Book Review: The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Simon Scott

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 annual 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.

We particularly liked the attention to detail in the anchorage reviews. Each is paired with photos, approach notes, and guidance on local customs (literal and cultural). Whether you’re looking for a lively beach bar in White Bay or a quiet cove for snorkelling, Scott gives you the tools to choose with confidence.

There’s also an excellent directory of services, including updates on customs clearance, provisioning stops, and repair yards—especially handy if you’re cruising independently rather than through a charter operator.

Where the book shines is in tone: it’s reassuring yet engaging, offering both technical clarity and personal insight. This is no dry chart annex; it’s a living guide, shaped by decades of sailing the region.

Final Verdict: ★★★★★

An essential guide for any sailor heading to the Caribbean. If you’re plotting a course through the BVI, this cruising guide belongs on your chart table.

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