Day Sailing & Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands
A day sail is a great way to see the islands a bit, snorkel at a variety of dive sites, and hit a few beaches you would otherwise not get to see. Furthermore, it is a wonderful way to get a feel for whether you may want to do your own week-long sailing charter at some time in the future. I have listed some of the main day sail outfits in the BVI and have provided a direct link to all of their web sites, so that you can decide for yourself. You will want to suit your needs by factoring in the size of the boat and charter group, the type of vessel, the proposed destinations, and from where it originates. These folks are all known for their friendly, accommodating service, so feel free to phone or email them with questions.
Note: A number of day sail outfits have gone out of business over the past year or so. If you are on a land-based BVI vacation, a day sail trip is absolutely one of the most memorable things you can do during your stay! Please support these fine folks, as they provide a wonderful, low impact service to BVI visitors.
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White Squall II offers memorable day sails aboard a classic 80' schooner. They sail out of Village Cay in Road Town, Tortola, normally taking between 6 and 18 guests, but can accommodate up to 40 for private charters. They provide a delicious lunch, cold drinks, and snorkeling gear. They hit a variety of snorkeling sites (instruction included) to make for a full day you'll never forget. These friendly, accommodating folks do special occasions, and will pick you up as well. |
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Bravura |
Bravura is located at Leverick Bay, on North Sound, Virgin Gorda. These folks offers a variety of day sails for private groups, at a reasonable price, aboard a luxurious, custom-built Hans Christian 48 . They supply everything you need for the day: all snorkeling gear for diving, fresh spa towels, fresh water post-dive showers, choice of lunch menu, afternoon snacks, and an all-day open bar all at no extra charge. |
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The Spirit of Anegada is a beautiful 44' gaff rigged schooner, with a classic elegance that is hard to match. This was custom built to be a day sail boat, so there are no sleeping berths below decks -- instead, she is designed with a very large and deep cockpit which makes for an incredibly safe and comfortable ride, especially when smaller children are onboard. The excursions sail with up to 20 people, but they will gladly take private groups or families (They're wonderful with kids.). They do half-day, full-day, and sunset sails out of Virgin Gorda. Lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and a variety of stops make for a great day in the BVI. Click here to visit their site. |
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Aristocat is 48' catamaran that can accommodate up to 30 people. Departing out of West End, Tortola (Soper's Hole), they generally run full-day sails, but can arrange half-day and sunset sails, as well. These friendly folks include lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Everyone seems to have a god time with Captain Steve! |
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These
folks may be out of business...
Blue Horizon is a fast and elegant Beneteau First 38 day day sailer whose motto is "It's Your Day!" They only take up to four people with the idea that this is your day and boating experience to design as you see fit. They'll customize the activities, itinerary, and timing to your desires. Snorkel, explore, dine on their gourmet menu, hit the best beach bars, learn to sail - whatever you want. And the drinks are on the house! |
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Patouche Charters, out of Road Town, Tortola now has two catamarans, the 48' "Shamwari" and the 50' schooner cat, "Ikhaya." This company which has been around a long time, allows a maximum of 16 guests. The half-day sail goes to 1-2 quality snorkeling sites. Full days feature 2-3 prime snorkeling sites, and a great lunch on board. All trips include cold drinks, instruction, and a good time. |
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Double 'D' Charters, out of Virgin Gorda has a 50' sailing catamaran ("Free Spirit"), as well as a two power yachts. They charter all throughout the BVI, including Anegada. Captain Dave and his crew are known for their friendly service, and will customize your experience to the size and needs of your group. They'll pick you up anywhere; they even over overnight excursions. |
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Chocolat Blanc
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Chocolat Blanc is a 40' Jeantot Privilege Catamaran hosting private day sails, as well as week-long charters. Captain Dan allows folks to help sail his vessel, but is also happy to let you just relax and enjoy the wind. |
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The Simaril is a beautiful 41' sailing yacht, of classic beauty. They offer full day, half day, and multi-day sails from Peter Island. They take small groups of 8 or less for the day sails to a variety of beaches and snorkeling spots. Perfect for those looking for day sail for their own family group. |
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Kuralu is 50' catamaran that can takes a
maximum of 14 people, running full-day sails out of West End, Tortola
(Soper's Hole). They offer a delightful buffet lunch, free drinks, and
snorkeling equipment. They give children discounts and use safety netting
around the boat to keep your little offspring safe. They happily offer
to customize trips to the needs of private groups, as well.
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Mystique is a 45 ft catamaran that sails out of West End,
Tortola (Soper's Hole) - part of the well-loved Voyage Charters
fleet. She offers comfort, space, a large shaded cockpit with seating
for every passenger, large comfortable trampolines for sunbathing and
relaxing, two large bathrooms, private change rooms, hot and cold transom
showers, a ladder at each stern for easy access into the water and a 12ft
tender. |
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Sophisticated Lady is primarily a "crewed charter" outfit for multi-day cruises and adventures. However, when not on extended charter, they will happily do daysail excursions throughout the BVI. Capt. Rick can provide a variety of sailing experiences that will surpass all your dreams of cruising the Caribbean. Rick and his enchanting first mate, Jenni, can offer terrific guidance and companionship throughout a BVI sailing adventure that you will talk about for years to come. If your arrangements for the week are not fully set, you should really give Rick a call to see how Sophisticated Lady can fit into your plans in some way. Spending some of your stay on land, and some of it on the water, can make for an incredible holiday, as well. Regardless of the outcome for your current trip, you will be very happy you have made this connection for the future. I rarely make recommendations, but just check out their website. You'll see what I am talking about... |
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Are you in the USVI? You can hook up with Joe and Ashley for a great a day sail on the catamaran, Scubadu. They'll customize to your desires - sunset, dinner, half day, full day... you name it. If you wish, you can book multiple-night charters throughout the USVI and BVI. Ashley will prepare gourmet creations, while Joe guides you to all the best snorkeling spots. This boat is very well-equipped for all sorts of fun, and these friendly folks will give you a day you'll remember. Click here to visit their site.
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~~~~ Power boat touring ~~~~ Prefer not to "sail" ? Would you rather go by powerboat? Personally, I always prefer sailing to motoring, however there is one obvious advantage to power - you can cover a lot more territory in a day. So if packing a lot into a day's adventures is your priority, then you should check out the two outfits to the left. You can even be your own skipper, if you'd prefer. Click the logos to the left to visit their sites.
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Related
Links
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Some cool stuff... |
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Phone Anytime! (802) 238-1616 |
For
lots more hot tips for the BVI sailor click
here. |