The British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean favoured for their turquoise waters, sheltered anchorages, and easy island-hopping distances. This volcanic archipelago is made up by over 50 islands and cays, combining natural beauty with a relaxed sailing culture, making it one of the world’s premier yacht charter destinations.
Tortola, the largest island, serves as the main hub offering marinas, provisioning, and a gateway to the surrounding waters. Steady trade winds and a warm climate, along with well-protected anchorages, create ideal conditions for sailing and water-sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and kiteboarding. Ashore, you’ll find gentle island treks and beach bars serving fresh seafood and signature cocktails.
One of my favourite itineraries for these islands starts at Nanny Cay, with its well-serviced marina and resort hotel, before setting sail for Norman Island. Known for The Caves, this is an excellent spot for snorkelling among colourful corals and schools of tropical fish. Short trails lead to viewpoints over the Sir Francis Drake Channel, and evenings can be spent at anchor in The Bight, with the option of a lively beach bar ashore.
Next, we recommend heading to Cooper Island, home to a relaxed eco-resort offering fresh seafood and artisan rum cocktails. Offshore, Cistern Point is popular for diving, with excellent visibility and abundant marine life. Between dives, the calm bay is ideal for foilboarding or paddleboarding.
Virgin Gorda is another highlight, famous for The Baths, a natural wonder of granite boulders creating tidal pools and grottoes to explore on foot. Keen hikers can head to Gorda Peak for panoramic views. The steady breeze in North Sound makes it a hub for kiteboarding, dinghy sailing, and other water-sports, with spacious, sheltered anchorages.
Anegada offers a complete change of scenery. Its flat, sandy profile is ringed by pristine beaches and the third-largest barrier reef in the world. Horseshoe Reef provides excellent snorkelling and diving. Or if you prefer to go ashore, you can enjoy long beach walks, a massage, or a hammock in the shade. I would highly recommend a lobster lunch here, as it has become almost a tradition.
On the return through the chain, Jost Van Dyke offers a social finale. White Bay’s barefoot beach bars, including the iconic Soggy Dollar, are perfect for a Painkiller cocktail and a swim in crystal-clear shallow water.
Throughout a BVI yacht charter, peaceful anchorages are always nearby. You can end the day in a quiet bay or in a sociable spot with live music. With active mornings of water-sports and afternoons of sunbathing or onboard wellness, the pace is yours to set.
View our sample itinerary, which can be tailored to suit the tastes, interests and pace of you and your guests. Itineraries are not fixed and will be changed to suit weather and sea conditions and even to accommodate any changes you and your Captain agree upon as you go along. Providing it’s possible, the only two fixed points are the start and the finish – now that’s a true sign of luxury.
The BVIs have so many islands and different anchorages; they offer enough variety that every visit feels different. Let us help plan your first or umpteenth voyage in this yachting paradise.
