British Virgin Islands Sailing Itinerary
Find below all important information about your yacht charter holidays in the British Virgin Islands with an interactive BVI sailing itinerary included.
With an average daily temperature of 77°F, steady trade winds, ideal for sailing, combined with line of sight navigation, and around 1 to 2 hours sailing between the islands, it is easy to see why The British Virgin Islands are considered the Sailing Capital of the Caribbean. Add to that, hundreds of charter yachts to choose from, and it’s clear why the BVI is also the yacht charter capital. Come and explore with us.
We have created a comprehensive BVI sailing itinenary so that you can start planning your vacation. What information can you find in this guide?
- Key information about the BVI.
- Travel advise.
- Useful telephone numbers
- Island highlights.
- Provisioning.
- Sample itinerary.
- Packing list.
Sailing in the British Virgin Islands
Made up of over 60 islands and cays, only 16 of which are inhabited, The British Virgin Islands are located in the Virgin Islands archipelago, a few miles east of the US Virgin Islands, and 59 miles from Puerto Rico. Although the BVI has an airport – The Terence B Lettsome International Airport, there are no direct flights from the US mainland. Fortunately, there are frequent connections from Puerto Rico, St Martin, or St Thomas. However, most travelers fly to St Thomas (STT) and make their way to the BVI either by ferry or, in the case of all-inclusive charters, meet your yacht in St Thomas. If you are making your own way to the BVI there are two ferry ports, one just a few minutes from the airport but with less frequent departures and one in Red Hook a short 20-minute taxi ride away.
Either way, when you arrive in the BVI, the first thing is to clear customs, so a valid passport is required. Tortola, the largest of the Islands, is home to the Capital Road Town and the main marina, ferry terminal, customs, and the majority of the charter yachts, as well as provisioning stores like Riteway and hotels if you want to spend a couple of days exploring before or after your charter.
Interactive BVI 7-Day Sailing Itinerary
The BVI is perfect for exploring by boat, with warm steady winds, sheltered bays, and only 1 to 2 hours sailing between islands, you can explore many of the famous places and also find the perfect secluded spot to enjoy your vacation. As well as Tortola there are also Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and a string of smaller Islands known as the little sisters that include: Norman, Peter, Dead Man’s Chest, Salt, Cooper & Ginger Islands that run from the southern tip of Virgin Gorda down to the East Coast of St Thomas in the USVI.
It is possible to sail to the main attractions in the BVI on a week’s charter but if you want to experience Anageada or spend a little longer exploring the islands you may be better off extending your cruise or reducing the number of places you visit. In our interactive guide here, you can see what a typical week itinerary looks like.
Island highlights
Tortola
As well as being home to the capital and the charter fleet, Tortola has many beautiful beaches and sheltered yacht-filled harbors. Discover Brewers Bay, and Smugglers Cove, and Cane Garden Bay, the center of activity on Tortola, and enjoy happy hour at Myetts or Quito’s Gazebo.
The Little sisters
Discover Norman Island, the inspiration to treasure Island and dive the Indians, a site teeming with colorful marine life, including the Caribbean’s most treasured resident — sea turtles or explore the Caves and then sail up to the world-famous Willy T’s floating bar in the Bight. Overnight in Mancioneel Bay on Cooper Islands as you travel north on your itinerary and enjoy the sunsets. There is also excellent snorkeling to be had here before you head north towards Virgin Gorda.
Virgin Gorda
On the southern tip of Virgin Gorda is the Baths, awe-inspiring granite boulders, which form sheltered sea pools on the beach’s edge, great to explore and snorkel. Or head on land and hike Gorda Peak for a fantastic view of the BVI and look for the world’s smallest lizard, the endemic Virgin Gorda gecko!
The north tip of Virgin Gorda is also the best place to set off if you plan to visit Anegada.
Jost Van Dyke
Home of the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, Foxy’s, and the Painkiller Cocktail. Explore vegetation-covered sugar mill ruins and old trails that crisscross the island. Work up an appetite and enjoy West Indian rotis, flying fish sandwiches, or grilled fresh fish and lobster in one of the numerous restaurants.
Anegada
The only coral island in the Virgin Islands’ volcanic chain with amazing coral reefs, secluded sandy beaches, and home to the famous flamingos. Plan on a departure from North Sound, Virgin Gorda, by 08.30 am to get into the Setting Point anchorage by 11.00 am and grab a mooring ball, book your table for the evening for fresh Anegada lobster and go ashore to explore.
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