Out Of The Way Places

We are starting to plan our first bareboat charter for the middle of next July. I realize that it is long ways away but I can't help wanting to start our cruising schedule now (yes, we have the fever).

We will be on the boat for 11 nights. While there are several places we know we want to go (the Bight, Baths, JVD, Anegada), I'd like to also find some anchorages where there are few (if any) others around -- not necessarily an overnight anchorage.

Anyone have any secluded places they'd like to share ?

If we share, they won't be secluded anymore! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

At the time you are going, you should be able to find plenty of quiet places. Basically, look for places where they haven't put mooring balls in yet. Feel free to PM me with questions, happy to give you some of our faves, just don't tell anyone!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I like Key Bay on the south side of Peter Island. I like Benures on Norman.

Just to add this ... we will be on a cat ... Leopard 42.

Allan - where are you heading out from? If you feel comfortable clearing out of the BVI and into the USVI and then back into the BVI, you could start out with a couple of nights around St. John since you'll be on the boat for 11 nights. Maho and Leinster are both beautiful places to spend a night!

Bridget:

We are heading out from Sea Cow Bay so we will already be checked in. We have no plans to leave the BVI as we want to take our time while we are there. We are planning at least 2 nights on each of Anegada and JVD so that will take up some time.

Although I have seen a lot of great pictures of Maho Bay -- very pretty.

I'm not exactly sure of the 2016 dates but the Puerto Rican Navy does Christmas in July. There is a large flotilla of power boats that meander around the BVI.

If you want solitude there are three places they go with regularity: On VG ..... Leverick, BEYC, Savannah Bay, Saba Rock. They also frequent Scrub Island Resort in large numbers.

The typical sailors spots not so much. The day you are starting your charter has an impact on how many boats you'll see at favorite anchorages.

In picking your first couple of stops, try going in a different direction than most ..... e.g., out of Tortola (esp. RT where large numbers will sail from), the typical first stop is Norman. Maybe go to Peter first or Marina Cay. Peter is typically a last stop, Marina Cay in the middle. Its not a sure thing because nothing ever is but you can get of synch with the crowds finding only two or three boats at popular anchorages that time of year.

A nice way to explore Virgin Gorda is to get a slip at Leverick Bay and arrange a rental car. You can drive from Leverick and stop at Savannah Bay for a swim/snorkel, go to the Baths (bring your National Parks permit from the boat so you don't need to pay the fee to enter at the top) -- if you get to the Baths around 2 p.m., you can usually avoid the huge morning/day trip/cruise ship crowd - they may be trickling out and still be around but nowhere near as bad as late morning. Go to Spring Bay and maybe explore more of the island -- it's a great way to see a lot of Virgin Gorda and you can arrange a safari truck rental for around $80/day. You can hook up to shoreside power and run your A/C - Nick at Leverick charges the same amount for a slip as he does for a mooring ball - you have to pay for your electricity - but the slip itself is the same fee and includes a water top up and 2 bags of ice. North Sound is a good striking off point for Anegada -- this will, of course, depend on the above "Christmas in July" schedule <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> so bear that in mind.

Out of Tortola, we typically go to Cooper first these days - either way, don't miss Cooper - it's really lovely and the snorkeling at Cistern Point is pretty decent! I agree with Marina Cay in the middle (after Anegada on the way to JVD) and we typically stay at Peter (the last two trips) or Norman (probably our next trip) on the last night.

Thanks for the heads up jbuch02 ... hadn't thought of the PR Navy invasion. I've tried to find out what the dates are for 2016 but have come up empty so far.

Bridget -- that was the plan for VG. The couple going with us this trip have not been to the Baths so to keep from having to swim ashore we were planning to get a slip at Leverick for a day or two and show them the island.

Great tips from everyone !!! I appreciate the insight.

...and the south side of St. John is secluded and beautiful. There are National Park moorings for $15 per night in Little Lameshure, Great Lameshure and Salt Pond and the new ATT tower works great there. We also love the Hansen Bay anchorage inside Coral Bay.

Diamond Cay/Foxy's Taboo was the closest to the St. John peace and quiet in the BVI the last two weeks of July.

The PRN folks were about and lots of fun, except for one whack job on a Moorings 51 powercat at Saba. We had drinks with a grandfather, father & son trio at Ivan's and the ladies were quite engaged with the buff father & sun. Grandfather was pretty sporty in his speedo for a guy in his 70s. Quite fun!

Cheers, RickG

To give you idea Allan, the navy start to arrive mid July with a peak on the 25th, then they start to leave from then on. Still boats around right up to the 30th. Saying all that you will still find places to drop the hook and be all by yourselves

Thanks Nick. Sounds like we'll be there about the same time as the Navy arrives. We set sail on the 14th. We were planning to get a slip at Leverick at least one night, probably around the 17th. I suppose they will be invading you about that time too.

get back to me as soon as you have decided a date Allan, we fill up fast

Will do Nick !!! Thanks.

Check out some of the better cruising guides. Cruising the Virgin Islands by Russell and Bunzel is my favorite. They have some good recommendations that are not reviewed by the Scott's, that is the one that is most used and is often onboard many bareboats as a staple like water.

White Bay on Guana, Cooper Island and Trellis Bay or Marina Cay are also very good stops.
For your first cruise, I would suggest one night at Norman, one night at Cooper, one night at either Marina Cay or Trellis Bay. Normally, I would say two nghts at VG but the PR Navy may change that for you. They are loads of fun but love to party, party. If that's what you want, Leverick Bay is the place to be. If not, and you have AC, VG Yacht Harbor is a good alternative. You really don't want to miss the Baths - early morning or late afternoon. The PR Navy pretty much takes over Savannah Bay. The other option on VG is to go deep into North Sound To the southeast corner. It well worth it to spend one day touring the island and another exploring North Sound.
As you are plannng, two nights on Anegada is perfect. Then you can sail to White Bay and Monkey Point on Guana for a night followed by a nice sail to Jost for two nights. In the summer White Bay is our first choice. For your final night, i would suggest Cane Garden Bay. I hope that helps.

Be sure to stop at Hog Heaven on the way back. Great food and a view to die for.

pvgreg ... I will check it out. I did get the one by the Scotts and pretty much read it cover to cover already.

mdoyle9999 .... your suggestions are spot on and fit into our schedule well. I think on this trip we'll avoid the PRN and head for some quiet spots.

showdavid ... thanks for the pointer !!!