Sailing the British Virgin Islands - Tortola to Tortola Adventure Tour

The British Virgin Islands are among the world's most popular sailing destinations and you only have to look around to understand why. Laid-back and low-key, the BVIs are flat-out gorgeous to sail and explore. Hop aboard our state-of-the-art catamaran and discover secluded coves, impossibly beautiful snorkelling spots, and breathtaking islands virtually untouched by humans. Added bonus: your expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) knows this place so well, you'll discover stuff not even the locals know.

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.

Max Pax  

8

Group Leader  

Skipper/CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

What's Included  

Sailing the British Virgin Islands. Fully licensed skipper. Snorkelling equipment. Bath and beach towels.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Itinerary Notes  

The British Virgin Islands were among the Caribbean islands affected by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. While there may be some minor changes to the itinerary, all necessary tourist infrastructure on the BVIs is operational, and the islands themselves are as hospitable - and beautiful - as ever.

For additional flight options, consider flying into St Thomas (STT) and taking a ferry to Tortola. See “Important Notes” for more details.

Group Leader Description  

A G Adventures skipper will be with the group throughout your journey. The aim of the skipper is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible, as well as taking complete charge of the sailing, your safety on board and the safety of the vessel. As this is a real sailing adventure, our skipper might also request your help on board and will be more than happy to impart some of their vast sailing knowledge during the course of the journey. Our skippers are all fully licensed with many years of experience sailing in the area. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the British Virgin Islands you will visit.

Group Size Notes  

Max 8

Accommodation  

Four double bed cabins, with en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. (6 nts).

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Important Notes  

1. Space is limited on the boat and especially in your cabin. You can only take soft sided luggage on board, such as a mid-sized backpack or soft duffel bag. (Less than is 15kgs)
Suitcases are not appropriate for our Sailing BVI's adventures as they are not pliable enough to fit into the niches available for luggage.
If you are on a longer trip, it may be possible to store excess luggage for one week at the yacht marina.

2. Fresh water is very limited on board, and as such we ask for your understanding that showers are limited to one quick shower per person a day.

3. It's important to note that the beds in the cabins are not the usual length of a standard bed. The length is approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet)

4. This is a self-catering trip, and everybody will be expected to participate, cleaning up after themselves, and keeping the boat ship shape at all times (including washing the dishes, and emptying the bins when ashore.)

5. Flights in and out of St Thomas (STT) are often easier and cheaper than flying directly into Tortola (EIS).
The ferry ride from St Thomas to Tortola is 45-60 minutes and costs approximately $35 (or $60 roundtrip).

Arrival info: If flying into St Thomas, you will most likely require a night there, before catching the 8 or 8:30AM ferry to Road Town (Tortola).
(The Welcome Meeting is at 2pm)

Departure info: If flying out of St Thomas, do not book a flight before 5pm, as you will only be able to catch the 2 or 2:30PM ferry from Tortola.
(The trip finishes at midday)

Ask your Sales GCO or travel agent if this might be the best option for you.

Meals Included  

No meals included

Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Traveling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world.

On our BVI sailing trip the G Adventures Skipper/CEO will help you make a food kitty, where $80USD per person, per week will be added to the kitty for small food items on board to cover breakfasts, lunches and the odd dinner.
Breakfasts and lunches are prepared by yourself, and most dinners are taken ashore at local restaurants.

Joining Instructions  

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE AT THE JOINING POINT AT 2:00 PM ON DAY 1.

On Day 1, please make your way to the Dream Yacht Charter office on the marina at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.

Your skipper will greet you at 2:00 PM and organize a short meeting, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. Following the meeting you will be taken to the boat for a safety briefing.

Getting to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Beef Island Airport):

There is a complimentary ferry that will take you from the North Sound Express Ferry dock on Trellis Bay (right beside the airport) to the Scrub Island Marina. This ferry ride is 10 minutes long, and departs every 45 minutes past the hour, beginning from 05:45 to 22:45.

If you would like to arrange a private Ferry prior to arrival, please contact the resort directly at 1.284.394.3440 or www.scrubisland.com. The cost is approximately 30 USD one way.

IMPORTANT CUSTOMS INFORMATION

When filling out your Customs/Immigration Form, the name of the vessel you will be on is "Dream Yacht Charter", and the yacht is located in Scrub Island Marina.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax  

A Departure Tax of 20 USD if leaving by air

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

About our Transportation  

Please note that this is a sailing catamaran, and the skipper will be using wind power when the winds are agreeable. Although this is not a learn to sail program, you may have a chance to learn a few tricks of the trade and assist the skipper with navigation while sailing. There are times when motoring the catamaran will be required, due to unfavourable wind conditions.

Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
• Rubber gloves

Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are not available on the boat. You may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

** Please note that ATMs are generally not available anywhere throughout this tour, nor at the start point location. Please try to bring USD cash with you, but if you need to withdraw while on tour, please do so at the airport upon arrival or in Road Town. **

Tipping  

It is customary in the BVI's to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service 15% of the bill. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $5 - $7 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $7-$11 USD per person, per day can be used.

Highlights  

Sail on a catamaran through the beautiful turquoise waters of the British Virgin Islands, snorkel in deep caves and along reefs, anchor and jump aboard a famous floating bar known as "The Willy T", hike to secluded spots, relax in the evenings and enjoy the sunset and the Caribbean sounds

Transport  

14m (47 ft) sailing catamaran

About Accommodation  

- This catamaran is equipped with 4 double passenger cabins, with ensuite bathrooms.
- If you are traveling alone, you will be paired up in a cabin with another traveler of the same gender. (Please expect the cabins to be very small.)
- Most of our sailors tend to spend very, very little time in their cabins, just using them to sleep and store clothes.
- Power onboard is 220V on European 2 pin sockets. Please note that this is not suitable for sleeping aid machines, as the power source may not always be operating. Bringing a battery pack is recommended.
- The vessel has an onboard kitchenette, interior and exterior common areas and plenty of outside deck space.
- At night we will be at mooring buoys/anchor, in quiet bays, as opposed to alongside quays.

Finishing Point Instructions  

The group returns back to Scrub Island Marina where we will disembark the boat by noon.

Please do not arrange onward travel before:

- 3pm, if flying from Beef Island, Tortola.
- 5pm, if flying from St.Thomas (so you can catch the 1:30 or 2:30pm ferry)

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Optional Activities  

No optional activities

What to Take  

There is limited space on the yachts. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A good size daypack is also essential. PLEASE NOTE: No hard suitcases are permitted due to limited space.

Health  

Please note: We do not have a constant power source onboard, and cannot facilitate the use of Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines. Bringing a suitable battery pack is required.

Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.