Power cruising in the British Virgin Islands, known as the best boating destination in the world, is a voyage into tropical paradise. The summits of these ancient volcanoes soar above the turquoise waters and are cloaked in lush green rain forests. White-sand beaches span the shores of the many bays and coves, and funky beachside bars with thatched roofs add to the Caribbean ambience of a British Virgin Islands powerboat charter.
While the standard cruising ground focuses on the 25 islands in the BVI, including Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada, a luxury Powercat (powered catamaran) has an extensive range, allowing for sojourns to the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Cruz Bay, Caneel Bay, Trunk Bay, and Charlotte Amalie are all wonderful destinations. The nearby Spanish Virgin Islands are also superlative stops during a British Virgin Islands charter, particularly the isles of Vieques, Culebra, and Culebrita. Plentiful full-service marinas, waterfront resorts with watersports, sightseeing in historic towns, and fine dining are all part of the adventure, and of course there’s the fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming to round out the pleasures of a British Virgin Islands powerboat charter.
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A British Virgin Islands powerboat charter offers a combination of sheltered waters, few unmarked hazards, line-of-sight navigation, and excellent navigation aids. Since a Moorings Powercat cruises at a fuel-efficient 14 to 16 mph it’s easy to take full advantage of all there is to see and do on a given day. Anchoring or picking up a mooring for a short stop or for an overnight stay is easy and stress-free. Marinas with fuel and water are never far away, nor is support from the Moorings Power base in Road Town, Tortola. Many powerboaters new to cruising choose the British Virgin Islands as a fantastic and safe locale to enjoy while learning more about luxury yachting under power. The weather is fantastic all year long, with balmy trade winds to cool even on sultry tropical evenings. Temperatures average between 75°F and 88°F (24°C – 31°C).
The three Virgins – British, U.S., and Spanish – are a splendid cruising ground that draws boaters from around the world. Of the three, the BVI are the most popular, and for good reason. The waters are sheltered, the fishing is superb, the coral reefs are magnificent, and the attractions ashore are diverse enough to suit most anyone. Whether it’s shopping in chic boutiques, dining out, sightseeing, kayaking, sailboarding, snorkeling, or just relaxing aboard, a British Virgin Islands powerboat charter is sure to please. The close proximity of St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, means making airline arrangements from the United States is easy and convenient. It’s just a short ferry ride after landing in St. Thomas to reach the Moorings Power base in Road Town.
Located on the north side of Tortola, just east of Jost Van Dyke, Cane Garden Bay is popular among cruisers for its beauty, beach, and nightlife. Shaped like the tip of a thumb, the bay curves around in a gentle arc, presenting a view from the boat of the white-sand beach and palm-studded shore, the quintessential Caribbean scene. Swim, windsurf, kayak, and relax at anchor or on a mooring until the sun sinks below the horizon.
During the evening the beachfront restaurants and bars hum with activity. Enjoy conch, pumpkin fritters, or other fare at Quito’s Gazebo while sipping a Bushwhacker, a drink made from four different kinds of rum. The owner, Quito Rymer, often plays solo guitar and sings, or plays with his band, The Edge. Myett’s Garden & Grille Restaurant is another popular haunt, with a varied dinner menu and calypso, fungi, and reggae bands playing on most nights.
A pleasant sail southward from Road Town, The Bight on Norman Island offers one of the most sheltered and beautiful anchorages in the BVI, as well as the popular Willie T floating restaurant. Treasure Point is indented with four flooded caves; the northernmost one extends 70 feet. Inside the water is shallow, carrying depths of four feet to the naturally carved room at the end. With an underwater flashlight to illuminate the sea life below and the purple- and rust-colored walls of the cave interiors above the water’s surface, it’s an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Due north of The Bight is Pelican Island and The Indians, four tawny rock pinnacles extending 50 feet above and below the water’s surface to create a superior snorkeling and dive spot. Elkhorn, brain, and star coral, sea sponges, sea fans, and gorgonians flourish there, along with colorful tropical fish.
The North Sound (officially Gorda Sound) of Virgin Gorda is tucked behind Mosquito and Prickly Pear islands, affording excellent protection and enough water and shoreside attractions to occupy several days of a British Virgin Islands yacht charter. Leverick Bay, Gun Creek, Vixen Point, John O’Point, Saba Rock, and Biras Creek are all in North Sound and offer a selection of marinas, luxury resorts, gourmet restaurants, fine white-sand beaches, and quiet anchorages. The Bitter End marina and resort, on John O’Point, is famous among cruisers for its nautical ambience and unique Caribbean spirit, as is the resort on Saba Rock, a tiny island at the east end of the sound between Virgin Gorda and Prickly Island.
Unlike the volcanic islands farther to the west, Anegada is low and flat. Its highest elevation is 28 feet above sea level. Salt ponds occupy much of the west end and are home to pink Caribbean flamingos introduced more than a decade ago from Bermuda. Abundant wild orchids, pine and palm trees, and pristine white beaches make this coral and limestone isle unique and well worth a visit. In a typical southeasterly, the wind is favorable (aft of the starboard beam) when departing from Virgin Gorda, a perfect point of sail.
On the north shore, Loblolly Bay is known for its spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear water. Lagoon swimming and beach walking are also popular pastimes, and a sail to the island wouldn’t be complete without savoring the locally caught lobster. Cow Wreck Beach Bar & Restaurant, Anegada Reef Hotel, and Neptune’s Treasure are just a few culinary possibilities.
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