How to Sailing the British Virgin Islands for Free (Updated 2024)

british virgin islands Often portraying the image of brave sailors and adventurers, they live out their own versions of Jimmy Buffett songs: sailing the seas, drinking endless rum, stopping at secluded beaches, exploring deserted islands.

Standing behind the wheel with the wind blowing in your hair and the sail taking you from island to island is wonderful for many of us.

But, after imagining this scenario, we thought, “This would be great, but it’s unrealistic and I can’t afford it. It sounds too expensive!”

I once believed so myself. After all, the British Virgin Islands are home to mega-yachts, mega-resorts, mansions, yacht racing, island-owning celebrities and major corporations hiding from the taxman. These islands are not for those without huge bank accounts.

But I came here with a dream: to travel around the British Virgin Islands on a budget. That’s no easy feat when charter boat rentals can cost thousands of dollars per week.

Of course, you can take a ferry between the main islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada) or go on a day sailing trip, but this It won’t get you to the outer islands, and it’s definitely not the idea of ​​free sailing. ,Yeah?

Luckily I found a way to make my dream come true.

Within two days of landing on Jost Van Dyke, my friends and I threw our stuff on the boat and sailed around the British Virgin Islands. We met Bill and Jeff at a bar one night. They were describing their voyage from North Carolina. We told them we planned to try and sail the islands on a budget.

They seemed normal and our plans were aligned, so we asked if we could tag along.

This is our journey. Some talk, rum, laughing, and asking for a ride.

In the British Virgin Islands, countless people rent charter boats, hire captains or sail their own boats wherever the wind can carry them. Every night, the men would anchor in the harbor, take a dinghy to the nearest bar, and socialize over strong rum drinks. The ship is segregated and the bars provide welcome social interaction after a day in confinement.

Here you will have the opportunity to realize your dreams captain ron dream.

You could say we just got lucky. We found the right two people and it won’t happen again. However, my friends and I received many invitations to take us to the next island or around for the day. At each port, when we mentioned our plans, people often said, “Well, if you need a ride, we’re happy to serve you. Just bring some beer.”

I expected finding the rides would be difficult. I mean, how many people want strangers on their boat?

Apparently, a lot.

Because finding a car is really easy. Most people had extra space on their boats and everyone was very warm, welcoming and helpful. I think due to the small island population and the camaraderie that comes with boating, people here are very willing to help strangers.

How to sail the British Virgin Islands on a budget

So how can you do it too? How can you replicate what we did (and stay safe in the process)? Here are my top tips for free sailing in the British Virgin Islands:

1. Avoid asking on the main island
Don’t ask for rides on Tortola or Virgin Gorda. People pick up their boats here so they’ve just started or finished their trip (never a good time to ask) and there are few good bars to meet other people. Stick to taking the ferry to the smaller islands.

2. Character introduction
By knowing who is most likely to say yes, you can increase your odds of success. Are there many couples? them possible Takes you to the next island, but nothing more.

What groups are chartering boats? Same thing. They are full.

young people? Chances are they’ll help you out, especially in return for beer.

Two people drinking alone? Yes, they may have extra space, especially if they have their own boat.

3. Start a conversation
Sit at the bar and you’ll find it’s easy to do. Everyone pretty much says hello to each other, and no matter where I am, other boaters often make the first move. After a day on the boat, people want to talk. Find people you get along with and are willing to hang out with, even if they don’t offer free rides!

4. Feel free to mention your plans
Incorporate your plans naturally into the conversation and see how people react. Do they think this is a cool idea? Gauge their reaction before taking a ride. I have found that boaters in the area are adventurous types and if they feel you are having a good adventure, they will want to help.

5. Start with small things
Ask for a ride to the next island. It’s easy to give someone a ride for a few hours. However, committing to shipping extra people during the week is a bigger hurdle and more likely to get you turned down. But one island lift may turn into two or three, so start small and see how it goes. Don’t be pushy. Use your intuition, and if you feel someone doesn’t like the idea, let it go. You’re sure to meet other people who will be happy to have company.

6. Use common sense
Most of the sailors around the U.S. British Virgin Islands are great people and will make wonderful travel companions as you explore the beautiful islands. That said, it’s important to use good judgment when talking to sailors. This is true for everyone, especially female travelers. If you experience strange sensations from the person offering the ride, do not get on the boat. You might be stuck with them for a while before you get to the next island.

Make sure you let a close friend or relative know your departure and arrival locations and times. Set a time for regular check-ins with loved ones at home. Better safe than sorry!

7. Be respectful
This should go without saying, but if someone offers you a free ride on their boat, make sure you are extremely respectful of their property. You’ll find that many sailors enjoy having a good time and enjoying some alcoholic beverages while sailing between islands, but as a guest you should make sure to be extra respectful and stay calm to avoid getting too crazy. Be sure to follow any boat rules your captain sets for you, as safety is very important when sailing. Be a great guest and they’ll want to invite you on board again – and they’ll likely contact friends who can drive you on!

***

Sailing in the British Virgin Islands on a budget is magical. Unfortunately, it only really works if you’re traveling alone or with one other person (if you’re traveling with more than two people, the ship will have trouble accommodating you and they’ll turn you away).

Also, give yourself enough time to find someone to sail with. If you’re on a tight schedule and have to get around the island quickly, this won’t work as it can take a day or two to find a willing boat or to work with someone’s schedule. You will then be at the control of the boat owner until you reach the other main island, where you can disembark and return to the ferry system that connects the BVI’s main islands.

Also, don’t forget to offer something in return. If you have sailing experience, even better, but most people reward the ride with beer and food, so offering these can go a long way.

british virgin islands It’s expensive and– If you plan to visit on a limited budget — Finding cheap island-hopping cruises is crucial.

Day trips are available for about $100 per person, and renting a sailboat starts at about $350/day. Ferries run between the main inhabited islands, but the only way is real To see the island chains properly is to sail them.

The only way is to find an elevator.

I have always dreamed of traveling around the British Virgin Islands. I’d heard about the opportunity to work on a boat, but since I didn’t know how to sail, that wasn’t an option, and renting a boat was out of my budget (many people save up money throughout the year to pay for rent). I needed a third way—and found it.

Boating is surprisingly easy, making the expensive British Virgin Islands even more affordable for those who want to visit these beautiful islands on a budget.

But not only do you save money this way, you also make new friends – an experience that’s priceless.

polystyrene – If you know how to sail or are interested in volunteering on a sailboat for a free trip around the British Virgin Islands, check out crew finder. Many private sailors find their crew members through this site, and some positions don’t even require sailing experience. There are often vacancies for cooks and other skilled personnel as well.