Without a doubt the best way to enjoy all that the British Virgin Islands has to offer is by boat! How else will you get to visit all the islands in one trip? Or explore the hidden beaches – many of which are only accessible from the water? And how better to see all of the sea life?
Imagine the open ocean stretching out ahead of you, the wind to take you and, at the end of the day, the sway of the water as it rocks you to sleep at night.
The BVI is known for its excellent sailing conditions, fantastic weather year-round, adventures on the water and islands to explore. A week on charter enjoying all of that makes for a simply idyllic holiday.
Possibly I’ve mentioned this once or twice before but… Getting out for a day or two on the water is one of my absolute favourite things to do!
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Experienced sailors can take advantage of the many bare boats available to charter locally. But, if you would appreciate the local knowledge of a captain, or can afford the luxury of having a crew take care of your every need – then a crewed charter is perfect!
Luckily for me, every once in a while, I get to stow away and get out on the water too. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what happened last weekend, when we hopped aboard Cuan Law.
Cuan Law is one of the largest sailing trimarans in the world and was perfect for our big family and friends group. Twelve adults, eight children and seven crew boarded for a three day charter (please note – charters usually run for one week). Three days of diving, snorkeling, sailing, exploring and fine dining.
With the crew in place, our captain responsible for the itinerary and the chef (who needs to be held accountable for all the extra lbs I gained) we set sail.
Cuan Law also has two dive instructors on their crew and is predominantly known for their dive charters – taking their guests for 2 or 3 dives a day! Our group opted for 1-2 dives a day.
These dives are part of the Cuan Law package – the cost of your dive tanks (aluminium 63s, 80s and 100s), weights, belts, masks, fins, snorkels and air and all included in your charter cost. Further rental dive equipment is available on board, including regulators and BCs.
While I wasn’t diving for medical reasons – I very much enjoyed all the snorkeling opportunities. Especially when the group dived the wreck of the Rhone.
Arguably the BVI’s most famous dive site, the stern of the Rhone is the shallowest part of the dive and can also be snorkeled. The visibility was great and it was fantastic to watch the divers beneath us. Swimming through clouds of their bubbles and watching them move around the wreck below us was probably one of my favourite snorkeling experiences.
Read more about my underwater camera equipment and the App I use to correct the colours
RASH GUARD SWIMSUIT | FULL FACE MASK | FINS (similar) | UNDERWATER CAMERA
When we weren’t diving and snorkeling there were scheduled hikes and excursions to join as well as plenty of other water sports available. We visited the salt ponds at Salt Island, hiking to the top of the hill for the view of the ponds and the boat below us in the bay. On our last night we had a sunset walk up the steps to the ridge on Guana island with mimosas served at the top.
Every day the Hobie cats were out sailing with the kids, they went tubing and played on the full array of floatie toys and noodles available!
BIKINI | KIMONO | SUNGLASSES (similar)
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All this activity called for some serious fuel and the crew did not disappoint! Chef Patrick fed us like kings the whole time we were aboard. Sumptuous buffets for breakfast and lunch, a hot snack after activities at 5 pm and then a plated two-course dinner after that.
Your charter is all inclusive (all meals, snacks, beverages, bar and water toys) and they pull out all the stops with the dining. The buffets change daily and there are options for everyone, with all dietary preferences catered for. Freshly baked sweet treats are available with every meal along with platters laden with fresh fruit.
Before dinner the details of the plated main and dessert are posted (at around 5 pm when the snack is served). Chef will then discuss substitutions with anyone that requires them and temperature you would like your meat cooked etc. So much care and attention goes into the fantastic meals! We felt truly spoiled!
A bit more about Cuan Law:
She is one of the world’s largest sailing trimarans at 105 ft long with an impressive 44 ft beam. Built in 1988, she sleeps 20 guests comfortably in 10 spacious air-conditioned guest cabins, each with their own bathroom. Her two masts tower at 103 ft tall and she has working sail area of 5,200 sq ft.
Cuan Law has seven crew members aboard, Captain Chris, Chef Patrick, Engineer Ariel, the two Dive Instructors Reka and Sam and the two Stewardesses Kat and Rachel.
RASH GUARD SWIMSUIT | SUNGLASSES (similar)
Every time I get a few days exploring by boat, I am reminded why thousands of people come down to the BVI to do the same thing. To spend their hard-earned vacation dollars on a sailing vacation and a piece of what the BVI has to offer, even if only for a week. I really feel like a sailing holiday in the BVI takes some beating. A more relaxing but adventurous few days are hard to find. A different anchorage every night, a different island, a different beach – everywhere you look. And all of it just waiting for you to come and explore.
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For more information about Cuan Law and booking a charter (either for the full boat rental or for one cabin) see their website here. Alternatively you can contact info@cuanlaw.com or call +1 (284) 499 1999.
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