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Sample BVI Itinerary
TORTOLA & THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Truly the sailing Capital of the Caribbean! Fly into Beef Island Airport in Tortola and hop aboard the ferry for a scenic ride over to Tortolla. Your catamaran "home" will be Gardens Marina, just a taxi ride away from the ferry dock. For early arrivals, take a stroll to Nanny Cay Marina, where you can relax on the beach or sample the local cuisine at a seaside restaurant. Upon boarding, you'll enjoy cocktails while watching your first Caribbean sunset followed by a delicious dinner prepared by the yacht's chef.
Cruising Day 1:
The Caves on Norman Island, a short sail across the sheltered Sir Frances Drake Channel, brings you to your first experience of the beauty and splendor of the BVI, both above and below the surface. Snorkeling in what seems like an aquarium teaming with thousands of the most colorful fish. Your crew will explain the history of these caves and the treasure troves that have been found! A five minute motor around the headland brings us into "The Bight" on Norman Island, home of the famous "William Thornton", a floating bar and restaurant known to many as the "Willy T".
Cruising Day 2:
Freshly brewed coffee, a wonderful breakfast and a plunge off the back deck is the start to our sail along the coast of Peter Island, past Dead Chest Atoll and into Salt Island, all in protected, calm waters. Salt Island is the graveyard for the R.M.S Rhone which sunk off its Eastern point with all on board in 1896. This is one of the most famous wrecks in the world for scuba divers to explore. For those who are qualified, a Dive Master will accompany you for this unforgettable experience. For Non-divers, snorkel over the stern section or take a walk around the shoreline in search of buried treasure. Next we sail to The Baths at Virgin Gorda. Walk through the batholitic granite caves and formations to Devils Bay where your crew will meet you with a refreshing, packed cooler and your snorkel gear. We enjoy lunch back on the boat and then off we go for an hour's sail up the spectacular coast of Virgin Gorda and The Bitter End Yacht Club. Go ashore after dinner and take in a typical BVI evening with your favorite Rum Punch and Steel Drum Band.
Cruising Day 3:
Today we hoist all the sails and run out our fishing lines for a two hour cruise to the flat coral-sand island of Anegada with its endless white beaches. Feel the "talcum powder" under your feet while you stroll along the deserted beach. Tonight is your first night dining ashore. The prolific lobster population of this Island ensures a lobster meal second to none. Choose your lobster and watch it sizzle on the beach BBQ in front of the Anegada Reef Hotel or select a meal from the specials of the evening.
Cruising Day 4:
Another super sail back to Mountain Point on Virgin Gorda where we stop for lunch. Fantastic snorkeling amongst the granite boulders. From here, we sail through the Dog Islands to Marina Cay, a private Island Resort off the East side of Tortola. Michael Bean will entertain you with Pirate songs with his guitar and harmonica during happy hour on the top of the island. Dinner on board and a good night’s rest in this calm anchorage will prepare you for the exciting day ahead.
Cruising Day 5:
After coffee, we move to Monkey Point on Guana Island for breakfast. A snorkel around the unusual coral outcrops will reveal some strange marine creatures not often encountered. Lunch is at a unique little Islet off the Island of Jost van Dyke. With a good coverage of shade and a few palm trees, walk around this Island in just five minutes and snorkel the surrounding coral reef. Its nearly happy hour time at the world famous Foxy's on Jost van Dyke. Pin up a garment of clothing with your name written on it in Foxy's bar to join the many hundreds from all over the world.
Cruising Day 6:
White Bay, just around the corner from Foxy's, is a spectacular strip of white sand fringed with coconut palms. Put your dollars into your pocket and swim ashore to the Soggy Dollar Bar, where the original "Painkiller" cocktail was conceived. We spend a leisurely day here before returning to Tortola, checking in at the famous Soppers Hole. This is the last night where you will dine ashore and enjoy late evening entertainment.
Cruising Day 7:
After breakfast, we take a short cruise around to our base. Joyful memories and new made friends, we wish everyone farewell until the next Sailing Sabbatical or Radical Sabbatical.
St Maarten Sample Itinerary:
There is a reason why it is recognized as the European capital of the Caribbean, delightfully Dutch and fantastically French, this tiny island of just 36 sq miles is the smallest country shared by two nations. Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side. A short taxi ride to the Simpson Bay Marina and after meeting your crew and storing your bags, we encourage you to stroll around the duty free shopping and sidewalk cafes. You will board your catamaran at 5.00 pm and enjoy cocktails and dinner on board. Taxi services are available to take you to a Casino or for late night dancing – return at your leisure.
Cruising Day 1
After breakfast we depart through the Dutch Bridge on our way to Road Bay on the British Island of Anguilla. We have a leisurely morning sail and lunch at Road Bay after which you will have the opportunity to go ashore and mingle with the locals at Johns and enjoy the live music. See the locally made sailboats on the beach ready for the next regatta, which is the National sport of Anguilla. Also visit Roys bar and enjoy a cocktail with the resident beer-drinking parrot.
Cruising Day 2
Breakfast and we are off to Prickly Pear Cays – a remote uninhabited rocky atoll with amazing bird life and unspoiled lagoon surrounded by a living coral reef. Snorkel to the white powdery beach or jump in the dinghy with your Captain for a snorkel over the magnificent coral. An afternoon sail to Crocus Bay/Little Bay with a gentle Trade Wind to enjoy cocktails on the beach.
Cruising Day 3
A morning snorkel exploring the waters of Little Bay where shoals of small juvenile fish totally surround you and you can see the Pelicans diving. This area has been designated as a Marine Park providing excellent snorkeling and swimming in the azure waters. Later we sail down the coast of Anguilla and across the channel to Marigot the French Capital of St Martin. After lunch in the bay you have the opportunity to go ashore to explore this picturesque town and do some shopping. Late afternoon we anchor off Grand Case where you will dine ashore in the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.
Cruising Day 4
After breakfast and a short snorkel around Creole Rock, we head off to the small uninhabited island of Tintamare. This is a great adventure – if you dare! The clay cliffs of Tintamare will give you “Everlasting Youth” (according to the local folklore). You scrape up the clay, mix it with a little Caribbean Sea and plaster the paste all over your body. Bake in the sun until dry and wash it off while taking a swim and feel the difference. After lunch we set sail for Isle de Fourche – 2 hours away over open ocean. This island is the rocky remains of an extinct volcano with nothing but wild goats and cactus. We spend the night in this magnificent moonscape and for those who would like to climb to the summit – there are the most spectacular views.
Cruising Day 5
A short sail in the morning takes us to the beautiful harbor of Gustavia, the Capital of St Barts. This island boasts the getaway homes of many celebrities and magnificent Mega-Yachts. After exploring the wonderful array of old Caribbean buildings and very French shops and maybe doing an island tour, enjoy a cocktail at Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” Café. An afternoon snorkel around Gros Islets, the small island in the middle of the anchorage and then we move on to spend the night at Anse Du Columbier.
Cruising Day 6
The morning in Anse Du Columbier is spent exploring the bay in the kayak, walking on the beach or taking the (not too strenuous) cliff path into the next bay where the views are stunning. The bay is inaccessible by car and is totally unspoiled. There is also plenty of time for your last snorkel to see all the varieties of Caribbean fish you could wish for. After lunch we take a leisurely sail back to Simpson Bay, St Maarten to be in time for the Dutch Bridge at 5.30pm and then back to Marina. Enjoy an exquisite Cuisine of your choice ashore tonight.
Departure Day
A continental breakfast will be served and then we say our fond farewells until your next cruise on a Radical Sabbatical.
Sample Itinerary Grenadines:
THE GRENADINES
The Grenadines are regarded by most as the "Jewels of the Caribbean". We chose the island of St. Vincent as the home base and our yacht will be located at The Aquaic Center at Young Island Cut, a stones throw from the Mariners Hotel. Dinner is on board and preparation is made for an early morning departure.
Cruising Day 1:
After a light breakfast we set sail towards Mustique - the private island of the Super-stars. Inaccessible to most but private yachts, like ours, are welcome. After lunch, choose to explore the islands many stately mansions and beautiful beaches or snorkel the reef around the anchorage. Dinner is ashore and enjoyed at the popular Basils Bar where lime daiquiris and watching for the "green flash" is tradition.
Cruising Day 2:
The Tobago Cays - a few hours sail away from Mustique, is our destination and where we will explore for the next 2 days. Very often, pods of dolphin will come along and play in our wake. Snorkeling and diving on shallow live coral reef with their vast diversity of marine life is an experience second to none. Above the water, be sure to have your camcorders and cameras ready... welcome to paradise.
Cruising Day 3:
After lunch we stop at Union Island to visit the village of Toronto. Snorkeling amongst the pelicans diving to catch their prey is an unforgettable experience. Towering cliffs that plunge into the sea either side of a long white beach make this the perfect spot to take a bottle of wine to the beach... an unforgettable experience.
Cruising Day 4:
Mayreau Island lies on the South Western extreme of the Tobago Cays. Here, tucked away on its western side, is a unique slender stretch of land dividing the rugged windward side from the calms of the leeward. On the Leeward side is a stunningly gorgeous long white beach with a stone beach bar - you are now in Salt Whistle Bay. Venture over the top of the island to visit the little fishing village with its old Chapel and school. Before dinner onboard, your captain and hostess will prepare a floating bar with exotic cocktails. Sip and swim!
Cruising Day 5:
Enjoy the view from the yacht's fly-bridge as we set sail north to Canouan. Then onto an island as unique as its name implies - Bequia. Beaches, boutiques and friendly smiles greet you.
Dinner ashore at the Frangipani is the perfect end to the day and welcomes you to an evening, where steel pan and calypso will keep you dancing till dawn.
Cruising Day 6:
Another day in Paradise! Wake up to the soft sounds of surf lapping on the powder white sands of the Princess Margaret Beach. For the scuba diving charters, Bequia offers a host world class dive sites - if you look hard enough, you may be lucky to see Bequia's elusive Sea Horses! After lunch, we set sail back to St. Vincent where we once again spend the night in Young Island Bay.
Departure Day:
After breakfast, sadly your adventure comes to an end - but not for long. You will already have made plans for your next Sailing Sabbatical venture.
Sample Itinerary ABACOS OF THE BAHAMAS
Day 1:
Upon arrival into Marsh Harbor Airport, take a taxi to our home base Marsh Harbor Marina. Arrive early to explore the town of Marsh Harbor. Originally the sponging center of the Bahamas before becoming an agriculture hub, Marsh Harbor is now one of the main settlements in the northern islands. The islands include several restaurants and some of the best night life in the Bahamaian chain. Later on that evening we’ll enjoy dinner on the yacht and discuss the week’s agenda.
Cruising Day 2:
We cruise towards Hope Town, one of the most picturesque harbors in the Bahamas. Dominating the town is the well-photographed red and white striped lighthouse, which is on of the few manned lighthouses still in use by sailors in the Bahamas. Hope Town is a charming settlement with a wide selection of gift shops, restaurants historic museums and homes.
Cruising Day 3:
We set off for a cruise to Man of War stopping off at Johnny’s Cay along the way for some snorkeling. Man of War is a sleepy, but prosperous and well maintained settlement. The Alburys, famous for their Bahamian smack boats, to this day continue to build both small dinghies and larger vessels in the town. Don’t forget to check out Sally’s take-out offering delicious local food. Snorkeling can be found on the ocean side of the island.
Cruising Day 4:
Following a cruise to Great Guana Cay for a change of pace from the more developed cays, we anchor off this lovely cay in Fishers Bay and enjoy the beautiful long white beaches.
Cruising Day 5:
After lunch we cruise to Treasure Cay which has every convenience one could desire including excellent bars and restaurants as well as tennis, golf, swimming and several upscale shops. Stopping along the way Bakers Bay and Green Turtle Cay.
Cruising Day 6:
A delicious breakfast and we head back toward Marsh Harbor stopping at Matt Lowes Cay. We enjoy swimming in the Sea of Abaco before heading back to the marina for dinner ashore. That evening we take in the beautiful lighthouse from Hope Town sending its signal and creating a great memory of this trip.
Departure Day:
After breakfast, we swap emails and photos and we send you home with great memories and anticipation for your next Sailing Sabbatical.
On Board Activities
Each yacht is equipped with a variety of sporting equipment and activities for you to take part in during your charter vacation. All the onboard activities are made available as part of the provisioning fee.
Most of the Caribbean islands are protected marine sites, allowing for aquatic life in abundance. Sightings of turtles, stingrays and a multitude of marine life will leave you mesmerized. You will feel as if you are swimming in an aquarium, with crystal clear waters and visibility up to 100ft! Colorful fish and corals abound.
SEA KAYAKING & FISHING
Explore the waters on a sea kayak which gives you the chance to get a little exercise in.
The Caribbean offers an abundance of unique fish and we offer you the equipment you need to get your 'catch of the day'. There is nothing better than a freshly caught tuna grilled up on our yacht's barbecue.
SAILING
Interested in sailing? Although each of our Caribbean charters is staffed with a well-trained captain, they wouldn't mind a bit if you'd like to take the helm for a while or help with the sails. If you're so inclined, you can definitely learn a great deal about the intricacies of sailing, from reading charts, line rigging and understanding what all is involved with captaining a vessel such as ours.
SNORKELING and SCUBA DIVING
Festiva Sailing Vacations offers snorkeling on all of our itineraries. The variety for snorkeling and diving is suited for everyone, from the first time snorkeler to the most seasoned scuba veteran. The islands give you the opportunity to simply snorkel the shallow pools or navigate through forests of star coral and cave diving. There are numerous wrecks to snorkel, the most notable being the Rone (BVI), voted best wreck in the Caribbean by Skin Diver magazine.
Scuba diving is available on our Caribbean charters and is offered at no additional cost to our Cruise Club members. For non-members scuba diving is available at a $70/dive. Bring your own equipment or if you'd prefer, we offer all the supplies you will need on our designated diving charters which are captained with a certified dive master.
Dive locations are outlined by the Captain of the charter. An open water certification is required for Scuba; no experience is necessary for snorkeling.
