I spent 3 weeks in USVI/BVI this Feb 2013. I didn't read all of the posts, so forgive me if this has already been covered but I think I can help: First, if the area weren't ruled by 2 separate countries we wouldn't be having this conversation. The only issue is dealing with
customs stops, etc, which is not a big deal by the way. both USVI and BVI have gin clear
water, very strong winds, great dive sites, etc. (note: on land st. t is much more congested than tortolla, both have 3rd world feel, tight, hilly roads.....but i can walk roads in tortolla and would not attempt that on st. t). So, BVI is the "Mecca" for sailors because it has many more Islands in close proximity (roughly 60) which provide lots of protected waters, and
anchorages, for even beginner sailors. Remember, 20-30knots constantly, day and NIGHT is common, not for faint at heart. Even a short
passage, for a beginner could be quite intense. Because BVI is "sailors heaven" there are many more
charter companies,
provisioning shops,
marinas, dive shops, etc. to accommodate. TIP:
anchorages get little protection from the
wind because the hills are like the tops of mushrooms and the
wind rolls right over them, best night sleep is way deep in Virgin Gorda Sound. TIP 2: when you think about bvi or USVI hotels, think
Mexico, not LA...we flew in to USVI for
cheap flight, then ferried to bvi, no big deal....actual added to the adventure...