- 2 x sea scooters
- 2 x paddle boards
- Subwing
- wakeboard
- towable tube
- 10' floating dock
- snorkel gear
- beach games
- fishing gear
- pool noodles
- gym/exercise equipment - yoga mats, resistance bands, weights
- rendezvous diving
- bar stocked to guest preferences
- coffee / espresso machine
- Caribbean made ecofriendly and reef safe toiletries
- board and card games
Stereo System | Yes |
iPod Hookup | Yes |
DVD Player | Yes |
DVD Player | Yes |
Board Games | Yes |
Captain License | RYA Yachtmaster |
Crew Smokes | No |
Crew Pets | No |
Caters to Special Diets | Yes |
Kosher Available | Inq |
SAMPLE MENU
All breakfasts are accompanied with a daily assortment of fresh fruit, pastries or granola and yogurt, smoothie or juice.
Halloumi Breakfast Croissant
Eggs Benedict
Huevos Rancheros
‘Banana Fosters’ French Toast
Brunch Bagel Board
Tropical Acai Bowl
Mediterranean Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Orzo
Crabcakes with Garlic Citrus Aioli
Tune Poke Stack
Vietnamese Bahn-Mi Burger
New England Lobster Roll
Shrimp Rangoons
Peruvian Style Ceviche
Proscuitto & Fig Flatbread
Summer Crudite Platter
Thai Curry Chicken Skewers
Brown Butter Seared Scallops
Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb
Blackended Mahi Mahi
Slow Braised Beef Ragu
Sushi Feast
Thai Green Curry
Sirloin Steak
Chocolate Orange Pavlova
Passionfruit Raspberry Cheesecake
Matche White Chocolate Cannoli
Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee
Dark Chocolate Tarte
You’ve made up your mind: your next sailing adventure will be in the Caribbean. The gorgeous waters, gentle trade winds, and sun-drenched islands are calling your name.
While we don’t believe you have to choose ( see here for our argument for combining the two ), it’s true that picking BVI or USVI means you can get a deeper experience when you pick just one.
We’re here to help you better understand the difference between the two, and help you make the choice. Among the team of Waypoints Yacht Charters Specialists, we’ve sailed these waters countless times, dropped anchor in hidden coves, and toasted sunsets from every angle.
Before you set sail on your next yachting adventure, let’s dive into what sets these destinations apart, from the sailing conditions and culture to the natural offerings. Our goal? To help you decide which Virgin Islands – British or U.S. – is the right fit for your next Caribbean sailing escape.
The British Virgin Islands are renowned for their exceptional sailing conditions, making them a favorite among seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.
The archipelago’s layout creates a sailor’s playground, with short passages between islands and abundant sheltered anchorages.
Popular destinations in the BVI include the famous Baths of Virgin Gorda, where massive granite boulders create a labyrinth of grottoes and pools.
The atmosphere of Jost Van Dyke draws visitors to its legendary beach bars, while Norman Island’s caves inspire tales of buried treasure.
Thanks to its history, the BVI offers a unique blend of British and Caribbean culture. Must-experience attractions include:
For those seeking the perfect anchorage, popular spots include:
Hidden gems worth discovering:
If you’ve been thinking about getting to the BVI, now’s the time to start planning for 2025 .
The U.S. Virgin Islands provide a different yet equally special sailing experience. With three main islands – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix – the USVI offers a mix of developed areas and unspoiled natural beauty.
Sailing conditions in the USVI can be more challenging than the BVI, with longer passages between islands and more exposure to open water.
This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to sharpen their sailing skills. The USVI’s cultural highlights blend American influences with Caribbean traditions.
Must-visit islands and hotspots include
In addition to the main attraction islands, these are a few of our favorite experiences:
For your sailing itinerary, popular routes include:
Off-the-beaten-path gems:
For more on sailing in the USVI, we’ve got a list of our favorite hot spots and hidden gems here .
While both destinations offer Caribbean charm and excellent sailing, key differences set them apart. The BVI tends to have more consistent winds and calmer seas, ideal for leisurely island-hopping. The USVI, with its longer passages, caters to those seeking a bit more adventure in their sailing.
Culturally, the BVI retains a stronger British influence, evident in its customs and traditions.
The USVI, as an American territory, offers a unique blend of Caribbean and U.S. cultures.
For instance, you’ll find cricket matches in the BVI, while American sports are common in the USVI.
The BVI is known for its numerous uninhabited islands and cays, perfect for those seeking seclusion.
In contrast, the USVI offers a mix of bustling ports and untouched natural areas, providing a more varied experience.
The most popular time to visit both the BVI and USVI is during the dry season, from December to April. However, sailing is enjoyable year-round, with the shoulder seasons offering fewer crowds and lower prices. For more on traveling during this period, check out our more extensive article here .
When booking with Waypoints Yacht Charters, you’ll benefit from our expertise in both destinations.
Our team can help you choose between the BVI and USVI based on your sailing experience, desire for cultural experiences, and preference for developed or more secluded areas. Not only that, but we have charter bases in each. Read on to see what you can enjoy at each.
The Waypoints USVI base is located at Frenchtown Marina in St. Thomas, just a 10-minute cab ride from Cyril E. King International Airport (STT). This prime location allows for easy access to the surrounding islands and a quick start to your USVI sailing adventure.
Embarkation begins at noon on the first day of your charter, with sleep aboard options available from 4:00 p.m. The Waypoints team provides comprehensive online briefings prior to your arrival, followed by an in-person review and chart briefing at the base.
Rae Ann A. shares her experience with Waypoints USVI:
“We have been chartering catamarans, both bareboat and crewed, for many years and from many charter companies – in the VI, the Bahamas and Europe. Our bareboat charter experience with Waypoints was the best we’ve ever had, from the initial call with the sales office all the way through to checking back in at the end of our journey. The staff at Waypoints is very professional and also very relaxed and friendly. Everyone went out of their way to give us a great experience.”
The Waypoints BVI base is situated at Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola, providing an excellent starting point for your BVI adventure. Located on the south side of the island, about 3 miles west of Road Town, the base offers easy access to the surrounding islands.
Embarkation begins at noon on the first day of your charter, with sleep aboard options available from 5:00 p.m. The knowledgeable staff conducts thorough yacht briefings, typically lasting 45-90 minutes depending on the vessel size.
Getting to the base is convenient whether you fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Tortola or Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. From St. Thomas, you can take a ferry to Tortola, with private water taxi options available for a more personalized transfer.
Solomon G., a satisfied customer, wrote:
“We had an amazing experience on an 8-day bareboat charter with Waypoints Yacht Charters BVI. I can honestly say this was the best experience I have ever had with a bareboat charter company. Saying this boat was in pristine condition is an understatement. Anthony and his team are absolutely amazing.”
Another client, Peter F., said:
“Just completed a 10-day bareboat sail on Tupelo Honey and had a spectacular time. I cannot say enough praise for this ‘young/new’ company which is run by very experienced professionals who clearly know how to cater to every need for the charter sailor. The equipment is new and clearly well-maintained by very helpful and friendly staff all in a classic BVI setting of the well-positioned full service Nanny Cay Marina. There is no doubt we will be back.”
Whether you choose the British Virgin Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands, a Caribbean sailing adventure promises plenty of unforgettable experiences. The BVI offers easier sailing and a more laid-back atmosphere, while the USVI provides a mix of American comforts and Caribbean charm.
Whichever you choose, Waypoints Yacht Charters is here to help facilitate your journey with our boutique approach and unparalleled local knowledge. Contact our Waypoints Yacht Charter Specialists today to start planning your Caribbean sailing escape in the BVI or USVI.
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Here are five of the best, in my opinion of course! Best British Sailing Yachts: Oyster 885. Oyster 885. The largest yacht in Oyster's core range the 885 was designed by Rob Humphreys and the Oyster team as a quick and powerful yacht that would provide the maximum space possible within the limits of the MCA (UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency ...
Cape Cutter. The CC19 traditional daysailer, a small and capable sailboat ideal for day voyages, is the focus of Cape Cutter, a UK Sailboat Brands boat manufacturer headquartered in the UK. Unique wooden yachts are created by Cockwells to the greatest standards and according to the requirements of their owners.
The world's finest bluewater yachts. Oyster is a thoroughbred British luxury sailing yachts builder. We have designed, built and supported the world's finest liveaboard sailboats since 1973. The DNA of our 50ft to 90ft ocean cruising yachts is rooted in over 20 million bluewater sailing miles and more than 100 sailing circumnavigations.
1. Hallberg-Rassy. Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.
Oyster 495. The Oyster 495 is a 52-foot, 8-inch sailing yacht that entered the U.S. market earlier this year. A new design from the keel up, the U.K. builder was thinking global circumnavigation ...
Arcona 435. The Performance Cruiser winner at the 2019 European Yacht of the Year awards, the Arcona 435 is all about the sailing experience. She has genuine potential as a cruiser-racer, but her ...
GT35. Since the heyday of bilge-keel boatbuilding in the 1970s and 1980s new boats have, on average, become larger. At the same time design has continued to progress, with the result that the bilge-keel version of the GT35, a new British built high-quality cruiser, is likely to be one of the fastest twin-keel boats you'll ever come across.
Perhaps this British-built yacht should be know as the first superyacht support vessel. Sir Thomas Sopwith commissioned the 80 metre Philante, later re-named Norge, to be a support yacht to his America's Cup Challenger, the J Class yacht Endeavour ( currently for sale).Launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1937, Norge - one of the best British superyachts of all time - ferried the sailing ...
Contessa 32. Assent 's performance in the 1979 Fastnet Race makes the Contessa 32 a worth entry in the 25 best small sailing boat designs list. Credit: Nic Compton. Designed by David Sadler as a bigger alternative to the popular Contessa 26, the Contessa 32 was built by Jeremy Rogers in Lymington from 1970.
Beautiful Yachts, Beautifully Built. Relatively low volume production with a very high degree of customer led optimization, along with an exceptional standard of finish distinguishes the Rustler brand from others. The Rustler range has grown over the years. This growth has been entirely driven by customer demand - and has led us to an ...
The 56 is the British yard's most popular boat; small enough to be handled by two people, big enough to cross an ocean quickly and comfortably, yet not so large or complex as to need a full-time pro crew. ... extending the line that began with the 460 and 510 (both SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winners in 2023 and 2024, respectively) and now also ...
We have four main yacht construction centres: in Norfolk, there is Oyster Yachts Wroxham which is close to our new composite technology facility in Ashmanhaugh. The Oyster 565 and 595 are all brought to life here by our skilled teams. Our other construction centres are located in Southampton, where our Oyster 495 and larger models - the ...
Sailing is already eco-friendly, but one British firm aims to make it even greener than the sea. Early next year, Suffolk-based boatbuilder Spirit Yachts is launching an ultra-sustainable boat with no hydrocarbons on board, at a starting price of £700,000, plus VAT. The Spirit 44E will have colour- matched solar panels integrated into the aft deck to charge the 16 batteries required to power ...
Duncan Kent chooses the best sail and motor boats under 40ft for circumnavigating the islands of Britain and Ireland. 120 of the Vancouver 34 Classics were built. These seaworthy boats are highly sought after due to their solid build and ability to stand up to heavy weather. Credit: Colin Work.
Perhaps you do and there's plenty of justification for that. But even if you discount these famous big hitters, it's still a challenge to limit a list of special British builders to just ten. Names like Ring, Redbay, Ribquest and Humber all deserve appreciation for their work and so too do some of the popular (if more sedentary) builders ...
Picking out a great vessel is imperative to enjoying a great sailing experience. We have selected the creme de la creme of sailboats suitable for a range of budgets and needs. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380. Beneteau First 44. Fountaine Pajot Isla 40. Hylas 57. Leopard 42.
Contessa 32. As the 1960s slid into the 70s, a new British-designed and built 32ft contender - the Contessa 32 - hit the market in 1972. And, like the Nicholson, it has become a popular classic. However, having been launched eight years later, several new design features gave this 32-footer a very different look.
The unique Red Fox 200E. Floats in 20cm thanks to the lifting daggerboards and ballasted hull. This is undoubtedly one of the best designed small boats around, with great sailing performance and a well laid out bijou interior. It's an ideal choice for those looking for an economic low maintenance boat that will still leave time and budget for ...
To give the Met Office their due, they will usually offer Imminent, (within 6 hours,) Soon (between 6-12 hours) or Later (after 12 hours) to give you some indication as to timing. Windfarms are an increasingly common sight, especially in the North Sea, and continue to expand. Photo: Miranda Delmar-Morgan.
CAPTAIN. Jonah Wolf. Born and raised in Colorado, Jonah grew up skiing rather than sailing. But a deep love for travel & adventure was inspired by his grandparents - who retired, bought a boat, and circumnavigated the globe, completely self-taught, at the ages of 60 & 65.
I can honestly say this was the best experience I have ever had with a bareboat charter company. Saying this boat was in pristine condition is an understatement. Anthony and his team are absolutely amazing." Another client, Peter F., said: "Just completed a 10-day bareboat sail on Tupelo Honey and had a spectacular time.
For more than 100 years, people have been racing yachts and model boats around a lake in Birmingham. Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club was established in 1923 and the Cadbury chocolate ...