What is island hopping?

Island hopping is visiting several islands in one trip, moving every day or two instead of staying put. The appeal is variety without repacking — each island contributes its own beach, food, and character to a single vacation. Ferries and small planes do the job in Greece or Hawaii. In the Caribbean the better tool is a boat, because the islands cluster close: the British Virgin Islands pack a dozen worthwhile stops inside a few protected miles, and the Exumas string 365 cays in a line. On a crewed charter the hotel travels with the trip — guests wake somewhere new with nothing repacked. Distances stay short, an hour or two of easy sailing. See the classic route in this 7-day BVI island-hopping itinerary.