By Alexander Britell
It’s long been the Mecca of yachting in the Caribbean, a bucket list destination that has sent a siren song to travelers and adventurers around the world.
And here’s the good news: The British Virgin Islands is still number one.
When it comes to Caribbean yachting, one thing is certain: the British Virgin Islands is still the best yachting destination in the Caribbean.
The territory has seen a remarkable recovery in the wake of last year’s storms, and that means the British Virgin Islands’ 60 islands and cays are ready for you to discover — or rediscover — them.
The BVI’s charter yacht sector has more than 1,800 boats and cabins available, according to data from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, with all of the big charter names back in business, from MarineMax to The Moorings.
MarineMax boats at Nanny Cay.
And all of the things that made the BVI such a sought-after sailing spot for so long are back again.
Yes, you can down Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar Bar and sample Foxy’s Fire Water on Jost Van Dyke; you can set up shop on Sandy Spit, or spend a day on the waterslide at Scrub Island, visit one of the Caribbean’s legendary rum bars at Cooper Island, or have an unforgettable lunch on Norman Island.
Cooper Island.
And, perhaps more importantly, the Willy T has made a triumphant return, this time off the coast of Peter Island.
Now, the BVI has announced a major push to help draw travelers to its seas this summer, with “Summer Sails,” a new promotion that puts the spotlight on the yachting sector.
The Baths in Virgin Gorda.
The promotion includes discounts on seven-day sailing charters, with visitors also getting VIP clearance upon arrival, including expedited customs and immigration — in other words, more time to spend exploring.
The famous beach bar at the Anegada Reef.
But the BVI has long been about more than just the water, and yes, Summer Sails also applies to stays on land, meaning if you want to, for example, spend a beach-filled getaway on Anegada, this is the way to do it.
For more information, visit Summer Sails, and use the code BVISS18. Just make sure you hurry, as the promotion is limited to 100 bookings.
– CJ