – hummingbirds flying through tropical vegetation, fat Labradors lounging in sandpits, and the finest fresh, tropical fruit frozen daiquiris in the Grenadines. The owners of this exclusive resort listed in the Top 100 Hotels of the World are friends of mine.
Day 5
This morning we head to Mopion- The snorkeling here is the stuff of Jacques Cousteau movies. It’s a deeper anchorage and thus the fish are bigger and the corals are bigger. Later we head to Chatham Bay on Union Island’s west coast, an hour and a half’s sail from Mopion. Here we will spend the evening and may even do some cooking on board for dinner.
Day 6
Follow the call of the sea to Admiralty Bay Bequia, where age old traditions of boat building, sailing and fishing are still very much alive. Cosmopolitan compared to Canouan and Mayreau, Bequia regularly hosts international cruisers and round the world sailors. The last weekend in January is also the month the Bequia Music Festival kicks off. Friends of mine – Jan and Louis, are in charge of the festivities, so we have the inside scoop of the fest! www.bequiatourism.com/bequiamusicfest/
Day 7
Enjoy a leisurely sail back to Blue Lagoon, and plan on exploring exotic St Vincent – rain forest and waterfalls, the Botanical Gardens, the National Museum with its pre-Columbian treasures, and historic Kingstown. You will take home with you memories of a perfect sailing vacation in the Grenadines – and much more.