Visiting the VI

A great VI sailing school will offer you a wealth of information to decide if they are the best fit for you before you book. Here is what you should expect to see from a great VI sailing school before deciding on whether to set sail with them: 1. Plenty of Top-Notch Ratings 5 star…

It can feel like a big jump to go from being a weekend warrior sailor to embracing a full-time sailing lifestyle. Here are a few tips to get you ready for the big transition:  1. Try Out A Few Different Liveaboard Options First Getting as much experience as possible before becoming a full-time sailor is…

You’ll find the Caribbean’s top beaches in St. John in the US Virgin Islands. However, it’s more than the sparkling turquoise blue waters and white, crystal sands that make St. John beaches so special. Here are six stand-out features of St. John’s beaches that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else: 1. Protected by…

Sailors tend to be the type of people who are always looking for new adventures. Here are a few fabulous adventures we recommend adding to your sailing bucket list no matter how experienced or new you are to sailing: Circumnavigate an island Circumnavigating the world is a great sailing bucket list item— but it’s not…

Wondering where to eat while in the Virgin Islands? From the top restaurants in the VI to unforgettable local cuisines, here’s what you need to know about dining in the Virgin Islands: 1. Visit One of the VIs Unique Restaurants You’ll find some incredibly unique restaurant options in the Virgin Islands. That’s in part thanks…

Sailing on a private boat in the Caribbean offers ultimate freedom and luxury! Here is what you need to know before booking a yacht charter vacation in the Caribbean:  Booking Sailing Trips Directly vs. Through a Broker When you start searching for companies to book a yacht charter vacation through, you’ll be met with two…

The U.S. Virgin Islands is generally regarded as a safe place to sail. However, before setting off on your USVI adventure, there are a few things you should know regarding safety in the Virgin Islands.   Safety While Sailing the U.S. Virgin Islands The safety risk while sailing in the U.S. Virgin Islands is very low….

If you already have your basic sailing courses completed, you may be wondering what’s next. Oftentimes, ASA 118 is a logical next step to improve your sailing abilities. Here’s why: What Is ASA 118? ASA 118 is the docking endorsement course offered through the American Sailing Association. This 2-day course equips sailors with the knowledge…

Checking the weather is an absolute must before heading out on the water. However, what are the best tools for checking sailing weather before setting off on your adventure? Check out the 5 favorite tools of Go Sail Virgin Islands: 1. NOAA NowCOAST The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is one of the best…

Is travel insurance a great investment or a waste of money? Here’s our take on whether or not to buy travel insurance for your Virgin Islands sailing trip.  Is Travel Insurance Required in the Virgin Islands? No, it is not required to buy travel insurance in order to visit the Virgin Islands. This might come…

Setting sail outside of the U.S. and not sure if you need a sailing certificate? Read on to discover everything you need to know about international  sailing certificates, when you need them, and how to get one:  What is an international sailing certificate? An international sailing certificate is proof that you meet the basic requirements…

The world is full of sailing itineraries and trips! So how do you choose the perfect sailing location for your trip? The Virgin Islands has some of the best sailing conditions you’ll find anywhere and  should absolutely be a top contender for your next sailing adventure. Here’s what makes sailing here so impressive:  1. Temperatures…

Bareboating sailing provides sailors the opportunity to rent a sailboat without a crew. It’s a truly unique and wonderful experience, made all the better if you plan your trip in the Virgin Islands! Here’s why: 1. Bareboat sailing is the most customizable way to see the Virgin Islands Bareboat sailing gives you the freedom to…

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are both absolutely gorgeous sailing locations. However, if you are only able to visit one on your upcoming Caribbean trip, these tips will help you to make an informed decision about which territory to go to first:  BVI vs USVI Passports and Visas For U.S….

The key to finding the best sailing schools in the Virgin Islands is knowing what to look for. In this post we discuss what elements to look for before booking your dream sailing course. This includes finding the best deal, greatest instructors, most flexible sailing schools, and most fun courses. Here?s how you can ensure…

Stuck between the choice of hiring a captain vs. chartering your own bareboat in the Virgin Islands? Let us help you make an informed decision. Read on to find out which option is best for you. What Does It Mean to Charter Your Own Bareboat? To put it simply, bareboating means sailing without a crew….

Unsure what you need to bring for a Virgin Islands ASA certification course? This list will make sure you are fully prepared before your adventure begins: 1. The Essentials Many of the things you’ll want to bring to your Virgin Islands ASA certification course are the same things you’d want to bring on any other,…

ASA sailing courses aren’t just for beginners. Captains with all levels of experience can benefit from taking sailing lessons. Here’s why: 1. There is always more to learn The learning journey never ends! This is especially true when it comes to sailing. Even captains  with decades of experience continue to find new tricks of the trade, more efficient ways of getting things done, and new environments to hone their skills. ASA sailing courses provide you with a structured environment that allows you to acquire and perfect sailing skills, without having to learn the hard way.  2. Every captain could use a mentor Who do you turn to when you have sailing questions? Taking ASA sailing courses provides captains with an opportunity to ask as many questions as they like from seasoned professionals. Go Sail Virgin Islands offers the most advanced…

The best USVI cruising itinerary is the itinerary that best meets your needs and goals. In this post we discuss how to make an informed decision when choosing a USVI cruising itinerary and provide you with a sample itinerary so you know what to expect aboard.  What’s the best length for a USVI cruise? If…

schedule and price Before sailing the Virgin Islands, there are a few things you should know about the sailing logistics, opportunities, conditions, and culture. This go-to Virgin Islands cruising guide will provide you with all the information you need for the sailing trip of a lifetime. Page Contents Virgin Islands sailing conditions  Virgin Islands sailing…