Powerboat Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Day 1, Cooper Island

Road Town to Cooper Island – 7.5 miles. The first leg of your British Virgin Islands powerboat itinerary takes you across the well-protected Sir Francis Drake Channel to a series of gorgeous isles with superb snorkeling sites and magnificent beaches. Your first stop is at Deadman’s Bay on Peter Island, a mile-long white-sand beach fringed with palms. It’s well worth the time to take a dip or enjoy some sunbathing. Cruise a little farther eastward and you’ll find scenic Salt Island. There are day moorings available ideally positioned for swimming and snorkeling right off your power yacht. Right next store is Cooper Island, where you can pick up a mooring for the night in Manchioneel Bay (holding ground isn’t good and moorings are in demand; arrive early). Take the dinghy ashore to enjoy the beach or relax aboard and admire views of the islands to the west.

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Day 2, Virgin Gorda

Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda, North Sound – 16 miles. After sampling the pleasures of Peter, Salt, and Cooper islands, your British Virgin Islands 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. Take the dinghy ashore to do some exploring. On your way north up the coast of Virgin Gorda, stop at The Dogs, a cluster of small outlying islands where the snorkeling is spectacular. When you arrive at North Sound, you’ll find a plethora of marinas, resorts, restaurants, and scenic anchorages. All kinds of watersports equipment rentals are available, including jet skis! Many power cruisers allocate two days to explore Virgin Gorda, just because there’s so much to do in North Sound.

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Day 3, Anegada

Virgin Gorda, North Sound, to Anegada – 16 miles. A cruise north takes you to low, flat Anegada, a saltwater angler’s paradise. The reef system teems with all manner of fish. The Flats are a very popular fishing spot and expert fish captains can take you to the best places. Another option is to venture offshore to the North Drop. The anchorages and moorings are on the west end of the island, where you’ll find some great restaurants and bars. The locally caught lobster is delicious. Take a taxi across the island to the north shore and do some snorkeling at Loblolly Bay, one of the prettiest beaches in the BVI, or enjoy nature walks along the shores of the salt ponds. You’ll see graceful Caribbean flamingos and many other beautiful birds.

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Day 4, Marina Cay

Anegada to Marina Cay – 20 miles. The crossing from Anegada to Marina Cay marks the start of the westward leg of your British Virgin Islands itinerary as you continue to enjoy the unparalleled Caribbean beauty, and a variety of pleasures ranging from the laid-back to the active. Just northeast of Tortola, Marina Cay is nestled among three larger islands – Great Camanoe, Scrub, and Beef. The anchorage there is quite sheltered and the holding is excellent. Another option is to visit nearby Trellis Bay, where you can go ashore to dine out and browse in the shops.

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Day 5, Cane Garden Bay

Marina Cay to Cane Garden Bay – 21 miles. Take your luxury Powercat west down the north coast of Tortola into open waters, passing the long tip of Guana Island, where a day anchorage and moorings are available in White Bay. It’s definitely worth stopping to go for a swim. Beyond Guana Island the land runs straight and bold, and then curves south until you arrive at picturesque Cane Garden Bay. This is a real party spot with lots of beachside bars and restaurants that offer extensive choices for dinner and live entertainment on most nights. The palm-fringed white-sand beach is absolutely magnificent, considered the prettiest on Tortola.

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Day 6, Great Harbour

Cane Garden Bay to Great Harbour – 6 miles. The scenic island of Jost Van Dyke is just a short cruise away, a must-see on any British Virgin Islands powerboat itinerary. There are a number of places to explore before you stop for the night, such as Sandy Cay, where the snorkeling is superb. There are five anchorages or mooring sites on Jost Van Dyke, each with its own special charm. Great Harbour is a popular place to anchor, both for its mountainous beauty and because it’s home to the famous Foxy’s bar. Alternatively, you can anchor or pick up a mooring between Diamond Cay and Little Jost Van Dyke (near Sandy Cay). Foxy’s Toboo restaurant serves excellent food and has a small marina. Nearby is the famous Bubbly Pool, a naturally formed rocky enclosure where the waves wash in through holes and create a bubbly saltwater bath. Kids love it! And adults do too!

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Day 7, Norman Island

Great Harbour to Norman Island – 11.5 miles. The last full day of your British Virgin Islands itinerary takes you southward from Great Harbour to lovely Norman Island. Before you enter the main harbor, known locally as The Bight, stop at nearby Pelican Island for lunch and to do some snorkeling. Adjacent to the island are The Indians, four towering rock pinnacles simply teeming with marine life. This is a must-see location for scuba fans. Once you’re in The Bight, take the dinghy over to Treasure Point. Four semi-submerged caves jut into the rocky shore and offer excellent snorkeling as you swim into the interior. An underwater flashlight is a good idea. And if you like to party hard, in the evening take the dinghy over to the famous Willy T, a rousing bar housed in a replica lumber schooner moored in the harbor. It’s a real experience!

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