Sailing the Virgin Islands “The isles of nature’s little secrets”

The world turns a little slower in the Caribbean. The salt of life is so rich in this tropical paradise that you can taste it in every breeze that brushes your face. But there is something distinctly special about the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. The mere sight of this chain of unspoiled jewels inspired Christopher Columbus to christen the natural treasure Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgene (Translation: Saint Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins). The warm and bright landscape is as welcoming as the people; whose pure and authentic lifestyle encompasses everything from colonialism to pirates. This lush escape makes your heart beat faster and slower at the same time – everyone falls in love here.

Your journey on this epic adventure begins with you flying into your designated airport in St. Thomas – the prefect introduction to the US Virgin Islands – before ground transportation whisks you away to become acquainted with your yacht and the crew.

Once guests have settled in, your private Caribbean sailing can commence. Kick off your shoes and prepare for the ultimate lesson in relaxation and island life. After a trip full of burying your toes in the sand, diving to the bottom of shipwrecks, hiking to waterfalls, experiencing world shattering views, and losing yourself to a simpler culture, you’ll never want to leave.

St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

Tourists from around the world have flocked to breathe in the bright life force of St. Thomas since the Dutch first came ashore in the 1600s. It’s as if nature created the island for the sole purpose of being a picture on a postcard. Red-hipped roofs dot the rolling green hills that spill into white sand beaches and melt into lucid waters sprinkled with yachts and small fishing boats. The canopy- matted cliffs act as a stunning backdrop against the setting sun, which is guaranteed to leave you breathless. This is easily the most commercialised of the Virgins, with a steady stream of cruise-ship traffic and big resorts galore. So weather you want to kayak through mangrove or drink with the locals – St. Thomas has you covered.

Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I.

The tiny fishing of Jost Van Dyke isle may be a mere four miles in length – but there’s no shortage of spirit or spirits. Known as the “barefoot island,” the mountainous, rich terrain offers shelter to it’s 300 residents, nearly half of which fall under the age of 35 – and they are a rambunctious bunch, to say the least. You need look no further than the bar lined beaches for proof.

The Soggy Dollar bar claims to have invented the Painkiller – a rum- based drink that has become a staple in the all of the Caribbean. And no trip to Jost Van Dyke is complete without stopping by Foxy’s – a famous bar and anchorage site that is world-renowned for it’s New Year’s Eve parties. Just outside of Foxy’s you’ll find Green Cay and Sandy Cay, which both make for splendid picnic sites. Great Harbour is another favorite anchorage spot for yachts.

Tortola, B.V.I.

Tortola is a well-known yachting hub with plenty of amenities for all guests. It is the B.V.I.’s commercial epicentre with most of the 29,000 residents of the island living and working here.

Guests can explore Trellis Bay to find a quaint collection of shops, galleries, and bars. For those looking for more heart-pumping activities, the West End of Tortola – the original home of the pirates – is a great place for water sport action. The island features several white-sand beaches, including Cane Garden Bay and Smuggler’s Cove. You can also direct your yacht to White Bay on Guana Island – a secluded anchorage with several snorkelling options, although going ashore is prohibited. Take surfing lessons, join fire jugglers at a full-moon party, dive on shipwrecks, and by all means go sailing amid the festive surrounding isles. The options are endless.

Norman Island, B.V.I.

When you come ashore on Norman Island, you’ll immediately understand why Robert Louis Stevenson used it as inspiration for his pirate novel, Treasure Island. “The Bite” is a gorgeous beach where you can spend the day relaxing and snorkelling caves. Once the sunsets, you head to the Bight. Here you’ll find Pirates Bight Restaurant on the southeast end, whilst the infamous Willy T floating bar is on the southwest side (Fair warning: leave the kids at home). Guests can also visit Spy Glass Hill – a known look-out point for pirates – or dive Rainbow Canyon and swim with the sea turtles.

Peter Island, B.V.I.

Your introduction to the privately owned Peter Island begins in Great Harbor, where you can enjoy water skiing, paddle boarding, and tubing – though wave runners are prohibited. The isle is also home to a number of luxury resorts, including the Peter Island Resort Boutique Marina. You can also book a table at the famous Peter Island Resort Restaurant. Sprat Bay is popular among the yachting crowd, while lovebirds flock to Deadman’s Bay – a romantic beach that sweeps along a mile-long crescent lined with coconut palms and seagrape trees. Take some time here to snorkel gorgeous dive locations and relish in nature. Consider Peter Island a long, slow exhale before returning to the lively action the Virgins.

Salt Island, B.V.I.

Salt Island is a short trip from Peter Island. Named after the salt ponds scattered over its terrian, this is a prime location for divers who want to explore some of the best shipwrecks in the world; the most famous of which is the R.M.S Rhone (Royal Mail Steamer), which sank in 1867 during a hurricane off the Island. The wreck sits in 20-80ft (6-24m) of water and lies right on top of a reef. Anchoring here is forbidden, as the Rhone is a national marine park. You can additionally tour the Settlement at Salt Island Bay, which has salt ponds that were once an important source of salt for the British Royal Navy.

Cooper Island,B.V.I.

This is another fantastic location for any divers in your group. Surrounded by coral reefs and warm oceans, Cooper Island is like a tropical scene out of a Hollywood script. Cistern point is a spectacular spot for snorkelling the sheltered reef, which is overrun with an endless variety of juvenile fish. On land, the lush, bright vegetation is home to an abundance of wildlife, such as hummingbirds, Anole lizards, hermit crabs, and a wide variety of plants. And after a day of exploring, you can unwind at the Cooper Island Beach Club, which offers all the quintessential beach scene amenities, including a open-air restaurant with conch fritters.

Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.

The most popular sight on Virgin Gorda is no contest. The Baths represent the stellar natural attraction of B.V.I. It is famous for its exotic pools, and the giant grottos formed by boulders dispersed across the pristine white sand beach. Depending on sea conditions, you can reach the site by tender or car. Once there, you can spend the day navigating the hidden rooms among the rocks or snorkeling the coral ledges and caves. Your Captain or a Stewardess will accompany your group and act as a guide through the Baths, while regaling you with the island’s history and pirate tales.

After you’ve exhausted yourself exploring The Bathes, you can head over to Spanish Town, a great spot to grab lunch, shop, or take a taxi tour of the Island. The Bitter End Yacht Club is a major resort where many yachts anchor overnight. Here you can dance the night away to the local reggae band in an elegant resort setting.

St. John,U.S.V.I.

If St. Thomas is the commercial hub of the Virgins, St. John is the natural treasure. Though it is only nine miles long and three miles wide, about two-thirds of its landmass is dedicated to a pristine national park. St. John is about as far away from civilisation as you can get.

There are numerous trails to hike here – many which lead to some of the highest points on the island, offering panoramic views of white beaches, emerald cays, and turquoise waters. But the real treat is once you reach the water. St. John is a seemingly endless selection of powdery beaches and crystal clear waters packed with wildlife and reefs. You could spend an entire afternoon chasing string rays, sea turtles, schools of fish, and more over brightly coloured coral heads.

For those who just can’t go without human contact, civilisation is a short trip away. In towns such as Cruz Bay, guests can grab a bite at one of the many restaurants or do some shopping at local gift shops and grocery stores, as well as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques. You can also find two luxury resort hotels, privately owned million dollar villas, and private vacation homes with priceless views. In St. John, you truly are living the good life.