Feeling blue? Get a bareboat charter in the BVI with 12 Knots!

If you've got the Spring Blues around this season due to the drastic weather changes, you may want to get away from home and search for a place with crystal-clear waters, bright sunlight and white beaches. This place is real, the British Virgin Islands from the northeastern Caribbean. Tourists view the location as heavenly because not many places worldwide display similar features as the BVI.

But what can you do around here besides lounging and enjoying delicious meals and drinks? The British Virgin Islands are also the perfect spot for sports, such as snorkeling along dolphins or, even better, sailing around the breathtaking islands.

If you're waiting for your next adventure, here's how to get a bareboat charter in the BVI and why this opportunity will make the perfect holiday destination.

What type of yacht charter is best?

Sailing around the British Virgin Islands is one of the best experiences in the world. The weather is pleasant all year, and the sea is usually calm. However, the windy season around July might put you in trouble if you're sailing on a bareboat charter. Luckily, you can get a skippered charter provided with the service of a professional captain responsible for your safety. So you won't have to worry about the wind or other hazards (rocks and reefs).

The skipper on the boat will train you briefly on how to contact the base or perform emergency assistance procedures. It would be best to follow the skipper's recommendations on provisioning, itinerary and more, but you can always discuss any concerns and ideas with them.

How can you book a charter?

You can book your preferred charter online, which is as easy as renting a car! You only need to send an inquiry to 12 Knots and wait for their charter offer. After you check the charter and price suggestions, you have four days to confirm the booking, after which all required information must be filled in documents sent by the company. After the first instalment and payment confirmation, you can rest assured that you'll have the best time in the British Virgin Islands.  

What is the check-in and check-out procedure?

Checking in includes mainly safety briefing, provisioning details and such. You'll be introduced to your new accommodation for how long your stay is and become familiar with life on a boat. 

The check-out process includes other necessary factors to get your deposit back, which is required when booking the boat.

It would be best to return the charter in excellent condition, and that means:

• Cleaning your dishes and disposing of your rubbish;

• Refueling the boat in advance before the check-out;

• Notifying the base of technical issues;

• Checking out if the boat is in the same condition as you've received it;

Make a brief list of problems that appeared during the charter trip so the base manager can fix them. It's also the best thing to do to avoid getting charged for fixtures whose issues weren't your fault. For example, if you notice something broken the first time on the boat, take a photo and discuss it with the base manager. 

What are some great places in the BVI?

Besides the technical requirements, you should also plan your itinerary. For example, the best sailing places and tourist locations include the following:

• Tortola in Norman Island has plenty of beautiful beaches in the northern part, with impressive white sand; other reasons for coming to Tortola include the local Botanical Garden and the shopping opportunities in the capital Road Town;

• Pelican Island is one of the best snorkeling spots and is only 10 minutes away from Norman Island. If you're a diver, you can check out the RMS Rhone wreck royal mail ship from the 19th century;

• The Virgin Gorda Island has unique rock formations created by volcanic eruptions; these rocks can be climbed, or you can chill by the natural pools around the natural park called the Baths;

• The Sandy Spit is an excellent kite-launching spot and is also used by windsurfers as the wind between the funnels is going in a single direction;

Besides the sailing opportunities, you can also explore the British Virgin Islands on foot and hike at the National Park. The trail is easy to walk on, and you'll see one of the oldest forests of mahogany trees on the way.

But the people who always have fun are the most exciting thing about this place. From the Soggy Dollar Bar, where you can get the most popular drink, the Painkiller, to the Callwood Rum Distillery, there's always a party somewhere. So, be confident and enjoy the sun, the waves and the drinks because this is a one-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to prepare for a trip in the BVI for maximum comfort

If you enjoy the hot weather, the BVI has its dry season from January to July, with temperatures of up to 31°C (87.8 °F). The wet season between August and December has less torrid weather. However, if you want to travel in a less crowded period, choose the months of May, October and November.

Considering the tropical climate, it would be best to get some sunscreen because the risk of sunburn increases. Wearing comfortable and flowy clothes is necessary, but also be prepared with clothes for the night because the temperatures might decrease a little.

Regarding internet connection, using your mobile phone for scrolling the internet may not be possible since internet connection can be lost through the passages. Still, most charters are equipped with internet on board via WIFI so that you can communicate with your friends and family during the trip. 

Bottom line

The British Virgin Islands are home to one of the most beautiful beaches, the clearest water and the most incredible people. So, to fully explore it, get a charter boat and a skipper to drive you along the breathtaking places of the BVI. It would be best to book your trip beforehand. So, what are you waiting for? Make this summer the best one so far.