What should boaters from the Northwest do when the weather is still cold and wet? – head to the BVI – the British Virgin Islands!

For the last two weeks, participants of two Waggoner Flotillas have been enjoying the clear blue waters and the warm 79-degree temperatures of the British Virgin Islands. Flotilla 1 was a group celebrating a friend’s 50th birthday at eight different islands. Days were filled with snorkeling and exploring, followed by dinner at the best local restaurants. Several evenings were filled with Caribbean music and dancing. Group 2 has just arrived and are on a 50-foot sailing catamaran, cruising between the islands and sharing in the fun.

Beach Scene with Eateries British Virgin Islands

Waggoner Guide Editor/Publisher, Mark Bunzel, has been leading group trips to the Virgin Islands for over 20 years. He has also co-authored a cruising guide for the Virgin Islands, soon to be released in its third edition with new co-writer Dave Ryan. “While I love the Pacific Northwest and cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska, the warm Caribbean and its friendly people have a special allure. With the warm clear water, you can roll right off the back of the boat. It can’t be beat,” said Bunzel. The islands are going through a re-birth since hurricanes Irma and Marie devastated the marinas and resorts four years ago. Many of the resorts are now open with brand new facilities. The charter fleets were sunk and decimated; now many charter companies feature new boats, with sail and power catamarans.

Virgin Gorda The Baths

Flotilla 1 cruised with a 5-year-old 51-foot power cat with 5 cabins and a fun group of 10, who chartered from Virgin Yacht Charters. Flotilla 2 is cruising the Virgin Islands this week in a 50-foot sailing catamaran chartered from Voyage Charters featuring 4 cabins and captain’s quarters. Both groups enjoyed overnight destinations with mooring balls and stays at marinas, some of which have pool facilities. Gatherings for group meals were onboard, and many meals were at local family restaurants. Looking for news back home on the internet, we all noted the recent fresh snow in Seattle as we checked to make sure we had adequate suntan lotion – okay, not to rub it in too deep.

Our trips also treated our crews to iconic destinations like the world famous “baths” on Virgin Gorda, an area of giant round boulders where you can hike though caves and caverns with clear blue waters and beautiful views. To round out some of our exploration of the local culture, the groups participated in a rum tasting at the Cooper Island Beach Club, where the rum tasting room features over 125 different rums, available in “flights” with an experienced guide to explain the many different flavors from different Caribbean countries.

Bathing at Virgin Gorda Among the Rocks

Mark Bunzel and the Waggoner Cruising Guide will be offering Virgin Islands trips again in November 2022 and again in April of 2023. If you would like to join us or get more information, email us at info@WaggonerGuide.com or call our office at 360-299-8500 to put your name on our list for the next trips. When the time comes, pack your mask, snorkel, a couple of t-shirts, and bathing suits; you’ll be ready to go! With a day’s air travel, you can be diving into the clear blue waters of the Caribbean and enjoying an adventure with a fun group of northwest boaters; an adventure you will never forget.