Sailing in the Virgin Islands vs the Bahamas
Choosing a location when sailing the Caribbean often comes down to personal preference. While it’s important to weigh factors like safety, things to do, and sailing conditions, it also comes down to some specifics regarding what you are looking for from your sailing vacation. The Virgin Islands and the Bahamas are two of the most beautiful places to sail anywhere in the world. But which is best for you? Here’s a look at sailing in the Virgin Islands vs the Bahamas.
Sailing in the Virgin Islands
If you plan a sailing trip in the Virgin Islands, you’ll experience the famous champagne sailing in the Caribbean Sea. There are a lot of things we love about sailing in the USVI and BVI, but you’ll want to know the pros and cons before booking a trip.
Pros
- You can sail almost anywhere: As long as you have a passport, you can sail almost anywhere in the Virgin Islands safely. You can explore the USVI and BVI and even head over to the Spanish Virgin Islands. All of these locations are considered safe for visiting and sailing.
- Mellow sailing conditions: Sailing in the Virgin Islands vs the Bahamas can come down to how comfortable you are with navigating and sailing. Our instructors are here to help if you take ASA courses. However, if you’re chartering a bareboat, the deeper waters and steady winds in the Virgin Islands can make it easier to sail.
- Smaller sailing area: The Virgin Islands are a lot smaller than the Bahamas, so it’s easier to stay within the area you are trying to sail.
- Mooring is easier: There are many more mooring balls in the Virgin Islands, making it easier to reserve a mooring location during peak sailing season.
Cons
- Cost: Sailing in the Virgin Islands vs the Bahamas is generally more expensive for lodging, food, and flights.
- Fewer anchoring sites: The Virgin Islands require you to use mooring balls in many locations, reducing the number of locations you can anchor in. You also often need to reserve these ahead of time.
- Nightlife: While there are some bars and restaurants, especially in the British Virgin Islands, your options for nightlife are limited in the Virgin Islands vs the Bahamas.
Sailing in the Bahamas
Sailing in the Bahamas is an exciting opportunity that many sailors dream about. The 5,349 square miles of islands around the Caribbean Sea offer sailors a chance to explore some of the most pristine ocean waters in the world. So, how does sailing in the Virgin Islands vs the Bahamas compare? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of sailing in the Bahamas.
Pros
- Anchoring: It’s much easier to drop anchor in the Bahamas than in the Virgin Islands. The waters are shallow and there are fewer anchoring restrictions, allowing you to explore more coves and beaches easily.
- Cost: Sailing in the Bahamas is more affordable than the Virgin Islands. You can generally find cheaper flights, accommodations, and food.
- Experienced sailing: Because of the shallow waters and narrow channels, sailing in the Bahamas can be challenging. This makes it a popular choice for taking advanced sailing courses or venturing out on your own.
Cons
- Weather: The Abaco Islands are gorgeous for much of the year, but you can experience more rain in the Bahamas than in the Virgin Islands. The Bahamas also goes through hurricane season early, which can lead to stronger storms.
- Crime: Some sailors are hesitant to visit the Bahamas because of safety concerns. While it’s true that there are some issues with crime, most of that is around Nassau and other areas we don’t sail. Abaco is extremely safe to sail, especially with our expert instructors.
- Conditions: The challenging passages, shallow waters, and wind variance may not suit inexperienced sailors chartering a bareboat.
Which Islands Are Best for You?
Now that you know more about sailing in the Virgin Islands vs the Bahamas, you can plan the best location for you and your group. Take some time to learn more about the Bahamas and Virgin Islands sailing before planning a sailing adventure!