BVI Yacht Charter

The British Virgin Islands (or just the “BVI” to those who have been there) is a wonderful area to do a BVI yacht charter and especially if you are fortunate enough to do your charter on the 150′ motor yacht ENCORE!

I was invited on a FAM trip (familiarization trip) by the manager of ENCORE and was also able to bring my wife along (not common for these FAM trips so it was a great opportunity for Cathy to experience the “tough” duties I’m expected to perform when reviewing charter yachts for my clients)! There would be one other broker (Rebecca) as well as a photographer (Jim) and a writer for Power and Motoryacht Magazine (Alyssa) and the manager of the yacht (Allison) for a total of 6 “guests” on this gorgeous 12 guest yacht. (ps – there were 10 crew members so needless to say, you do get some excellent service on a yacht like this)!

 

How about a week in the BVI on a yacht like this!

After arriving at Beef Island Airport on Tortola (officially “Terence B. Lettsome Int’l Airport” code is EIS) in the late afternoon on a Tuesday we are met at the airport by Captain Roy and crew who shuttle us by mini-van a “whopping” quarter of a mile (if that) over to the dock at Trellis Bay. There we board the tender which takes us out to our home for the next 4 days, the 150′ motor yacht ENCORE!

Once we are settled into our cabins (Cathy and I were fortunate enough to get the Master Suite – awesome!) we sample some of Chief Stewardess Cassie’s special cool drinks and chat with the other members of our group before we sit down to dinner.

 

Here’s the Master Cabin (where we stayed) on ENCORE. Are you jealous yet!!

 

Captain Roy and Purser/Interior Manager (and Roy’s wife) Stephanie joined us for a wonderful dinner the first night and during the dinner conversation it was mentioned that since we had a small group that it would be nice to have some different crew members joins us for dinner each evening. That would give us a chance to get to know them better and give the crew the opportunity to experience a yacht charter from the guests perspective. Captain Roy agreed and I really think this turned out to be a great experience for all of us.

It really was great to get a chance to talk with these crew members in a more social rather than work atmosphere. And it was particularly unique to have the Chief Engineer, Eugene, eat with us. You don’t often see the Engineers on these yacht charters as they are always busy making sure all the mechanicals are working as they should. Eugene is Cuban and he had some interesting stories about his arrival in the US!

And Stewardesses Cassie and Anais, who usually are serving the meals, got the chance to experience “the other side of the table” and see what it was like to be the “guests”!

 

 

Dinner with Captain Roy (blue shirt) and Stephanie (on Roy’s right) in the BVI.

These large yacht charters can be as formal or as casual as you like. The Caribbean is generally quite casual so we ended up eating virtually all of our meals at the dining table on the aft deck (as you see above). However they do have a very nice inside dining area for more formal meals.
The next morning (Wednesday) our charter offically begins! And what is the most important meal of the day? BREAKFAST! Talk about a fabulous way to start your morning! Chef Jean-Paul prepared a wonderful breakfast, add in the sunshine, islands, and warm Caribbean breeze…..is it nap time yet! Ooops! Forgot we still have a full day ahead of us!

 

The table is set for our first breakfast in the British Virgin Islands.

 

After our delicious breakfast Captain Roy informs us that we are heading over to Norman Island to do some diving (and snorkeling for the non-divers). There has been some rain prior to our arrival so the water at some of the usual dive areas is a bit cloudy so he thinks The Caves at Norman Island might offer some better water clarity for our dive.

A few of us are either new to diving or have not been diving for some time so Gierdre is going to give a bit of a refresher course on our way over to Norman Island.

 

Our dive instructor, Gierdre giving us our pre-dive instructions.

Check our that turquoise water! Yes it’s even better UNDER the water!

 

 

Once we arrive at Norman Island Captain Roy anchors ENCORE over in The Bight and we take the tender over to the Caves for our dive. Gierdre gets us all geared up and in the water and off we go!

This is a great spot whether you dive or just like to snorkel. The water is only about 30 feet deep and even shallower as you get closer to the caves along the shore.

After the dive it’s back to ENCORE to get refreshed and have lunch. Then a quiet afternoon lounging around and towards evening the “Painkiller Tour” begins on the Willy T.

 

The Willy T (William Thornton) at The Bight on Norman Island.

 

The Willy T is basically just a floating bar anchored in The Bight at Norman Island. If you are anchored here for the evening it’s almost a requirement that you have to stop by for a cool drink. And we heard they made a mean Painkiller so…………

 

On board the Willy T. Let the “Painkiller Tour” begin! (Unfortunately, as the designated drivers, Captain Roy and deckhand Morgan could not participate in the Painkiller judging)!

 

 

Wow, the Willy T does make a mean Painkiller! I think you really need to watch yourself with these or you may be spending the night at the Willy T and I didn’t see any sleeping accommodations! (But I guess if you get to that point would you really notice)?

Fortunately we were all well-behaved and after a good time aboard the Willy T it was back to ENCORE for another very nice dinner.

 

Heading out of The Bight at Norman Island on our way to Jost Van Dyke (stop #2 on the “Painkiller Tour”)!

 

 

The next morning we were off to Jost Van Dyke for an island tour, beaching, and of course to sample a few of the islands beverages (read: Painkillers)!

On our arrival to Jost Van Dyke, Captain Roy had made arrangements for us to take an island tour by 4 wheel drive vehicle (I found out why later)! There are some beautiful views from this island and we saw many nice beaches and harbors. One that Cathy and I particularly liked from previous years of bareboating (drive it yourself yachting) was Little Harbor. It’s a small, well protected harbor with two bar/restaurants: Harris’s Place and Sydney’s Peace and Love. Both are worth stopping into, even if it’s just for a cold drink. But we also enjoyed the food at Harris’s and Cynthia, the owner was a real character! I’ve heard Sydney’s is also good. (But to be honest, the best food you are going to get is on the yacht! I suggest stopping by the restaurants ashore and have a cold drink and maybe an appetizer, then head back to your yacht for dinner. Then maybe have one dinner ashore during your charter at a restaurant recommended by your Captain).

 

Chef Harris’s (on the left) and Sydney’s Peace and Love (on the right), two good options for food and drinks on Little Harbor, Jost Van Dyke.

 

 

One of the other stops on the tour was Foxy’s Taboo bar and restaurant. (This one is owned by the same Foxy that has the famous “Foxy’s Tamarind Bar” over on Great Harbor).

 

Foxy’s Taboo bar and Restaurant, near Diamond Cay on the East end of Jost Van Dyke

 

 

Foxy’s Taboo is in a very nice, private location and I can vouch for their cheeseburgers. Unfortunately our whole group ordered the same thing so I can’t really comment on any of their other food!

 

Lunch at Foxy’s Taboo. Do you know the Jimmy Buffet song “Cheeseburger in Paradise”? Well, it was NOT written here! But, they do serve a very good cheeseburger!

 

 

After lunch our tour continued up (and I mean UP) into the hills of Jost Van Dyke. THIS is why we were in a 4 wheel drive vehicle! The views were fabulous but I’m not sure all of our group really appreciated the route we had to take to GET up to see those views! Anybody afraid of high places? (Keep your eyes closed)!

 

 

Looking back at the “road” we just came down on part of our island tour! We got the “full” tour on this route including all of the back roads. (I don’t even think most of the island goats could have made it up and down some of these roads)!

ENCORE anchored off Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke.

(Foxy’s Tamarind Bar will be on the far left side of the beach in this photo – yes we stopped there on our BVI yacht charter too)!

The two photos above were taken from the same location so you can get an idea of how high up we were and the “road” conditions we endured to get there!

After the “high” island tour we all needed a break so we had our taxi driver drop us off at White Bay for a bit of beaching and some cool drinks. He would pick us up later to take us back to Great Harbor where ENCORE was anchored (and where our island tour began).

 

Whew! That was an exciting “back” island tour! Time for a break and a cool drink. Hmmmm….let’s see, I’m at the Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the “Painkiller”, so I guess I’ll have a………..PAINKILLER!

Here’s the beach in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar.

There is a reef just offshore from the beach (maybe 50 – 75 feet from the beach) at White Bay so the smaller boats and tenders enter the reef and drop anchor behind it. Then they swim or wade to the beach.

Don’t worry, you won’t go thirsty in White Bay! If The Soggy Dollar is too “hopping” for you, just wander down the beach to one of several other spots including One Love, above or…..

White Bay is a great beach to stroll down as you have the gorgeous waters of the BVI at your footsteps and you are never very far from food and drink! Many of the guests on the beach had come via their tenders, you just have to be careful entering the reef which is just offshore. But hey, if you are on a private yacht like ENCORE, that’s not your problem! You don’t have to worry about any of that, all you have to do is take in the Sun, swim in the warm waters and enjoy a cool drink on the beach!

When you are ready to go, you could just radio your crew and they will come pick you up and take you back to your yacht! Yes, life on a private yacht charter is tough……..

 

Gertrude’s Beach Bar and Grill, White Bay, Jost Van Dyke. No we didn’t have Painkillers at ALL of these places! (But if we would have had a bit more time……).

After White Bay and The Soggy Dollar Bar it’s back to Great Harbor via our taxi. We do have a few more “sights” to see in Great Harbor before we board ENCORE for the evening though.

Hmmm……I wonder what’s at the other end of this dinghy dock?

Anybody that’s ever been to the BVI has heard of Foxy’s. Even if you haven’t been there you have probably heard of it! We checked it out during the day and decided we would come back that evening for drinks.

It’s famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar! I wonder if they have any painkillers?

Great Harbor does have a few other bar/restaurants and shops other than Foxy’s so worth walking around to check things out during your BVI yacht charter.

For those of you who like to golf, here’s the “country club” on Jost Van Dyke! You might want to pack your “sand wedge”! The course might be a bit “rough” but on the bright side, you might actually enjoy taking a dip in the “water hazard” in the background!

When you are in the Caribbean “time” is relative! Leave your “city” schedules back home when you are on vacation down here.

For those of you who might want to have a dinner ashore, keep in mind the islands are on a “bit” different schedule than you are probably used to!

After cocktails at Foxy’s it’s back to ENCORE for dinner and preparation for our BVI yacht charter cruise over to Virgin Gorda the next morning.

Cathy’s “quiet time” on ENCORE.

If you are an early riser or just need to “get away” for a little “me” time, ENCORE has several nice areas you can “escape” to. Of course at least one stewardess will “track you down” no matter where (or when) you are on deck to make sure you don’t need a drink, snack, etc.! Crew members Cassie, Anais and Stephanie will take good care of you!

After heading out from Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke just after breakfast, we head over to Virgin Gorda where we drop anchor just off from The Baths. This is a unique area of large bolders with a hiking trail leading from one beach to the next “through” the bolders!

That’s ENCORE anchored off The Baths in Virgin Gorda.

The Baths is a great area to stretch your legs with a short hike, lay on the beach and catch some sun, do a little swimming or snorkle among the bolders. Really a “must see” when on a BVI yacht charter.

Crew Morgan and Aaron shuttling the guests and gear to the beach at The Baths. Doesn’t that water look inviting? (Sorry you had to get wet Morgan! I bet Aaron in the tender is thinking “I wish I was the one that “had” to get wet!”. That water is NICE)!

And don’t forget to take your camera with you to The Baths! Lots of photo opportunities here!

Me taking a photo of crew member Morgan taking a photo of Photographer Jim taking a photo of the “Models” on our hike through The Baths! (Talk about a “photo” session)!

After your “strenuous” hike, you can just kick back on the beach to “recuperate”. And if you get a bit warm from the sun, you can always get a cool drink in the shade at the small Poor Man’s bar just behind the person taking this picture!

After The Baths it’s back to ENCORE for lunch! Then the next stop is North Sound, Virgin Gorda. North Sound is home to The Bitter End Yacht Club, Biras Creek Resort and also Leverick Bay, all good places to stop and check out.

Welcome to the Bitter End Yacht Club!

The Bitter End Yacht Club is the largest resort in North Sound with a couple of restaurants and bars plus a store, accommodations, and water sports rentals including small sailboats. It’s a nice area to walk around, stop and have a cool drink, take some photos, etc.

One of the bars at the Bitter End Yacht Club. (Yes, they serve Painkillers here too)!

Here’s the freshly “raked” beach at the Bitter End Yacht Club. That is the Saba Rock Bar/Restaurant/Resort in the background.

In the photo above you will see the Saba Rock Resort in the background. This resort takes up the whole small island of Saba Rock. They have a bar/restaurant (and they make a good Painkiller!) plus a few hotel rooms. Be sure to say “Hi” to the rescued Toco Toucans, Paco, Paz and Pepe, that they have on the grounds.

 

Here’s another view of the beach at the Bitter End Yacht Club. Doesn’t that look inviting?

The Bitter End has a couple bars, restaurants, a store, water sports rentals, etc. and by the time you check them all out and walk from one end of the resort to the other you might need a break. Fortunately they provide a few good “break” spots too!

Just up the cove from The Bitter End is the Biras Creek Resort. Take the tender to their dock and wander the resort. There are some great views of both sides of the island from their patios so take your camera! Also a nice restaurant here.

 

The “dockmaster” at Biras Creek Resort.

“Yes, I accept gratuities. Especially the “tasty” kind!”

A view from Biras Creek Resort looking back toward the Bitter End (just around the point on the right).

That evening we also tendered over to Leverick Bay to watch the stilt dancers but unfortunately we were chatting so much at dinner that we were running a bit late so missed them! Oh well, since we were there we made the best of it and had a few cool drinks and listened to the live band. Eventually it was time to head back to ENCORE for the night.

ENCORE also had some stand up paddle boards so the next morning we took Morgan and Aaron up on some lessons while we were anchored in North Sound. It was a bit breezy so we all decided “downwind” was the way to go! We were all rookies but Morgan and Aaron had us all up and going in no time! (And yes, it’s more exercise than it looks like)!

Morgan getting one of the boards “warmed up” for us.

The next morning, after our paddleboard expedition, we cruised back over to a cove just North of the airport and dropped anchor for our last night aboard ENCORE. (BooooHooo)!

I would like to give a big “Thanks!” to Captain Roy, Stephanie, and the whole crew of ENCORE for having us aboard and for such a great time!

 

Terrence B Lettsome Airport, Beef Island (Tortola).

Ps – So, after all of our testing on our “Painkiller Tour”, who makes the best “Painkillers” in the BVI? Hmmmmm……….there were a LOT of good ones (maybe a few too many)! But, on the other hand we really didn’t have time to try ALL of the places that served Painkillers. So after much serious consideration it has been determined that …………..I think I need to go BACK for more RESEARCH! I’m sure I can find some volunteer “judges” for the next “Tour”!

Whatever type of BVI Yacht Charter suits your desires. Please refer to our Charter Request Page so that we can begin making your dreams a reality.

Tim Nelson
Yacht Charter Broker
2216 Lakeshore Drive Nokomis FL 34275 USA
800-346-5355 • 941-966-6017 • Fax: 212-500-0028
email: tim@sevenseascharters.com