5 Must Visit Beach Bars in the Virgin Islands while on Your Catamaran Charter

The Virgin Islands boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with soft, powdery, white sand, crystal clear blue waters and an average year-round water temperature of 80 degrees.  The Virgin Islands are known for their rum; offering local favorite cocktails like the Painkiller, Bushwhacker, Pina Colada, and the Rum Punch.  There’s nothing better than sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand, listening to the sound of the ocean’s water gently lapping, and watching the sun go down with your loved ones.  There are many amazing restaurant and bars through the US and British Virgin Islands, but these 5 are some of our favorite stops when chartering a catamaran. 

Pirates Bight, Norman Island, BVI. Norman Island doesn’t just offer a great beach bar and restaurant experience; it also boasts hiking trails and is renowned for some of the finest snorkeling opportunities in the entire Virgin Islands, including, ‘The Caves’ and ‘The Indians.’  With 100 moorings available in The Bight’s anchorage, this is a popular location for charter yachts to spend the night and take full advantage of the different activities in the area. 

Soggy Dollar, Jost Van Dyke, BVI.  The Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the original Painkiller, is a renowned institution. My preferred way to savor the Soggy Dollar experience involves anchoring in White Bay, swimming ashore with a little cash tucked into my swimsuit, and indulging in a ‘Nilla Killa,’ a delightful vanilla variation of the original Painkiller. This beach exudes a lively party atmosphere, with numerous bars lining its shores alongside the iconic Soggy Dollar Bar, and a continuous flow of day boats ferrying eager guests.

Saba Rock, BVI. Is situated in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, one of the best anchorages in the entire Virgin Islands.  It’s perfectly located close to several other great bars and islands, including Bitter End Yacht Club, Leverick Bay, and Necker Island.  Saba Rock also has family friendly activities like their daily tarpon feedings, making it an entertaining spot for the kids to enjoy.  There’s no wrong drink choice here, as the bar perfectly faces west, for those ultimate sunset views.

Big Bamboo at Loblolly Beach, Anegada, BVI.  Anegada, sits as the most northerly island within the island chain. In stark contrast to the volcanic, rugged, and mountainous formations characterizing its neighboring counterparts, Anegada consists of coral terrain, with its highest elevation barely reaching 28 feet.  Anegada’s beaches are pristine and secluded and the island’s specialty is the lobster.  I love being able to go for a snorkel right off the beach and then relaxing with a cocktail from the Big Bamboo Bar. 

Magen’s Point Bar and Grill, St. Thomas, USVI.  The beach at Magen’s Bay is close to 1 mile long, making it one of the longest beaches in the Virgin Islands and a great place to take a stroll.  The bay is shaped like a horseshoe, making it a very well protected anchorage and a great spot to enjoy the watersport toys your charter catamaran charter carries.  Swim ashore, or have your captain dinghy you in closer, but my favorite drink to grab here from the bar is the Painkiller, which comes with a rum floater on top.