We all know that the British Virgin Islands were hit hard – twice – by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, causing widespread damage and destroying many yachts in the charter fleets there. Still, the BVI remains the BVI, one of the best and most widely recognized charter and cruising destinations on the planet. The gorgeous water, the easily navigated cruising grounds, the dive spots – the basic geography – are the same today as they were before the storms. But what can you expect now if you want to go there?
Here’s a report from the people at Dream Yacht Charter about what one crew found in the last week of October. It starts by saying that damage is worst in areas of heavy development; the roads in Tortola are in bad shape, for example, and you need to allow extra time for taxi transfers. But grocery (and liquor) stores there are open and well stocked, even with fresh produce.
Once on the boat, you may want to plan a different itinerary than the traditional ones that charter and cruising captains have used for generations. Norman Island and Peter Island are still compelling destinations, and the Caves and the Indians are still great snorkeling spots. But on Norman both the Club and Pirate’s Bight restaurants are closed, and the Willy T is wrecked and basically an eyesore on the beach. On Peter Island, the Great Harbor moorings are all the same and Deadman’s Bay is still beautiful, but there’s extensive damage to the Peter Island Resort.
Read more here for an island-by-island report: https://www.dreamyachtcharter.com/bvi-bareboat-cruising-report-friends-allende/
