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A seven-day Caribbean passage
USVI to BVI
and back.
A catamaran journey from St. Thomas through the celebrated anchorages of the British Virgin Islands—then home by way of St. John.
Explore the itinerary ↓Two territories. One beautiful sea.
Cross the channel.
Follow the islands.
Begin among the protected waters surrounding St. Thomas. Clear into the BVI, then follow a graceful arc through Norman Island, Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke.
Short passages, inviting anchorages and world-class snorkeling make this a rewarding route for a capable cruising crew.
This is a suggested itinerary—not a guaranteed departure or substitute for current charts, weather analysis, customs guidance, charter-company rules or the skipper’s judgment.
Norman Island
Snorkel The Caves and settle into The Bight beneath the island’s legendary pirate stories.
Virgin Gorda
Walk between giant granite boulders at The Baths before continuing to North Sound.
Jost Van Dyke
Finish the BVI portion with bright beaches, relaxed island character and a final sunset offshore.
01St. Thomas → Christmas Cove6–10 nautical miles · An easy first sail+
Board in St. Thomas, complete the yacht and safety briefing, provision, and confirm all international paperwork. Sail to Christmas Cove on Great St. James for a relaxed first afternoon.
- Swim, snorkel or paddleboard
- Practice mooring pickup and anchoring procedures
- Enjoy dinner aboard or Pizza Pi when operating
02Christmas Cove → Soper’s Hole → Norman Island15–20 nautical miles · Enter the BVI+
Depart early for the official BVI port of entry selected in your clearance plan. Complete Customs and Immigration before visiting other BVI locations, then continue to Norman Island.
- Snorkel The Caves
- Swim in The Bight
- Visit Pirate’s Bight or the Willy T if operating
03Norman Island → Cooper Island10–12 nautical miles · Reefs and quiet water+
Begin with an early stop at The Indians when conditions and mooring availability permit. Cross the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Manchioneel Bay.
- Snorkel The Indians
- Look for turtles near Cistern Point
- Enjoy sunset at Cooper Island Beach Club
04Cooper Island → The Baths → North Sound12–16 nautical miles · Virgin Gorda icons+
Reach The Baths early, use an authorized National Parks mooring, and follow current dinghy and swim-zone rules. Continue to North Sound in the afternoon.
- Walk the boulder trail to Devil’s Bay
- Swim and explore the shoreline
- Choose Leverick Bay, Saba Rock or Bitter End for the evening
05North Sound → Cane Garden Bay20–25 nautical miles · The long sailing day+
Sail west along Tortola. If timing, weather and the crew allow, consider a snorkeling stop before continuing to Cane Garden Bay.
- Enjoy a rewarding open-water passage
- Swim off one of Tortola’s best-known beaches
- Dine ashore and listen for live island music
06Cane Garden Bay → Jost Van Dyke6–10 nautical miles · Beaches and island life+
Make the short passage to Jost Van Dyke. Visit White Bay when conditions and access suit the vessel, then reposition for a secure overnight and planned departure clearance.
- Relax on White Bay
- Visit Great Harbour
- Complete BVI departure procedures at the correct official port
07Jost Van Dyke → St. John → St. Thomas15–20 nautical miles · Return to the USVI+
Depart early and report arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection as directed. Continue to the charter base with ample time for fuel, water, waste service and checkout.
- Use CBP ROAM if eligible and follow all instructions
- Allow time for an in-person inspection if directed
- Return before the charter company’s deadline
Before departure
Cross borders
with a plan.
International cruising adds responsibilities beyond ordinary island-hopping. Confirm every requirement with official authorities and your charter company shortly before departure.
Passports and entry documents
Every traveler needs the correct passport and immigration eligibility. Complete any required BVI electronic entry declaration within its current permitted window.
Clear in before exploring
On arrival, proceed to an official BVI port of entry and complete Customs and Immigration before anyone goes ashore elsewhere.
Report the U.S. return
The captain may initiate arrival reporting through CBP ROAM when eligible. CBP can still require an in-person appearance.
Reserve and keep alternatives
Popular moorings fill quickly. Keep alternatives for north swell at The Baths, uncomfortable Cane Garden Bay conditions, or a delayed customs stop.
Good questions
Know before
you cast off.
Is this a scheduled school trip?
This page presents a suggested itinerary. Contact Lake St. Clair Sailing School to discuss possible dates, group opportunities and your goals. Yacht, pricing, crew and departure details require separate confirmation.
Can we follow this exact route?
Not always. Weather, swell, customs-office hours, mooring availability and the yacht’s return deadline may require the skipper to reorder, shorten or replace stops.
Can I earn ASA certification?
Certification is not automatically included. Ask about instructor availability, prerequisites, course standards and whether training can be appropriately arranged on a specific voyage.
What should be included in the budget?
Ask for an itemized quote covering the yacht, skipper or crew, customs and cruising fees, National Parks permits, moorings, fuel, food, water, insurance, transfers and any optional instruction.
When is the best time to sail?
The Virgin Islands are sailed year-round, but conditions and risks vary by season. Discuss trade winds, north swell, tropical-weather exposure and charter availability for your exact dates.
Your next horizon
Let’s talk about
the Virgin Islands.
Share your preferred dates, group size and sailing experience with Captain Ranam.
Suggested itinerary. Availability, pricing, yacht arrangements, border formalities and any instruction are confirmed individually.
