Our adventure began on the vibrant island of Tortola, the largest island in the BVI chain. We met our captain, Mobbs, aboard the Lionheart — our floating home for the week. Tortola’s harbor was bustling with activity, and before we set sail, we stocked up on groceries, rum, and supplies for the journey ahead.

With everything loaded, we hoisted the sails and set course for Norman Island, excited for the first swim of the trip.

Fun Fact: Tortola’s name comes from the Spanish word for “turtle dove,” and the island has a rich history of pirates and privateers dating back to the 17th century.

Our first anchorage was at Norman Island, an uninhabited isle steeped in pirate legends. We spent the afternoon swimming in the warm, turquoise waters and snorkeling the caves off Treasure Point, marveling at the colorful marine life and hidden nooks.

Fun Fact: Norman Island is widely believed to have inspired Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, and its famous underwater caves are popular for snorkeling and exploring.

From Norman Island, we made our way to Virgin Gorda — one of the most iconic destinations in the BVI. We spent the day at The Baths National Park, a stunning natural wonder filled with enormous granite boulders, secret pools, and winding pathways leading to hidden beaches.

We climbed, swam, and explored for hours, soaking in the breathtaking scenery that looked like something out of a dream.

Fun Fact: The Baths were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, creating the giant granite boulders that now make Virgin Gorda world-famous.

Next on our journey was Jost Van Dyke, the laid-back party island known for its beach bars and crystal-clear waters. We moored off White Harbor and spent the day at the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, sipping their famous Painkiller rum cocktails while lounging in hammocks and swimming in the sea.

That night, we swam under the stars, letting the warm Caribbean waters rock us into the perfect end to a perfect day.

Fun Fact: The Soggy Dollar Bar got its name because visitors traditionally swim to shore from their boats, often paying with wet, “soggy” cash.

One of the highlights of the trip was snorkeling at The Indians — a set of towering rock formations rising dramatically out of the water near Norman Island. The underwater world here was mesmerizing, with coral gardens, schools of fish, and caves to explore.

It felt like swimming through a vibrant, living cathedral made of coral and sunlight.

Fun Fact: The Indians are named because the rocks are said to resemble a Native American headdress when viewed from a distance.

One of our longest sails was the half-day crossing to Anegada, the only coral island among the volcanic Virgin Islands. Flat and surrounded by miles of brilliant turquoise shallows, Anegada felt like an entirely different world.

We moored offshore and spent the day exploring by scooter, lounging at the idyllic Cow Wreck Beach, and soaking in the sun. That evening, we feasted on fresh Caribbean lobster at the famous Anegada Reef Hotel — a meal and a sunset I’ll never forget.

Fun Fact: Anegada is only about 28 feet above sea level at its highest point and is protected by Horseshoe Reef, the fourth-largest barrier reef in the world.