Much of the sailing community has been wondering what to expect when going back to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) after Hurricane Irma. Read on to see what is open and how things are recovering to help you plan your return to Tortola.
Overall
What condition is the Sunsail BVI base in?
The base facilities have recovered amazingly well. Restaurants, pool area and shower areas are all open and looking great for our charter guests.
What businesses are accepting credit cards?
There have been drastic changes in the last 6 months in the BVI. Back in December, very few places could accept credit cards due to poor Wi-Fi and internet connections. Now it is very rare to come across a business that does not take credit cards. The ones that only take cash have signs that say, “Cash Only”, and the vendors are more likely to tell you that they only take cash when you walk in and browse their merchandise.
Are there plenty of moorings balls available since Irma?
Trellis Bay
Is Trellis Bay open? Do they still have Full Moon Parties each month?
Yes, several businesses have reopened, and the beaches are in the process of being cleaned up. There were initially still a number of boats beached along the bay, but this is improving daily. Aragorn’s Studio shop has reopened, and the Trellis Bay Market, Bar & Grill are open as well. De Loose Mongoose has also reopened, with Caribbean food, drinks and even live music on some nights. Full Moon parties are still scheduled at Trellis Bay on the full moon. Aragorn’s fire balls and live music make it a much-anticipated event each month.
Anegada
How is Anegada recovering?
Anegada is still a great place to visit. The lobster party at Potter’s by the Sea is great, and – along with several other restaurant options along the settlement waterfront – offers fresh-caught lobster daily. The wells attached to the docks are full of live lobster. Be sure to radio ahead and pre-order your lobster dinner earlier in the day. It’s a fun party involving limbo in the sand with music in the background.
How do you get to Loblolly Beach on Anegada?
Once you’re moored and go ashore at Anegada, you’ll find scooter rentals near Potter’s. There may also be a few taxis waiting. The taxi drivers will take you to either Loblolly Beach or Cow Wreck but make sure you get their number to call for a ride back. Loblolly looks great with five cottages on the water, a beach bar, ice cream parlour, and restaurant. The trees out in the sand are lined in the shade with hammocks and the blue painted walkways will get you around the property with ease.
Cooper Island
Is Cooper Island open?
Cooper Island is open and everything seems rebuilt. They have a coffee shop with local coffee beans and a brewery in the back. The beer is available in the coffee shop, the rum bar, and at the restaurant bar to the far right of the island. There is no separate brewery on its own, but you can see the barrel system through a window in the coffee shop. Further down the beach you will hit The Cooper Island Beach Club Restaurant. Be sure to arrive early for a mooring ball, and radio ahead for dinner reservations.
The Baths
Are The Baths in good condition following the hurricane?
There has been a great overall improvement in The Baths. The picnic tables are back and the little beach bar is open, which is cash only. The trail is very clean and easy to navigate because the sand is cleared and the steps are back. The restaurant at the top has great views and as you walk around the pool, you realize the pool deck and restaurant are built in and around the rocks.
CocoMaya
What is CocoMaya? How do I get there?
CocoMaya is a restaurant and bar on Virgin Gorda that seems to be getting more attention since the hurricanes, as it opened before many of the other dining establishments. CocoMaya is closed on Mondays, but it's one of the nicest bar and restaurants in the BVI. There’s a huge gas fire pit on the beach and beautiful woodwork, mirrors, and swings hanging from the ceiling at the bar. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth the trip.
The best way for charterers to visit is to moor at Spanish Town and take a taxi.
Leverick Bay
Is Leverick Bay open?
Leverick Bay is now a great stop again. The docks are back, with slips big enough to dock for the night. They have scuba rentals and jet skis. The pool is full of water again and Pusser’s is back open, as is the restaurant upstairs, which has bathroom facilities with showers for the public. A short walk up the hill, there is a great store with everything you could need.
Peter Island
Is Willy T’s back? Are there mooring balls available?
Yes! The Willy T is back open for thirsty visitors from its brand-new location at Great Harbour, Peter Island. There is a small mooring field available along the western end of Great Harbour. Anchoring can be more challenging, as the harbour is very deep – close in along the eastern shore is best.
Clearly, the British Virgin Islands are on the road to recovery, but local people and businesses are eager and willing to welcome more sailors back. It will take time, but the evidence suggests the islands are coming back stronger than ever.
Call our experts
Book online today