The bareboat charter company will give you maps, instructions on what to watch for, and information on where you need to stay while you’re out bareboating. But really, why would they worry about where you are?

The answer: because there are some surprising dangers if you venture outside the prescribed waters of the British Virgin Islands. Storms, pirates, and reefs all pose hazards that can do more than just ruin your vacation.

Perhaps the most common danger is overestimating your own skills with boating. Even if you have a boating license accepted by the charter company, do you really know what you’re doing? Can you handle sails with the crew you have by yourself, or do they need more seasoning? If there is any doubt in your mind, a day or two with a bareboat captain to train everyone might be a wise decision.

Storms are something you may worry about, especially during hurricane season. For the most part, the British Virgin Islands are free of sudden squalls, though you can expect afternoon showers to be common during summer. If you charter your bareboat in advance during hurricane season, make sure you also purchase vacation insurance. It is rare that a hurricane hits this area without warning, but it does happen occasionally. If you’re worried about the sky or wind, fire up the radio or head to shore. The charter company should be available to tell you what to do. Never try to ride the storm out yourself; while it’s true that boats near shore can be broken up by the wave action, ideally you should not be in the boat at all during a hurricane. If you are, stay in constant contact with the charter company so they can send you help.

Reefs are another hazard, but if you stay within the bounds of the map your charter company gave you, you shouldn’t find them to be a problem. If you do find yourself out to sea during a storm, they may become a problem, and you’ll want to steer well clear and downwind/downcurrent of them. Otherwise, just follow your maps.

Pirates are part of the history of the British Virgin Islands, and pirates still exist today throughout the world. They’re just thieves in boats, after all. If you’re in a boat by yourself on the sea, you are in a uniquely vulnerable position. The good news is that the British Virgin Islands are well-monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard and the BVI’s coast guard service, and pirates rarely venture into areas that are so heavily traveled. As long as you stay within the area prescribed by your charter company, you should be safe. Venture outside, and you may find some unpleasant surprises.

Most piracy around the Caribbean takes place close to mainland shores: Venezuela, Guatemala, Columbia, Brazil (where at least one wealthy yacht owner was killed), and other poverty-prone areas are most likely to have pirates operating offshore. On the islands, you’re more likely to find them near Trinidad. It is, however, a bad idea to pick up strangers without radioing shore first. Pirates sometimes masquerade as castaways or migrant workers. In addition, picking up a stranger may get you in trouble with the British Virgin Islands, as they do have a problem with illegal immigration and therefore have very strict laws. To protect yourself, always check first before picking up strangers, and pull in only at docks that your charter company recommends.

Avoid trouble in general. You’re on your vacation; don’t let it be ruined by mishaps.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is nothing less than Paradise on Earth, and Barecat BVI charters can help you experience the intimate resorts, inns, and villas the BVI have to offer. Sail into the Virgin Gorda “Baths”, a gorgeous natural attraction run by the BVI National Parks trust. “The Baths” are the most well known feature on the island. Unique due to the giant boulders or ‘batholiths’ brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions and then strewn across the island, many beautiful grottos and tranquil pools have formed. If you decide to snorkel with sea turtles in the coral ledges and caves, explore hidden sunlight “rooms” and little out of the way grottos, or swim or sunbathe on the white sandy beaches, you’ll enjoy everything the Virgin Gorda offers.

If your BVI Charter vacation brings you to the Virgin Gorda Baths, you’ll experience beautiful flowers, hot weather, amazing views, and great places to dine. Take the time to explore and experience what the area has to offer. Your BVI sailing experience should at least be an overnight trip-be sure to bring an underwater camera and some sun lotion!

If you are looking for a BVI charter vacation then consider a Bareboat charter as you then have the option to plot your own course. You’ll be able to stay as long as you like to explore the most popular local attractions. Reserve your affordable catamaran early because they are always popular and usually in high demand this season. Enjoy the Virgin Gorda Baths and many other gorgeous attractions and fantastic experiences a BVI sailing trip can provide!

If you are planning a Caribbean vacation, your destination should be the BVI (or British Virgin Islands). If you are unfamiliar with the BVI, they are the preferred place to sail for charter devotees everywhere-approximately 50 small islands and islets with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. You’ll find upscale resorts, laid back villas, family owned restaurants, as well as excellent beachfront restaurants and bars. If you like the idea of island hopping and exploring gorgeous natural scenery, you will love a BVI bareboat charter vacation.

Why a BVI bareboat charter vacation? So you have recently received your sailing certification and you’re ready to captain your boat. Or you’ve loved sailing for years. Either way, you are ready for a bareboat-charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands. The BVI is lucky enough to have constant winds that are ideal for bareboat charters. Don’t worry-if you are not ready to sail alone, there are captains available to safely take you to your destinations. Either way, there are a few important factors you should take into consideration when planning your bareboat-charter vacation:

When would you like to go? Decide what time of year you or your family are available to take a vacation. The trade winds are best December through March, but July and August are always popular and May is a good choice as well. Bareboat-charter vacation spots may close the month of September into the first week of October, with charters typically ending around August 20th due to the hurricane season. What climate do you prefer? How warm/cold would you like your destination to be? If you would prefer a bareboat-charter vacation in a somewhat temperate climate, then the Caribbean in February is a better option then in May. Lastly, what budget are you working with? There are many affordable bareboat-charters for all budgets.

Your vacation will be a combination of these three factors. A bareboat-charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands is spectacular in that it’s easy to get to (about 2 or 3 hours away from the USA by plane) and full of gorgeous scenery to explore, beaches to relax on, and fun activities as well. Whether you like to fish, go shopping, snorkel, sunbathe, enjoy an active night life, or just experience the joy of sailing, a Bareboat-Charter vacation is perfect for you.