The U.S. and British Virgin Islands

Everyone loves the Virgin Islands

The most popular island hopping itineraries in the Caribbean combine the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. The Sir Francis Drake Channel is in the middle of these islands providing comfortable and safe cruising and sailing conditions for chartering yachts of all sizes. Check out the map to understand the “lay of the land” and dive into a few charter highlights of this region.

The beaches are pristine, the people are friendly, and the activities are endless. The BVI has 4 main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke and over 50 smaller islands.

The USVI is made up of three major islands, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The Virgin Islands will superimpose you onto “Island Time” upon arrival with its laid back, “life is good” attitude.

Be prepared to CHILLAX!As Kenny Chesney sings, “NO SHOES, NO SHIRT, NO PROBLEM!”The locals love to welcome charter guests and will share stories and swap jokes while they pour you the local BVI Gin or whip up an island painkiller filled with a whole lot of rum love. Not into the beach bar scene? No worries! There are plenty of land and water-based adventures to be discovered. (link to AcTiViTiEs)

Itinerary Highlights

 Norman Island

Norman Island encompasses the natural beauty of land and reef. The anchorage is quiet and calm and will launch you straight onto authentic Island Time! Snorkel at the Caves and/or The Indians for some of the best in the BVI. Be sure to visit Pirate’s Bight —Beach Bar & Restaurant. Great food and drink here…always worth a stop. Don’t miss the cute little gift shop to stock up on souvenirs. Kick up the sand while you enjoy a D.J. or local musician on “Sunday Funday” or enjoy a beach bonfire party on special occasions. Challenge the family to a game of giant Jenga on the beach. Chillax on a comfy beach chair while the kids play in the water. Hike the hidden trail up the hillside behind The Bight for panoramic views. Kayak or SUP around the calm bay or test out your skills on water skis. Complete the day losing all worries through one amazing sunset.

Peter Island

Peter Island boasts beautiful anchorages and quiet bays so you can soak in the view, watch for the roaming island mountain goats and listen to the morning bird calls–or rooster calls! Peter Island Resort is under renovation still, so stay tuned for future updates on it’s re-opening. Willie T’s is now located in Great Harbour, Peter Island! The famous Willie T’s is a floating bar known best for its drinks and people watching. A stop at Willie T’s is a must on every itinerary as it’s a BVI legend that will inspire your inner pirate! Insider tip #1: Know that the only respectable way to exit this bar is by jumping off the top deck! Insider tip #2: If it’s busy or after dark, stick to adults only and take part in the fun. After all, you only live once and that Shot-Ski isn’t going to hurt you! (until the headache in the morning maybe). Discover Island Time – No hurry, no worries!

Scrub Island

Scrub Island is one of our favorite stops on charter. While it’s intended to be private for guests staying at the resort, Scrub welcomes charter guests to enjoy lunch, dinner or swim up pool bar drinks and, of course, a stop into their charming boutique gift shop. If a massage is on your agenda during your week on charter, The Scrub Island Spa is an excellent choice! Pamper away! Scrub also offers a great opportunity to get a little exercise in. Walk around the path of the entire island and soak in the views. If you don’t like to exercise and need some liquid motivation, you can discover one more hidden beach bar on the island that is worth the visit. It’s your own little scavenger hunt with a tropical treasure awaiting. We’d also suggest that Scrub is a great place to extend your trip on the front or back end of your charter if a night on land is required for flight logistics.

Salt Island

Salt Island is named after its historic salt ponds from which residents would harvest salt. It is an extra special attraction for our guests who are certified scuba divers wanting to experience the famous Wreck of the Rhone. The Rhone Wreck is said to be one of the best scuba diving sites of the Caribbean—described by some as “the diving experience of a lifetime.” Due to the varying depths of the dive, it is often broken up into 2 dives and is a highlight of the trip for many of our diving lovers. Snorkeling is also an option here with calm and clear conditions. On land, Salt Island is not like your other BVI islands as it’s relatively uninhabited. Step ashore for quiet and nature exploration. You’ll be welcomed by small white sand beaches, enveloped by the large green hillsides and transferred back into time.

Cooper Island

Cooper Island Beach Club is a favorite charter stop offering a Rum Bar, Coffee Bar, Brewery, Boutique Shop and of course a beautiful beach! What else do you need for the day? The Rum Bar boasts almost 100 different rums from across the Caribbean and beyond to test your inner pirate skills –time flies when you are drinking RUM! Cooper Island is also known for amazing snorkeling. Your odds are high for spotting a sea turtle here and for relishing in all of the colors of the rainbow under the sea in the form of vibrant marine life. Marine life thrive here because Cooper sits on the protected conservation site at Manchioneel Bay. The BVI monitors the sea grass which is a main attraction for the sea turtles and a huge variety of marine life so be sure to throw on the fins and snorkel mask.

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda offers multiple charter highlight options. The Baths is a charter itinerary must! Experience the awe of this national park of massive granite boulders. Take extra exploration time up the path to The Top of The Baths for a rum punch and panoramic views for miles. Leverick Bay is a perfect stop for island gift shops, beach bar or even spa time (Insider tip=the massage therapist will come to your yacht if you’d like!) Local legend, Michael Beans offers a one-man band pirate themed entertainment show–dress up if you dare and get ready to have some fun! Oil Nut Bay is an exclusive luxury resort limited to registered guests, offering charter guests who dine at the beach club access to the pool, beach and water toys. Coco Maya is an ideal sundowners spot for a mesmerizing sunset from land while your chef is preparing dinner on board. Bitter End Yacht Club & Saba Rock are currently both under construction. Stay tuned for updates and info. on their re-opening!

Necker Island

Necker Island is Sir Richard Branson’s private island accessible only to guests staying on the island AND one super special tour company, Gumptions Sea Tours! We love Gumption and his story of living the entrepreneurial dream thanks to a chance meeting and connection with Sir Richard Branson. Gumption can pick you up from your charter boat and take you to a restricted area of the island to experience the lemurs curiosity as they get up close and personal with you, the giant tortoises as you watch in awe as they inch along, the flocks of flamingos, scarlet ibis, exotic birds, and endangered rock iguanas. Tour opportunities to the Necker Island vary each month, so we will work with your crew and Gumption if you’d like to take advantage of this unique opportunity while in the BVI.

Anegada

Anegada is a special island. The shallow anchorage and crystal clear water is perfect for waking up and paddling around with the kayak or SUP. To explore Anegada, your group can either rent scooters or hire an open air taxi. Dinghy to Potters By The Sea. Pick up a taxi or scooter rental and head to Loblolly/Big Bamboo to enjoy the beach here. Your charter crew can send beach games with you if you want some play time in the sand. Next, head to Cow Wreck and if you have the whole day, you might make a stop at Anegada Beach Club. At Cow Wreck Beach, be sure to visit the gift shop and then plop down on the beach or play some ring toss–whatever your island time heart desires. Anegada is famous for fresh lobster. Some guests choose to eat dinner off the boat and Anegada Reef Hotel is the top pick. Or, your crew can pick up the fresh lobster and prepare it on board for your dinner.

Guana Island

Guana Island is a beautiful anchorage spot during your charter where you will be sure to want to drop the hook at least one night! Snorkelers in the know will send you to the legendary site of Monkey Point on Guana’s southerly tip. The reef area is the perfect place to explore varieties of tropical fish in quiet calm and protected waters. Guana is also known for long stretch of white sand beach nestled in the bay which welcomes you for a beach picnic or playtime. There are opportunities for exploring as you discover the land-based hikes and trails. The resorts on Guana are private, so no place to visit. Instead, you will simply want to soak in the natural beauty this island offers. The quiet bay set ups the perfect condition for water sports, kayaking, SUP time or just Chillaxin’ with a book while you soak in the islands.

Tortola

Tortola is the BVI’s largest and most populated island with offerings of shopping, dining, beach bars, and entertainment. Trellis Bay is home to the family friendly Full Moon Party. Celebrate the full moon each month on the beach with fire and festivities and live music. Check the calendar and see if your charter dates will have a full moon and plan itinerary accordingly. Cane Garden Bay offers another stretch of white sand and beach fun to enjoy. Myett’s Beach Bar is just one of a few spots to check out here. Anchor here to enjoy the beauty of waking up in Cane Garden Bay to the lush mountainous island as you awake to the sounds of nature and soak in the peacefulness of the water! Once you’ve soaked in all of the beauty, it’s also a perfect morning spot for SUP, kayak or water sports before heading on to your next stop.

Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay

Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay are two little islands fun for a quick visit to immerse yourself into the picturesque backdrop of the BVI. Each are their own tiny slice of paradise. Although both were hit rather hard by hurricane Irma and still recovering, they each have a special inviting charm. Chillaxin’ Charter’s guests aboard FOXY LADY and SEAHOME in 2018 wanted to help give back to the islands, so they carved out time during their charter to plant new palm trees on the Sandy Spit. Shout out to these crews and guests! Hoping the palms are able to sustain, grow and continue bringing love and life to the island. Let us get you there so you can see for yourself! You’ll want to take your postcard photo here as well!

St. John

St. John is a U.S. island territory offering charm and island culture. If timing is right, you might even spot Kenny Chesney as he loves to spend time on this quaint island simply because the people offer island love. Known as “Love City”, St. John rests four miles east of St. Thomas and 4 miles southwest of Tortola, making it an excellent first night or last night anchorage for your weeklong charter starting/ending out of St. Thomas. Guests can enjoy a lovely and historic walk through the hills to explore the Sugar Mill, an old rum distillery or flash back in time through the ruins while soaking in the natural beauty of the island. St. John has pristine beaches around every bay for your Chillaxin’ pleasure. The boat’s crew will navigate guests to the hidden gems across the island. Around town in St. John, don’t miss out on some local boutique shopping and, of course, visiting a few of the local water holes—Duffy’s, Skinny Legs, The Tap Room, and The Longboard to name a few!

St. Thomas

St. Thomas is often the launching point for your charter. As guests are typically excited to get over to the BVI, the charter boats tend not to spend much direct time here. The marinas have fun island shops or you can venture into the capitol of Charlotte Amalie for the designer fashion and jewelry stores that cater to the cruise ship customers. By water, we like to suggest a stop at Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove. Pizza Pi is a sailboat converted to a floating pizza kitchen. Dinghy up, order and take it back to your boat for a tasty treat! Take a snorkel while you wait for the pizza as this cove boasts some of the best snorkeling available and makes for a nice SUP spot as well. Other St. Thomas attractions include the beach at Magen’s Bay, Blackbeard’s Castle, Drake’s Seat and endless mountain top views.

Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke is the famous stretch of White Bay Beach that is home to a series of beach bars, the most famous being Soggy Dollar Bar. We recommend grabbing a beach chair as home base and enjoy the day on Jost. This is your day to become a beach bum, people watch, make new island friends and Chillax! You’ll want to hit Coco Locos-you’ll love the lady bartenders here if you get them talking! Gertrudes-gotta test out Gertrudes where you can make your own rum punch. One Love – walk in and feel the love right away. Hendo’s Hideout—tasty food and drinks for the palate. Be sure to also take the short walk to Ivan’s Stress-Free Bar. They are the slowest to rebuild post-hurricane, but Ivan’s staff will greet you with a smile and warm island spirit. Then, you can’t miss out on Foxy’s! Visit the island boutique and then order up Foxy’s famous firewater rum!

Travel Logistics

Your will embark and disembark your charter in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I or Tortola, BVI depending on how the yacht is flagged and licensed to pick up guests.

Airport Options

ST.THOMAS (STT)
Option 1: Fly into STT for U.S.V.I. pick-up.

Marinas:

Yacht Haven Grande Marina – Pick-up and drop offs by the larger catamarans, power catamarans and motor yachts
Red Hook Marina – Pick-up and drop off to most catamarans and monohulls 60ft. and under.

Option 2:

Fly into STT and island hop via a charter flight or island ferry or private water taxi for B.V.I. pick-up.

BEEF ISLAND, TORTOLA (EIS)

Fly directly into EIS. 5 minute walk to the Dock where you will dinghy to the boat!

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (SJU)

Fly into SJU and island hop via a charter flight (Same Charter Flight Options as Above)

Other travel options: Get creative with your vacation. Start or end your Charter at St. John or Virgin Gorda for a few nights on land. Chillaxin Charters will assist you with all of your travel logistics.

U.S. & British Virgin Islands

Island Time Awaits

U.S. & British Virgin Islands

Island Time Awaits

U.S. & British Virgin Islands

Island Time Awaits

U.S. & British Virgin Islands

Island Time Awaits

Everyone loves the Virgin Islands

Itinerary Highlights

Norman Island

Peter Island

Scrub Island

Salt Island

Cooper Island

Virgin Gorda

Necker Island

Anegada

Guana Island

Tortola

Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay

St. John

St. Thomas

Jost Van Dyke

Travel Logistics

Airport Options

Marinas:

Option 2:

Charter Flight Options:

Ferry Option:

Private Water Taxi Options:

BEEF ISLAND, TORTOLA (EIS)

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (SJU)

On the Map

Featured Yachts

85.00 FtANGELEYES

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