Sail in Paradise
Sail the British Virgin Islands: A World-Famous Sailing Destination
The world-famous British Virgin Islands (BVI) rank among the top sailing destinations globally, with sailing and tourism contributing approximately 45% of the Caribbean territory’s income. Tourists flock to the BVI for its white sand beaches, snorkeling around the coral reefs near Anegada and The Indians, and exploring The Baths on Virgin Gorda – a stunning network of beachside boulders. Enhance your island experience with The Big Sail.
With its abundant natural beauty, warm weather, and ample opportunities for water activities, a trip to the BVI promises relaxation and adventure. Sailing around the islands on your private yacht or catamaran offers the ultimate way to explore this paradise. Book a yacht charter with us and enjoy a comfortable, fully-equipped vessel for an action-packed sailing adventure.
Our ‘Classic BVI’ route is a suggested sailing itinerary to give you a taste of the British Virgin Islands. During the booking process, we will create a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences. Here are some of our favourite cruising stops in the BVI. Enquire today with one of our charter specialists about a sailing holiday in the Caribbean or any of our many other destinations worldwide.
SAMPLE ITINERARYGET A QUOTE
TORTOLA
Day 1
Saturday
Arrival & check-in, Tortola, BVI
Tortola is where your BVI yacht charter begins! Fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, then take a taxi to Road Town. Check in and stock up your yacht from the a supermarket (or you can order yacht provisions in advance), and once you’re all settled in onboard, head to one of the great restaurants around the marina for dinner and enjoy the first of many Caribbean sunsets!
COOPER ISLAND
Day 2
Sunday
Cooper Island
Leave Road Town and sail to the wreck of The Rhone just off Salt Island for some stunning snorkeling, then head to Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island and grab a mooring for the night. There’s a no anchoring policy at Cooper Island to protect the turtle grass on the bottom – so it’s mooring balls only. Cooper Island Beach Club is worth booking for either Lunch or Dinner, or check out their remarkably well stocked rum bar at happy hour and BBQ onboard under the stars.
VIRGIN GORDA
Day 3
Monday
Virgin Gorda
With turquoise waters and almost too many mooring spots to choose from – Virgin Gorda has something for everyone. Stock up on supplies at Levrick’s, then head to Saba Rock or the Bitter End Yacht Club for sundowners and dinner in paradise. Saba Rock finally reopened on October 15th 2021, after rebuilding following its destruction in Hurricane Irma, and The Bitter End Yacht Club has also now opened as of October 18th 2022. Alternatively, anchor just south of the Colquhoun Reef or west of the Saba Rock moorings for a more secluded spot & BBQ some fresh fish onboard.
ANEGADA
Day 4
Tuesday
Anegada
A fantastic island to visit if the weather allows, Anegada is the most remote of all the BVI. The highest point on the island is a mere 28 feet above sea level, so you won’t even be able to see the island until you are just a few miles off. Hop in a taxi and visit Cow Wreck Beach bar, hire mopeds to explore the whole island or grab your mask & fins and snorkel around the amazing reef that surrounds the island. Antigua is famous for its seafood, and for its lobster in particular, so have a lobster dinner ashore to end another perfect day.
MARINA CAY
Day 5
Wednesday
Marina Cay
A 2 hour sail almost due South of Anegada, Marina Cay is a stunning and tiny island, surrounded by a reef. Grab a mooring ball, then head ashore to visit Pussers General Store for great clothing and gifts, and then snorkel right from the beach! Watch out – it can be shallow in places. Grab a ‘Painkiller’ or ‘Dark & Stormy’ with a view from the happy hour bar on the island, then head back to your yacht for another great Caribbean BBQ.
JOST VAN DYKE
Day 6
Thursday
Jost Van Dyke
If you’re up early, stop at Monkey Point on the way for one of the best snorkeling spots in the area. Then sail over towards Jost Van Dyke – an island, best known for its food and fun. Drop anchor in White Bay & swim ashore to the suitably named Soggy Dollar Bar – rumored to be the origin of the Painkiller Cocktail – then head round the corner to Great Harbour and visit the infamous ‘Foxys’ for dinner, music & an evening you won’t forget!
NORMAN ISLAND
Day 7
Friday
Norman Island
A perfect anchorage for the last night is The Bight at Norman Island, an easy 7nm to Road Town the next day. There is much to see and do on the way, including The Indians and Pelican Island for some of the best snorkeling in the BVI and be sure to visit the Caves just south of The Bight in your dinghy once you’ve secured your mooring for the night. You can also visit Pirates bar/restaurant on shore for an unforgettable last night in the Caribbean. If you’re after the famous floating bar ‘The Willy-T’ then you should instead head to Peter Island where it is now moored following damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Return to Tortola the next morning and check-out is usually by midday on your final day.
BVI charters can start or finish on any day of your choosing, not just Saturdays, and can be booked for more than 7 days if desired.
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