Best Places to Sail in The BVI
Warm trade winds. Gin-clear water. Dozens of islands scattered like pearls across the Caribbean Sea. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call the British Virgin Islands a sailor’s paradise.
Whether you are gliding through turquoise channels, mooring beside powder-white beaches, or snorkeling straight off the stern, every day brings a new island to explore. And with over 50 to choose from, including the four main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, you will find everything from laid-back beach bars and rich local culture to shipwreck dives and wildlife encounters.
If you’re considering a yacht charter to the BVI, this guide is your perfect starting point. We’ve handpicked the best places to sail depending on what kind of trip you are after, whether you are craving total relaxation, meaningful cultural experiences or unforgettable adventure:
- Where to Sail for Relaxation
- Where to Sail for Culture
- Where to Sail for Adventure
Where to Sail for Relaxation
Sailing in the BVI means you are never far from calm bays, quiet anchorages and palm-fringed beaches where the only schedule is your own. These peaceful spots are ideal for unwinding, with each offering its own version of escape, so keep them in mind when you’re planning your BVI itinerary.
Anegada
Anegada’s low-lying coral landscape and near-empty beaches feel a world away from the busier islands. Here you can snorkel calm reefs, spot flamingos at the salt ponds or watch wild iguanas sunning themselves on the sand. As one the best beaches in the BVI, it is quiet, unspoiled and perfect for days where doing nothing is exactly the plan.
Jost Van Dyke
Famous for its beach bars and easygoing vibe, Jost Van Dyke is the place to relax with a drink in hand and your toes in the sand. Great Harbour offers fresh seafood, slow afternoons and the original Painkiller cocktail at the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar. A short walk takes you to the Bubbly Pool, where waves rush through a narrow channel to create a natural jacuzzi.
Prickly Pear Island
Uninhabited and wonderfully still, Prickly Pear Island is made for lazy swims and long lunches on board. Sheltered waters and wide sandy beaches make it a favourite for those seeking complete privacy without sailing far. It is a simple, beautiful stop where the only sound is the sea.
Sandy Cay
Just off Tortola, Sandy Cay is a small, castaway-style island that feels like your own private paradise. Pack a picnic, swim ashore and stroll the short nature trail under rustling palms. It is one of the easiest places in the BVI to switch off completely.
Where to Sail for Culture
The BVI is known for its clear waters and coral reefs, but its islands are also alive with history, creativity and Caribbean tradition. These destinations offer a deeper connection to the people and stories that shape the region.
Tortola
Tortola is the cultural heart of the BVI, where colonial ruins, rum distilleries and modern island life come together. Visit the 400-year-old Callwood Rum Distillery, explore Fort Burt, or time your trip with a lively full moon party on the beach. Offshore, fishing near the Chikuzen wreck gives a glimpse into the island’s maritime roots.
Anegada
While Anegada is known for its tranquility, it also hosts one of the BVI’s most beloved culinary events: the annual Lobster Festival each November. Local restaurants serve up freshly grilled lobster on the sand, while music and beach games fill the air. Beyond the beach, the vast Horseshoe Reef reflects the island’s deep relationship with the sea.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda blends art, history and island elegance in one stop. Wander Spanish Town for boutique shops and restaurants, or dive the BVI Art Reef, a sunken WWII ship turned underwater gallery. On land, the Copper Mine ruins tell the story of a 19th-century industry set against sweeping sea views.
Where to Sail for Adventure
If your perfect sailing holiday includes hidden caves, world-class snorkeling and wind in your sails, the BVI has more than enough to keep you moving. These stops promise wild landscapes, unforgettable dives and moments that make you feel truly alive on the water.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is home to The Baths, where massive granite boulders form caves, pools and tunnels ready to be explored by foot or snorkel. In Gorda Sound, protected waters are ideal for paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. It is a natural playground for anyone who loves to stay active at sea.
Norman Island
Steeped in pirate legend, Norman Island inspired Treasure Island and still holds a sense of mystery today. Moor in The Bight, then take your dinghy out to explore the flooded caves at Treasure Point. With towering cliffs and deep blue water, it is one of the most atmospheric spots in the BVI.
Cooper Island
Cooper Island sits on the edge of Wreck Alley, home to several sunken ships including the famous HMS Rhone. The diving here is thrilling, with clear visibility and dramatic wrecks covered in coral and sea life. Even at the surface, the water is perfect for snorkeling and swimming off the boat.
FAQs
Where can I stay in the BVI?
If you are chartering a yacht in the BVI, your boat will be your main accommodation, and one of the most comfortable ways to experience the islands. That said, some sailors choose to spend a night or two ashore at standout spots like Oil Nut Bay, Scrub Island Resort, or the newly reimagined Saba Rock.
What should I eat in the BVI?
If you are deciding what to eat in the BVI, local seafood and island specialties are a must. Try Anegada lobster fresh off the grill, crispy conch fritters, and curried goat or roti for a taste of Caribbean home cooking. For drinks, BVI locals say that nothing beats a Painkiller cocktail on Jost Van Dyke, served where it was first invented.
Where are the best dive sites in the BVI?
If you are looking for the best dive sites in the BVI, try the HMS Rhone near Salt Island, or Wreck Alley near Cooper Island for a collection of sunken vessels teeming with marine life. For something unique, the BVI Art Reef off Virgin Gorda combines artificial reef ecology with underwater sculpture.
What are the top things to see and do in the BVI?
If you are wondering what the top things to see and do in the BVI are, these highlights are often named by visitors as the most memorable experiences:
- Explore The Baths on Virgin Gorda
- Snorkel the caves at Norman Island
- Order a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke
- Visit the Copper Mine ruins or Callwood Rum Distillery
- Dive the HMS Rhone near Salt Island
Craft Your Perfect BVI Sailing Vacation with The Moorings
With steady winds, short sailing distances and something extraordinary around every corner, the BVI is the ideal destination for a stress-free charter. Whether you are dreaming of a relaxing week at sea, diving into wrecks and reefs, or hopping between beach bars and local festivals, The Moorings can help you make it happen.
Our team knows the BVI inside out and will help you pick the right yacht, route, and tips to match your style. Choose a bareboat, skippered or crewed charter – and start planning with confidence.
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