All You Need to Know for “Easy Sailing” on an Amazing St. John Vacation
Looking for a great get-away? A private sailing charter in the US Virgin Islands might be just what you’re looking for!
Mentioning the “Caribbean” invokes thoughts of the clearest blue water and what could arguably be called some of the best beaches in the world. St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands ups the anti of a great Caribbean vibe because a large portion of the island is designated a national park. This combined with the beauty of the nearby British Virgin Islands makes this spot a vacation destination you can go back to again and again.
What better way to explore this tropical paradise than aboard your own private sailing charter in the US Virgin Islands? Some friends, my husband, and I decided to do just that and found it to be a perfect island, adult get-away. (Although bringing the kids is a great option for this vaca as well!) Chartering a sailboat offers an amazing way to see the islands because the trip is tailored to your personal vacation preferences.
Here are a few “know before you go” tricks to ensure this will be one of your best vacations.
Pick an experienced BVI sailing charter company.
The crew of the Kindred Spirit, sailing charters in the US Virgin Islands.
We used a company called Kindred Spirit. As a small company, our captain and the owner of the company, Chris, is implicitly concerned that every guest has the best possible experience while in his care. Chris’ story of making his dream of captaining a sailboat for a living come true is not only inspiring. It is also the basis of what makes a trip with him and his first mate, Elizabeth, remarkable.
They also happen to wait on you hand and foot. (Literally, I think I got my own glass of water maybe twice.) If I had to come up with a negative aspect of sailing with them, the only one I could muster is that it made getting back to reality with four kids a little difficult once our trip was over... but I think I’ll take that as a good sign we were sufficiently pampered!
Know what’s included in your Private charter.
As if shlepping you around beautiful islands isn’t enough, overnight sailboat charter trips include breakfast and dinner (or lunch instead of dinner if you prefer). And we’re not talking cereal and sandwiches. We had the added benefit that our captain had experience in the restaurant business. And it showed. The food was nothing short of amazing at each and every meal.
Drinks and snacks are also customarily included, as well as snorkeling gear, towels, and basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, and conditioner. You will need extra money for one meal per day ashore, customs fees (because you will be crossing from the US Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands and back again), and any souvenirs you want to pick up.
Know what to pack for Your BVI Vacation.
This is a boat after all so while it’s very comfortable, sleeping quarters in catamarans are tight. Use a small collapsable suitcase if possible for easy storage. Pack light not only because there’s not an abundance of storage space (although I was actually pleasantly surprised because there’s more than I thought there would be) but also because you really won’t need a lot.
You will need bathing suits, cover-ups or t-shirts, casual dry clothes for dinner on the boat, underclothes, something to sleep in, lots of sunscreen and hats for sun protection, and any additional toiletries that are necessities for you.
Plan your sailing itinerary... or don’t.
Are you a travel research junkie who knows exactly what you want to see on your trip? Great! Your captain can help you plan an itinerary that will check all the boxes for you.
Or do you really prefer for the biggest decision you make to be which cocktail you’ll be sipping while your toes are in the sand? Not a problem either!
Sailing charter in the US Virgin Islands cater to both planners and non-planners. The crew on charted sailboats are experts on the islands and have a plethora of spots to make sure you get your vaca on.
Don’t miss some infamous BVI watering holes along the route.
Sailing charter in the US Virgin Islands.
The laid-back beach bars of the BVIs are a huge part of what makes the area what it is. Here are a few we found to be our favorites:
Although the first mention is more of a party-scene than a laid back vibe, when a bar is actually a floating, anchored ship AND so well-known that it has a nickname, it’s definitely a go-to stop. The William Thornton, or “Willy T.’s” as it is affectionately called, has offered visitors drinks and opportunities to jump into the water from it’s second story for a long time. After Hurricane Irma it closed for a while then relocated. Now perched in Great Harbor, Peter Island, it’s a fun stop. (Go earlier in the afternoon if you want less-crowded atmosphere.)
Foxy’s is another infamous not-to-be-missed spot. They’ve been serving drinks and food for five decades on the 4 square mile island known as Jost Van Dyke. The beach, beautiful spot seems iconic of the BVIs.
Also among the ones you shouldn’t miss and located on the same island, is the Soggy Dollar, aptly named because getting there requires swimming a short distance from you boat since there are no docks. It’s a great mix of lively yet relaxed as everyone there takes in the calm waters, tasty food, and, of course, Painkillers.
Take in some of the geologic, aquatic and man-made history of the virgin islands.
The Baths visit on private sailing charter in the US Virgin Islands
Natural beauty abounds in St. John and the surrounding islands and a sailing charter in the US Virgin Islands allows you to visit some gorgeous beaches and other sites.
The Baths at Virgin Gorda undoubtedly top the list in this category. Our first mate provided a fantastic tour of this area, educating us on how the little grottoes and tidal pools were formed by the natural white granite. The fact that visitors have to dinghy close to the shore and then swim a short way to explore the Baths adds to the adventure of seeing the site. It is truly a breathtaking, unique experience.
Snorkeling is another not-to-be-missed activity. Sea turtles and tropical fish are easy to spot in calm-water snorkeling in the area. A spot called the Indians, which is located off of Peter Island, was one of our favorites.If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the wreck of the Rhône is a great spot too. We had a cloudy day so although visibility wasn’t great, snorkeling or diving is a shipwreck is a great way to bring out the pirate in all of us.
Keep something on hand for sea sickness.
If you’re prone to motion and sea sickness like me, coming prepared is a good idea. If the over-the-counter options like sea bands and Dramamine don’t typically work for you, a visit to your primary care physician prior to leaving for your trip is a good idea so you’re prepared before heading off on the water.
Plan some time to see St. Johns before or after your BVI sailing charter.
St. John’s is a fantastic vacation destination in and of itself for sure and definitely worth checking out, either as an add-on to your sailing trip or as inspiration for planning a future trip to the island. One of the things we were struck by, was the small-town feel on the island. All the locals seem to know one another and particularly since Hurricane Irma so drastically affected the area, the sense of community is palpable.
The island also happens to be breathtakingly beautiful. It’s relatively non-commercialized yet still has great restaurants, quaint shops, and beautiful accommodations. Some of our favorite stops are:
Extra Virgin Bistro, which has wonderful patio seating and features fish caught from local fishermen, is one of my favorite restaurants. A completely different bar scene vibe,
Woody’s is another favorite not only because the new owners are fellow West Virginians but also because it makes you feel like you stepped right into your favorite Jimmy Buffet song. Happy hour there is a must is you’re on the island.
St. John Bracelet Company, is close to Woody’s and one of my favorite St. John shops. Stop in for a trinket that will be a great memento to take home. If you have time to stay in St. John before or after your sailing trip,
VRBO and Airbnb offer great accommodation options. Keep in mind many houses sit high above the coastline so while you’ll have fantastic views from a rental home, you will need a car to drive to the beach from many homes.
