Sailing the British Virgin Islands: A December Birthday Dream
Willie’s and my birthdays both fall in December, and this past year, we celebrated in the most unforgettable way — sailing the British Virgin Islands (BVI) with dear friends. It was such a treat to be invited on this adventure, especially with friends who are seasoned sailors and handled all the provisioning and daily itinerary.
Since we were self-crewed, mornings were simple but delicious: Carrie served hot pastries, cereal, and fresh fruit. Lunches featured fresh bread, cold cuts, veggies, and an assortment of chips, while evenings were reserved for dining ashore. Each night, we’d dinghy to shore and visit family-run restaurants, where we radioed in our dinner orders before 3 p.m. Meals were homemade — usually with mom in the kitchen, adult kids serving, and grandkids helping dock our dinghy and clear dishes. Many spots had charming “honor bars,” where you poured your own drinks and simply let them know what you consumed at the end of the night. Meeting these families, hearing their stories, and supporting their businesses made the experience even more special.
Days were spent sailing to a new location each morning. We’d tie up to a mooring buoy, pull out the swim floats, and spend hours swimming, snorkeling, and sunning on the catamaran’s upper deck. There was plenty of laughter, great music (thanks to Carrie’s island playlist), and yes, lots of rum! Evenings were magical — after dinner, we’d lounge on the upper deck, stargaze, and share stories under the Caribbean sky.
The entire experience was perfect — relaxing, fun, and worlds away from the tight schedules of resorts or cruise ships. It was the true definition of unplugging.
Top BVI Hot Spots to Visit
Tortola:
Start your journey on the largest island. Cane Garden Bay is a must for its lively beach bars and stunning sunset views.
Virgin Gorda:
Don’t miss The Baths, a surreal maze of giant granite boulders and crystal-clear pools — truly one of nature’s masterpieces.
Jost Van Dyke:
White Bay is home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, where the legendary Painkiller cocktail was born.
Anegada:
Unlike the other mountainous islands, Anegada is flat and boasts vibrant coral reefs and world-famous fresh lobster dinners.
Norman Island:
Said to have inspired Treasure Island, Norman Island offers spectacular snorkeling at The Indians and The Caves.
Helpful Links for Planning Your BVI Catamaran Trip
- The Baths, Virgin Gorda
- Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke
- Norman Island Adventures
Must-Haves for Your Catamaran Adventure
Personal Essentials
- Soft-sided duffel bag (no hard suitcases – easier to store)
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing (swimsuits, coverups, sundresses, shorts)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (no aerosols — they damage the coral!)
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (with a strap so they don’t blow overboard)
- Flip-flops or water shoes (easy on/off when boarding the dinghy)
- Light sweater or jacket (evenings can get breezy)
- Travel-size toiletries (eco-friendly if possible)
- Leave your hair dryer and hot tools at home! Boat Hair Don’t Care!
On-the-Water Gear
- Snorkel gear (if your boat doesn’t have it)
- Dry bag (for dinghy rides to shore)
- Waterproof phone case (or GoPro if you want epic snorkeling videos)
Comfort & Fun
- Favorite playlists downloaded offline (sometimes no signal out there!)
- Books or e-reader (Kindle is perfect for sunny decks)
- Travel games or playing cards (great for evenings)
- Insulated water bottle or tumbler (trash on board is an issue plus it’s eco-conscious)
- Small flashlight or headlamp (helpful after dinner ashore)
Health & Safety
- Seasickness remedies (wristbands, Dramamine, ginger chews) Reliefband: Amazon Link for Relief Band for motion sickness (paid link)
- Small first aid kit (including aloe for any sunburns) https://amzn.to/4lVvw07 (paid link)
- Insect repellent (especially for evenings onshore)
- Prescription medications (enough for the whole trip plus a few extras)