TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands First time chartered Catamaran advice requested

Sailing the BVI on a chartered catamaran for 7 nights over the Holidays. I could use some advice. We cant wait to explore the islands but we also love lounging on a beautiful beach. I want to make sure we are not bouncing around island to island not getting a chance to slow down. We are sharing our wish list with the Charter and of course can be flexible but wanted some perspective. We leave on the 27th and want to do the Soggy Dollar NYE party (yes we know its crazy) but our adult children insist. Another must is Anegada. My understanding is that it has the beautiful (less crowded) beaches I crave and allows us to experience some sailing to get there. Is it worth staying for 2 nights and is it feasible if we still want to get to Soggy Dollar for NYE which I understand takes some additional time to arrive and leave with the crowds? Would we be negating the purpose of a sailing charter by staying too long in one place and not getting the full experience. I have no doubt we will be happy on any decision we make ,... but would love some advice from those that have experience

At that time of year you may have the Christmas winds and the weather may dictate the Anegada part for you...sailing from Anegada to JVD is incredible even though I usually am on the power side....

Anegada does have less crowded beaches...Tipsys, ABC, Flash of Beauty...

Have you ordered Scotts cruising guide to the BVI yet?
https://www.cruisingguides.com/products/the-cruising-guide-to-the-virgin-islands-2025-edition/

Soggy is not noted for its NYE party. I am not even sure they are open that night. The famous party is at Foxy’s in Great Harbor JVD. It is a total zoo and you almost need to get there a day or two early and camp on a FCFS ball. You did not mention if this is a crewed charter or bareboat. That makes a difference. A larger crewed boat will likely have a dinghy that can open up other options to overnight and run people to the party. Personally I would get there a day early and put the boat on a FCFS ball in Little Harbor or Diamond Key and cab to the party.
As far as beaches Anegada has the best but there are numerous other great places as well. You are however going when both the Christmas winds and North Swell are a factor. You really need to play it by ear and see what the weather brings.

Thank you. Great perspective and I will look for that guide

Thank you. Yes it is Foxys. My mistake. Yes that is what I am afraid of ... the extra time to just manage the logistics and we are a family not a bunch of friends ready to party. My adult children would like it but may need to rethink. Yes it is a chartered boat with a Captain.

Having been at Foxys for this I would consult with your captain but do what George suggests which is what we have done which is go to Little Harbour or Diamond Cay and land taxi over and back...

We really enjoy Diamond Cay for its serenity and if there is a North Swell you walk to the bubbly pool from there. Our 28 and 26 year olds have been going down there for 20 years and for the most part enjoy the time with the other families that go instead of looking for the outside party like NYE or Full Moon...

They will enjoy a day on White Bay JVD with Soggy et.al.

so you may go to Anegada, sail down to Diamond Cay from there (weather permitting) and then go by cab by day to White Bay, reset, and then go to Great harbour for NYE. May want to bring bug spray to Great Harbour

All IMHO

If Anegada is a priority, I would stay 2 nights there. The beaches are worth it, and a slower pace is part of the charter experience. Just allow extra time to reach Jost for the busy NYE party.

I agree with Tennar wholeheartedly that Anegada is worth 2 nights.

That said... given you have a skipper and only 7 days. It can quite easily be done in a day. Leave North Sound early-doors, get to Anegada just as the first boats are leaving. Have a hire-car already lined up.

Get over to Flash of Beauty before Monica is even open and snorkel 'the loop' (walk 50 yards to the east of Monica's, head straight out, round the coral roundabout then into the deep canyon then turn sharp left and thread back through the passageways back to the shallows and beach). It's easy to see the route from the roof of Monica's. Then enjoy a couple of Monica's famous painkillers on the beach (best in the BVI in our opinion!).

Then head along the coast to see Ann at Tipsy. Both adults and adult children will love the vibe. Enjoy a very leisurely lunch and whatever cocktails Ann is experimenting with that day. Swim in the lagoon.

Back to the boat in time for a few hours to relax and get ready for dinner wherever you / your skipper has chosen. Everyone on this forum has a different favourite place but frankly its hard to go wrong.

Next morning, leave with the dawn and with fair winds you will be down to Jost ready to pick up a ball just as others are leaving.

I wouldn't stress about where to moor. That's your skipper's job. Just tell him/her what you want to do and they can figure it all out.

Enjoy!

Anegada is worth 2 nights. JVD has enough for 2 nights (different anchorages).

We just did this again last week.

Since this is your first, I am glad you went for 7 nights (6 days and a sleep aboard?)

As day 3 comes to a close, you will realize that you are almost half way through your trip... If you had booked 10 days, you would say "Wow, we STILL have another week in paradise".

NEXT Time: 10-14 days!

I would not worry about the "Christmas Winds". It is possible that Christmas - New Year's can have strong winds, but it is nowhere near certain. The last couple of years have been fairly docile that week. The Christmas Winds can come anytime between the end of November and the end of February,and they can come more than once. We got them in February this year.