If you’re planning to sail the Virgin Islands, The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Simon Scott is one publication you don’t want to leave onshore. Now in its 2025 edition, this is the go-to Virgin Islands cruising guide for sailors, charterers, and liveaboards heading for the BVI or USVI.
Scott’s guide blends practical detail with real-world experience. Unlike more generic sailing books, this one is clearly written by someone who’s anchored in every bay and moored at every dock. The guide covers the full Virgin Islands arc—from Jost Van Dyke to St. Croix—with full-colour sketch charts, GPS waypoints, and crucial notes on depth, swell exposure, and facilities ashore.
The Virgin Islands are usually high on people’s aspiration sailing shortlist, and for good reason: protected waters, consistent trade winds, line-of-sight navigation, and a vibrant island-hopping culture make the region a favourite among both new skippers and seasoned voyagers. But the difference between a good charter and an unforgettable cruising experience? The right guide. That’s where The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Simon Scott earns its stripes.
Revised for 2025, Scott’s guidebook is considered by many to be the authoritative cruising guide to the Virgin Islands. From the top of Jost Van Dyke to the far edge of St. Croix, it combines practical navigation tools with a deep local knowledge that can only come from someone who’s spent decades sailing these waters.
Comprehensive Coverage That Goes Beyond the Charts
The book provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of both the British and US Virgin Islands. It features:
- Full-colour sketch charts for every major anchorage
- GPS waypoints for navigation
- Detailed notes on approach angles, prevailing swell, holding ground, and hazards
- Mooring field updates
- Marina facilities and services
- Anchorage-by-anchorage recommendations for snorkelling, swimming, and shore leave
Scott’s sketch charts are a major draw. These aren’t photocopies of official hydrographic sheets, but highly legible, sailor-friendly illustrations that focus on what you actually need to know. From coral heads to dinghy docks, the guide offers a clear picture of what lies ahead — especially important in the ever-shifting sands of Caribbean anchorages.
Many readers compare these charts favourably to the more clinical Admiralty or NOAA charts. In some cases, they’re more useful when navigating visually, especially in tight harbours or shallow approaches like those found in Anegada or Great Harbour.
Local Insight, Real Recommendations
What sets this Virgin Islands cruising guide apart is the way it blends technical precision with a sense of place. Scott includes background on each anchorage, sharing not just the depth and scope of the bay, but what it feels like to arrive there. From the party atmosphere of White Bay to the peaceful anchorages off Norman Island, each location is brought to life through personal notes and updated photographs.
For charter skippers looking to balance fun with safe seamanship, this is gold. The guide often flags local quirks or helpful tips you won’t find in other sources. Want to know which moorings are first-come, first-served versus pay-and-reserve? Or which spots are best for a sunset snorkel and a quiet night? Scott’s got you covered.
And while the guide includes suggestions for shoreside restaurants, beach bars, and services, it’s not just a glossy travelogue. The tone remains focused on practical, on-the-water decisions. That’s part of what makes it so effective for readers aiming to sail the Virgin Islands with confidence.
An Annual Guide That Stays Current
Because it’s updated every year, The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands is one of the most accurate print guides available. That’s crucial in a region where hurricanes can reshape shorelines and disrupt marina services almost overnight.
The latest edition reflects changes across the BVI and USVI, including:
- Updated customs procedures and port clearance guidance
- COVID-era policy changes (e.g. remote check-ins, anchor restrictions)
- Notes on new and relocated mooring fields
- Emerging anchoring restrictions in protected areas
It also reflects updates to fuel availability, dinghy dock changes, and real-world feedback from the sailing community, which Scott integrates into each edition.
Bonus Features and Extras
For skippers who like to have everything in one place, the guide includes:
- A photographic index of anchorages
- A separate directory of services
- Dive site summaries
- Provisioning and chandlery listings
- Tide tables
There’s even a handy crew briefing section for charter captains — perfect if you’re welcoming less-experienced guests aboard for the first time. For anyone planning to cruise the Virgin Islands over several weeks, these extras are invaluable.
Who Is This Book For?
- Charter Skippers: Whether you’re new to the BVI or returning for your fifth trip, this guide offers the most thorough route planning and anchorage detail available in print.
- Liveaboards and Long-term Cruisers: The service listings and detailed marina information make provisioning and repairs far simpler.
- First-time Caribbean Sailors: With straightforward language, clear sketch charts, and a reassuring tone, Scott’s book helps calm nerves and boost confidence.
- Sailing Families: Recommendations for kid-friendly stops, easy snorkelling spots, and calm anchorages are peppered throughout.
It’s also popular with sailing schools and flotilla organisers for its practicality and consistent format.
With so many guides out there, it’s easy to assume one is much like the next. But The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands stands out thanks to its author’s experience, annual updates, and trusted reputation in the sailing world.
The Verdict
If you’re preparing for a Virgin Islands adventure, this is the book you want open beside your logbook and nav tools. Whether you’re searching for the next quiet anchorage, the closest fuel dock, or the safest overnight spot in a squall, Simon Scott’s guide delivers.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clear, practical, and reliable — a must-have BVI cruising guide for any sailor in the Caribbean.
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