Best Kept Secrets

If I'm rehashing a tired old topic, please forgive me. But I'm curious to hear from some of you old salts about favorite, less-traveled anchorages. We try to get down once a year, but it seems like we've always got one or more first-timers aboard, which means we end up hitting the usual hot spots over and over again. Returned on March 9 from a charter with CYOA and had, as always, a marvelous time. Of course, since we had 4 rookies, that meant sticking to the tried and true favorites. But as we are now looking to book a trip in the late Fall or early Winter, the whole crew are BVI veterans. And that means, thank goodness, I can skip the Baths for the first time in 15 years!

So, to the extend you care to share, I'd love to get some suggestions on less populated overnight anchorages. This year, for instance, we spent a night at Little Lameshur on St. John. 2 other boats. No lights. No noise. Exquisite. Funny thing is that it always occurs to me when I peruse my charts of the USVI and BVI that there ought to be dozens of great anchorages. But there really aren't. Winds and seas are picky forces indeed. Still, I'm sure there are overnights off the beaten path that would be worth a visit. And if I'm being honest, I've gotten lazy, too. In the old days, there weren't moorings anywhere, and when they did start popping up, we avoided them. Now, the convenience has been like a drug and dropping an anchor has slipped into memory. Shoot, my kids don't even know the drill. So as you weigh in, I'm assuming some of your suggestions will mean going old-school. Frankly, it will do us good.

Shifty

I'm looking forward to seeing these replies, we are in the same frame of mind going forward, the next couple charters- just the two of us, more sailing, less rushing

White Bay on Guana Is. fits the less traveled category for us and it’s close to Monkey Pt for snorkeling. We like Diamond Cay on JVD instead of Great Harbor. In addition, what we have done when we have all experienced crew is to charter in other parts of the Caribbean. The sailing infrastructure in the BVI is still the best but trips from St Martin to St Kiits & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Guadeloupe to Marie Galante-Dominica-the Saintes are really quite something. And the folks who have been maybe a little reluctant at first about going to those destinations wind up very happy about seeing other parts of the Caribbean.

Ginger Island is a super cheeky little overnight anchorage. Not the easiest to get into, so be careful. But if you do almost guaranteed to have it all to yourself. Also, Savannah/Pond Bay on Virgin Gorda are awesome.

Super Cheeky I’d say.... how the heck do you get in there.... I don’t see a way in.

On a side note, I completely see your point about always having new crew and feeling the need to hit the "high points". We feel all the same tugs but lately have decided that we just communicate with each crew that yes, we'll hit a few high points but also expect that in each 10 day trip we're going to do everything we can to fit in 3-5 things we haven't tried before. We will all be guinea pigs and we may find something spectacular or we may find a dud but it's important to keep trying new things.

One of my favorite things about sailing BVI is that no 2 trips should be the same and it's important we keep it that way.

Also, wind permitting, take a look at Leeward side of Eustacia.

I'd second White Bay on Guana Island - although I never thought of it as a hidden gem or anything because its pretty open and out there! The snorkeling at Monkey Point is really good! In fact, its the only place I have ever seen a dolphin in the BVI! Really nice beach, too. Very pretty spot.

The other thing about White Bay that you'll love is that they have moorings there (don't have to use them but they exist)! Best of both worlds! Just be careful of the winds - the bay is pretty open, so if the winds and waves are coming from the wrong direction, it can be a bit rolly.

I'll be following along - I am always looking for new spots to check out!

Fair Winds!

While there are moorings at White Bay off Guana Island, anchoring is pretty difficult. I've motored around in very calm conditions looking for a spot of sand to drop the hook and most of the bottom around there is rock with little or no holding - but it is a great anchorage when you do find that spot.

Lee bay on Great Camanoe. Quiet, great breeze, good sandy bottom fantastic sunset. My favorite place to get away from the crowds.