The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are comprised of more than 25 beautiful jewels set amid the sheltered, turquoise waters of the central Caribbean Sea. Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada are the major isles of the archipelago.
A British Virgin Islands yachting itinerary isn’t set in stone. Nothing is when a friendly, professional, and receptive captain and chef are dedicated to ensuring that your Caribbean adventure is all you expected it to be. A quick study of the British Virgin Islands sailing maps tells the story. It’s possible to sail wherever the wind dictates, then have your captain pick up a mooring or anchor in a secluded anchorage so that you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, reading, or walking on the beach. It’s also possible to always remain in the thick of Caribbean action, stopping at marinas, shopping in boutiques, and sightseeing in quaint towns. Most crewed British Virgin Islands yachting vacations combine all the delights of these islands.
Meals at any restaurant mentioned in this itinerary are not included in the charter price.
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Road Town to Cooper Island – 6.5 nm. It’s just a short sail across the well-protected Sir Francis Drake Channel to Cooper Island. Salt Island lies due west and has good day moorings, where your captain can take you to do some swimming and snorkeling before heading to Cooper Island to savor the delights of Manchioneel Bay for the evening. Your chef will prepare delicious appetizers and a full-course gourmet meal, which you can enjoy in the cockpit or in the air-conditioned main saloon of your luxury private yacht. Your captain will gladly take you ashore in the dinghy so you can swim at the beautiful beach, or you can go off on your own in the dinghy to do some exploring.
Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda, North Sound – 14 nm. After sampling the pleasures of Cooper Island, your British Virgin Islands yachting itinerary takes you northeast to the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda. About 5 nautical miles from Cooper Island, on the west end of Virgin Gorda, is The Baths, a fascinating jumble of boulders, some of which form interesting caves to explore. Another option is stopping at The Dogs, a cluster of small islands off Virgin Gorda’s north shore. The snorkeling is spectacular. When you arrive at North Sound, you’ll find a plethora of marinas, resorts, restaurants, and scenic anchorages. Many sailors allocate two days to explore Virgin Gorda.
Virgin Gorda to Marina Cay – 10 nm. Try your hand at the helm with the helpful guidance of your captain on a wonderful downwind passage of roughly 10 nautical miles from North Sound to the small island of Marina Cay. Just northeast of Tortola, Marina Cay is nestled among three larger islands – Great Camanoe, Scrub, and Beef. Worthy of a painting by one of the great artists of history, Marina Cay’s beauty is breathtaking. The anchorage is sheltered, assuring a restful night. Nearby Trellis Bay is also beautiful. It has a number of shops and restaurants, if you wish to go ashore to explore and dine out.
Marina Cay to Cane Garden Bay – 18 nm. In a few shorts legs, your captain can sail your luxury private yacht northward around Scrub and Great Camanoe islands into the open waters caressing the northern shore of Tortola, passing the long tip of Guana Island. If you like, you can stop there to enjoy the picturesque day anchorage in White Bay. Beyond, the land runs straight and bold, and then curves south until you arrive at Cane Garden Bay. Many residents of Tortola consider the bay one of the prettiest on the island, with its crescent-shaped beach of fine white sand juxtaposed against a lush backdrop of swaying palms. A number of fun nightspots are located right on the beach, or close to it, and dancing, dining, and enjoying great island cuisine are all popular pursuits.
Cane Garden Bay to Great Harbour – 5 nm. Your British Virgin Islands yachting itinerary has taken you east to the northern end of Virgin Gorda, then progressed downwind to the west back to Tortola. There’s no reason to stop sailing west because the scenic island of Jost Van Dyke is just a short passage away. You’ll have plenty of time to stop at nearby Sandy Cay for some snorkeling and a tasty lunch prepared by your gourmet chef. There are five anchorages on Jost Van Dyke, each with its own special appeal. Your captain can take you to the one best suited to your desires, either a secluded anchorage or a nightlife hotspot. Peaks averaging 1,000 feet in elevation soar skyward from the shore of Great Harbour, home to Foxy’s, one of the most famous restaurants in the BVI.
Great Harbour to The Bight – 10 nm. The last full day of your British Virgin Islands yachting itinerary will take you southward from Great Harbour to lovely Norman Island and the popular anchorage known as The Bight. Once there you will have nearly circumnavigated Tortola! The Bight has two fun places to eat, including the floating restaurant Willie T, a replica of a 93-foot lumber schooner. It’s also home to the caves at Treasure Point, a fascinating location for snorkeling. Your captain will stand by in the dinghy as you go exploring in these wonders of Nature. Just to the north of Norman Island are Pelican Island and The Indians, four rock pinnacles considered one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the BVI.
Final Morning
Norman Island to Road Town – 7 nm. The final leg of your luxury crewed yacht charter will be a quick jaunt north back to the Moorings base. You will arrive by noon.
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