BVI, Off the Beaten Path

[amiller]

Hi All,

We are headed to the BVIs in late April. We've been a few times before, but not in the last 5 years.

We were a little turned off by the "party" scene last trip (admittedly some of our own crew were to blame ) but this time we're all adults and looking for something a bit more low key. We're looking for the "deserted island" vibe, and not sure how to find that in the BVIs. We've previously enjoyed JVD for it's quieter scene, but is even that getting busy these days?

So, suggestions for getting off the beaten path? Or anything that's a must-see despite crowded anchorages?

Thanks in advance for your tips! I promise not to tell anyone about your secret spots, except for those reading this forum!

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by amiller

Hi All,

We are headed to the BVIs in late April. We've been a few times before, but not in the last 5 years.

We were a little turned off by the "party" scene last trip (admittedly some of our own crew were to blame ) but this time we're all adults and looking for something a bit more low key. We're looking for the "deserted island" vibe, and not sure how to find that in the BVIs. We've previously enjoyed JVD for it's quieter scene, but is even that getting busy these days?

So, suggestions for getting off the beaten path? Or anything that's a must-see despite crowded anchorages?

Thanks in advance for your tips! I promise not to tell anyone about your secret spots, except for those reading this forum!

===

There are no guarantees of course since the BVI are not exactly undiscovered. We found one relatively quiet anchorage just west of Marina Cay (north of Beef Island, south of Scrub Island) when we were there the last time. There are also some interesting spots in Eustatia Sound NE of the Bitter End YC.

[donradcliffe]

If you want quiet anchorages, go to the Spanish Virgins.

[coastie743]

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

If you want quiet anchorages, go to the Spanish Virgins.

Culebra and Vieques have some great isolated spots. Just less likely to have the ease of grabbing a ball, have to anchor etc

[Winterstale]

You could plan to spend a couple of nights in the Anegada anchorage.

JVD is a zoo now most of the time, unless you're in the Diamond Cay area - I wouldn't even anchor or pick up a ball in White Bay anymore - it's like a frat party there unless it's early in the morning or later in the day.

Deadman's Bay at Peter Island is a nice anchorage too.

[Steven UK]

My son and I will be there at the same time, for the first time even. Now I like a good party but I'm getting too old and my son is too young. So we'll be searching out the quiet places also. Good luck.

[MarkJ]

BVIs and Off the Beaten Track.


Interesting concept.

[ohdrinkboy]

Hard to find. Anegada in the offseason is pretty quiet.

[Winterstale]

Also....end of April is not really a time to find peace and quiet in the BVI...anchorages are likely to be crowded in the more popular spots.

If you go to North Sound, you can grab a mooring over by Biras Creek and the Fat Virgin Cafe for a quieter spot there - and you can still dinghy to places like Bitter End and Saba Rock easily.

[Steven UK]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

BVIs and Off the Beaten Track.


Interesting concept.

I chose the timing partially because of the pricing, so I kind of expected that. If I win the lottery I may go back during Christmas ...

[Winterstale]

Actually....Christmas can be dicey due to the "Christmas winds" - it can blow a stink during those weeks and on into January. Not a lot of fun, depending on what you've got for a charter boat.

We go down at the end of May/early June every year - it's our favorite time and I think we've been there every month except for September and November

[amiller]

Yeah, I know. BVI that time of year will be a zoo. Been there, done that, wish to avoid it but for logistic reasons we will be there again in April.

2 potential plans, neither of which have I done before so I'd love input:

1-head to St John. But are the stories of checkin/out eating up tons of time true?

2-SVI. But how long/tough of a sail is it? 1/2 the crew are newbies. We have a Lagoon 400, if that matters.

[Winterstale]

Okay - your questions depend on a couple of things

1. how long are you down there? Clearning in/out is not all THAT challenging - you can grab a mooring ball just outside of Cruz Bay or at Caneel Bay and dink over to customs. Easy peezy. If you're on a cat, even easier peezier. Are you picking up the boat in the BVI? you will need to clear out before you go to the USVI - you can do that at West End, Tortola or at Great Harbour, JVD, depending on where you head to STJ from. No need to clear out of the USVI - but you WILL need to make sure your holding tanks are in play . They are not required in the BVI but they are in USVI. Leincester Bay is a really lovely mooring spot with great snorkeling around Waterlemon Cay. Maho Bay is lovely as well. You will then need to clear BACK into the BVI - again at West End if that's the first place you hit.

2. SVI - I have not been to the SVI yet - I have heard the sail THERE is not bad but the journey back can be a SLOG. If you are chartering out of the BVI, I would recommend at least a 10 day charter if you're going to try to accomplish that and enjoy yourself doing it.

[Privleoplag]

simply go to St. John. As mentioned, easy to check in at Cruz Bay. No need to check out of USVI, but you must check back into BVI again.
One thing I wasn't aware of when we landed in St. John.. it's illegal get rid of any garbage you have brought from the BVI.

And... if you're a senior citizen, stop by the park office in Cruz Bay, pay $10 for a park pass card or whatever it's called.. and you get your mooring balls at 1/2 price.. $7.50, which is one-forth the cost of over at the BVI.

Wife and I loved St. John.. was way, way quiet when we were there and the snorkeling was great.

[Winterstale]

Yes - very quiet and the snorkeling really is excellent - no beach bars in most locations...but who cares???