Hello,

We are traveling to the Virgin Islands in late October/early November for a little over 2 weeks.

We've been to Tortola before, but did not spend a lot of time on the other islands other than visiting the Baths and partying at Foxy's.

We are staying on St John for the first 6 nights.

What other islands and resorts should we spend the other 9 nights visiting to make the most of our trip? I was thinking maybe three nights apiece on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and St Thomas, but I'm not sure that St Thomas would be good because it seems so commercial. Does it have more to offer than meets the eye?

We like nice beaches, good snorkeling/diving, local food, people and music, and dining options. Not much for nightlife other than funky beach bars or local parties and don't need a whole lot of shopping. (Maybe a few art and/or clothing shops.)

I know we will be taking a lot of day trips, and/or renting a boat/dinghy, so I want to try to cram as much sightseeing as possible since we have some time to gallivant.

(My guess is we'll be doing a lot of ferry travel!)

Thanks a lot for any help you can give me!

What about Virgin Gorda? There is Biras Creek for sailing, the Baths when the crowds aren't there, you could take a day trip for shopping and dining in Tortola (is C&F ribs still there?). If it were me, I'd spend the time on just two islands...and take day trips to the others. You could even go to Peter Island for dinner one evening...

I'm sure you'll get lots of great ideas. Have a wonderful time "gallivanting" (I just love that word!)

Have you ever considered a Crewed Charter? We've been on two so far and our third one is booked. It is absolutley wonderful! You are waited on hand and foot, the food is gourmet and of your choosing. You can see all the islands and never step foot on a ferry.

Thank you both for the ideas!
Biras Creek is closed when we will be there, so I'm leaning toward maybe Nail Bay?

I would love to do a crewed charter, but my husband seems to have a problem with seasickness sometimes, so I'd hate to take a chance...

joan, I always liked the word gallivant too. gt;

OneWeekAYear, I'm presently in the process of planning a very special trip to take place next spring but I'd like to get the arrangements all squared away to present to hubby on his birthday next month. I'm pretty much convinced that I'd like to do a crewed charter in the BVI or Grenadines for a week followed by an additional week at either Anegada Reef Hotel or Peter Island in the BVI or else Petit St. Vincent or SaltWhistle in the Grenadines (yeah, I know these are very different levels of resorts but I'm really torn between the "spoil me" and the "deserted island" approach). Anyhow, we are total newbies to sailing; our only other experience was on a day-sail snorkeling out of Key West on a 57 foot catamaran, where we had a blast. All my web research so far has left my head spinning. There's tons of info out there but not a lot of guidance for the novice. Any info you can provide on how to choose the right broker, boat and crew would be invaluable also any recommendations on the above would also be appreciated. Opinions on sailing BVI vs SVG? Abosolute musts to see and do? Who have you chartered with? All tips gratefully received.

Linda

Linda,
Lots of experienced charterers and boat loads of info at www.traveltalkonline.com

Hi saharabee,

We havn't done the Grenadines so I can't comment to that other than what I've read, more spirited sailing, further between anchorages. Maybe next year for us.

Peter Island resort; I wouldn't touch with a ten foot poll. Nothing wrong with the place mind you, it's just not my cup of tea, too stuffy. Anegada Reef Hotel is OK but the good beaches are on the other side of the island so you'd need a rental car or use the taxis. The rooms are probably pretty basic, never been inside one though. Seeing the bareboaters roll in each evening to for the lobster dinner could be interesting. I'd probably be more inclined to go with the Sandcastle on Jost or Cooper Island Beach Club, but that's me.

As far as being newbies to sailing I wouldn't worry about it but we have always gone with a cat just to be on the safe side since we're landlubbers too. You can however charter a mono hull for much less money and still retain the same level of service, ammenities, professional crew etc. if budget is a consideration.

The first thing you need to to is get a yacht broker as you mentioned, they will guide you through the selection process. Make sure the one you choose actually knows the boats, crews and goes to the boat shows on a regular basis to keep up to date. We are completely satisfied with our broker, our seemingly endless questions are answered on a timely basis. If you have any more questions or want to get in touch with our broker drop me an email at [email protected]

BTW I second the motion to visit traveltalkonline.com

Beachplum and OneWeek:

Thanks so much for your responses. I've already been searching the archives at traveltalkonline for info, but really haven't found a lot that is helpful for a newbie ( for instance - how DO I know what the level of knowledge of a specific yacht broker is?). Most of the sailing posts are from experienced sailors who already know and don't question or elaborate on some of the basics. I will have to post some questions there.


Actually, a thread on their BVI forum put me off Sandcastle (which was originally one of the very top contenders for the land stay portion) due to the many references to cruise liners/windjammers spewing 100's of people into White Bay on a daily basis. Additionally, there was mention of 2-stroke motorized water vehicles for rent there now (not exactly a jet-ski, but something like that, which apparently seems to evade the BVI "no jet-ski" law) which is exactly what I don't want to see or hear or smell on my vacation.

Ah - reality pulls me away from travel plans with the sound of the dryer buzzer. I will send you an E-mail OneWeek with more specific questions about choosing a yacht and about ARH and more, since you so very kindly offered.

Thanks again for the kind advice.

Linda