Ok all... This is the first of many questions. We are booked for a 9 day power charter to the BVI's out of St. Thomas next June. I just bought 2 guide books, The Best of the British Virgin Islands by Acheson, and The U.S. & British Virgin Islands 2001 by Fodor's. What other books might be helpful that are maybe more specific to boating in these areas? Looking for itinerary ideas, things to do on each island, everything! I am just way too excited and need stuff to read. Suggestions?? Thanks! Babs<br><br>

A couple of good guides for boaters are "Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands" and "Yachtman's Guide to the Virgin Islands." Both have loads of the kind of information you are looking for. You can get both at http://www.bluewaterweb.com/cruisingguides/caribbean.htm<br><br><br>

Ditto.<br><br>Best,<br>Jeff Carlin<br>Bloomington, IN

...I agree with Jeff and Jeff's suggestions. I bought "Yachtman's" and made comments in it while reading trip reports. The other was on the boat (at least one of these should also be on your charter boat, but you never know). Sometimes one was a little better than the other. <br>...Something I always do on trips is get copies of guides (esp the land guides for non sailors) and pass them around to everyone going on the trip. Then they can read up and find spots they want to see. Then when I get to the boat, I put together a trip where everyone gets their main wishes filled. It makes everyone feel special on "their" afternoon and the rest of us follow along behind them knowing our time is coming. It has made be visit sites I otherwise would have missed and also not feel like Captain Bligh when we are going where I want to go. <br><br>

Well if you are into diving then I would highly suggest this book "Diving the British Virgin Islands" by Jim and Doile Scheiner. I have not been to the islands yet, but it has helped me in planning our itinarary. I found it believe or not in Anchorage, Alaska. WoW. Was I ever happy. Looking around the past few days I have seen it for sale on the Baskin in the Sun website. (sorry don't know address) I paid the same price and found it well worth the money. Besides, like you I have thought about this trip everyday for the past 6 months, and any new reading material, just keeps the excitement going. <br><br>Have a blast, I know I will. Bambi<br><br>

Virgin Anchorages is another good one. It has color shots of all the popular anchorages, which makes it a great complement to the Cruising Guide. It is also a great coffee table book. It is available at Amazon. <br><br><br>Mike Kneafsey<br>www.sailingthecaribbean.com

Definitely, "THE" cruising guide is The Virgin Islands by Nancy & Simon Scott. It includes US, British AND Spanish Virgin, GPS waypoints, anchorage charts and depths, tons of recommendations, etc... Any good marine store will have it.<br>I hope this helps. <br>Michel Benarrosh<br>meb@Sail-On-Line.com <br><br>