How Easy to Sail From Usvi to Bvi
Last Updated: 03/28/20 | March 28th, 2020
The British Virgin Islands often foster images of intrepid sailors and adventurers living their own version of a Jimmy Buffett song: sailing the seas, relentlessly drinking rum, stopping at hidden beaches, and exploring deserted islands.
Standing behind the wheel with the wind whipping at your hair as the sails of your boat take you from island to island sounds wonderful to many of us.
But, after imagining that scenario, we think, "It would be great, but it's unrealistic and I couldn't afford it. It sounds too expensive!"
I used to believe that. After all, the British Virgin Islands are home to megayachts, mega-resorts, mansions, yachting races, celebrities who own islands, and big corporations hiding from the taxman. These islands are no place for those without gigantic bank accounts.
But I came here with a dream: to sail around the British Virgin Islands on a budget. That's no easy task when charter boat rentals cost thousands of dollars per week.
Sure, you can take a ferry between the main islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada) or take day sailing tours, but that won't get you to the outer islands and definitely isn't the freedom sailing conjures up, is it?
Luckily, I found a way to live the dream.
Within two days of landing on Jost Van Dyke, my friend and I were throwing our stuff onto a boat to sail around the BVIs. We had met Bill and Geoff in a bar one evening. They were describing their sailing trip down from North Carolina. We told them about our plans to try to sail the islands on a budget.
They seemed normal enough and our plans lined up, so we asked if we could tag along.
And that's how we got our ride. Some conversation, rum, laughs, and asking for a lift.
The BVIs see countless people who rent charter boats, hire captains, or sail their own boats around for as long as the wind can carry them. Each night, these folks moor in a harbor, take a dinghy to the nearest bar, down strong rum drinks, and socialize. Boats are isolating, and these bars provide welcome social interaction after a day of confinement.
And this is where you'll find your chance to live out your Captain Ron dreams.
You could say that we just got lucky. That we found the right two guys and this couldn't happen again. However, my friend and I had many offers to take us to the next island or around for the day. At every port, when we mentioned our plans, people would often say, "Well, if you need a lift, we're happy to have you. Just bring some beer."
I expected great difficulty in finding rides. I mean how many people want strangers on their boats?
Apparently, a lot.
Because it was really easy to find a life. Most of the people have extra space on their boats, and everyone is very welcoming, hospitable, and helpful. I think between the small island population and the camaraderie that comes with boating, people here are very willing to help strangers.
How to Sail the BVIs on a Budget
So how can you do it too? How do you replicate what we did? Here are my top five tips for sailing around the British Virgin Islands for free:
1. Avoid Asking on the Main Islands
Don't ask for rides on Tortola or Virgin Gorda. This is where people pick up their boats so they are just starting or ending their trip (never a good time to ask), and there are few good bars to meet others at. Stick to the smaller islands accessible by ferry.
2. Profile People
You can increase your odds of success by knowing who is most likely to say yes. Lots of couples? They may give you a ride to the next island but not much more.
Groups who chartered a boat? Same thing. They're full.
Young people? They'll be very likely to help you out, especially in return for beer.
Two guys drinking alone? Yup, they probably have extra space, especially if they have their own boat.
3. Strike up a Conversation
Sit at the bar and you'll find this is easy to do. Everyone pretty much says hello to each other, and no matter where I was, others boaters often made the first move. After a day on a boat, people want to talk.
4. Casually Mention Your Plans
Work your plans into the conversation naturally and see how people react. Do they think it's a cool idea? Gauge their reaction before you ask for a ride. I found that boaters in the area are the adventurous type and if they feel you are on a good adventure, they will want to help.
5. Start Small
Ask for a ride to the next island. Giving someone a ride for a few hours is easy. Committing to carting extra people around for a week, however, is a bigger barrier and more likely to get you a no. But that one island lift may turn into two or three so start small and see how it goes.
Note: Sorry, families, this advice won't work for you! If you're traveling with more than two people, it's going to be hard for boats to accommodate you and they're going to turn you down!
Also, give yourself plenty of time to find someone to sail with. If you're on a tight schedule and have to get around the islands quickly, this isn't going to work, as it may take a day or two to find a willing boat or to line up with someone's schedule. You're then at the mercy of the boat owner's pace until you get to another major island where you can get off and get back to the ferry system that connects the main islands in the BVIs.
Moreover, don't forget to offer something in return. If you have sailing experience, all the better, but most people will take beer and food in return for a lift, so offering that can go a long way.
The British Virgin Islands are expensive and — if you plan to visit on a budget — finding a cheap sail around the islands is critical.
You can take day tours for about $100 USD per person and ferries go between the main inhabited islands, but the only way to really see the island chains properly is to sail them.
And the only way to do that is to find a lift.
I had always dreamed of sailing around the British Virgin Islands. I'd heard of opportunities to work on boats, but since I don't know how to sail, that wasn't an option, and charter boats are out of my budget (many save up all year to afford their rental). I needed a third way — and found it.
It was shockingly easy to find rides on boats, and this makes the oh-so-expensive BVIs much more affordable for those looking to sail around these beautiful islands on a budget.
But more than saving money, this method makes new friends along the way — and that experience is priceless.
Book Your Trip to the Virgin Islands: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don't Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It's comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I've had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I'm on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.
Source: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/sail-the-bvis-free/
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