BVI Base Guide

Cruising Grounds

Experience Level
A formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here. A completed Sailing or  Power  resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.

Cruising Area
Sailing lanes are generally open; however, the National Parks Trust protects a number of reefs and sailing areas. Download The Moorings' BVI Charter eGuide here.       

Cruising Area Restrictions  
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require a two-person minimum on board.

Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Nighttime Sailing 
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Cruising Permits & Taxes
Cruising taxes and a Marine Parks permit are included in your yacht charter cost. 

Please Note: If you enter The Baths by land, you must take your permit from your charter documents with you or you will be charged an additional entrance fee of $3 USD for adults and $2 USD per child.                 

Moorings Fees & Taxes
Moor Seacure Ltd. manages moorings balls throughout the BVI. Mooring fees are charged nightly (typically $30 USD per night). Boaty-Ball.com also manages reserved mooring balls in select BVI destinations. Please visit Boaty-Ball.com to check availability.

Marinas
Fuel, waste and oil disposal services are normally found at larger harbors and marinas, such as: Nanny Cay, Road Town, Hodges Creek, Leverick Bay, and Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. Other outlets that provide water, ice and a wide variety of provisions can be found at Cane Garden Bay, Trellis Bay, Penn's Landing, Jost Van Dyke, and other locations throughout the islands. Note: Moorings yachts at the Tortola Base are provided with navigation charts for the British Virgin Islands cruising area only.

Nanny Cay Resort and Marina
Penn's Landing
Marinas - Virgin Gorda
Leverick Bay Resort
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour

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Provisioning

The Moorings Provisioning
Online Provisioning is available. Order your provisioning in advance and enjoy more time on the water. Online orders must be placed 14 days prior to your departure date. 

Visit our online BVI Provisioning Store

Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation.

There are also a number of grocery stores within walking distance, or a short car ride, from the base which you can use as long as you follow current travel restrictions, for example Riteway Supermarket, One Stop Superstore, Bobby's Supermarket, and The Ample Hamper. Hours of operation vary based on the day of the week as well whether it’s the low or high season, so be sure to call your desired store ahead of time.

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Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Scuba Diving 
The Moorings dive partner, Sail Caribbean Divers is a PADI 5-star dive company in the British Virgin Islands and is located at our base. They offer rendezvous excursions to any one of the BVI 73 official dive sites, as well as equipment rentals, instructional courses and more. Sail Caribbean Divers has four custom dive boats ranging from 26’ to 46’. They can accommodate parties from 6 to 24 people per boat.

Choose from a variety of options and arrange a meet-up at any of the locations listed below. SCD will bring their custom dive boat(s) and everything you need for a safe and fun scuba excursion.

Discover Scuba – for those who do not have certification
2 tank dive AM or PM & 1 tank dive PM – must show certification, must bring it with you

Pick up locations for Rendevouz Diving:
Cooper Island
Marina Cay
Norman Island
Trellis Bay
Mariner Yacht Club (our base)

Snorkeling 
The Moorings is unable to provide masks and snorkels to our customers at this time however they are available for purchase at the base for $25 per set. The base will continue to provide fins to all customers.

Fishing 

If you plan to fish in the BVI, you will need to obtain your recreational fishing licence directly from Sail Caribbean. For instructions on how to apply for a fishing permit, please visit Fishing Permits – Sail Caribbean Divers.

Please take note on the following:

• Once granted the fishing permit, it is only valid for one month.
• Taking lobster and spearfishing (any method) are prohibited.
• It is illegal to have bill fish in one’s possession or to have more than 30lbs by weight in one’s possession per boat.
• Sail Caribbean Divers offer spinning rods and trolling rods for daily and weekly rental.

Please see the rental reservations form and pricing: SCD RENTAL RESERVATION FORM – WC2 MARINER INN & MARINA (sailcaribbeandivers.com). Send your rental forms to [email protected]. If you have any queries about fishing licences, please email [email protected]

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