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With an abundance of water in the BVI and a minimum of land, the pristine sparkling seas that surround these islands have always provided a sporting paradise.
By Jane Bakewell
The north side of the islands, with steep cliffs and spectacular beach coves, faces the challenging Atlantic Ocean with high winter swells — a foaming mecca for surfers. The south shore, flanked by a gentler Caribbean Sea, tends to be preferred by sailors, who enjoy that perfect day cruise along the Sir Francis Drake Channel dotted with islands to explore.
In the early 1700s, most of the “sporting life” that took place on these waters came from privateers and corsairs eagerly awaiting a ship or two to plunder. Today, the seascape is filled with a slightly different type of adventure seeker as yachtsmen, surfers, kiteboarders and sportfishermen eagerly take advantage of the temperate climate that allows for year-round water sports.
Sailing
Chartering a yacht to circumnavigate these islands is easily one of the most popular sports around. The charter yacht industry is flourishing in the BVI, with a veritable smorgasbord of boats to choose from in every size and shape. These “floating hotels” come equipped with a full-service crew for those who really want to lie back and have their every need indulged, including gourmet meals prepared under the stars. For those with sailing experience who want to “bareboat,” a captain’s résumé is required. Most charter companies will also offer a day sail checkout, where a qualified local captain is onboard for the day ensuring your sailing and navigational skills are up to par.
Aside from the prevailing trade winds, which make cruising these islands so enjoyable, is the fact that there is no “blue water sailing” to speak of. Every island can be reached in a day, most in just a few hours. There is even a Drinking Man’s Guide to the BVI for the sailor, offering directions to all the local watering holes on the islands — with bonus drink specials for bringing the book along. And when on a sailboat, you need not be limited to just sailing. Most of the larger catamarans and mono hulls also come equipped with water toys such as sea kayaks, water skis, tubes and floats — even scuba gear, if requested.
Sailing is a popular sport for those who live here as well, evidenced by two popular yacht clubs: the Royal BVI Yacht Club in Road Town and the swashbuckling sailors of Loyal West End Yacht Club, headquartered at the Jolly Roger Restaurant. Races are held throughout the high season (December – April), and visiting yachtsmen are always welcome to join in the competition. Of course, the premier event of the sailing season is during the first weekend in April: the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival. Whether you are an aspiring competitor or happy to be a languid seaman, the allure of sailing in the BVI comes with a siren call few can resist.
Windsurfing
“Hook-In, Hold-On” is the mantra of the windsurfer readying himself for action, and also the acronym for the international HIHO windsurfing event held annually in the BVI. This competition that takes place during the last week of June brings windsurfing enthusiasts to the islands for competitive races that circumnavigate the islands over “long reaches” of water. Participants enjoy a Moorings yacht with captain for a week, as they windsurf by day and party by night. Racers and their friends are welcomed by host venues on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Necker Island, who supply the party atmosphere and evening entertainment for this fun event.
Even if you don’t feel that competitive pull and just want to learn this sport, there are windsurfing lessons available at several water sports centres on Tortola, with the most well known located at Trellis Bay on Beef Island and at Nanny Cay Marina. The larger resorts with sports centres also teach windsurfing. Bitter End Yacht Club boasts a very successful program and offers a great area to windsurf in the sheltered waters of North Sound, Virgin Gorda.
Kayaking
With a real growth spurt worldwide in the adventure travel market, the desire to experience what is considered a “soft adventure” has also grown. Kayaking falls into this category, and sea kayaking is a great way to get to know the shores and hidden coves of the BVI. Quiet, natural areas can be found around small coves on Beef Island and the shallow flats and mangroves of Anegada.
Sea-worthy kayaks are light and easy to handle, and come as singles or doubles, making a group or family outing possible. The paddling skills necessary to dip and pull a two-sided paddle can be picked up quickly — and unlike a canoe, the seats are embedded in the hull for more stability. Kayaks can be rented hourly or by the day or week, and if you have a location on the island you would like to embark from, most companies have a drop-off and pick-up service for an additional fee.
Kiteboarding
The ultimate adventure sport, kiteboarding is for those who love pushing the edge and getting an adrenalin rush in the process. This “extreme sport” is not for the faint of heart — or body, for that matter. Kiteboarding involves using a power kite to pull the rider through the water on a wakeboard equipped with straps or bindings. With skill and good winds, a kiteboarder can do acrobatics, including spins and turns as high as 40 feet in the air before parachuting down to the water for another takeoff.
The sport has become a lot safer now because of innovations in kite design, safety releases and more qualified instruction. Lessons are a must for this sport, and a reputable school for learning kiteboarding is located at the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda.
Snorkelling
Excellent visibility, areas of calm waters and healthy reef systems create an aquatic paradise for snorkelling in the BVI. The requirements for snorkelling are minimal: a mask and snorkel, fins and a flotation device, if needed. The best bet for offshore snorkelling are two popular sites on Tortola, Brewers Bay and Smuggler’s Cove. On the east end of the island, there is a snorkelling trail with underwater markers off Long Bay, Beef Island, which can be found from the west end of the beach. However, the pristine snorkelling sites with the greatest variety of fish are accessed by boat. Snorkelling charters abound both in Tortola and Virgin Gorda, with half- or full-day tours to scheduled sites. Some charter companies allow a private charter with a small group where the captain will customize a trip.
Some of the well-known sites include The Baths on Virgin Gorda — a series of giant boulders on the shore’s edge with small caves and pools, where juvenile fish hide from their bigger predators. Another popular site is the Caves at Norman Island, where George, the friendly barracuda, meanders in and out of a reef filled with schools of blue tang and yellow tail snappers. The caves feature button coral along the walls, which burst in flower blossoms of orange and yellow. Other favourite spots include three rock pinnacles off Norman Island called The Indians; Sandy Cay, a palm-filled paradise just east of Jost Van Dyke; and Loblolly Bay on Anegada’s north shore.
Scuba Diving
The BVI boasts some of the most famous wreck dives in the world. The HMS Rhone, a British mail ship steamer that broke apart in a hurricane just off Salt Island in 1867, is one of the most popular. Now under the protection of the National Parks Trust as part of its Marine Park division, the wreck is clearly demarcated by a series of buoys for dive boats and other visitors. The wreck lies in two main sections: the bow at close to 70 feet in depth and the stern at 25 to 30 feet. The stern section is encrusted in colourful corals and is home to schools of fish and an occasional eel, lobster, green turtle or stingray.
Because the dive sites are so plentiful and spread around the numerous islands, there are dive shops now on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, plus the smaller resort islands, including Peter and Cooper. Day and half-day excursions are the norm, with one- or two-tank dives offered with all the necessary dive equipment. However, night dives are also a fun adventure, with the opportunity to see many of the fish and corals feeding at this time. Most dive operators offer a one-day resort course, which is a way to hop in and enjoy a shallow dive with minimal instruction. Dive shops are also great “reef libraries,” and there are plenty of books about the corals and reefs of the Caribbean.
Surfing
Tortola’s north coast beaches, with their famous winter swells, draw a dedicated group of surfers to the BVI. Surfers seem to smell out a wave — and word travels quickly whether the best waves are at Josiah’s Bay, Apple Bay or Long Bay, three popular surf sites. Water sports centres offer boards of various lengths to rent, though pick-up and delivery will cost you extra. A local company, Cane Garden Bay Surf Company, even makes custom boards with artful designs and offers all types of surfing gear at its shop in Road Town.
Stand-up paddleboarding is another water sport that is catching on quickly. Similar to surfing, it requires a longer board of up to 12 feet and a long paddle. One can “gunkhole” (travel from one inlet along the coast to another) — or, once a nice set of swells is found, surf the waves with the aid of the paddle to thrust you forward. The HIHO Watersports store offers both surf and paddleboard rentals.
Fishing
There is a little something for every kind of fisherman in the BVI. The sportfishing industry has seen a lot of growth over the last few years, and fishing tournaments on Virgin Gorda are bringing competitive anglers and boats from as far away as St. Thomas and Puerto Rico. Large sportfishing boats can be chartered to go to well-known fishing areas such as the North Drop off Virgin Gorda or the South Drop off Norman Island. Large fish caught in these waters include blue marlin, tuna, wahoo and kingfish.
Reef fish can be caught off boats or by casting off from some of the shoreline cliffs. Reels, lines, tackle and frozen bait are available at Richardson Rigging in Road Town, and a fishing permit can be obtained at the Conservation and Fisheries Department. Fly-fishing is also excellent in the BVI, with shallow flats off the coast of Tortola and Anegada home to the elusive bonefish — a prized catch. Expert local guides in flat-bottom boats with poles can direct you to the best fishing areas. Learning the art of casting takes a few lessons with a good guide, but even first-time fly-fisher folks are able to land catches such as jacks, tarpons and permits.
Find special sporting event dates in our Events section.
Deep Sea Fishing With Speedy's
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
Tel: 284-495-5235 / 284-495-5240
E-mail: speedysbvi@surfbvi.com
Website: www.speedysbvi.com
Choose from our custom-designed fishing boats; our 31 foot Bertram, Speedy's Advernture; or our 44-foot Southern Cross, Speedy's Unbelievable, for the more serious adventurous and comfort-inclined fisherman. Both full and half-day charters are available.
Dive BVI
Dive BVI Spanish Town
Tel: 284-495-5513
Dive BVI at Leverick Bay
Tel: 284-495-7328
Dive BVI at Scrub Island
Tel: 284-495-9363
Toll Free: 1-800-848-7078
E-mail: info@divebvi.com
Website: www.divebvi.com
Dive BVI has served the British Virgin Islands since 1975 with professional service standards and the friendliest staff in the Caribbean. With daily guided dives and snorkeling, island tours, Anegada Trips, Eco-Explorer, Kids' Aqua Camp and private charters, Dive BVI offers everything you need for a magical and memorable vacation!
Dolphin Discovery Tortola
Prospect Reef Resort
Tel: 284-494-7675
Fax: 284-494-7677
E-mail: tortola@dolphindiscovery.com
Website: www.dolphindiscovery.com
Make your dreams come true with this experience of a lifetime. The breathtaking and intimate discovery of swimming and playing with dolphins in the ocean is exhilarating. These amazing mammals exhibit unique behaviours, creating magical memories.
Pristine Powerboats Ltd.
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 284-541-YAHT
E-mail: charters@pristinepowerboats.com
Website: www.pristinepowerboats.com
Pristine Powerboats prides itself in personalized charter solutions with a special focus on satisfying couples, families or small groups. Snorkel, fish, explore a secluded beach or lie on the deck, while enjoying the finest powerboats in the Islands. Just imagine — the time of your life.
Sea & Land Adventure Sports (BVI), Ltd.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
Tel: 284-499-2269 / 340-626-8995 (U.S. Cell) / 340-775-7292 (U.S. Office)
E-mail: notyoumaboy@surfbvi.com
Website: www.bviadventure.com
A full-service adventure sport company offering a variety of activities and equipment, from Honda Rancher 350cc ATV (All Terrain Vehicles) to Sea-Doo underwater scooters. Choose from a well-trained staff for windsurfing lessons, or ride one of their Trek mountain bikes. Whether you're 6 or 65, your fun-filled day awaits!
Show me a list of contact info for activities.
What would make your BVI vacation complete? Whether its boating, biking, hiking, team sports, horseback, surfing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, kite boarding, sailing, fishing — get the 411 on who to contact right here.
Learn more about each island of the BVI and its beautiful pristine beaches, here.
Read unbiased opinions about BVI activities at TripAdvisor.
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Chartering a yacht to circumnavigate these islands is easily one of the most popular sports around. The charter yacht industry is flourishing in the BVI, with a veritable smorgasbord of boats to choose from in every size and shape. These “floating hotels” come equipped with a full-service crew for those who really want to lie back and have their every need indulged, including gourmet meals prepared under the stars. For those with sailing experience who want to “bareboat,” a captain’s résumé is required. Most charter companies will also offer a day sail checkout, where a qualified local captain is onboard for the day ensuring your sailing and navigational skills are up to par.
“Hook-In, Hold-On” is the mantra of the windsurfer readying himself for action, and also the acronym for the international HIHO windsurfing event held annually in the BVI. This competition that takes place during the last week of June brings windsurfing enthusiasts to the islands for competitive races that circumnavigate the islands over “long reaches” of water. Participants enjoy a Moorings yacht with captain for a week, as they windsurf by day and party by night. Racers and their friends are welcomed by host venues on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Necker Island, who supply the party atmosphere and evening entertainment for this fun event.
With a real growth spurt worldwide in the adventure travel market, the desire to experience what is considered a “soft adventure” has also grown. Kayaking falls into this category, and sea kayaking is a great way to get to know the shores and hidden coves of the BVI. Quiet, natural areas can be found around small coves on Beef Island and the shallow flats and mangroves of Anegada.
Excellent visibility, areas of calm waters and healthy reef systems create an aquatic paradise for snorkelling in the BVI. The requirements for snorkelling are minimal: a mask and snorkel, fins and a flotation device, if needed. The best bet for offshore snorkelling are two popular sites on Tortola, Brewers Bay and Smuggler’s Cove. On the east end of the island, there is a snorkelling trail with underwater markers off Long Bay, Beef Island, which can be found from the west end of the beach. However, the pristine snorkelling sites with the greatest variety of fish are accessed by boat. Snorkelling charters abound both in Tortola and Virgin Gorda, with half- or full-day tours to scheduled sites. Some charter companies allow a private charter with a small group where the captain will customize a trip.
The BVI boasts some of the most famous wreck dives in the world. The HMS Rhone, a British mail ship steamer that broke apart in a hurricane just off Salt Island in 1867, is one of the most popular. Now under the protection of the National Parks Trust as part of its Marine Park division, the wreck is clearly demarcated by a series of buoys for dive boats and other visitors. The wreck lies in two main sections: the bow at close to 70 feet in depth and the stern at 25 to 30 feet. The stern section is encrusted in colourful corals and is home to schools of fish and an occasional eel, lobster, green turtle or stingray.
Tortola’s north coast beaches, with their famous winter swells, draw a dedicated group of surfers to the BVI. Surfers seem to smell out a wave — and word travels quickly whether the best waves are at Josiah’s Bay, Apple Bay or Long Bay, three popular surf sites. Water sports centres offer boards of various lengths to rent, though pick-up and delivery will cost you extra. A local company, Cane Garden Bay Surf Company, even makes custom boards with artful designs and offers all types of surfing gear at its shop in Road Town.
There is a little something for every kind of fisherman in the BVI. The sportfishing industry has seen a lot of growth over the last few years, and fishing tournaments on Virgin Gorda are bringing competitive anglers and boats from as far away as St. Thomas and Puerto Rico. Large sportfishing boats can be chartered to go to well-known fishing areas such as the North Drop off Virgin Gorda or the South Drop off Norman Island. Large fish caught in these waters include blue marlin, tuna, wahoo and kingfish.
Pristine Powerboats Ltd.