Dreaming of turquoise waters, sun-kissed beaches, and the gentle sway of a yacht? The British Virgin Islands (BVI) offer the ultimate sailing paradise. This itinerary will guide you through the best spots, from bustling harbors to secluded anchorages, ensuring an unforgettable yachting experience.
Day 1: Tortola – Arrival and Setting Sail from Road Town
Your BVI adventure begins in Tortola, the largest island. Arriving at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island (connected to Tortola by a bridge), you’ll likely head straight to Road Town, the capital, to pick up your yacht. Numerous charter companies operate here, including well-known names like The Moorings and Sunsail. Pro Tip: Pre-arrange your airport transfer and provisioning (food and drinks) to maximize your time on the water. Consider using a provisioning service like Riteway Food Markets which caters specifically to yacht charters.
Once you’ve completed your yacht briefing and stocked up, cast off and head towards Norman Island. This is a relatively short sail, giving you time to familiarize yourself with the boat. Road Town offers marinas like Nanny Cay and Village Cay Marina, which are equipped with modern amenities. Expect to pay around $5-10 per foot per night for dockage at a marina in Road Town. After setting sail, Norman Island is roughly 1-2 hours trip depending on the wind speed.
Budgeting for Day 1:
- Airport Transfer: $20-40 (depending on taxi or pre-booked service)
- Provisioning: $300-500 (depending on your group size and preferences)
- First night dockage (optional): $100-200 (for a 40-foot yacht)
Day 2: Norman Island – Caves and Pirate History
Norman Island, rumored to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” is a must-visit. The main attraction is The Caves – three underwater caves perfect for snorkeling and exploring. Moorings are available, or you can anchor carefully, ensuring you don’t damage the coral reefs. Tip: Bring a waterproof flashlight to fully appreciate the caves’ interior. The visibility is usually excellent, but the flashlight adds another dimension. Snorkeling gear can be rented from various dive shops in Road Town or pre-booked if you own your reliable equipment.
After exploring the caves, head to The Bight, a sheltered anchorage. Here you’ll find the famous floating bar and restaurant, Willy T (William Thornton). Be prepared for a lively atmosphere – it’s a popular spot for socializing and enjoying the Caribbean vibe. Expect to pay around $10-15 for a cocktail. You can also grab a bite to eat with main courses ranging from $20-35. Willy T is a popular floating bar. Remember it can get loud, and sometimes a bit rowdy, especially in the evenings. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the day or anchoring further away from the bar.
Budgeting for Day 2:
- Mooring fee (Norman Island): $30-40
- Drinks and food at Willy T: $50-100 per person (depending on consumption)
- Snorkeling gear rental (if needed): $15-25 per day
Day 3: Jost Van Dyke – Foxy’s and White Bay
Set sail for Jost Van Dyke, a smaller island known for its laid-back atmosphere and iconic beach bars. The sail to Jost Van Dyke from Norman Island offers views of several other islands along the way. Cane Garden Bay is another option however, White Bay is usually the main destination in Jost Van Dyke because of its beaches.
Your first stop should be White Bay, home to the Soggy Dollar Bar, famous for its “Painkiller” cocktail. To enjoy a painkiller costs around $9. Anchor off the beach and swim ashore – hence the name “Soggy Dollar.” Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, sipping Painkillers, and soaking up the sun. Be aware that White Bay can get crowded, especially during peak season. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, consider arriving early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
In the evening, head to Great Harbor on the other side of the island and visit Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Foxy is a BVI legend, known for his storytelling and impromptu musical performances. Enjoy live music, good food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Foxy’s serves excellent BBQ and seafood dishes, and prices are comparable to other restaurants in the BVI. Main courses range from $25-40. A taxi ride from White Bay to Great Harbor will cost approximately $10-15 per person. Alternatively, you can take a dinghy around the island, but this can be tricky depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Budgeting for Day 3:
- Mooring fee (White Bay or Great Harbor): $30-40
- Painkillers at Soggy Dollar: $10-15 each
- Dinner at Foxy’s: $40-60 per person
- Taxi between White Bay and Great Harbor (optional): $10-15 per person
Day 4: Sandy Cay & Cane Garden Bay – Natural Beauty and Relaxation
After the lively atmosphere of Jost Van Dyke, head to Sandy Cay (also known as Sandy Spit), a tiny, uninhabited island just off the coast. It’s the quintessential desert island, perfect for a morning of swimming, sunbathing, and taking stunning photos. There are no facilities on Sandy Cay, so be sure to bring everything you need with you, including water, sunscreen, and snacks.
In the afternoon, sail to Cane Garden Bay on Tortola’s north shore. This picturesque bay offers calm waters, a beautiful beach, and a variety of beach bars and restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or trying some watersports. You can find options on jet skiing or paddle boarding. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants, such as Myett’s Garden and Grill , known for its Caribbean cuisine and live music. A typical main course will be approximately $30.
Consider a local rum tasting at Callwood Rum Distillery, one of the oldest continuously operating pot distilleries in the Caribbean. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history and culture. The distillery is located near Cane Garden Bay, and tours and tastings are available for a small fee.
Budgeting for Day 4:
- Mooring fee (Cane Garden Bay): $30-40
- Watersports (optional): $20-50 per person
- Dinner at Myett’s or similar: $40-60 per person
- Rum tasting at Callwood Distillery (optional): $10-15 per person
Day 5: Anegada – Lobster and Tranquility
Anegada is a unique island in the BVI chain – it’s a flat coral island, in contrast to the volcanic peaks of the other islands. This means it has stunning white-sand beaches and extensive coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving. However, navigating to Anegada requires careful attention as the waters are shallow and reefs are plentiful. Consider hiring a local pilot to guide you through the channel. Anegada is about 15 nautical miles from Tortola. This makes for a longer sailing day, around 3-4 hours, depending on prevailing winds and sea conditions. Book ahead to make sure they are available.
The main attraction in Anegada is the lobster. Enjoy a freshly caught lobster dinner on the beach at one of the local restaurants, such as Anegada Reef Hotel or Cow Wreck Beach Bar. Prices for a lobster dinner typically range from $50-80. Cow Wreck Beach Bar is named for the ship wrecks from years ago. It is a small bar located right on the sand. Consider renting a jeep or scooter to explore the island. The roads are mostly unpaved, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. You can visit Loblolly Bay, known for its stunning beaches and snorkeling, or explore the flamingo pond, home to a colony of wild flamingos. Jeep rentals typically cost around $60-80 per day.
Budgeting for Day 5:
- Mooring fee (Anegada): $30-40
- Pilot fee (optional): $100-150
- Lobster dinner: $50-80 per person
- Jeep or scooter rental (optional): $60-80 per day
Day 6: Virgin Gorda – The Baths and Spanish Town
Sail to Virgin Gorda and explore The Baths, a geological wonder of giant granite boulders scattered along the beach. These boulders create natural pools and grottoes, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. It is important to arrive early, as The Baths gets very crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port. There are mooring balls available, but they fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can anchor outside the designated swimming area.
In the afternoon, head to Spanish Town, the second-largest town in the BVI, and visit the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. This marina offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Consider a trip to the Copper Mine National Park, which offers a glimpse into the island’s mining history. The park features the ruins of a 19th-century copper mine, as well as hiking trails and scenic views. From Spanish town you can rent a vehicle or take a taxi.
Budgeting for Day 6:
- Mooring fee (The Baths or Spanish Town): $30-40
- Lunch or dinner in Spanish Town: $30-50 per person
- Taxi to Copper Mine National Park (optional): $20-30 round trip
Day 7: Peter Island & Return to Tortola
Enjoy a relaxing final day sailing to Peter Island, a private island resort. Deadman’s Bay is a beautiful location on the island. The beach is stunning, and the waters are calm. Grab a drink here for the bay and beach.
Afterward, it’s time to head back to Tortola, drop off your yacht, and prepare for your departure. Allow ample time for the check-out process, as charter companies will typically inspect the boat thoroughly. Enjoy a final evening in Road Town, reflecting on your incredible BVI adventure. Enjoy happy hour one last time or have one last meal here.
Budgeting for Day 7:
- Mooring fee (Peter Island): $30-40
- Final dinner in Road Town: $40-60 per person
- Yacht check-out fees (if any): Varies depending on the charter company
Important Considerations for Your BVI Yacht Charter
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the BVI for sailing is during the dry season, from December to April. The weather is typically sunny and dry, with steady trade winds. However, this is also the peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The shoulder seasons (May-June and September-November) can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and lower prices.
Yacht Charter Options: You can choose from bareboat charters (where you captain the boat yourself), skippered charters (where a professional captain is provided), or crewed charters (where a full crew, including a captain, chef, and other staff, is provided). The best option for you will depend on your sailing experience, budget, and desired level of service. If you choose a bareboat charter, make sure you have the necessary certifications and experience.
Navigation and Charts: Familiarize yourself with the BVI’s navigation charts and buoyage system. The waters can be tricky in some areas, with shallow reefs and strong currents. Consider using a GPS chartplotter and other electronic navigation aids to supplement your paper charts. Also know how channel 16 works. Channel 16 is the distress channel.
Provisioning Tips: Pre-ordering your provisions can save you a lot of time and hassle. Several companies specialize in provisioning for yacht charters in the BVI. Be sure to consider your dietary needs and preferences when ordering your provisions. Water can be expensive in the BVI, so consider bringing a water filter or purchasing large jugs of water.
Communication: Cell phone coverage is generally good in the BVI, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup communication plan. Consider renting a satellite phone or purchasing a local SIM card. VHF radios are essential for communicating with other boats, marinas, and the coast guard.
Currency and Payment: The official currency of the BVI is the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are available in Road Town and other major towns.
Environmental Awareness: The BVI’s coral reefs are fragile ecosystems. Be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid anchoring in coral areas, and dispose of your trash properly. Consider participating in a reef cleanup or other environmental initiative during your visit.
FAQ Section
What documents do I need to charter a yacht in the BVI?
You will need a valid passport, your sailing license or certification (if applicable for bareboat charters), and a copy of your charter agreement. Some charter companies may also require a resume of your sailing experience.
Is it safe to drink the water in the BVI?
It is generally not recommended to drink the tap water in the BVI. Bottled water is readily available, or you can use a water filter to purify the tap water.
Do I need to tip the crew on a skippered or crewed charter?
It is customary to tip the crew 15-20% of the charter fee at the end of your trip. The tip should be divided among the crew members based on their level of service.
What should I pack for a yacht charter in the BVI?
Pack light, quick-drying clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, sandals or water shoes, and a waterproof bag for your electronics. A light jacket or sweater may be useful for cooler evenings.
Are there any hidden costs associated with a BVI yacht charter?
Be sure to factor in the costs of fuel, water, mooring fees, park fees, customs and immigration fees (if applicable), and provisioning. Some charter companies may also charge extra for insurance, cleaning, or equipment rentals.
What are the cruising restrictions in the BVI?
There are some areas in the BVI where anchoring is prohibited to protect the coral reefs. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the cruising restrictions before you set sail. The BVI National Parks Trust provides information on protected areas and regulations.
References
- The Moorings
- Sunsail
- Riteway Food Markets
- William Thornton (Willy T)
- Myett’s Garden and Grill
- BVI National Parks Trust
Ready to turn this dream itinerary into a reality? Don’t just imagine the breathtaking sunsets and crystal-clear waters – book your BVI yacht charter today! Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time charterer, the British Virgin Islands offer an unparalleled sailing experience. Contact a reputable charter company, plan your perfect itinerary, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime. The Caribbean paradise awaits!
