The sailor’s paradise of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) awaits sea savvy travelers and landlubbers alike. The British Virgin Islands is comprised of about 60 different islands, inlets and cays, 16 of which are inhabited. For this reason, sailboats may tack in and out of several ports all in close proximity. < p>

Consider a charter trip or at least a day sail in the Caribbean on your next vacation to the BVIs.

Overview
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, Christopher Columbus spotted and named the islands for St Ursula and her Virgins, in 1493 during his second visit to the new world. Annexed by the British in 1672 the islands and became autonomous in 1967. The islands are an overseas territory of the British crown but internal self governing. The currency is the US dollar; however, US citizens making BVI travel plans will need a passport to visit the BVI. According to the most recent census a little less than 24,000 call the BVI home.

For a map of the BVI (with wireless hot spots to keep in contact) click here: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bvimarinewifi.com/Images/BVI-map-Brad-32.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.bvimarinewifi.com/&h=631&w=800&sz=66&tbnid=slHLes-U0qZlGM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbvi%2Bmap%26um%3D1&start=1&sa=X&oi=images&ct=image&cd=1

Charter Sails
Charters sails offer a fantastic sailing experience for those who lack the time or money to maintain a sail boat. Whether travelers choose the party atmosphere of a day sail filled with other tourists or the quiet retreat of a longer sail for a couple or two, the charter sail experience is not to be missed. Those looking to cruise the tranquil waters of the BVI will find both sailboats and motor yachts ready to take them on their journey.

Trip Planning
Travelers will need to decide whether they intend to spend the entire sailing vacation on board or not. If not, many lodging choices are available in the BVI. Reviews of BVI lodging may be found here
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g147353-British_Virgin_Islands-Hotels.html

If you plan to live a board, check out the catamaran sailing trips offered by Barecat http://www.barecat.com

Day Sail
Day sails are a great way to test the waters. Whether you choose a sailboat or motor yacht, a day sail allows inexperienced travelers to get their sea legs. Some day sails come with snorkel packages. Experienced sailors can also rent boats by the day. For more information to plan a day sail for your BVI sailing vacation
http://bvivacations.com/Day_Sail_Boat_Rental.html

Provisioning
Provisioning is the term used to apply to the shopping list of food an supplies needed for the trip. Many sail charters will include provisioning as part of their fee. For a sample provisioning list of BVI Yacht Charter, visit their link http://www.bviyachtcharters.com/planCharter/provisioning/

Experienced Sailor
Check out the charter yacht operations The Moorings. Experienced sailors get to captain one of The Moorings fleet. An online questionnaire helps determine if you are qualified to take the helm. Sail BVI information included to plan a BVI sailing vacation
http://www.moorings.com/Destinations.aspx?Destination=TOR

Getting There
For planning your BVI sailing vacation, major Carriers make flight connections via Puerto Rico or Antigua to Beef Island, BVI. Another option is to book a flight to St Thomas and then take a ferry to Tortola. For copy of the ferry service schedule for BVI and USVI islands, visit this site. http://www.bvitourism.com/Assets/PDF/BviFerrySchedule.pdf

From the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, sea plane service is also available via Seaborne Airlines http://www.seaborneairlines.com/

Getting Around
Rental car, taxi, scooter and bike rental services are available. Remember to drive on the left. If you plan to stay aboard, check with your charter company to find out if pick up service is available.