US & British Virgin Islands

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Why the Virgin Islands?

The Virgin Islands
One of the Top Yachting Destinations in the World

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The US and British Virgin Islands are considered one of the very best sailing and yachting destinations in the world, with the countless places to anchor, the close proximity to other islands and our spectacular Caribbean weather.

Few travel destinations in the world offer so much to see and do in such a small geographic area for every age of traveler as the Virgin Islands.

There are miles of hiking trails, historical landmarks and sugar mill ruins, some rare small animals and flowers, many on the endangered species list, and some great exploring to are to be found on select Virgin Islands and cays.

Aside from a few “major” islands, the charm of this place is the countless little crumbs of cays sprinkled all around, and most all are in sight of each other. Major open water crossings are a non-issue.

VIRGIN ISLANDS WEATHER

The average temperatures range from 77°F in the “winter” to 82°F in the summer. Water temperatures in the Virgin Islands do not change greatly from summer to winter, however the 4 or 5 degree change is only noticeable to those acclimated to consistently warm tropical weather. In the summer months the water temperature is about 83 degrees and in the winter about 79 degrees.

AVERAGE WIND SPEEDS AND DIRECTION

Late Spring/Summer: 10-12 kts, E to ESE
Fall/Winter: 15-18 kts, E to ENE
The famous easterly Trade Winds which propelled Columbus and his merry men and later, so many others to these islands, are almost always some shade of East. This makes for great sailing in the Drake Channel, especially on the home bound leg.

But for true sailors, the windward tacks in the Sir Francis Drake Channel make for spirited sailing and are the very reason so many World Class Regattas are held in the Virgin Islands.

VIRGIN ISLANDS DIVING AND SNORKELING

Miles and miles of colorful coral reefs extend out from the mostly protected aquamarine shores of the US and British Virgin Islands. The area is abundant with famous dive sites like The Wreck of the Rhone .
Although it might be blowing “over there” the natural barrier of the islands flanking the Sir Francis Drake Channel, provides cover and shelter to keep your lovely snorkeling area tranquil and clear.

VIRGIN ISLAND WEDDINGS

The Virgin Islands are an extremely popular wedding and honeymoon destination. Some even have a charter yacht wedding and then enjoy a unique honeymoon in the very romantic scenery. This happens all the time... just ask us for details and special Honeymoon pricing offered by many yachts to start your new life off right!

SHOPPING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Here is some of the best in the Caribbean. Shopping pp goes here
We've included some great Virgin Islands Shopping ideas for you to

THE SPANISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

For those with a more adventuresome spirit, do not overlook the possibility of cruising the beautiful Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra and Vieques, just off the coast of Puerto Rico. This is a bit “off the beaten track” and should be considered if you can take more than the customary week long charter.

VIEWS, VIEWS, AND MORE VIEWS

The view from the East End of St. Thomas includes St. John, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola and countless beautiful little bays, coves and cays ...all making for a breathtaking panorama of “eye candy”. No island is very far apart here. Our Virgin Islands Map shows why most visitors can’t tell if they are looking at a US or British Virgin Island.

The entire area of all the islands of the US Virgin Islands is only about 135 square miles and the British Virgin Islands are only about 153 square miles. Visit www.bvipirate.com for some interesting information.

VIRGIN ISLAND AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS

Numerous major airlines fly from major US Cities directly into St. Thomas and Puerto Rico (where you then take a 20 minute flight to either Tortola BVI or St. Thomas).

And being US and British Territories, everyone speaks English (some with a lilting island dialect) and all islands use US currency.

Most of the US and British Virgin Islands are so close that many “land” vacationers take day boat trips from St. Thomas or St. John to Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Ferries run daily between St. Thomas and St. John and the major BVI ferry ports (some BV Islanders commute to work on St. Thomas daily). Thus, you can hop a short ferry ride from St. Thomas to the BVI if you choose a charter originating from one of the ports there.

If you are just visiting the US Virgin Islands, no passports are needed. Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda all have dockside check-in. To review the requirements for visas and more see more Passport Information.

Interesting Tidbit: Jost Van Dyke is so small, that the Customs/Immigration building is also their Police Station, Post Office and Island Administrator’s Office. The “Ice House” is right behind!

Many facts excerpted from www.wikipedia.com

FAVORITE VIRGIN ISLANDS LORE

Cold enough to “Freeze the Balls off a Brass Monkey”.

Contrary to popular belief, read on:

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannon fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. But how to prevent them from rolling about the deck?

The best storage method devised was a square based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of thirty cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon.

here was only one problem -- how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding/rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a "Monkey" with sixteen round indentations. But, if this plate was made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make "Brass Monkeys."

Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would come right off the monkey.

Thus, it was quite literally, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey!"

Member Virgin Islands
Charteryacht League

email Margo Rose
866.297.0163 Toll Free Phone/Fax
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5304 Yacht Haven Grande Ste. 104
St. Thomas VI 00802

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All site photos compliments of the individual Virgin Islands Charter Yachts pictured on this site, with special mention for several provided by Gary Felton, CPP, professional photographer, US Virgin Islands. Please visit the links page for more information. A big thank you to all!