Discovering the Spirit of British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands dazzle you with their beauty and offer an unlimited range of holiday options. Over crystal clear waters and under deep blue skies, the winds carry you from island to island always within view of land, guided by an itinerary tailored to what you want to do and see. Here is an example of what you will experience.
14 days cruise (7 days cruise)
Day 1 (Day 1)
Norman Island
Depart dock on the Blue Dream. Destination is the southern most of all the British Virgin Islands - Norman Island. It is privately owned and almost entirely uninhabited. Swathed in tales of pirates bounty, was made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel, "Treasure Island". Once there, get ready for some swimming and snorkeling in the secret caves of Treasure Point. For those young at heart we will have a dinner and island-style partying at The William Thornton floating restaurant and bar. Once the bar begins to fill up, folks of all ages enjoy jumping off the poop deck or upstairs restaurant area. If you prefer a more tame dining experience, we will stop in at Pirate’s Restaurant located in a magnificent bay The Bight. Then we sail a short distance and drop anchor for your first night in the BVI. Day 2
Peter Island
In the morning you can explore a challenging hiking trail, which begins just behind Pirates Bight restaurant. This short but rigorous trail will reward you with beautiful views of the surrounding islands. Early birds will experience a fabulous sunrise from the top of the mountain. Or you can just take it easy on the picturesque beach. A stone's throw from our anchorage is a wonderful place to snorkel named "The Indians". From a distance, these four tall rock formations look somewhat like an Indian headdress. We set aside the afternoon to snorkel and dive here. Second night we will spend in secluded Kelly's Cove, great anchorage for those of you who enjoy a little less action. Day 3 (Day 2)
Salt Island
After breakfast we sail to Salt Island for snorkeling and scuba diving exploration of the wreck of the RMS Rhone, the 310' Royal Mail Steamship that sank in 1867. The British Virgin Islands and the Rhone were made famous in 1977 as the location for the movie, "The Deep". The wreck is one of the most popular dive sites in the British Virgin Islands and the ship is still in very good condition. This scuba diving paradise it’s alive with fish and all kinds of coral. In the afternoon we will be exploring the settlement just off Salt Pond Bay. There's a natural salt pond located inland and a very tiny settlement of British Virgin Islanders who used to collect sea salt. Locals may show us around the salt ponds and explain how the harvesting is done. Salt is still sold to visitors, so you can bring some memories home. During dinner time, we will set sails for Cooper Island, which is where we dock for the night. Night swimming in the quiet bay’s warm, clear waters is simply sublime.
Day 4 (Day 3)
Virgin Gorda
Early morning we set sail for The Baths at Virgin Gorda island, nature’s Stonehenge by the sea. They are at the southern tip of the island, one of the most awesome sights to behold when sailing the British Virgin Islands. There are conflicting theories as to how these incredible rock formations came to be. Some say The Baths resulted from a meteor shower, others credit volcanic activity. You'll be the judge. In the afternoon, we drop anchor in a protected bay of Gorda Sound. Sunset and cocktails on the bridge, followed by seafood dinner under a starry night sky will put you in the romantic mood.
Day 5
Virgin Gorda
We will depart for one of our shortest sailing stretches. For absolutely breathtaking vistas we will sail just to the north east part of the island. The morning will be filled with exploring Copper Mine National Park. After lunch you have two choices - go hiking along the spectacular Trail of Palms in Gorda Peak National Park or stretch your legs in a nice little spot, Honeymoon Beach. As the name suggests, it is very small and intimate so you can enjoy some BVI style solitude.
Day 6
Anegada
For the next two days we will be leaving the mountainous volcanic formations of the Virgin Islands and explore Anegada with its highest point 28 feet (8,5 meters) above sea level. Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands and comprised of coral and limestone. If you ever dreamed about long walks on the beach, this is the place for you. Most beaches are deserted so it is important to take some cold drinks, sunscreen, a hat, and a t-shirt for sun protection. You can walk for miles without meeting a soul. The salt ponds in the center of the island are the habitat for many migrating birds and also the home of a flock of Caribbean flamingoes. Quiet visitors could see endangered Anegada Rock Inguana on the way to the fields of wild orchids.Day 7
Anegada
This will be our swimming day on the Anegada island. Horseshoe Reef, which we will visit, extends 10 miles to the southeast, has claimed over 300 known wrecks, provide excitement and adventure for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The reef is paradise for a large amount of fish, lobsters, conch and coral heads. If you love fishing, this is the place you'v dreamed of – Anegada is encircled by fabulous flats with trophy bonefish to be caught. Setting Point is your captain’s favorite anchorage for watching the sunset after a day of diving and before a lobster dinner.
Day 8
Beef Island
Morning will be spent in Trellis Bay, which has become a haven for artists and local craftsmen. It is fascinating to go ashore and watch the artists and artisans at work right on the beach. One of the better known artist is Aragon, who is famous for his cooper sculptures and one of a kind woodcut and hand-painted fish print t-shirts. For afternoon we scheduled short sailing trip for great snorkeling place - The Dogs.
Day 9 (Day 4)
Tortola
Perfect day for books, music and sunbathing as we depart for north shore of Tortola. Regarded by many as one of the more beautiful anchorages in the British Virgin Islands, Cane Garden Bay is picture postcard material, with a white, palm fringed bay stretching the entire length of the bay. Once there we will walk on superb white sandy beaches and a stopover at a small straw hut to have a refreshing rum punch. Then move to the rhythm of the island music all night at Quito’s Gazebo, which is island favorite amongst locals and tourist.
Day 10
Tortola
This will be your trip back to “pirates time”. We will visit the Callwood distillery in Cane Garden Bay, which still produces rum in much the same way as it did 200 years ago. Approaching the distillery across a rickety bridge is like walking into a time warp. The old stone building with the pot still resting atop a crumbling fireplace, its tampering gooseneck disappearing into a wall, the smell of smoke and liquor, cane trash lying in a pile and donkey tethered to a post, are all reminiscent of a bygone era. Most guest buy here a dark aged rum, which has matured in oak casks for four years. There is an extravagant claim that Callwood’s Arundel rum does not produce hangovers because it is free of chemicals.
Day 11 (Day 5)
Jost Van Dyke
We head for Jost Van Dyke, a small island with barely 180 inhabitants, where on the White Bay you can enjoy water sports. For those who enjoy hiking, there is a small track that takes you about 1000 feet up the mountain, the views are spectacular. In the afternoon, we will visit a small jewel - Sandy Cay. Owned by Laurence Rockefeller, there is a botanical tour on the picturesque path that encircles the island. It also affords some spectacular views of the surrounding islands. We will spend the night under the stars in Little Harbour with some freshly caught lobster.
Day 12
Jost Van Dyke
A short distance from our anchorage is another British Virgin Islands geological delight known as the "Bubbly Pool". The rock formation located on the rugged northern coast funnels waves through a very narrow passage into this small, natural pool. This unbelievable spot is much alike a natural Jacuzzi. There's no need to worry about an undertow or being dragged out to sea. You are perfectly safe and contained here. The afternoon will be spent exploring land and waters around Green Cay and Sand Spit. This night we will lower anchor in Great Harbour.
Day 13 (Day 6)
Tortola
Morning departure for Soper’s Hole, a colorfully picturesque marina lined with restaurants and shops. If you are still missing some gifts for your friends, this is the place to get it. Pusser’s Company Store – carries a unique line of nautical and tropical clothing, watches, luggage, nautical accessories and even cigars. We then head for Peter Island, where we enjoy the final night relaxing on the boat and savoring a delicious barbecue. If the wind blows towards us, you will be falling asleep with the sound of a steel band playing on the beach.
Day 14 (Day 7)
Peter Island
Sunrise above the mountains of Peter Island. A morning swim and snorkeling in the secluded bay, and we set sail for the short trip back to our original point of departure.