Are you ready to set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the breathtaking British Virgin Islands? Join me as I share my firsthand experience of The Yacht Week BVIs, where stunning beaches, delicious food, and unforgettable memories await. Let's dive right in!
Getting to British Virgin Islands
To kick off your Yacht Week BVIs, you'll head to Road Town, Tortola, where the main marina and check-in are located. Although there are no direct flights to Tortola from the EU or the US, don't worry! There are plenty of connecting destinations to choose from.
During my Yacht Week experience, I flew directly to St. Thomas (STT) in the US Virgin Islands. From there, a short ferry ride (approximately $55 per person) took us to Tortola. The ferry operates regularly and the journey takes around 45 minutes, offering beautiful views along the way.
What to Expect of the Yacht Week British Virgin Islands
Let's weigh the pros and cons of The Yacht Week BVIs, shall we?
Pros of The Yacht Week BVIs:
- Insanely beautiful beaches that will take your breath away.
- A tropical climate and picturesque islands that create a paradise-like atmosphere.
- Indulge in delicious food and sip on refreshing cocktails while enjoying the island vibes.
- Catamarans galore! Take advantage of the extra space and book a catamaran for the BVIs.
Cons of The Yacht Week BVIs:
- Getting to the British Virgin Islands can be a bit trickier with flights and ferries, but trust me, it's worth it!
- Keep in mind that shopping in the BVIs can be expensive, so plan your budget accordingly.
Before You Go to The Yacht Week British Virgin Islands
There are a few key things to prepare before any trip on The Yacht Week. Obviously, finding a killer crew and booking a boat is the most important!
Traveling Solo to British Virgin Islands? Or Need Crew for The Yacht Week?
Check out the free spots available. Alternatively, post on Yacht Week's Facebook Crew Finder page and wait for them to find you.
Whether you have a group of friends ready to book the trip of a lifetime or not, there are a few key ingredients to putting together a crew. First off, you want a group of open-minded, fun-loving people (with at the very least, a mild sense of responsibility).
TYW is all about having a good time, but keep in mind that carrying your own weight on costs, cleanup on the boat throughout the week and planning are essential for all crew members. Also, keep in mind that TYW has a “gender ratio” on most routes- meaning you’ve gotta bring some girls. Nobody wants a bro fest.
If you’re looking to join a crew, or are looking to fill your boat, you can find like-minded people at The Yacht Week crew finder to complete your tribe. Luckily for me, I found a group of awesome people with one available spot on a yacht through a crew finder.
Booking a Yacht on The Yacht Week
Booking your yacht for The Yacht Week BVIs is a straightforward process. I highly recommend opting for a catamaran as they offer more space and comfort. The British Virgin Island route has two different weeks to choose from, including two weeks over New Year's Eve. So, find the perfect timing that suits you and secure your spot!
BOOK The Yacht Week BVIs HERE
Whats Included in The Yacht Week BVI
When you book The Yacht Week BVIs, you'll enjoy a fantastic package that includes:
- Professional Skipper -meet our skippers!
- Accommodation for 7 days on a fabulous yacht.
- All-access passes to exclusive The Yacht Week events.
- Dinghy & outboard engine for island hopping.
- Yacht equipment, GPS, and nautical charts for the adventurous souls.
- An onboard sound system with cockpit control to keep the party going.
- Final cleaning of your yacht, so you can relax and enjoy.
- Towels & bed linen to make you feel at home.
- Mates and memories that will last a lifetime.
What to pack for The Yacht Week
Now that you're all set to go, it's time to pack your bags for The Yacht Week BVIs. Here's a list of essentials to ensure you're fully prepared for this incredible adventure:
Bag
First things first, do everything in your power to pack in a soft duffle bag. If everyone arrives with big, hard suitcases there is nowhere to store them and they will lay on top of your beds or in the living room. It’s the worst. Most cabins have mini-closets so you’re able to unpack most of your things and roll the duffle bag up to store completely out of your way.
Props & Toys
Get ready for some fun in the sun! Bring along props and toys like water guns, body paint, glitter, inflatable rafts, and floaties to make your Yacht Week BVIs experience even more exciting.
Miscellaneous
- Auxiliary cord or aux cable for playing your favorite tunes on the yacht's sound system.
- Bluetooth speaker, like the UE Roll 2, to keep the party vibes going.
- Check the local mobile plans for 7-day options with data and calls. Digicel Waterfront Drive Road Town offers one such option.
- LifeProof waterproof iPhone case to protect your phone during water activities.
- GoPro with a floaty back for capturing unforgettable moments.
- Selfie stick because, let's be honest, you'll want to document this epic journey.
- Multi-port charger to keep all your devices powered up.
- Floating keychain (optional) to prevent losing your keys in the water.
- Dry bag (optional) to protect any non-waterproof electronics or cameras.
- Battery-powered fan for your cabin (optional) in case the yacht doesn't have A/C or sufficient fans.
The Yacht Week Extra Costs
In addition to the cost of the yacht, meals and transportation costs, you will also have to pay for the fuel and port fees during the week that you sail.
Expect quite a lot of additional expenses in the BVIs. Port fees weren’t too bad (approx. $25/night) but grocery shopping is expensive. There is only one shop in Tortola before you set sail and things are quite pricey.
Some days, you may have to use taxi boats to get from your yacht to the shore depending on where you decide to spend the night, we never had to do this. I’ve included the different prices from The Yacht Week website in the list below.
TOTAL PER YACHT based on 10 people
| WATER | TAXIS | FUEL | PORT FEES | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | $232 | $450 | $500 | $1,100 – $1,500 |
Remember to show your appreciation for your skipper's hard work by tipping them at the end of the trip.
The Yacht Week Grocery Shopping Guide
Keep in mind that the BVIs can be a bit pricey, so budget accordingly. The grocery shopping experience in Road Town may be a bit costly, so factor that into your food and beverage budget. Plan to pool around $100 per crew member for groceries, but adjust accordingly based on your crew's preferences and dietary needs.
Remember to count your skipper as an extra head when estimating food and booze quantities. A well-fed skipper is a happy skipper, and they deserve to be taken care of too!
The only shop in Road Town requires a taxi ride to and from, so it’s best to choose 2 responsible crew members to tackle the shopping. You need the extra space in the taxi for the ride home and it’s easier to make executive decisions with 2 people vs the entire crew. Another option is to order groceries and have them delivered to the port on the day of arrival.
Breakfast
Start your mornings right with yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, bagels, and eggs for delicious breakfast options. Don't forget instant coffee for the caffeine enthusiasts!
Lunch
Prepare a refreshing caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Additionally, provide options like canned tuna, sandwiches, or pasta for a customizable lunch experience.
Dinners
While eating out for most dinners is a great idea, plan 2-3 meals to enjoy on the boat at sunset. Check if your yacht has stovetops, small refrigerators, or a BBQ on the back for cooking options.
Snacks
Keep everyone energized and satisfied with a variety of snacks. Include chips, gummy candies, fresh fruit, dried meats, cheeses, crackers, and hard-boiled eggs for quick protein boosts.
Drinks
Stay hydrated with plenty of water, allowing around 1.5 liters per person per day. Encourage everyone to bring refillable water bottles, and buy gallon jugs of water to save money. Stock up on alcohol, including wine, champagne, rum, beer, and mixers. Embrace the local cocktails like Painkiller and Bushwacker for a true taste of the BVIs!
Condiments
Don't forget to bring your own spices, sauces, mayonnaise, ketchup, and other condiments to add flavor to your meals.
Supplies
Remember to pack essentials like paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, and ziplock bags. If you plan on grilling, charcoal bricks will come in handy for easy cooking.
The Yacht Week BVI Experience Await
With your booked, crew assembled, and provisions in tow, you're ready for an unforgettable Yacht Week BVIs adventure. Get ready to soak up the sun, dive into crystal-clear waters, and party like there's no tomorrow. The British Virgin Islands offer breathtaking beaches, tropical vibes, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails. It's time to embrace the carefree spirit and make memories that will last a lifetime.
So pack your bags, gather your crew, and set sail for an incredible Yacht Week BVIs experience. Whether you're lounging on the deck, exploring hidden coves, or dancing the night away at exclusive events, this adventure will leave you with stories to tell and a longing to return. Prepare for a week of laughter, sunshine, and pure bliss in the paradise of the British Virgin Islands. Don't wait, book your Yacht Week BVIs now and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
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