7 Day BVI Itinerary

Plans for your arrival day will be dependent on your flight schedule and your provisioning choices.   For example, if you have an arrival flight to STT that comes in around 1:30pm and have chosen to order provisions in advance and have them delivered to the boat prior to your arrival, that gives us plenty of time for you to get from the airport to the boat and cast off the lines and head over to St. John for your first night aboard!  If your flight arrives later in the day and/or you choose to shop for your provisions yourself upon arrival, that will likely give you the first night to get settled in at the slip and maybe head into Red Hook to visit a bit or catch a cab over to Secret Harbor's beautiful beach and get salty in the sea, if you like.

Best to start the day with breakfast (and coffee!), then we'll pull the lines (usually by no later than 9am) and head to customs and immigration on Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour.  We should arrive between 10-10:30 and will likely take about an hour to clear into the BVI.  Once cleared in, you can take a stroll down the sandy drive to visit Corsair's and the famous Foxy's!  Next, we'll motor around the point and start your trip with an afternoon in White Bay, JVD.  Home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, Ivan's Stress Free Bar, Seddy's One Love, Hendo's Hideout and Gertrude's Beach Bar, where you can get what we think is the BEST fish roti anywhere made by our friend, Olga.   There is great snorkeling and swimming in this beautiful bay, as well.   You also have the option for a light hike over the hill where you can get some beautiful photos of the bay.  Since this island (only reachable by boat) is a very popular day trip spot, you're likely to stay busy exploring until early evening, so we'll spend the night here, as well.  

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

You'll be so glad we spent the night in White Bay when you wake up to this beautiful bay with almost no one else around!  This is one of the best bays for swimming, so we suggest you strap on a mask or just swim ashore and go for a quiet morning walk on the beach.  We may even get lucky enough to have homemade pate delivered to the boat from Sugar & Spice Snack Bar by dinghy for breakfast!  We'll pull the lines as soon as you're ready to go and head back around the point to Sandy Cay, an absolutely beautiful, uninhabited island that is another spot for breathtaking photos and has a nice, easy hiking trail around this very small island.  From here, we'll head over to Norman Island and visit The Caves.   This snorkeling spot never disappoints!  From here, we can go right around the corner to the famous Willy-T floating bar and restaurant.  Also famous for some crazy antics, but especially the jump from the upper deck into the Bight.   If you'd like a quiet place to spend the night, we can move on out and head to Pirate's Bight resort that has a nice happy hour and a soft, sandy beach.

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

Did you think the snorkeling was good yesterday?   Just wait for today's adventure ... 

We'll start out in the morning heading to The Indians where there is amazing snorkeling available (good diving, too, if you've rented dive gear).  Next up is a stop at Peter Island, where there is yet another good snorkel spot!  If you feel like lunch onshore, Ocean's 7 Beach Club is your option.   If lunch aboard is more your style, this is a nice calm bay to prepare your mid-day meal aboard.   Did we mention that this day offers great snorkeling .... Our next stop will be Salt Island and you'll get to snorkel over a sunken ship at the 'Wreck of the Rhone'.   Salt Island also has it's own interesting history and hiking is an option here, as well.   As if all this wasn't enough, we have one more short motor around the corner to Cooper Island and will moor for the night in Manchioneel Bay.   There is more great snorkeling here at Cistern Point.   This bay is also a great place to give the SUP a try!  Cooper Island Beach Club has a great happy hour, restaurant, rum bar and boutique, as well.  We also get some pretty amazing sunsets at this spot!

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

We'll get a little bit earlier start today in order to make sure we get to Virgin Gorda early enough to catch a ball so you can swim in to see The Baths.   This National Park is home to amazing boulders that hide secret pools and has an easy to follow rope path through the boulders and pools that lead to Devil's Bay.   If you thought you'd gotten some beautiful pictures before today, be prepared to let this gorgeous spot help you step up your photography game!  A short hike up from here to the top and you'll find souvenir shops, boutiques and restaurants.  The Top of the Baths restaurant has got tasty eats and boasts beautiful views for any camera buffs, too.  Just a few steps further and Mad Dog restaurant can be found for another great lunch option with a super cool vibe!  Once you are done exploring all this stop has to offer, we'll set sail for the North Gorda Sound where we will stop for the night at Leverick Bay Resort & Marina or Saba Rock.  Leverick offers shopping, spa services, a freshwater pool, restaurants and a small market.   Saba also has specialty shops, the feeding of the tarpon, a great happy hour, beautiful views and a great restaurant.  We've always loved the conch fritters here!

Photo Credit:  Rachelle Welch

It's another early start today, but with a really great destination, it's totally worth it!  We're pulling the lines and setting out on our longest sail yet (about 2-1/2 hours) and heading even further north to the coral island that is Anegada.  Unlike all the other islands we have visited, this island is flat and beautiful in a completely different way!  It's also famous for the lobster!   We'll arrive before lunch and you'll have the whole day to explore this beautiful island!   You can hop in a free shuttle from the shore of our mooring spot out to the Anegada Beach Club at the other end of the island and take a dip in their pool or play on the beach after a cold cocktail and tasty lunch.  Alternatively, you can choose to rent a scooter, hire a taxi guide or even rent a moke and tour the island on your own!  There are so many things to do on Anegada, you'll need this full day and still won't get it all in!   There are flamingos to see out at the salt ponds, pristine beaches at Loblolly and Cow Wreck (to name just a few), goat herds and cows just wandering and Conch Island to see!  If you'd like to book a fishing excursion, inshore, offshore and bone fishing options are available.   Kiteboarding lessons are another option.   Don't forget to make reservations for a lobster dinner before you start your day, though!  They'll catch them fresh for you while you play on the island!

Photo Credit:  Connie Johnson

Anegada was amazing, right?!  Today will be a great day, too!  We'll leave early and head for Marina Cay and Trellis Bay, where there is the most unique gift and craft shop in the BVI with all locally made items.  Marina has one of our favorite snorkel spots and there are plenty of options for lunch off the boat if that is your choice, as well.   From there, we'll have a quick motor to Monkey Point, which is another great spot for snorkeling and swimming.   We had one trip where dolphins were playing in the water here, too!  Then we're off to head back towards Jost Van Dyke, where we'll stay in either Little or Great Harbour for the night.   Little Harbour is a nice quiet spot and if you're still craving more lobster, Strawberry, will be happy to host you for dinner ashore.   She still also hosts an honor bar!  (Her redfish is amazing, too!)

We'll get a bit of a late start today as we'll need to wait for the Immigration offices to open so that we can check out of the BVI.   Don't worry, we're not leaving just yet ...  once checkout is complete, we'll head around to the other side of the island so you can take and easy hike up to check out the Bubbly Pool and, if you like, have lunch at Foxy's Taboo or we can make a last stop back at the B-Line!  But, now we have to head back to the US in order to check in with customs over on St. John.  It's not over yet, though, let's catch a ball on St. John and you can check out Cruz Bay nightlife!  Or we can head back towards St. Thomas and catch our ball in Vessup and you can visit our East End town of Red Hook, which has its own nightlife offerings.  

We'll move the boat back to the slip early this morning, so that you've got plenty of time to pack up what little you brought (and any booty that you collected from any of the amazing places we visited this week), catch a ride back to the airport, check in and get through customs for your flight home.

It's been fun and we've seen so much!   We hope you have made memories that you will never forget!  Keep in mind, there are many more cool stops that we just couldn't fit in, so there'll be new things to see and do next time you're back!  And if you're like most of our guests, you'll have already started planning your next visit!

Photo credit:  Kim Jackson

We start from Red Hook, St. Thomas, and time permitting (flight arrival time, provisioning etc) we will head over to St. John for the night. 

Photo Credit:  Connie Johnson

Today we head to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke to clear into the BVI.  We will spend some time enjoying Foxy’s and/or Corsairs here, then head around the corner to White Bay to visit Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, Soggy Dollar Bar, Gertrude’s, just to mention a few.  This will be home for the night.

  Photo Credit:  Connie Johnson

We will be heading to the east end of Jost this morning, with options for a hike to the Bubbly Pool, drinks and games at B-Line Beach Bar (cool place and our ‘bar at the end of the world’!), and/or a walk around Sandy Cay which is a small islet just off the coast of Jost.  The beach there is nice also if your idea of vacation doesn’t involve much physical effort!  Both these hikes are easy, BTW.  

Next we’ll head to Marina Cay, with another snorkel stop along the way at Monkey Point, if desired.  There is a nice spot between Scrub Island and Marina Cay that we like, and the beach off Marina Cay offers real good snorkeling, too.  This can be our stop for the night or we can take a quick hop over to Trellis Bay to spend the night.

Photo Credit:  Connie Onxley

This morning we will get an early start (7ish) so we can get to The Baths on Virgin Gorda.  This one is a must see and a popular stop.  After a hike (which is a bit more than the previous ones) through the boulders, a walk to the top of hill takes you to The Top of the Baths.  Here you can enjoy a fresh water pool, cold drinks, and a bite of lunch if you desire.  

From here, we will depart for Cooper Island, home of Cooper Island Beach Club, an eco resort with a great happy hour, serving beers they brew on sight as well as rum drinks!  They have a rum bar, boutique, dive shop, and a breakfast/coffee shop.  There is also very good snorkeling just off the back of the boat in Manchioneel Bay.  We usually get a great sunset here, too! 

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

Our destination today is Norman Island, then on to clear out of the BVI.  

Along the way we will stop at The Indians, a small group of rocks jutting out of the water that have the appearance of a tribal headdress.  This is a cool snorkel/dive spot, and minutes from our next stop, The Caves.  

The Caves are just that….caves!  Cool thing is that you can snorkel in them, pretty cool stuff!  

Around the corner from The Caves is Willy T (I call it T3 as it’s the 3rd incarnation, thanks to a long ago fire, and then a category Irma hurricane in 2017), an interesting place to say the least.  This is where you can jump off the upper deck, and enjoy some refreshment.  

Afterwards, we depart for West End, Tortola to say goodbye to the BVI.  

Next stop, Cruz Bay, St John, to check in with customs and find a spot for the night.  

Photo From:  Jennifer Dobson

This morning we’re off for St. Thomas, and the beginning of your next adventure, whatever that may be.

We hope you've enjoyed your bareboat catamaran sailing vacation and are already planning your return visit.   There are still lots of great spots to see!  

Photo credit:  Kim Jackson

This itinerary is designed for folks that want to put a lot of blue water under the hulls and see all 4 of the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Yep, there are 4, I didn’t know that fact either, Tamii educated me on it.  (There is also a stop at Lovango, which is a populated, private island within the USVI waters.)

Please keep in mind that this is just a sample itinerary, and NOT what you HAVE to do.  Along the way you may find a place you want to stay another day, or one you want to skip, that’s all your call as it’s YOUR vacation!  So let’s set sail…..

A cold drink at the end of the travel day, that’s what awaits you today! That and the yacht & crew of Stray Shower.  Should time allow after provisioning (if not done ahead of time), we will get out on the water and head to Christmas Cove on Great St. James.  If not, no worry, we will relax and get an early start tomorrow!.

Good morning soon to be salty dogs.  Today’s journey will start early, by 7am, and take us from St. Thomas, known as Rock City, because it’s essentially one big rock with a height of about 1500’ to St. Croix, aka Twin City.  It’s called that because there are two big towns on the island, Christiansted and Frederiksted.  This leg is about 32 NM, roughly 5 hours depending on the wind we have.  There is a lot to see and do on the island so we will plan a day on both ends of the island.  Tours can be set up if that’s your thing.  Here’s a link to TripAdvisor and their suggestions.  The Rain Forest is a nature reserve of sorts and full of hikes.  There is any number of shopping, museum, bars/restaurants, dive and snorkel opportunities, as well.  

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

Today we are going to head west, young salts, to the town of Frederiksted.  Just like Christiansted, there is a lot to see and do.  Or if you had enough land life yesterday possibility of a day sail out to Buck Island Reef National Park before heading over to Frederiksted for the night.  This requires prior planning, though, as a permit is required.

Our travels today will take us to Water Island, also called Small City, because it’s the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands located just off St Thomas, down near the airport.  This will be another long sailing leg, but that’s what you’re here for!  Dinghys Beach Bar in Druif Bay has cold drinks for thirsty salts and some good food and will be our port of call.  This stop offers some more good snorkeling,  a few hikes and an option to rent a golf cart to tour the island. 

Today will not involve as much sailing, but is into the wind, so that’s a good thing as into the wind can get a little choppy.  Our first stop will be Buck Island, yes another one (there are 3 down here), for a snorkel stop over a wreck.  Next, we’re off to Christmas Cove on Great St James Island and Pizza Pi….a floating pizzeria!  This is a nice snorkel spot as well.  Our final destination will be Secret Harbour on the east end of St Thomas.  The Grille at Secret Harbour serves good food and drink, and has TV’s should you need a sports fix.  Another option is to catch a cab into Red Hook and check out any number of spots.  We will call this home for the evening.

We are heading to St John, known as Love City.  Several stories on this name, one being the number of weddings and honeymoons done on the island.  Another story is the vibe and love the locals exude, which is the one we believe!  We can hit Cruz Bay for shopping or rent a jeep and cruise the island if you have a need to stretch your land legs.  Another option is to head to Honeymoon Beach for a swim/snorkel and hang out on the beach.  Bikinis is open for food and drink, cabanas for rent,  SUP & kayak rentals, etc.  There are also several beaches along the coast we can check out on our way to our final stop for the day at Maho Bay.  Hawksnest and Gibney are first up.  Hawksnest Bay is where the summer part of the 1981 movie The Four Seasons was shot. Trunk Bay, the most photographed beach in the world (according to Tripadvisor, anyway) is also on the way.  Cinnamon Bay is next up the coast.  This was a BEAUTIFUL beach before IrMaria visited and is still one of our favorites, despite the efforts of those two superstorms.  Then we’re on to Maho Beach.  A beautiful beach, for sure, with some good snorkeling and we usually see a good number of turtles.  Across the road from the beach is a nifty spot called Maho Crossroads, another very cool place.  

This is a beach of a day when you read this, and we certainly don’t need to stop at each one.  In the past, we’ve done ‘drive-by’s’ of several on the way to our evening stop.

Photo Credit:  Connie Johnson

Today has two options.  #1 is to complete a circumnavigation of St John to see the more rugged south side of the island, and possibly a stop at Lime Out for a drink or a bite, then pick up where option #2 starts.  #2  Once we pull anchor we are off to Hans Lollik a cool little islet off the rugged north shore of St Thomas.  We will drop the hook for some swimming and beach walking, and as long as there’re not hunting goats on the islet, a walkabout is an option also.  Up next is a jaunt over to Magen’s Bay.  This is a popular spot for sure,  with a ¾ mile-long beach to walk and enjoy.  There is Magens Bay Beach Bar and Boutique to sate your needs.  This will be where we will lay our heads to pillows, so enjoy the beach and the service!  There are also always taxis available should you want to take a trip up to Mountain Top, St. Thomas’ most famous souvenir spot, for one of their famous banana daiquiri drinks or to take a trip into Charlotte Amalie for a finer dining experience.

This is another day of options as we make our way back to Red Hook.  #1 We will make  our way to Lovango Cay for some snorkeling and lunch on the boat.  #2 If you have a desire to do a land excursion on St Thomas, this would be a good pick up location.  We can put you in contact with our friend Kevin to plan that adventure.  Your excursion will end at American Yacht Harbor, as Tamii and I will have moved the boat while you were off exploring Rock City.  A night in Red Hook awaits with storytelling, any number of options for a good meal and planning for the next sail!

This morning is all about packing up for your flight home.

Remember, you've only seen some of what all these islands have to offer this week!   There is plenty more to see and do here in the USVI, so starting planning your next visit now.  (It'll help make your departure day a bit brighter!)

Photo credit:  Kim Jackson

Please keep in mind that this is just a sample itinerary, and NOT what you HAVE to do.  Along the way you may find a place you want to stay another day, or one you want to skip, that’s all your call as it’s YOUR vacation!  So let’s set sail…..

A cold drink at the end of the travel day, that’s what awaits you today! That and the yacht & crew of Stray Shower.  Should time allow after provisioning (if not done ahead of time), we will get out on the water and head to Honeymoon Beach on St John.  If not, no worry, we will relax and get there tomorrow!.

Honeymoon Beach is our first stop if we didn’t already wake up there. There is a place to grab a bite and a drink should you choose, or a morning swim from the back of the boat.  Nothing I could find on the 'interweb' describes what this beach is like now that Caneel Bay Resort is gone.  

Afterwards, we’ll move around Hawksnest Point, where we will find...Hawksnest Bay (where the summer part of the 1981 movie TheFour Seasons, was shot).  There is good snorkeling here and can serve as a lunch stop.  There  is nothing ashore that I’m aware of, but a picnic on the beach can easily be done if you don’t want to eat on the boat.  

Next stop is Oppenheimer Beach, also known as Gibney Beach.  If you’re a Kenny Chesney fan, and have seen the ‘Christmas In Blue Chair Bay’ video, you’ll recognize some of the scenery.  This will be our evening stop.  

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

After breakfast, we will pop around the corner to Jumbie Beach, and then on to the most photographed beach in the world (according to Tripadvisor anyway), Trunk Bay Beach.  There is an underwater snorkeling trail to be enjoyed here, as well as a lot of beach to walk!  

Cinnamon Bay is up next.  This was a BEAUTIFUL beach before Irmaria visited and is still our favorite, despite their efforts.  

Our next stop is found after we round America Point and head into Maho Beach.  A beautiful beach, for sure, with some good snorkeling and we usually see a good number of turtles.  Across the road from the beach is a nifty spot called Maho Crossroads, a very cool place.  We will call this home for the evening.

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

Today we will have a couple of longer runs.  But first, a short ride to Leinster Bay and Waterlemon Cay.  One of the bonuses of seeing this spot from a boat, is you don’t have to hike the long trail on the shoreline!  Having done it a few times, unless you’re that kind of person, it’s not that much fun packing all your stuff for a few hours on the beach!  The prize here is snorkeling around the Cay.  This is another great spot to see underwater life.  

After enjoying the swim and feeling sorry for the walking crowd, we’ll head off on the first of the longer legs of the trip for Hansen Bay and Lime Out, provided it’s not a Monday.  This is a lunch option should you want the experience.  

Next up is Salt Pond Bay, a snorkel AND hike to Ram Head for those that want to stretch their legs.  A beautiful view awaits you at the end of the trail and is worth the work!  

A much shorter jaunt gets us to our evening stop, Great Lameshur Bay.  This will be a relaxing night, as tomorrow we head for Christmas Cove on Great St James!  

Photo Credit:  Kim Jackson

We should get in a lot of sailing today on the way to Christmas Cove.  The draw here is Pizza Pi, a floating pizzeria, no fooling!  And as long as their hours work for us, it’s a good pizza.  And the  snorkeling is good too.  

From here, it's a short hop to our stop for the night at Secret Harbour.   This beach is a little gem and you'll have an option for ashore eating tonight if you like.  

Photo Credit:  Rachelle Welch

This morning, we'll get under way and start making our way to the north side of St. Thomas.   We can make a stop at the uninhabited island of Hans Lollick, where you'll have a beautiful beach to yourself!   

We can also make a stop at Outer Brass Island where there are underwater caves you can snorkel.  

Then into Magen's Bay where there is good snorkeling and a bustling beach with plenty of options for cocktails and good eats!

Photo Credit:  Connie Johnson

Today, we'll head west and complete our navigation around the north side of the island and arrive to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island.  You can rent a golf cart and cruise the island, take any number of hikes and walks, or just hang on the beach.  There are a couple of beach bars to choose from to help you relax and ease into the evening.  If you want some nightlife, there is a short ferry ride from Water to Crown Bay on St. Thomas and you can catch a cab into Frenchtown or the Charlotte Amalie waterfront for dinner.  

This morning, we will cast the lines and head out to Buck Island for one last great snorkel spot over a shipwreck!   

Then we'll take a sail into Vessup Bay and tie up to our mooring ball for the evening.   A short dinghy ride can get you over to Red Hook for any last minute souvenirs you might want or ashore for supper if you've consumed all your provisions by now!   If you haven't had enough of St. John yet, (never enough!) you can also catch the people ferry from Red Hook and go spend the evening in Cruz Bay. 

We'll move the boat back to the slip early this morning, so that you've got plenty of time to pack up and catch a ride back to the airport for your flight home.

Remember, you've only seen 3 of the 4 primary islands in the USVI this week!   There is plenty more to see and do here in the USVI, so starting planning your next visit now.  (It'll help make your departure day a bit brighter!)

Photo credit:  Kim Jackson