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First you must be safe. Then you must ensure you remain safe. Then you can have a good time.
One of the biggest things overlooked when going to the British Virgin Islands is that you are ON THE OCEAN. Always respect the fact you will be living on a boat on the largest, most powerful corrosive, and unpredictable surface on the planet. Pretty pictures and smiling faces mask this fact. With that said, this environment indeed offers a unique and wonderful experience. Always be respectful and aware of where you are and that unique experience can be open to you.
As much as we try through forecasting and other methods, unpredictability is the best description of the sea. For example, you can have clear weather and a great forecast, but still have large disruptive swells from a storm system thousands of miles away.
Swells for example make activities like snorkeling less enjoyable. Swells make it unsafe to enter or offload from the dinghy or tender, often with boats lining up for a brief and dangerous moment to ‘transfer’. When there are large breakers you typically do not want to even try to get the dinghy on land. The risk of flipping it and injury is too great. Or, perhaps large swells are coming in broadside to your anchorage. If in a mono-hull you’ll roll fiercely all night and likely lose sleep. Tired minds have difficulty having fun. This is just a small example of how the unpredictability of the sea can change your plans and all we have briefly discussed is swells. Think about that; some storm system a thousand miles away could dictate what you do or don’t do on a given day.
The point here isn’t to give you all the possible scenarios the sea could throw at you. The point here is to impress how important it is you adopt an open mind and accept you are entering nature in its raw form. Part of that acceptance is understanding events may not go as you plan or want.
Some charter companies get negative reviews based on such experiences, which isn’t fair. It also isn’t fair to expect the charter company to compensate you for such an event. There is risk in all actions of life, and the unpredictability of the weather and the sea are certainly inescapable variables that you will be subject to in the British Virgin Islands. It isn’t the charter company’s responsibility to make you whole if the weather isn’t how you liked it.
A few things NOT to bring with you.
Do not bring with you anything that you can’t EASILY replace if lost to the sea.
- Do not bring expensive jewelry, they can get lost, or stolen, or Barracuda may want them!
- Do not bring sentimental items, they can get lost, or stolen.
- Do not bring your favorite knife or tools, they will corrode.
Sometimes hurricanes or tropical storms threaten everything and everyone on the islands. It isn’t just your bad day. Therefore, it isn’t fair to the island, the people on it, or yourself to predetermine the success of your vacation based on the weather, the sea state, or a host of other factors you can’t control.
If you are going to commit to a charter experience, understanding the harsh consequences of the ocean is something no charter company can control or do anything about, except keep their guests as safe as possible. If you can accept this risk, then a British Virgin Island Charter very well may equal a wonderful lifelong memory. Use these tips to minimize the possibilities of a negative experience.
More Articles On What To Expect In The British Virgin Islands
These articles aim to help control customer expectations when chartering on the British Virgin Islands. The pretty pictures of light blue water and tan attractive people don't always tell the full story. Here are some of the other things to expect. These are written from first-hand accounts. We've tried to identify the major things that have led to people having a negative experience. These articles are not meant to dissuade you from enjoying the British Virgin Islands. On the contrary. Instead, they are intended to arm you with the right information to maximize your excellent vacation time! They are organized by title, not by priority.
10 Things To Always Be Mindful Of When On Charter
1. Prioritize Safety Learn the Equipment: Before departure, conduct a safety drill to show all passengers where safety equipment is located (life vests, fire extinguishers, emergency flares, first aid kits). Weather Check: Regularly check weather reports and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions change. Use reliable apps like Windy or MyRadar for real-time updates.…
Attitude
Have you ever noticed that your mindset can often determine your experience? This is as true on land as it is on the high seas. Just as a skilled sailor adjusts their sails to catch the wind, so too must we adjust our attitudes to fully embrace the bare boat charter experience. Imagine your attitude…
Barracuda while Snorkeling
Have you ever glanced at the mirror-like surface of an azure ocean and wondered what enigmatic wonders lie beneath? Have you been magnetized by the allure of the underwater world, waiting to explore the spectrum of life that makes the sea its home? As you prepare for your bare boat charter voyage, we invite you…
Be Prepared For “Island Time”
Island time is a term used to describe the relaxed and laid-back pace of life found on many tropical islands. It is characterized by a slower sense of time, where deadlines are not as pressing and people tend to take things at a more leisurely pace. This philosophy of island time is about not forcing…
BVI Charter Costs
When planning a charter vacation, it’s important to understand that costs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as the season, demand, boat, and amenities. While some charter companies may offer packaged deals, it’s best to be prepared for all types of additional costs to avoid any surprises. When considering a charter,…
Chores
Chores are a big one. Who does what, who wants to do what, and how they get done are all things that can cause issues between people on a boat. Here are the common chores that need to be done on a boat. Deck cleaning Dishes Trash Cooking Dinghy cleaning (birds like to sit and…
Cleanliness
As if dishes and trash weren’t enough, yes, overall cleanliness on a boat is something you will not be able to hide from anyone or anyone from you. This is also a habit-based attitude that is hard to adjust. So while it helps to be mindful to pick up after yourself, many have a different…
Dishes
Doing dishes on a boat is more than just a chore—it’s a shared responsibility that can impact everything from water usage to crew morale. With limited freshwater reserves and space, it’s essential to approach dishwashing thoughtfully. Everyone has their own habits and preferences, but understanding the unique needs of life on a boat can prevent…
Extra Gear To Bring To The BVIs
When planning a bareboat charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), there are some additional gear items that guests may want to consider bringing to enhance their experience and make the most of their time on the water. Here’s a list of some items that you might want to consider: Personal floatation devices (PFDs)…
Food
Before you embark on your adventure you need to know what the food situation is. Before you get into where you might eat, provisioning is a part of the charter, and often a hefty cost. With current prices, food for 5 people for a week may exceed $1500. Who is paying for the provisions? Who…
Gratuity
When visiting the British Virgin Islands (BVIs), it’s essential to remember that this paradise thrives on the service industry, where many locals depend on gratuities as a core part of their income. Tips aren’t just an afterthought; they’re a genuine gesture of appreciation that reflects the value of the service provided and the cultural norm…
Heads
By heads we mean toilet. The head on a boat is not like your toilet at home, or even in an RV (although RV living helps). Things going wrong with the head have been the core of some ruined trips. Most heads now do not have a manual pump handle to literally suck the waste…
Heat
In the name of knowing what to expect, you can expect heat. You can expect humidity above 70% and you can expect that makes you sweaty and sticky. Yes, with more heat and sweating you’ll break out more, get more zits and find it harder to not stink. Don’t let this be a deterrent to…
Hygiene
Wash your pits and your parts. Nobody likes a stinky boat mate. The Caribbean is hot and humid and sweating is part of the game. There is little you can do to escape this and enjoy the environment. Your clothes also take the brunt of this punishment. Where are you keeping your dirty laundry? Stinky…
Jellyfish
Be sure to bring vinegar and Benedryl on your trip! What the pictures of the beautiful blue waters and luscious reefs don’t show you are the jellyfish you’ll encounter. Jellyfish have no eyes and seem to aimlessly move around. This means there is little consideration for your presence if you are around one. The key…
Mini Moke!
The Caribbean island of Anegada, located in the British Virgin Islands, is known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. But one of the best ways to experience the island is by renting a Mini Moke and exploring the island’s unique landscapes and hidden gems. The Mini Moke is a small, open-air vehicle that…
Safety Considerations
Safety is what allows you to have a great time. A person or the boat suffering damage or injury is one of the quickest ways to ruin a vacation. So look at it like Safety is your best and cheapest insurance policy to preserve your good time. Safety is a game everyone can and should…
Sea sickness
We take for granted our understanding of up and down. Our inner ear has little hairs inside it that react to fluid passing over them when we move. Those hairs then send signals to the brain to interpret your orientation. Sea sickness is when your inner ear becomes confused with all the signals given to…
The Basics To Be Aware Of
Here are some tips to protect yourself from the elements when visiting the British Virgin Islands. Each of these represents a portal to a world of pain, inconvenience and a robbed vacation. Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it frequently, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and…
The Mornings
Mornings on a boat charter are more than just the start of a new day; they’re the foundation for the entire crew’s mood and energy. Whether it’s a well-rested, upbeat morning or a sluggish, irritable start, mornings can make or break the day’s vibe on board. Between adjusting to new surroundings, possible hangovers, dehydration, and…
Top 5 Hazards In The Ocean In The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) are known for their sparkling turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs that attract swimmers, snorkelers, and divers from all over the world. But with all their beauty, the waters around the BVIs also come with their own set of potential hazards. Here’s an in-depth look at some…
Top Questions To Ask Yourself Before Chartering A Bareboat In the BVI
Here are some questions that tourists should ask themselves before chartering a bareboat in the British Virgin Islands: Do I have experience sailing and handling a boat of this size and type? Are all of the people on the charter party comfortable with the idea of sailing a bareboat and aware of the potential risks?…
Trash
Believe it or not trash and how to handle it can be a large friction point. First, it should go without saying, that trash should never be disposed of in the ocean. While there are specific laws around this, this will hold true while on charter in the BVIs. Many people feel it is okay…
Water Usage
Water usage on a boat needs to have everyone’s attention to it. The issue created with no fresh water is that you’ll incur costs to fill your tanks in both time and money. You’ll also have to dock, and depending you may find yourself waiting on others, filling their large tanks. If you lose half…
What if our hired skipper is the Man Over Board?
Any person overboard is a big problem. And while in your imagination it may not seem dangerous, a man overboard situation can be a big deal in calm water in a harbor, especially if the injury is involved. To have your skipper go over is a problem. A big one. While very uncommon, it is…
What to look for in your charter boat captain
Minimum Top Things To Look For Licensing and certification: The captain should be licensed and certified by the appropriate authority, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, to operate the type of vessel being chartered. Experience: The captain should have significant experience operating the type of vessel being chartered, as well as experience navigating the area…