Week 1: Friday April 19th (Evening) - Saturday April 27th (Morning)

While we're planning on crushing 2024 with Croatia, we're kicking off spring with a trip back to the Spanish Virgin Islands.  The Spanish Virgin Islands are a quick sail from the US Virgin Islands and are actually part of the US.  The Spanish Virgin Islands are so incredible this will be our second trip in five years.  Why?  Simple.

Secluded Beauty: The Spanish Virgin Islands, which include Culebra and Vieques, are less developed and more secluded compared to their neighboring U.S. and British counterparts. This means you can explore pristine beaches, unspoiled landscapes, and tranquil anchorages without the crowds often found in more popular destinations.

Untouched Nature: The Spanish Virgin Islands are known for their natural beauty. You'll find stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and lush coastal landscapes. This makes it a paradise for snorkelers, divers, and nature enthusiasts.

Relaxed Atmosphere: The Spanish Virgin Islands offer a laid-back and authentic Caribbean experience. The pace of life is slower, allowing you to truly unwind and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Bioluminescent Bays: Vieques is famous for its bioluminescent bays, where microscopic organisms emit a blue-green glow in the water when disturbed. This creates a surreal and magical experience, especially during nighttime kayak or boat tours.

Less Crowded: Unlike some of the more well-known Caribbean sailing destinations, the Spanish Virgin Islands tend to be less crowded. This allows for a more intimate and peaceful sailing experience, with fewer boats and tourists around.

Local Culture: The Spanish Virgin Islands have a strong Spanish influence, which is reflected in their culture, cuisine, and architecture. You can explore charming towns, enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and interact with friendly locals.

Variety of Anchorages: The Spanish Virgin Islands offer a variety of anchorages, each with its own unique charm. From quiet bays to secluded coves, you'll have plenty of options for dropping anchor and enjoying the surroundings.

Never sailed? No problem! Join another group who has an experienced sailor. Just kick back, apply some sunscreen and enjoy a beverage! Want to sail the boat yourself? We can also arrange that.

This will blow any other spring trip out of the water. Every single day you will wake up to a sunrise either over a beautiful beach or across the ocean. You won’ t have to see the island twice. Want that morning swim? That's only 10 feet away.

Tentative Itinerary:

• Arrive at French Town Marina on Friday evening. We sleep on the boat the first night. We will receive all provisions and then congregate for 1-2 (limit strictly not enforced) beverages.

• We'll grab a group breakfast at 7:30 AM SHARP. Breakfast will be done by 8:30 and we will all depart together.

• You'll leave Charlotte Amalie in the rising sun as you race the sun across the sky to Culebra.  Culebra is a small nature reserve, home to a wide variety of nature.  You can take a quick hike up to the light house as well.  There are also a few nice snorkeling spots.  

• Following a day in Culebra, you'll pick up anchor and take a short sail over to Flamenco Beach.  Flamenco beach was ranked 3rd best beach in the world with a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award.  There are a plethora of parrot fish, blue tang, and wrasse. Don't forget to check out the tank on the beach!

• Once you've had your fill of tanks, beaches, and relaxation, you'll pick up anchor and head to the southern half of the island.  Depending on wind conditions you may anchor off of Playa Sardinas or directly off the main city of Culebra!  There are several highlights from the always exhilarating Dinghy Dock or stop and grab a taco at Zaco's.  We'll likely spend a night or two anchored off of Culebra.  

• Just west of Puerto Ferro is one of the most spectacular bays on the island, Puerto Mosquito. Home to one of the most spectacular bioluminescent (phosphorescent) bays in the Caribbean. The DPNR has installed a few moorings at the entrance and motors are NOT to be used in the bay. Puerto Mosquito is known locally as a good hurricane hole.

• If there is something you must do during your lifetime, it is to dive from the deck of a boat on a moonless night into the dark and serene waters of one of these bays and become part of the magic. You will see the water splash up in a burst of millions of lights as if fireworks were sent up from the depths. As you glide through the water you develop an eerie glow and when you resurface, thousands of sparkling lights remain on you for a brief moment. Do not miss this natural wonder.

• We will end up spending two nights on Vieques thus you will have a chance to  check out Esperanza!  Esperanza is the main southern town with a beachfront strip that offers fun indoor and outdoor dining. If the area looks familiar, you might wish to know that the movie Lord Of The Flies was filmed here in 1963.

• Following a few relaxing days in Vieques, we'll take the trip back upwind to St. Thomas and finish off at Honeymoon Beach with a final beachfront martini.  The trip will wrap up Saturday morning in time for you to catch the afternoon flights out!

Total Distance: 115 NM

Time Sailing: Average of 2 Hours Per Day

Note: Depending on wind, we may swap heading to Vieques to first then go to Culebra.