If you ever get the chance to explore the British Virgin Islands (BVI)...do it! The U.S. Virgin Islands are great, too, but there is something about the BVIs beach bars and snorkeling that I really love. The best way to see the BVIs? On a BVI Boat Charter, of course!
The Virgin Islands are made up of 4 "official" U.S. Islands and 15 British Islands, there are actually more, smaller islands, but these are the inhabited ones.
Every island on its own is charming and gorgeous, but the best way to see the VI's is together. There are touristy group trips you can do but the real magic happens on private boat charters. These charters, or day trips, can be customized specifically for you. You get a boat and an experienced captain as your personal chariot and guide and a trip tailored just to your tastes.
Are you a snorkel-a-holic? The islands are overflowing with amazing reefs for both beginners and novices. There are plenty of guides on what fish can be found where and what time of year. Pretty much every island has a great snorkel spot and your boat charter captain is sure to have a few secret spots up his sleeve. Usually the boat will have snorkel gear you can use for the day as well, so no extra baggage is necessary for you, but be sure to ask prior to your day trip.
Not a snorkeler? No problem. Land lubbers love to spend the day on a sun pad on the back of the boat. Many of the popular on the beach bars have a congregation of boats where people are hanging out in the water, playing catch, dancing to music and backflipping off the boats. These are great places to visit for your day trip. If you are looking for a spot a little more secluded, there are many islands with deserted beaches. Wild horses, donkeys and iguanas roam freely on various islands - ask your boat charter captain about the best places to either spot them...or keep away from them!
Drinks anyone? Rum is a part of island life and there is about as much rum as there is sand and water! There are plenty of watering holes around the islands, and you could even make your whole trip one big massive beach bar crawl! The Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke has no dock - hence the soggy dollars form you swimming ashore. Try Their signature "Painkiller" while lying in a hammock and listening to the island music. Around the corner, one bay over, is Foxy's. Foxy's is a landmark spot where Foxy himself will regale you with jokes and stories. The Willie T on Norman Island is an old barge set up in the middle of the bay that you can jump off of or drink on - but I wouldn't recommend doing both. If you're bringing young children, do it in the daytime or risk them getting an anatomy lesson from the girls who like to go topless. The Pirate's Bight is also there, and is a great place to get a meal.
See the islands the way they were meant to be seen - by boat charter! Whatever your idea or paradise is, the Virgin Islands has it!
Leigh Woeller runs "Pirates Paradise Adventures," a powerboat charter company specializing in taking families and friends on fun and exciting day trips to the best beaches, beach bars and snorkeling sites of the USVI and BVI. http://www.piratesparadiseadventures.com/.
Seeing the virgin islands by boat is the absolutely best way to see them, especially if you only have a short time! For more information, photos and videos about the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, go to http://www.piratesparadiseadventures.com/.