A daysail charter in the BVI is an experience that intrinsically captures the essence of the islands. The Territory is renowned for the crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant marine life and diverse island landscapes. The calm seas, steady trade winds and short distances between islands offer some of the best sailing conditions in the world. The warm water is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving, making it an ideal destination for an island-hopping day sail excursion.
Planning Your Daysail
Choosing the right boat and itinerary is essential when planning your daysail charter. Aristocat Daysails offers a host of popular itinerary options, whether you want to sail to Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Cooper Island or plan a custom trip. They have two 45-foot sailing catamarans and one 27-foot powerboat (which can accommodate up to 26 guests and 8 guests, respectively) and they offer both shared group charters or private day sails and a shorter cruise ship excursion.
A typical daysail charter starts at 9:30 a.m. and returns to the dock at 4:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore multiple islands and cays. The charter includes lunch, refreshments (water, sodas, beer, seltzers and select cocktails), snacks, snorkelling gear, paddle boards, pool noodles and life jackets, ensuring you can make the most of your day out.
Setting Sail
As we drove west along the coast road towards Hannah Bay—where we were meeting the boat and crew—I glanced out the window at the channel, already dotted with white sails. The sky was a little grey and overcast, but I could see pockets of blue and shafts of sunlight breaking through the clouds. It was going to be a great day on the water.
After a quick safety briefing from Captain Jorn and some nifty work on the lines from the crew, we cast off the dock and headed out on our watery adventure. The gentle breeze filled the sails as we left the harbour behind. The anticipation of our day ahead was building. The true beauty of the BVI lies not just in its islands but also in the journey between them. With the sails unfurled, we settled comfortably on the spacious trampolines, enjoying the brightening sunshine and the salt-tinged breeze.
Exploring Norman Island
As we picked the Norman Island itinerary, including stops at the Indians and the Caves, we headed straight to the Indians. This itinerary is one of Aristocat’s most popular daysails due to the calmer sailing conditions, the best snorkelling and the longest time at each stop. It is also their most child-friendly itinerary.
The Indians, a group of four rocky pinnacles jutting high out of the sea, offer some prime snorkelling in the BVI. With abundant marine life, it is an underwater national park alive with fish and coral. After a brief snorkel stop, it was time to explore the nearby caves. Norman Island is often credited as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and legend has it that some of the treasure buried on Norman Island is also hidden in these caves. Whether true or not, the Caves are a series of three water-level caves you can swim into, where you’ll find yet more colourful coral and schools of tropical fish.
Lunch at Little Harbour, Peter Island
After a morning of sailing and snorkelling, it was time to head to our last destination for the day – Little Harbour, Peter Island – to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The crew on board Aristocat provide a freshly prepared lunch, featuring tropical fruit, cheeses and cold cuts for sandwiches, salads, chips and coleslaw. We had indeed built up a healthy appetite. This quieter anchorage is a favourite for sea turtle spotting due to its pristine bay and sandy bottom with plenty of seagrass. Following lunch there was time for one last swim before we sailed back to Tortola.
Other Itinerary Options
Aristocat’s shared daysail options include itineraries to Jost Van Dyke – visiting White Bay and Sandy Spit for a beach-focused day leaving out of West End, or sail to Cooper Island with a stop at Haulover Bay for another excellent snorkelling excursion. Private charters open yet more possibilities with custom trips and a variety of pick-up locations.
A daysail charter in the British Virgin Islands is more than just a day on the water – it’s an immersive experience that combines adventure, relaxation and the natural beauty of the Caribbean. Whether exploring the hidden gems of the Indians, snorkelling the coral reefs, or simply soaking up the sun on White Bay, the BVI offers a sailing experience like no other.
Aristocat’s Fleet:
- Two 45-ft sailing catamarans (up to 26 guests)
- One 27-ft powerboat (up to 8 guests)
What’s included:
Lunch, drinks, snorkelling equipment, paddle boards, pool noodles and life jackets.
Rates:
Start at $175 per person for a shared group charter.