Two Winter Escapes. One Tough Choice. BVI vs. Abaco sailing vacation.

BVI vs. Abaco sailing vacation? Warm water, small-group sailing, island stops, good food and a very good reason to escape winter.

If winter has you dreaming about warm turquoise water, I have two sailing adventures to tempt you. The British Virgin Islands bring lively island-hopping, beach bars and classic Caribbean fun, while Abaco offers charming cays, beautiful anchorages and a quieter Bahamas pace. Either way, unpack once, settle in and let the islands come to you.

So which one is right for you?

Choose the BVI if you love a little more action—iconic islands, beach bars, snorkeling, water toys and plenty of stops along the way.

Choose Abaco if you're drawn to a more laid-back escape—pretty Bahamian cays, quieter anchorages, beautiful water and that wonderfully unhurried island feel.

Both are small-group sailing vacations aboard a catamaran, with plenty of time to swim, explore, relax and enjoy being on the water.

The harder question may be: which one first?

Catamarans at anchor BVI

Wandering Man-O-War Cay, Abaco