Planning another cruise for 2014. Cruised BVI many times and love it. Our crew is looking at other possible options. Need advice about the SVI. Is it so laid back as to be mostly beaches, snorkeling etc? We do like nice restaurants and activity. Would love some opinions. Thanks much!

It's a bit more laid back.
The restaurants are good with with more attentive service then the BVI's

Can you better describe what you mean by "activity"? There isn't a Soggy Dollar or a Foxy's type establishment that I've run across. If you are looking for a party and dancing every night, the SVIs are not for you. If you want to see a lot of pristine beaches and don't mind being somewhat self sufficient, it may be just what you are looking for. There are very good places to eat and drink with generally lower prices than is found in the BVI or USVI for that matter. Water for filling your tanks is probably the biggest issue. Slower pace, far fewer people, much less development, many beautiful beaches to choose from and a pretty good chance of catching fish, are how I would describe the SVIs. The helmsman has to pay attention to where they are going, especially around Culebra since there are many opportunities to hit the reefs. It's not hard to navigate but more challenging than BVI waters.

Thanks for the replies. We are not folks who spend much time sitting on a beach but do enjoy the beauty. We like to swim, snorkel, hike, eat off the boat if good restaurants are nearby, historical sights. Sounds like the BVI would be a better fit. Just wondered if the SVI would be another option.

If you've cruised the BVI several times I highly recommend the SVI as a change. I LOVE the BVI, but the charms of the SVI are many, different, and it's well worth exploring.

I sent you a PM with a bit more detail.

Oh,thank you Twanger! I just read your PM and that is just what I wanted to know. Will see what we can do with Sail Carib if we do SVI. It is beyond late, but Michigan weather is starting to remind us that we may need some sun in Feb.

Wait, your name is "Ohiogirl" but you live in Michigan?

Ha,ha, yes, I am a Buckeye living in maize and blue territory! We are Great Lakes sailors and are seeking sun in February...wayyyyy late! Just asked for help about the SVI and Twanger was very helpful!

We live in Toledo, Ohio, we are also Great Lakes sailors. My husband is from Michigan and a Wolverine fan (poor guy). I'm a Buckeye fan (go BUCKS)

We have our next trip planned for April, when we get back it will be time to prep the boat for launch here.

We've done BVI many times, then sailed the Grenadines (which I recommend over SVI), went back to the BVI 's....sailed SVI's last year, then got home and immediately booked a trip back to the BVI!

We are super glad we went to the SVI, had a great time, it was nice, sailing was a bit rough and uncomfortable, nice anchorages, but VERY secluded. But couldn't help miss the BVI. I would always suggest trying something new, but if you are like us, you'll be back in the BVI!

Where in the SVI can I refill our boat water tanks? The cruising guide I have us old. Thanks!

This info is from a boating acquaintance who lives in Vieques. I have not used these services myself.You should verify for yourself and ask your charter company. Alternatively, you might consider planning an itinerary that takes you to Vieques, then back to Puerto del Rey,then to Culebra, or vice versa, if you are convinced you can't make it through a charter without a water refill.
"Christina at 787-930-0831 put in and manages the moorings in Esperanza, Vieques. They are maintained in prime condition. She will also jerry can fuel and water. She has containers if the charterers do not for transport."

In short, nowhere. You have to go back to Fajardo where water is very inexpensive. If you dock overnight, the water is free.

Sail2wind, have you recently found the above option in Esperanza to be false information? While one might not want to spend time jugging water on vacation, the request was for options, not quick and easy options.

not necessarily false info, but I never entertained buying water by the jug. We can easily last a week on 120 gallons on a mono. We always have plenty of drinking water.