Quick Answer
A British Virgin Islands yacht charter usually starts on Tortola, near Beef Island Airport. In one week you can visit Norman Island, the RMS Rhone wreck, The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Short passages and sheltered water make the BVI ideal for families and first charters; the season runs from December to April.
The British Virgin Islands are the most loved sailing destination in the Caribbean. More than fifty islands, cays and rocks lie close together around the sheltered Sir Francis Drake Channel, so passages are short, the sea is calm and every afternoon brings a new anchorage. A British Virgin Islands yacht charter is the perfect introduction to the Caribbean, and a place guests return to year after year.
Why Charter a Yacht in the BVI?
- Short, easy hops: most islands are under two hours apart, leaving the whole day for swimming and exploring.
- Sheltered water: the islands protect the channel from the Atlantic swell, ideal for families and first-time charter guests.
- Steady trade winds: perfect for sailing yachts and catamarans, and for kitesurfing and other water sports.
- Laid-back island life: barefoot beach bars, fresh lobster and a relaxed pace that feels a step back in time.
Highlights of a BVI Charter
Norman Island and The Caves
Said to have inspired the novel Treasure Island, Norman Island is a classic first stop. Snorkel the sea caves at its western point, alive with colourful reef fish, and spend the night in the sheltered anchorage of The Bight.
Salt Island and the RMS Rhone
The Royal Mail steamship Rhone sank in a hurricane in 1867 and now lies in shallow, clear water off Salt Island. It is one of the most famous wreck dives in the Caribbean, and parts of it can be seen while snorkelling.
Virgin Gorda and The Baths
Giant granite boulders scattered along the shore create grottos, tunnels and sunlit pools at The Baths, the most famous sight in the BVI. A short trail leads through them to Devil’s Bay. Further north, North Sound is a reef-protected lagoon perfect for water toys.
Anegada
Anegada is unlike any other island in the BVI: flat, made of coral and surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean. Long empty beaches, flamingos in the salt ponds and grilled lobster on the sand make it a highlight of the week. Larger yachts anchor outside the reef and visit by tender.
Jost Van Dyke
This small island has a big reputation for its beach bars and relaxed atmosphere. White Bay is lined with palm trees, a short walk leads to a natural rock pool where Atlantic waves rush in, and tiny Sandy Spit nearby is the picture-perfect Caribbean islet.
A Sample Week in the BVI
| Day | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tortola → Norman Island | Embarkation, snorkelling at The Caves |
| 2 | Salt Island & Cooper Island | RMS Rhone wreck, beach evening |
| 3 | Virgin Gorda | The Baths and Devil’s Bay |
| 4 | North Sound | Water toys, kitesurfing |
| 5 | Anegada | Empty beaches, flamingos, lobster dinner |
| 6 | Jost Van Dyke & Sandy Spit | White Bay, natural rock pool |
| 7 | Cane Garden Bay, Tortola | Last swim, farewell dinner |
| 8 | Tortola | Breakfast and disembarkation |
Getting There
Most BVI charters start on Tortola, at Road Town or Nanny Cay. The nearest airport is Terrance B. Lettsome International on Beef Island (EIS), usually reached by a short connecting flight via San Juan, Antigua or St Martin. Many guests also fly into St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and take a short ferry or private transfer to Tortola.
When to Go
The main season runs from December to April, with dry weather and steady trade winds. Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks, and spring offers warm water and excellent conditions. See our month-by-month guide for details.
Yachts for a BVI charter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BVI good for a first yacht charter?
Yes. Short distances, sheltered water and many easy anchorages make it the ideal first Caribbean charter, especially for families.
Which yacht is best for the BVI?
Catamarans and sailing yachts are very popular here, while motor yachts let you cover more islands in a week. Larger superyachts visit some shallow spots, such as Anegada, by tender.
Can we combine the BVI and the US Virgin Islands?
Yes. The two are only a few miles apart. Your captain handles customs clearance when crossing between them. See our Caribbean entry requirements guide.
What currency is used in the BVI?
The US dollar is the official currency of the British Virgin Islands.
How much does a BVI yacht charter cost?
It depends on the yacht and the week. Luxury crewed catamarans are the most affordable option, and superyachts are also available. See our price guide.
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