Looking for the best vacation? In 2021 my friends and I lived the dream, which was a sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands. We boarded a luxurious 52-foot yacht, complete with a knowledgeable captain, to explore this paradise for a week. Our skipper expertly guided us through the intricacies of yacht life and customized our adventure to our desires.

Our yacht featured six staterooms, a functional kitchen, multiple restrooms, areas to relax and socialize, and a sound system. Choosing a motorized yacht gave us the flexibility to sail with wind or motor, which was essential for a seamless journey.

Our travel advisor, Kim Daffron of Travelmation, was instrumental in connecting us with a reliable charter company, organizing flights to St. Thomas, and arranging water taxis to Tortola.

Our unforgettable week unfolded like this:

Our adventure began with boarding and provisioning the yacht, followed by dinner at Peg Legs Beachside Restaurant.

Norman Island offered world-class snorkeling at The Indian rock formation and the legendary Treasure Caves. Lunch at Willy T’s, a renowned floating bar accessible only by boat, set the tone with its lively atmosphere. After a full day of exploring the coves, we anchored overnight at Norman Island and dined beachside at Pirates Bight.

The day included snorkeling at Salt Island, which revealed marine life and the wreck of The Rhone, a sunken ship from 1867. Our evening at Cooper Island Beach Club featured its famed rum bar and top-notch restaurant.

The iconic Baths National Park welcomed us with its granite boulders and serene rock pools. Hiking the Caves trail to Devils Bay was a photo-worthy journey. We cruised to Saba Rock for lunch and visited Oil Nut Bay Resort and Gorda Peak National Park, staying overnight at Leverick Bay.

A three-hour sail brought us past Necker Island to Anegada, where Cow Wreck Beach’s picturesque white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters awaited. Dinner at The Wonky Dog and festivities at Potter’s by The Sea capped the day.

This private island offered multiple swimming pools, a swim-up bar, beaches, hiking, and watersports, ending with dinner at Donovan’s Reef.

A lively day unfolded on Jost Van Dyke with visits to famed beach bars like Soggy Dollar, Foxy’s, Ivan’s, and One Love Bar offering tropical cocktails, live music, and stunning seaside views.

Our sailing finale included a stop at Peter Island before returning to Tortola.

Arrive a day early and extend your stay post-sailing to explore Tortola. Early booking is advised as these trips are popular.

Stunning beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and crystalline waters made this week in the BVI an unforgettable experience and a dream vacation.