...and some other BVI stuff, just for fun!

When sailing the British Virgin Islands, there are some ESSENTIAL cruising guides and other very useful books for exploring this archipelago. These and your local nautical charts are all you need to feel like a "belonger."

PLEASE NOTE !!

This page is essentially a mirror of my "Sales Page." It would be best for you to go directly to the sales page for better information and purchase info.


Click here and go over to Sales page of all these products & MUCH more!

I have left this page online to keep the information in the search engines.

 




(spiral bound - with heavily coated paper)

 

This book is a perfect companion to the Franko Map below.


"The Guide to Diving & Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands"
2nd edition ~ released Jan. 2011
written by: Jeff Williams
artwork by: Ria O'Hagen
ISBN 978-976-8204-44-B

This diving and snorkeling volume is the master guide to the underwater world of the BVI ! Jeff Williams has "lived" this world for decades, and has produced the ultimate reference.
EVERY BVI scuba diver should possess this book, which gives a thorough account, including maps, diagrams,and detailed directions, to safely & enjoyably explore 77 sites throughout the BVI. Because information like depth, currents, and other site features are clearly described in each briefing, scuba divers and snorkelers are clear about which areas of a given site are best for them. This is the real thing!

This book is easy reading, almost conversational in tone, at times -- yet, it's a very serious reference book. It's not riddled with pretty fish photos to fill space. It is jammed packed with important information, along with detailed site maps, at the turn of every page. (I sell useful fish & coral ID products below, for those who want them.)

Finally, I must commend the author for the construction of this book. It is sturdily, spiral bound for laying flat or folding on the cockpit table. The pages are heavily coated, thick paper stock for standing up to the rigors of travel.

Since snorkeling & diving are integral parts of cruising the BVI, this guide deserves its rightful place next to your cruising guides, maps, and charts.

 

Our special Introductory low price - $22.95 !!
(suggested retail $29.95)

 

 

New, Improved version 2009


26" x 18"
Click map to enlarge.

Note: There is no usable, online version. This must be purchased, and viewed in hand, but for $6.95, it's an obvious bargain.

 

 

Franko's Maps has produced this one-of-a-kind map showing every notable scuba and snorkeling site in the BVI. This is not just for the diver - it's a must for any BVI visitor, especially for the price. It includes main boating routes, land features, dive shops, 100+ fish and coral ID pictures, anchorages, and much more.

The BVI Dive Association, and numerous other experts and locals, helped edit Franko’s Map to make it the most accurate and useful resource of its kind.

This 26" x 18" map is foldable, and printed on waterproof, rip-proof, plasticized paper, for durable use on your BVI adventure.

Special price - $6.95
(suggested retail $10.00)

If ordered alone, the map will ship for $1.00. With a book order, there's no extra shipping.

 

 

Cruising Guides for the BVI & USVI
These are the essential cruising guides to the BVI & USVI. Virtually no one cruises without these books and map. They'll prove immensely useful, in fact, necessary, in charting your courses and planning your anchorages. The main guide includes a decent 27" x 18" nautical chart (2-sided). Because there is lots of good ashore info too, many land vacationers love having this guide.


2013-2014
Cruising Guide to the
Virgin Islands (16th edition)


by: Nancy & Simon Scott
Cruising Guide Publications, Inc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Completely revised and updated for 2013-2014 edition with full color sketch charts, these guides have been indispensable companions for sailors and visitors to these islands since 1982. Includes a FREE color 17" x 27" planning nautical chart, covering the British & US Virgin Islands from St. Thomas to Anegada. The enclosed chart, as well as the charts and photos have a new cleaner look. It's 70 pages bigger than last edition.

Our special low price is $23.95
(new suggested retail raised to $32.95)

 

Finally arrived !

2012 Editon of fantastic companion to the Cruising Guide

- 2012

"Virgin Anchorages"
by Nancy & Simon Scott
Cruising Guide Publications, Inc.
ISBN 978-0-944428-84-9

This is a wonderful companion to the cruising guide to the left, with its terrific aerial photographs of many of the anchorages you're likely to frequent in the British & US Virgin Islands. Chart your courses with confidence. Both books are inexpensive and great volumes to have as "keepsakes", after the trip, as well.

Our Special price $19.95
(suggested retail $29.95)

Add this map to the 2 guides to the left, and you have the perfect cruising bundle!

Franko's BVI Map
~ described in detail, above ~


click to enlarge
26" x 18" foldable , waterproof

This one-of-a-kind map showing every notable scuba and snorkeling site in the BVI. This is not just for the diver - it's a must for any BVI visitor, especially for the price. It includes main boating routes, land features, dive shops, 100+ fish and coral ID pictures, anchorages, and much more.

Our Special price $6.95
(suggested retail $9.00)

 

 

"The British Virgin Islands" is a stunning photographic portrait by the accomplished photographer, Steve Simonsen, published by 34 Main Street Publishers.

New in 2009, this is the quintessential photographic essay on the BVI. The anchorages, the sailboats, the beaches, the towns, the people, with all of their natural beauty, are artistically presented in this beautiful, 128 page "coffee table" book. This is a truly beautiful keepsake, as well as great gift for your BVI-loving friends.

This volume is the only one of its kind, in print. I know of no other photo books dedicated to the BVI. Although a couple retailers in the US sell this book, 99% of the copies are sold in stores in the BVI (for a the full $39.95 list price).

"The British Virgin Islands"
Photography by: Steve Simonsen
(Hardcover)

Our special low price - $29.95
(suggested retail $39.95)

 


We now have the cruising guides for Leeward, Windward and the Abaco Islands.
Soon to come... "Anchorages" companion guides for both the Windward, Leeward, and Abaco Islands





2013-14 Sailor's Guide to the Windward Islands

Cruising Guide Publications, Inc.
Our special low price is $24.95
(suggested retail $32.95)
** This includes St. Vincent and the Grenadines

~~~~~~~~
The Windward Anchorages aerial guide, to the far right, makes an unbeatable combination with the Windward Cruising Guide above.

 


2012-13 Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands
12th Edition

Cruising Guide Publications, Inc.
Our special low price is $25.95
(NEW suggested retail $34.95)

 

The Leeward Anchorages aerial guide, to the right, makes an unbeatable combination with the Leewards Cruising Guide above.

 

 

 

Finally arrived !

FANTASTIC companion guides for the two books to the left. These have wonderful aerial photographs (and guidance text) for most any of the anchorages you'll visit in the Windward and Leeward Islands.

"Windward Anchorages"
Our Special price $19.95
(suggested retail $29.95)

"Leeward Anchorages"
Our Special price $19.95
(suggested retail $29.95)

 


Click for larger image.

 

The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South
10th Ed., 2012

Author's site with more information: https://www.createspace.com/3810921

This is the 10th and most current edition of the popular directions for sailing south to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Passages South offers an illustrated manual of instruction for specific passages and harbors down islands, as well as cruising guides for the Greater Antilles islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.

Special price - $24.95
(suggested retail $29.95)



2012 Cruising Guide: Trinidad and Tobago
... plus Barbados & Guyana

The guide offers comprehensive information on a wide variety of facilities, ranging from marinas to haul-out yards and marine repair services. Additionally, Doyle and his associates provide information about shore side activities including dining, resorts, bird watching and shopping. This edition contains many color photographs and is packed with updated information on navigation and sketch charts with GPS coordinates.

Other features include sections on planning the cruise, weather, star charts, scuba diving and snorkeling, customs and immigration, communications, sightseeing and a directory of services including email and website addresses.

As with all Doyle guides, this guide is is backed by this website that offers downloadable GPS waypoints and updates, as well as general information and links to local businesses for Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

Special price - $19.95
(suggested retail $27.95)



"British Virgin Islands - Sheltered Isles of Sea and Sun"
by: Claudia Colli
ISBN 1405028629

This book, printed in a coated, water resistant paper, covers a little bit on everything. It's a lively and informative guide, replete with many color photographs, which takes a look at the islands' history, culture, geography, flora and fauna, and its people. It explains how visitors can enjoy many leisure activities such as sailing, diving and hiking - from national parks to beaches, from wildlife to arts and crafts, the visitor will find all the information needed to make the most of a trip to the BVI. Claudia Colli is a well-known British Virgin Islands writer, and editor of the BVI Welcome Tourist Guide.

Our price is $13.95
(suggested retail $16.95)


"The Drinking (and eating) Man’s Guide To The BVI"
3rd edition
by: Julian Putley

Well... how do I describe it? It's all about having a great time with food and drink throughout the BVI. It's full of recipes, limericks, cartoons, and humorous anecdotes, as well as being a great guide to wonderful restaurants and watering holes. This third edition has $200+ worth of freebees that will pay for the cost many times over, so you absolutely can't lose. 2-4 "refreshment stops" will cover the cost of the book. I know charter groups where every one of the crew all get a copy, just to use the coupons. This book is incredibly popular, even to moderate drinkers. Written by Julian Putley, a local BVI author, and a great guy.

Special price - $13.95
(suggested retail $14.95)

 

 


Resources for St. John in the USVI
Since I love St. John so much, I had to include a few items for this truly magical island.


Click to enlarge
25 1/2" x 37 3/4"

The "St. John Virgin Islands National Park Trail Map" is the most comprehensive recreational and topographical map for Virgin Islands National Park. It shows all of the hiking trails and coral reefs on St. John, complete with full descriptions and directions.

One of the primary reasons BVI sailors go to St. John is to walk the absolutely beautiful trails on this magical island. -- heavily coated to be waterproof & tear resistant.

4 1/4" x 9 1/4" folded
25 1/2" x 37 3/4" fully opened

Special price - $9.95
(suggested retail $11.95)

 

The Best Book on St. John in print !


"St. John - Off The Beaten Track"
(Revised 2011)

I don't do too much heavy recommending, but if you are going to spend more than a day on St. John, this book is an absolute must! Nearly 300 pages packed with information about: hiking trails, snorkeling sites, historical & topographical info, the people & culture, flora & fauna --- virtually everything. There are so many tourist books where 3/4 of the information is either obvious or not particularly useful. This resource is what every visitor's guide should be - Period ! No one is ever disappointed with this book.

Our Special price $15.95
(suggested retail $19.95)

 

 


Franko's Guide Map
of the US Virgin Islands
26.75" x 18.5"


Click map to enlarge

This is a virtual guide book printed in map form, making it a truly remarkable reference. Included are: roads, extensive dive & snorkeling sites, anchorages, historical sites, hiking trails, natural formations, a fish guide, detailed town insets for Cruz Bay, Coral Bay, Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, and Frederiksted. The combination of this guide map and the book, "St. John - Off The Beaten Track" (shown to the left), provides a comprehensive resource for a stay on St. John, one of the true gems of the British & US Virgin Islands.

Special price - $6.95
(suggested retail $9.00)

 
~~ Also for St. John -- see the fish ID products, immediately below ~~

 

 

Fish & Coral ID

"Corals & Fishes Pocket Guide"
for the Bahamas & the Caribbean
by Idaz & Jerry Greenberg
ISBN 091300829X

This is the fully waterproof edition. It measures 4.5 x 6" and contains 64 pages packed with great pictures and information. I personally think that this book is an essential companion to any BVI snorkeler. It's big enough to read very easily, but small enough to stick in your pocket and take with you. Its waterproof paper makes it safe to leave it lying around the boat, or taking to the beach. Take it ashore and look at it with your kids and friends to talk over lunch about what you just saw on your last dive.

Special price $8.95

If ordered alone, this book will ship for $1.00.

~~ not to scale ~~
9 1/2" X 6 1/4"

"Laminated Fishcard"
from Seahawk Press
Special price $5.95

This is NOT a book. It's a waterproof, laminated fish ID card. This is popular two-sided guide shows 75 species of the most beautiful and commonly seen fishes of the Tropical Atlantic, arranged by family. This is totally waterproof. In fact, you can take it into the water, and carry it ashore. 9 1/2" X 6 1/4"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Franko's 4" x 6" Laminated Fish card
 Truly pocket size - $3.95


click to enlarge

If ordered alone, large cards will ship for $1.00. With a book order, there's no extra shipping.
Pocket card shipping is FREE.


click to enlarge

"Franko's Virgin Islands Fishcard & Divers Guide"
Special price $5.95

This is an alternative laminated fish ID card. This two-sided, waterproof card is 9" X 6". The map surely doesn't take the place of Franko's diving map at the top of this page, but it's a handy, rugged item and tool, and a great keepsake that makes a gift to crew members.

St. Martin version of this card.
($5.95)

If ordered alone, the cards will ship for $1.00. With a book order, there's no extra shipping.

 
~ Currently out of production ~

FishFlips

This one of the handiest fish ID products around. The 2” by 3” books have 40 pages (80 photos) which are bound with cable ties (easy to replace if one ever broke) to a colorful coil strap which fits anyone’s wrist. The books are printed on a great new plastic paper so they can be worn right into the water where the fish are.

A fantastic gift idea for family and crew...


Special price $12.50
(suggested retail $14.00)

Note: Unfortunately, the manufacturer of this seems to have halted production. I am hoping it will return to the market, but as of
March 1, 2012, I cannot procure this product.
Sad, but true - it was a fun item.



2” by 3” - 40 pages (80 photos)


And for Bahamas cruising...


click to enlarge

"Franko's Mini Map & Reef Creatures Bahamas Guide"

This two-sided, waterproof card is 9" X 6". This mini map is a handy, rugged item and tool, and a great keepsake that makes a gift to crew members.

only $4.95




2013 Bahamas Waterway Guide
Our special low price is $35.95
(suggested retail $39.95)

The Waterway Guide’s 2013 Bahamas edition is the indispensable cruising companion for boaters exploring the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Guide features nearly 500 pages of mile-by-mile navigation information, aerial photography with marked routes, marina listings and locater charts, anchorage information and Yellow Pages sections on what to do ashore. Helpful cruising data like GPS waypoints, detailed planning maps and distance tables helps get you there safely. Flexible spiral binding and heavy laminated covers with bookmarker flaps ensure durability and easy use in the cockpit and at the helm.
 



2013 Cruising Guide to the Abaco Bahamas
by Steve Dodge
Our special low price is $21.95
(NEW suggested retail $24.95)

The 2013 Dodge Guide to Abaco, containing many updates, over 200 pages packed with 78 navigational charts, aerial photographs of all principal harbours, GPS waypoints, and virtually all necessary information for cruisers. The de facto standard for Abaco cruising.

 

 

 

 

Pocket Traveller Guides


Click to see guide unfolded (one side)
$5.95
"Caribbean Birds"
(A Pocket Traveller Guide)
This reference guide is a wonderful resource for beginners and experts alike. It illustrates and describes nearly 150 birds for clear identification, including water birds, near shore birds, parrots, perching birds, birds of prey, and more. At $5.95, it should be part of every island visitor's collection.

This 8 1/2" high guide unfolds to 22", and conveniently back to 4" wide, for easy pocket storage. It is heavily laminated for durability and protection against the elements.

 


$5.95

"Weather"
(A Pocket Traveller Guide)

A beginners primer to weather - clouds, storms, weather patterns, and more. Same durable construction as bird and star guides to the right.

............
$5.95 each

"The Southern Night Sky"
(A Pocket Traveller Guide)

This is a chart to prominent stars and southern constellations (winter and summer skies) optimally viewed from between latitudes of 15 and 25 degrees south, but folks like to get this for the Caribbean since some southern constellations are visible, from the islands. This glows in the dark, so finding the Southern Cross "for the first time," shouldn't be too hard.

"The Night Sky"
(A Pocket Traveller Guide)

This is a chart to prominent stars and northern constellations (winter and summer skies), optimally viewed from between latitudes of 23 and 45 degrees north, so it errs in the other direction from the Southern Sky above. The problem with the BVI is exemplified in the fact that you can see both the Big Dipper and the Southern Cross from these latitudes!


So.. which one do you get? Most folks get the Southern version, because they are hoping for a glimpse of some things they've never seen - Southern Cross, Jewel Box, Southern Pleiades, Canopus, Centaurus, etc.. Some people get both, to cover all possibilities. Furthermore, the northern version is quite useful back home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These two guides and the ones to the left measure 8 1/2" high, and unfold to 22", and conveniently back to 4" wide, for easy pocket storage. They are heavily laminated for durability and protection against the elements.

 

 

 

 

 

~ Sold out for 2013 ~
- large special orders may be possible -
The 2013 BVI Calendar



by Dougal Thornton
Our price: $14.95
(suggested retail $15.95)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borch Maps
Color road and travel maps

  • US & British Virgin Islands
  • Bahamas

These maps have a heavy, but soft lamination for durability against water & sun. Its write-on/wipe-off surface allows you to make notes and markings for your trip.

In addition to roads, the map includes sights, museums, churches, archaeological sites, castles, ruins, windmills, towers, caves, beaches, yachting, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, hospitals, golf courses, parking, petrol stations, airports, national parks, national monuments, nature reserves, camping sites, viewpoints, hotels, markets, cliffs, reefs, and more...

US & British Virgin Islands
Borch Map


Click to see guide unfolded (one side)
$8.95
($10.95 list price)
opens up to 35" x 19.5"
Bahamas
Borch Map


Click to see guide unfolded (one side)
$8.95
($10.95 list price)
opens up to 39" x 19.5"

 

Some Miscellaneous Items...


Franko's
Caribbean Sea Wall Map
18" x 27"


click to enlarge

This is a beautiful map of the Caribbean Sea region that displays the island chains and surrounding countries in such a way that is rarely seen on one map. Although this is folded, it flattens nicely to hang on the wall, or lay on a table top for viewing. For those of us who love the Caribbean, this is a great map for getting a perspective on the entire region. The back side is the same map, but with caption boxes of historical text for most countries and island chains. Although it is more of a novelty/gift item (not cruising map), it is made of a durable, waterproof, synthetic paper.


Special price - $6.95
(suggested retail $8.00)

 

 

"Franko's Caribbean Sea Fishcard & Mini-Map"
Special price $5.95

This is an alternative laminated fish ID card. This two-sided, waterproof card is 9" X 6". The Caribbean Sea mapon the back side is an unusual, condensed view of the entire sea, show the various island chains.The fish ID side is a handy, rugged item and tool, and a great keepsake that makes a gift to crew members.

 

 

 



"Chesapeake Bay Ports of Call & Anchorages"
by: Thomas A. Henschel

More than 40 ports of call and anchorages are depicted in full page, crystal clear, color aerial photos in this essential companion to your preferred Chesapeake cruising guide. This resource graphically depicts recommended anchorages, navigational information, landmarks, entrance and exit routes, restaurants, attractions, and marinas. It is so beautiful, that it truly makes a great coffee table keepsake of one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the country.

Why do I have a Chesapeake cruising resource here? Because it's an area every sailor should experience!

Special price - $24.95
(suggested retail $29.95)
Limited quantity available

 

BVI Flag Items

Click on the flag to see pictures of all of the flag-related products.


BVI Stick Flag (4" x 6") - $3.95
This flag is a great BVI reminder on your desk (or anywhere).

Patch (2.5" x 2.75" shield) - $3.00
Patch (2.25" x 3.5" rectangular) - $3.00
You have a choice of a rectangular or shield style patch. It's a heavy cloth patch, perfect for jackets, sweatshirts, etc.

Color sticker (2.25"x4" reflective decal) - $3.00
This color sticker is great for a car window, door panel, or any other surface.

Lapel or hat pin (metal/enamel) - $3.00
This neat little pin is great on a lapel, hat, collar, etc.

Yacht Ensign nautical flag (8" x 12") - $19.50 (Cool for your boat at home!)
(It's nylon with heavy duck headings and grommets for the marine environment. This is the standard civil ensign for sea vessels. Ensigns have a red background instead of the blue background shown on the flag.

Large BVI flag (3' x 5') - $11.50
 This thing is BIG. 3 feet-by-5 feet - Ultra-Knit Polyester with cotton heading and brass grommets. I included this just for fun. Hang it at a TTOL gathering or a cruiser's picnic. A great wall hanging, too. I figured it was inexpensive enough to use for fun and deference to our beloved BVI.

Jolly Roger PIRATE flags
* 12" x 18" "nautical" burgee - $12.50 - This is double thickness, 2-sided nylon with heavy duck headings and grommets for the marine environment.
* 3' X 5' LARGE "novelty" flag - $11.50 - This is polyester with sturdy heading and grommets.



BVI OVAL auto sticker
$3.50 ea.($2.95 ea. for 3 or more)
Note: This "Euro" auto sticker is a high quality, thermal resin imprint decal on waterproof vinyl, which is scratch resistant - UV stable. (3" x 5" peel back).

 

 

(Click here for purchase info on Sales page)

Other Books... See some of the BVI sites referenced by my "Great BVI Links" on the Angelina home page. There are numerous books recommended for different aspects of island tourism, such as flora/fauna, history, hiking, diving, shopping, eating, hotels, and more.

Back to the "Preparing To Go" page - the most comprehensive compilation of BVI traveling tips & info on the Web.

 


Questions? Email me

Phone Anytime! (802) 238-1616
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