Sailing FAQs: Safety in the Virgin Islands
When planning a vacation to a new place, it is always necessary to consider your safety. Virgin Islanders are known for their hospitality and kindness, and they are often eager to help. However, safety issues are possible anywhere, so visitors must be vigilant and take certain precautions during trips. Here is our guide to Virgin Islands safety to ensure a successful visit:
Are the Virgin Islands safe?
Absolutely! The Virgin Islands are considered a safe place to visit, with a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Law enforcement takes active steps to maintain the safety of the tourism industry, which is crucial to the economy. Of course, common sense practices can also go a long way in preventing problems on your vacation.
What is the safest island in the Virgin Islands?
While all the Virgin Islands are considered safe, St. John’s low crime statistics and its reputation for having a laid-back atmosphere make it the safest option.
Is sailing in the Virgin Islands dangerous?
No! The Virgin Islands offer some of the most pleasurable conditions for sailing due to having few navigational hazards and steady trade winds. Of course, sailing can be dangerous anywhere if you do not have enough experience. If you are not as confident handling a sailboat as you would like to be, you should incorporate ASA certification courses into a trip to the VI so that you can gain valuable safety knowledge while on an unforgettable sailing vacation.
Are the Virgin Islands safe to visit during hurricane season?
Hurricane season is from June through November, but hurricanes can happen at any time of the year. Traveling to the VI during hurricane season is possible, but there is a higher chance that inclement weather will interrupt your plans. You will be safe as long as you pay attention to weather forecasts and follow their advisories. You could also purchase travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions if you decide to come during hurricane season.
Do I need any vaccinations to travel to the Virgin Islands?
Check out the CDC info page and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are up to date on your routine vaccinations. You might be advised to get additional vaccinations, such as Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, and rabies, for your trip.
Dengue and Zika are uncommon but present in the Caribbean, so use mosquito repellant, especially if you are pregnant.
Is it safe to drink the water in the Virgin Islands?
The tap water around the USVI and BVI is considered safe to drink, but there have been some instances of unsafe levels of lead and copper, especially in St. Croix. Tourists who are not used to local tap water might want to drink bottled or filtered water as often as possible to ensure that an upset stomach does not interrupt your vacation. Many hotels and restaurants have their own filtration system, making their water safe for everyone. The Go Sail Virgin Islands sailboats have small desalination watermakers that offer clean, filtered drinking water for everyone on board. Go Sail also carries an extra 5 gallons of water onboard for each trip, just in case!
It’s important to stay hydrated during your trip! Many travelers to the VI underestimate the toll that outdoor activities in warm, sunny weather take, so make sure you drink enough.
Are there any dangerous animals to watch out for in the Virgin Islands?
Thankfully, there are no venomous snakes or scorpions to worry about. In the water, bites from sharks, eels, and barracudas are extremely rare. But be cautious of jellyfish and lionfish, and remember that stingrays have venom in their tails.
What are the crime rates in the Virgin Islands?
Most travelers to the Virgin Islands experience trouble-free visits, but crime can happen anywhere. Thankfully, violent crime is less common, and tourist-heavy areas are well-monitored. Tourists should be cautious, however, of pickpocketing, petty theft, and break-ins. Make sure you secure your car, lock hotel doors, and avoid secluded areas, especially at night. The crime rates for the BVI are a little lower than the USVI.
Are there areas in the Virgin Islands that tourists should avoid?
No! Crime rates elevate slightly in the more populated cities of the Virgin Islands, but the main streets are safe because they are well policed, and the high-end businesses there have their own security systems. It’s worth noting that the neighborhood of Savan in St. Thomas has a bit of a reputation for making tourists feel unwelcome.
Are the Virgin Islands safe for women?
Yes! While problems can happen in any country, the Virgin Islands are considered a safe destination for solo female travelers.
How many hospitals are in the Virgin Islands?
In the USVI, there is a hospital on St. Thomas and St. Croix, with a medical center on St. John. In the BVI, there is one public hospital and one private hospital on Tortola. Smaller medical centers can be found in Virgin Gorda.
Ultimately, Virgin Islands safety is not more complicated than in other vacation destinations. If you take small measures, nothing should come between you and an amazing trip to the VI!
What is the safest way to visit the Virgin Islands?
Learn to Sail courses with Go Sail Virgin Islands are one of the safest ways to visit the Virgin Islands! All students are joined on their well-maintained sailboats by a top-tier Captain with years of sailing experience. Each instructor is well versed in the best spots in the Virgin Islands to moor for safe and fun travel. You won’t find a safer way to sail or a safer way to see the Virgin Islands than with Go Sail VI! Learn more about the courses here.