No. So long as you are relatively fit and have no major medical condition, you should be fine. Your children are also welcome. For young infants, you should bring all the necessities, including formulas, waterproof diapers, floating suit, etc. just as you would bring on any vacation. ▲back to FAQ

I’m not vegetarian. Can I still go VegeSailing?

Yes! There is nothing better than to take a break from your normal eating habits, which might not always be ideal. We will show you that eating healthy doesn’t mean eating only carrots. You will discover the wonderful diversity of vegetarian cuisine, while satisfying your taste buds. It’s a first and easy step in improving your eating habits, and appreciating the well being associated with the vegetarian lifestyle. Generally, even VegeSailors who aren’t vegetarian do not feel the necessity to eat animal products while on the cruise. ▲back to FAQ

Can I go if I have never sailed before?

Yes. There is no better opportunity to learn the joys of sailing than with an able skipper and cook. While you will be part of the crew and invited to assist in docking, mooring, or hoisting and trimming sails, you will quickly see how much fun it is to sail and navigate and how simple it really is. While a good amount of time is actually spent sailing, there is also lots of time spent at anchor, for relaxing, swimming, and dozens of other activities. ▲back to FAQ

Will I get seasick?

Maybe. While most people don’t get seasick, some people do. Seasickness is a reality, but it is most frequently light and temporary. Some people might feel a little queasy the first day or two while we are sailing, if there is a constant ocean swell. However, the feeling quickly disappears when we stop sailing and head into a sheltered bay, or when we step onto land. If you feel you are prone to seasickness, you may bring your own remedies, or you may try the cook’s natural remedies, which often do the trick! In any event, symptoms often taper by the second day. ▲back to FAQ

Can we take our kids?

Yes. Children are welcome so long as their parents or guardians ensure their supervision. While teenagers can have plenty of independent fun in the water, toddlers may require additional supervision. There is a maximum of four guests per trip, including children. ▲back to FAQ

I don’t know how to swim!

Oh no! While you would be welcome on the boat, you would miss many of the joys of cruising in the blue waters of the Caribbean, which include snorkeling, jumping off the boat, swimming ashore, scuba diving or kayaking. You may consider taking swimming lessons in your community or your local YMCA before coming VegeSailing. People with serious aqua phobia would not be advised to come VegeSailing. ▲back to FAQ

Can I smoke on the boat?

No. Smoking of any kind is not permitted on the boat, for obvious health and safety reasons. ▲back to FAQ

Can we take our pet?

No. The chartering company does not allow pets on the boats. ▲back to FAQ

Can I go alone?

Yes. You may choose to come alone, or if you wish to reduce your cost, we may combine you with another consenting party. ▲back to FAQ

How many people can go?

We can take from 1 to 4 people on a single trip, including children of any age. ▲back to FAQ

Can you match us with others to save money?

Yes. If the opportunity arises, we can hook up two consenting parties before the trip and revise the quote accordingly. ▲back to FAQ

About Us

Who are you?

VegeSailing is Pierre and Laura. We are the founders, operators, and crew of Vegesailing. We are not a company or anything like that. You can read more about us in the Crew section. ▲back to FAQ

How long have you been doing this?

We started organizing vegetarian sailing cruises in 2002 and launched the VegeSailing venture and website in September 2003.▲back to FAQ

Where are you from?

We are currently residing near Montreal, Canada. ▲back to FAQ

Do you do this for a living?

No. We both have other occupations. Actually, this is a non-profit venture. Basically, we charge what it costs us to put the trip together. ▲back to FAQ

Is it your boat?

No. We do not own any boats. We will charter your boat from the most reputable charter company in the world. There is a wide range of boat sizes available to us, and we have selected 5 VegeSailing boat models ranging from 36 to 50 feet in length. ▲back to FAQ

Are you a couple?

Yes. ▲back to FAQ

Are you vegetarians?

Yes. Pierre has been vegetarian since birth, and Laura has had the same lifestyle for 10 years. We are strict vegetarians (vegan).▲back to FAQ

Where will you sleep?

On the boat! When we board the boat, you will choose your cabins, and we will take the remaining cabin. ▲back to FAQ

What will you do while we do all the fun stuff?

Have fun too! Actually, we will be spending some time every day watering down the deck, tidying up the boat and preparing drinks, snacks and meals, but when that is all done, we will enjoy the sun and sea as you will. If you want, we would love to show you the sights, be your scuba diving buddy, or show you the best snorkeling spots. ▲back to FAQ

What qualifications do you have as a skipper?

As a chartering company ‘Captain’ cardholder, he is qualified to skipper any of their boats. Pierre is a lifelong sailor and has been on the Canadian Sailing Team in his youth. ▲back to FAQ

What languages do you speak?

Pierre and Laura both speak fluent English, French and Spanish. ▲back to FAQ

About the Food

What will we eat?

All food onboard will be strictly vegetarian. We will prepare vegetarian meals during the entire cruise, unless you feel like making something yourself. Breakfasts will include lots of fresh fruit. Lunches are usually light with plenty of healthy snacks throughout the day, including beverages and smoothies. Dinner will be a heartier cooked meal. See the Menu page for samples! ▲back to FAQ

How many meals are included?

All meals are included, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks and beverages. ▲back to FAQ

Are drinks included?

Non-alcoholic beverages, juices and smoothies are included. ▲back to FAQ

Do you have beer and wine?

No. We do not stock any alcoholic beverages onboard. ▲back to FAQ

Can I take my own alcoholic drinks?

No. We do not allow any alcoholic beverages onboard. ▲back to FAQ

Can I eat meat, eggs, fish, poultry, seafood?

Not onboard. In keeping in line with the VegeSailing theme, we do not allow any animal foods onboard. ▲back to FAQ

Can we fish?

Not onboard. In keeping in line with the VegeSailing theme, we do not allow fishing from the boat, whether or not fish are released. ▲back to FAQ

Can we bring snacks?

Yes. You may bring your own snacks onboard so long as they are vegetarian. ▲back to FAQ

Will you eat with us?

Yes. We will share food and table. ▲back to FAQ

Can we go to the restaurant?

Yes. During the cruise, we include all meals onboard only, but you are free to go eat at restaurants at your own expense. We include a vegetarian restaurant dinner and breakfast when we arrive in the BVI, the night and morning before boarding the boat. Most night anchorages are in proximity of onshore restaurants. ▲back to FAQ

Can we go out and have drinks?

Yes. It’s always fun to go ashore one night or two to get a feel of the Caribbean at a local restaurant/bar, which sometimes has live music. We include a round of virgin piña coladas or strawberry daiquiris for all! ▲back to FAQ

About the Boat

Is there an engine in the boat?

Yes. Each boat has an inboard engine. The wind and sails get us around the islands most of the time, but we have an inboard engine to help us maneuver while mooring, docking, negotiating narrow channels, or in the rare moments when the wind is simply not enough to get us where we are going. In any case, we have to run the engine at least a couple of hours each day to charge the batteries which give us lighting, refrigeration, instruments, pumps and music! We try to run the engine only as required and in the most appropriate times to reduce disturbance. ▲back to FAQ

How big is the boat?

There are 5 boat models ranging from 36 to 50 feet in length. Depending on the number of guests, we will choose the ideal boat size for your trip, or you may request a smaller and more economical boat or a larger boat if you want the added performance and space. ▲back to FAQ

What is included on the boat?

Everything! All the boats are fully equipped. Besides the basic life and safety and navigation equipment, there is everything required for every day living, including linen, beach and bath towels, weather jackets, masks, snorkels and fins for everybody, CD player and even a hammock! Basically, you just need to bring your clothes, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat! When you book a trip, we will send you a complete list of things that are included on the boat and that we recommend you bring. ▲back to FAQ

Are there electrical outlets on the boat?

There is no standard electrical outlet network on the boat. However, there is a 12V outlet (like in cars) and we also have a 120V voltage converter to make standard North American outlets for low energy uses, such as battery chargers for cameras, cell phones or other equipment. ▲back to FAQ

Is there a lifeboat?

Yes. Every boat comes equipped with an inflatable rubber dinghy with outboard motor, which we tow behind the boat. Actually, we use the dinghy almost every day to go run errands ashore, explore the coast, go to remote beaches or simply have fun! ▲back to FAQ

Can I help with sailing maneuvers?

Yes! If you are a veteran sailor, you are welcome to put your knowledge at work. If you would like to learn about sailing, the skipper will be delighted to teach you about sailing and navigation. Actually, we may need a hand to moor, dock or handle the sails. That’s part of the VegeSailing experience! You can take the helm as often as you wish while we are sailing. ▲back to FAQ

Will we feel cramped in the boat?

Probably not. We will choose the size of boat that is ideal for the number of people on the trip, or you may choose a smaller or larger boat. However, you will find that we actually end up spending very little time inside the boat. We have most meals outside in the cockpit, and we are often on the deck, in the water, or on the beaches. There is even a shower outside on the stern platform. If you have never been on a boat before, you will find that everything is a little tighter and more compact than in your home, but that is part of the marine world! If you are used to motor yachts, you will also find that things are more compact on a sailboat. While there is full headroom on all the boats, the cabins may not have full headroom everywhere. ▲back to FAQ

Is there a CD player?

Yes. There is a CD player and you are welcome to bring your favorite CD’s. ▲back to FAQ

Is there a cell phone on the boat?

Yes. We may use it free of charge to get in touch with the charter company, or they may call us in case of need. You may also place calls to third parties, but these calls are billed separately to your credit card and are rather expensive. For local communications or if we require mechanical or other assistance, we can also use the VHF radio. Almost all facilities in the islands monitor the VHF open channels. ▲back to FAQ

Is it comfortable?

Yes. All the boats are clean and well kept. There are cockpit cushions for everybody. There are also hot water showers. We will even install a hammock on the front deck while we are at anchor or moored. Nevertheless, a sailboat is generally less comfortable than a motor yacht, because of all the sailing gear, ropes, winches, tracks etc. While we are sailing, the boat may lean over quite a bit, depending on how much wind there is. However, there is always a way to be comfortable, and you will quickly get the hang of it. ▲back to FAQ

How big are the beds?

All cabins have ‘double’ beds. Although these may be tapered, or have irregular shapes or ceiling heights, they are perfectly suitable for two people. All the beds are equipped with linen and pillows. Because of the fine weather, we rarely need the blankets that are supplied! ▲back to FAQ

About the Islands

Where do you go VegeSailing?

Currently, we offer VegeSailing exclusively in the British Virgin Islands, a group of over 50 islands in the North East Caribbean, just to the East of Puerto Rico. This archipelago is a picturesque mix of tiny sand islands, jutting rock islands, and larger mountainous islands. It is one of the safest and most beautiful cruising areas in the world. ▲back to FAQ

How far is it?

The British Virgin Islands are about two hours flying from Miami, via San Juan, Puerto Rico. ▲back to FAQ

Is it safe there?

Yes. The British Virgin Islands are one of the safest cruising areas in the world. We use mostly line-of-sight navigation, meaning we almost always ‘see’ where we are going. The entire area surrounding the islands is charted in great detail, so we know where to go and not to go! Our charter company ensure rapid servicing of our boat should we have any problems (which is very rare). We can always count on two-way communication by cell phone or VHF radio. There are plenty of sheltered harbors throughout the islands, most of them with secure moorings for overnight stays. The weather is generally perfect there, with 10-20 knot trade winds, perfect for sailing from island to island. ▲back to FAQ

When is the best time to go?

All year round. Each month has its advantages. It seems like in the last few years, the World’s weather is not as predetermined as is was before, so we can have perfectly fine weather in January like in September. In any case, bad weather will almost never last more than a few days. If you want a more economical option, the summer months would be advantageous. The months of July and August offer the advantage of being the most economical months, while being the most quiet in terms of number of travelers and sailors. ▲back to FAQ

What is the weather like?

The weather is almost always perfect. The climate is sub-tropical and tempered by trade winds. There is little variation between summer and winter. Rainfall is low, varying slightly from island to island. Nighttime temperatures drop to a comfortable level. The weather is generally sunny with scattered clouds, which are most welcome to give us an occasional break from the sun. The air temperature ranges on average from about 70 degrees at night to 88 degrees during the day (20-30 Celsius). There is on average about 4 inches of rain per month. ▲back to FAQ

Is the water warm?

Yes! The water is generally in the low to mid 80’s (27-28 Celsius). ▲back to FAQ

What if there is bad weather?

Only extreme weather will prevent us from continuing our normal activities. There is always a solution to any weather. In the case of simple rain or rainsqualls, we can continue to snorkel, stay under the canopy, play board games inside the boat or go have a drink at a beach bar. If the wind is very strong, we can always reduce the sails and continue sailing or we can always choose to stay in our mooring for an extra day. In the very rare case of extremely bad weather, we would be called back to the base marina and stay in the hotel until the weather improves. ▲back to FAQ

Can I use my cell phone there?

Perhaps. Service conditions change. There are some providers that will be able to place calls directly from the islands, while others are given a “We cannot place your call as dialed, please enjoy the islands!” message. We recommend that you relax and get away from it all during your vacation, but in case of need you can always use the onboard cell phone at your own cost. ▲back to FAQ

Do we always see land?

Yes. In clear weather, there is always an island in sight. It is possible that during one segment, we do not see the island we are heading for until more than halfway there, but we do see the islands we are leaving behind. This is one of the best sailing days in the islands. ▲back to FAQ

What kind of money do we use there?

The US dollar is used in the British Virgin Islands, but there is no need to spend any money if you do not want to, because all essentials will be included in your quote. Credit cards are widely accepted. ▲back to FAQ

What language do they speak there?

English. ▲back to FAQ

About the Trip

Is it expensive?

No. If you consider everything you end up spending on typical vacations, including airfare, transfers, food, drinks, snacks, hotel, entertainment, taxis, tips, taxes of all kinds, activities, etc., VegeSailing is a comparable alternative, especially if you are a group of 4 or more. It may be more expensive for smaller groups, but definitely worth it! ▲back to FAQ

Are flights included?

Yes. If requested, we will include your airfare with all taxes and fees in our quote. ▲back to FAQ

What is included?

Everything! If you want, we will give you a quote for your total cost, so that in principle, you can leave home without taking out your wallet during your entire vacation. We want you to have a hassle-free vacation. ▲back to FAQ

Do I need a passport?

A passport valid for at least 6 months is required for all, except citizens of the USA and Canada in possession of a recognized form of identity (e.g. birth certificate). Visitors from most of the Americas and most European countries do not require entrance visas. We will inform you of exact requirements during travel preparation. A return plane ticket is required for all. ▲back to FAQ

What can we do on our vacation?

Many things! The British Virgin Islands have a lot to offer. Most of our time will be spent sailing, playing in the water, snorkeling, eating, relaxing in the hammock or on the beach, or exploring the coast. Please refer to the Activities section for an extensive list of possible activities. ▲back to FAQ

Will we get bored on a boat?

Definitely not. There are so many possibilities that it is impossible to get bored. Every place we go to is different and so is each day. ▲back to FAQ

Where do we spend the nights?

At the end of each day, we sail into a sheltered bay and moor to spend the night. We sleep on the boat in private cabins. The following day, we set sail slowly after breakfast and make our way to our next destination. Note that the first night is generally spent at the marina hotel, before boarding the boat the following day. ▲back to FAQ

How much money do I need to take?

Very little. We include everything you request in our quote, so you do not need to spend any money on your vacation. However, it is always wise to bring a small amount of cash and a credit card in case of emergencies or if you decide to do an activity you hadn’t planned on doing, like scuba diving or if you need to make long-distance phone calls, etc. ▲back to FAQ

How can I pay for my trip?

By credit card or money order. Once you decide to come VegeSailing, you can make your deposit and final payment online by credit card using PayPal, or by sending a money order by mail. We will send you payment details along with your quote. ▲back to FAQ

What do I need to pack?

Your swimsuit! Actually, you just need to bring your clothing (tropical wear), swimsuit, boat shoes, sunglasses, personal toiletry items, sunscreen, and a hat! The boat is fully equipped so you can easily board with only a small duffle bag. We recommend soft luggage for easy stowing on the boat, rather than hard luggage. ▲back to FAQ

Do I have to work hard on the boat?

No. While you will be part of the crew, you will have the opportunity to help with sailing and docking maneuvers, but these are fun and very simple. Most of the time you can just take it easy. ▲back to FAQ