1. Snorkel at the Indians:
Thanks to its prominent location as a straight shot from Road Town, the Indians are one the more popular snorkeling spots in the BVI. This outcropping of indigenous rocks lies just north of Norman Island and is full of underwater caves and coral worth exploring. A strong current whips around the rocks, and swimming upstream makes for a good workout. As with other popular mooring fields, it’s important to get here early and to leave after a reasonable amount of time to open it up to your fellow charter sailors.
2. Explore the Baths:
In this popular stop on the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda, dozens of boulders as large houses form a natural playground of sorts. Kids and adults alike love scampering around the rocks, hiking the well-marked path between two white-sand beaches (one of which has its own bar) and enjoying the excellent snorkeling. Mooring balls here are limited and fill up quickly so be sure to arrive early.
Photo by Dusko Djukic
3. Watch the fish feed at Saba Rock:
Every evening at 1700 hours, the folks at Saba Rock put on a show. They toss strips of enticing bait into the water where dozens of foreboding-looking tarpon stop by for dinner, often leaping out of the water to the cheers of the onlookers. Just behind the fish feeding is a small open-top aquarium filled with lobsters, starfish, sea cucumbers and other native creatures. The resident marine-savvy folk love chatting about their fishy friends and are keen to answer your questions. Oh yeah, and the bar serves great Painkillers.
4. Go SUPing at the BEYC:
For forty years, the Bitter End Yacht Club has been offering food, fun and accommodations to weary charterers passing through North Sound. They have a massive fleet of boats for rent, ranging from Hobie Cats to Hunters, on which you can enjoy the almost-always-good breeze. Last year, they added Stand-Up Paddleboards to the fleet, which have quickly become a favorite. After a solid core workout on your SUP, grab a bite at the Yacht Club restaurant or a refreshment at the Crawl Pub.
5. Go ashore at Marina Cay:
One of Marina Cay’s best qualities is its convenient location halfway between Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, on the southeastern side of Great Camanoe. In addition to the anchorage’s gorgeous sunset views, the shoreside fun is worth a visit. You’ll moor between Great Camanoe and Marina Cay, then tie up to the dinghy dock on shore. Stop at the red phone booth where a web camera takes a photo every 20 seconds—great bragging material—then cruise into Pusser’s for tasty food, plentiful rum and a great view.
Photo by Dusko Djukic
6. Hike to the Bubbly Pool:
On the Northern Shore of Little Jost Van Dyke, a pleasant hike will take you from the anchorage in Manchioneel Bay to the Bubbly Pool, a natural whirlpool. Here, a ring of volcanic rock forms a large pool with a narrow entrance just big enough to allow massive waves to come crashing through. Wade in the shallows or splash around in the spray, especially if the North Swell is up. The hike is fairly simple, but if it leaves you thirsty, the infamous Foxy’s Taboo is nearby.
Photo by Dusko Djukic
7. Explore Sandy Spit:
Compared to its neighboring islands, Sandy Spit is about the size of a postage stamp. But with a white-sand perimeter, a handful of palm trees and a mouth-watering view of the islands surrounding Jost Van Dyke, it tops my personal list of must-sees. Anchor off the northwest corner, swim or dinghy ashore and take a snorkel around the western edge. Beware the shallow water to the east, especially when the North Swell picks up.
Photo by Dusko Djukic
8. Swim to the Soggy Dollar in White Bay:
Where else is it acceptable—no, expected—to pay for your drinks with soggy dollars because you tucked them in your swimsuit, dove off your anchored boat and swam to the bar? At the Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, wet dollars are the payment of choice, and the bartenders make some of the best Painkillers in the islands. There’s almost always a local musician on hand to entertain the beach-dwellers, and they’re often equipped with tambourines and maracas so you and yours can join in.
9. Relish in the peace and quiet in Caneel Bay:
Last November was the first time I carved out two days in my BVI charter to visit St. John, and it was well worth it. Read more about it here.
10. Make the trek to Anegada:
If you want a two-day stopover that involves a challenging-but-doable crossing, Anegada is your destination. It lies just 15 miles north of Virgin Gorda and features perfect white beaches, untouched island charm and top-notch lobsters.
