British Virgin Islands

The Sailing Capital of the World

$2,500/week

Overview

The British Virgin Islands are widely regarded as the finest sailing destination on earth. With more than 60 islands and cays scattered across the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the BVI offers short hops between anchorages, steady northeast trade winds averaging 15 to 20 knots, and calm protected waters that are ideal for sailors of every experience level. The volcanic peaks of the larger islands create dramatic backdrops while sheltered bays provide overnight anchorages where the only sounds are lapping waves and the occasional steel drum drifting from a beach bar. From the bustling charter hub of Road Town on Tortola to the granite boulders of The Baths on Virgin Gorda, each island has its own distinct character. Norman Island inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, and its underwater caves remain a snorkeling paradise. Cooper Island Beach Club runs entirely on solar energy, while Anegada's low-lying coral atoll is home to pink flamingos, lobster feasts, and one of the longest barrier reefs in the Caribbean. The BVI's well-developed charter infrastructure means provisioning is straightforward, mooring balls are plentiful, and marine services are never far away. Whether you choose a bareboat monohull for an intimate couples' getaway or a fully crewed luxury catamaran for a family reunion, the islands deliver a sailing experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.

Highlights

Explore The Baths at Virgin Gorda, where massive granite boulders form sea-level grottoes and tidal pools
Anchor at the Indians near Norman Island for world-class snorkeling on vibrant coral formations
Visit the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, birthplace of the legendary Painkiller cocktail
Sail the Sir Francis Drake Channel with consistent 15-20 knot trade winds and flat seas
Feast on Anegada lobster at a beachside grill on one of the Caribbean's most remote and pristine islands
Pick up a mooring ball at Cooper Island and enjoy a sustainable eco-resort powered entirely by solar energy

Sample Itineraries

Classic BVI: The Ultimate Island Hop

7 days

Tortola to Norman Island

Pick up your yacht at Nanny Cay or Wickhams Cay marina in Road Town. Complete your charter briefing and provisioning, then set sail south across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The short 8-nautical-mile passage to Norman Island is the perfect warm-up. Grab a mooring ball in The Bight and snorkel the caves at Treasure Point before enjoying dinner aboard under the stars.

The Bight, Norman IslandSnorkeling the sea caves at Treasure Point

Norman Island to Peter Island

Weigh anchor and sail southeast to Peter Island, the largest private island in the BVI. The crossing is a short reach that lets you settle into the rhythm of sailing. Drop the hook in Deadman's Bay, a crescent of white sand backed by palm trees. Spend the afternoon swimming and paddle boarding in the turquoise shallows.

Deadman's Bay, Peter IslandSwimming in the pristine crescent bay

Peter Island to Cooper Island

A quick beat upwind brings you to Cooper Island Beach Club, a solar-powered eco-resort with a craft brewery and excellent restaurant. Manchioneel Bay offers protected moorings and outstanding snorkeling right off the beach. Enjoy a rum tasting at the bar and dine on fresh catch while watching the sunset paint the sky over Salt Island.

Manchioneel Bay, Cooper IslandCooper Island Beach Club brewery and reef snorkeling

Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda

Sail east to Virgin Gorda and pick up a mooring at The Baths National Park. Explore the extraordinary landscape of house-sized granite boulders that form grottoes, pools, and tunnels leading to Devil's Bay beach. In the afternoon, sail around to North Sound and anchor near the Bitter End Yacht Club for a lively evening ashore.

North Sound, Virgin GordaExploring The Baths and its granite grottoes

Virgin Gorda to Anegada

Set a course north for Anegada, the BVI's only coral atoll. The 14-mile passage across open water is the longest of the trip. Approach from the south using waypoints to avoid Horseshoe Reef. Anchor off Setting Point and wade ashore for a legendary Anegada lobster dinner. Watch for flamingos in the salt ponds during a morning walk.

Setting Point, AnegadaAnegada lobster dinner and flamingo spotting

Anegada to Jost Van Dyke

Make the exhilarating downwind run west to Jost Van Dyke. Arrive at White Bay and swim ashore to the Soggy Dollar Bar, so named because patrons wade in from their boats. Order the famous Painkiller cocktail and spend the afternoon on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Great Harbour offers a second bar-hopping option with Foxy's Tamarind Bar.

White Bay, Jost Van DykePainkiller cocktails at the Soggy Dollar Bar

Jost Van Dyke to Tortola

Enjoy a leisurely final morning at White Bay before the short sail back to Tortola. The passage through the Narrows between St. John and Tortola offers great views of both islands. Return to your charter base by midday for checkout. If time allows, explore Road Town or grab a farewell lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

Road Town, TortolaScenic passage through the Narrows

Practical Information

Getting There

Most visitors fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, Tortola, via connections from San Juan (SJU), St. Thomas (STT), or Antigua (ANU). A popular alternative is flying to Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, USVI, then taking a ferry from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie to Road Town or West End, Tortola.

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), Beef Island

Cyril E. King Airport (STT), St. Thomas (ferry connection)

Marinas

Nanny Cay Marina -- Tortola, south coast
Wickhams Cay II Marina -- Road Town, Tortola
Soper's Hole Marina -- West End, Tortola

Weather

The BVI enjoys a tropical maritime climate with air temperatures between 25-31 °C year-round. Trade winds blow from the northeast at 15-20 knots during the peak season (December-April). Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk from August to October. Occasional winter swells from the north can affect north-facing anchorages.

Provisioning

Full provisioning is available at RiteWay and OneMart supermarkets in Road Town. Most charter companies offer pre-stocked provisioning packages that are loaded aboard before your arrival. Fresh produce and seafood are available at local markets, and ice and water are easily sourced at all major marinas.