Sailing and Boating in Virgin Gorda

The BVI waters are calm, and terrific places to learn to sail. You can also rent sea kayaks, waterskiing equipment, dinghies, and powerboats, or take a parasailing trip.

Bitter End Sailing and Kiteboarding School. Bitter End Sailing and Kiteboarding School offers classroom, dockside, and on-the-water lessons for sailors of all levels. Private lessons are $75 per hour. Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda. 284/494-2746. www.beyc.com.

Double "D" Charters. If you just want to sit back, relax, and let the captain take the helm, choose a sailing or power yacht from Double "D" Charters. Rates are $75 for a half-day trip and $125 for a full-day island-hopping excursion. Private full-day cruises or sails for up to eight people run from $950. Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Lee Rd., Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. 284/499-2479. www.doubledbvi.com.

Aristocat Charters. Set sail aboard the 48-foot catamaran Lionheart to snorkel Cooper, Salt, and Dog islands. Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Lee Rd., Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. 284/499-1249. www.aristocatcharters.com.