Cooper Island

An idyllic first stop on your 7 day BVI Power charter, Cooper Island is located a short 6 nautical miles from The Moorings base at Road Town.  This beautiful island has a protected anchorage at Manchioneel Bay, renowned for its turquoise waters, tranquil atmosphere and exceptional natural beauty. The beach and calm waters make Manchioneel Bay well-suited for water sports, and nearby Cistern Point offers excellent snorkeling and turtle watching.

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
6 Nautical miles

Mooring

Anchoring in Manchioneel Bay, the main harbor of Cooper Island, is not recommended due to poor holding ground. However, numerous moorings are available for a fee, making it a convenient option for sailors. It is advisable to arrive early as these mooring balls are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For added convenience, you can pre-book mooring balls starting at 7 a.m. each morning. Dinghy dockage is provided on the jetties flanking the Cooper Island Beach Club.

Things to do

• If you’re a keen snorkeler, you’ll love exploring the underwater treasures of Cistern Point, where you’ll also come face to face with majestic sea turtles. 
• If scuba diving is more your thing, join an excursion with Sail Caribbean Divers, who offer dives suitable for all skill levels, including trips to the historic HMS Rhone wreck.
• Enjoy a meal at the island’s main attraction, Cooper Island Beach Club, featuring a restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, and boutique.

Spotlight On…

Cooper Island Beach Club

A must-stop attraction for anyone exploring the BVI on a Power charter is Cooper Island Beach Club, a small resort with a restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, boutique, and lovely outdoor lounge area. The beach bar and lounge face west, making this the perfect place for enjoying a cocktail while watching a stunning Caribbean sunset.

The dinner menu includes options like Conch Fritters, Seared Beef Fillet Tataki, Cauliflower Steak, Tomato Glazed Fish of the Day, and Caribbean Spiny Lobster.

Find out where else travel expert Lindsay Rogers visited when she spent the week discovering the treasures of the BVI with The Moorings.

Facilities

The facilities at Cooper Island are excellent, whether you need to stock up on charter essentials or want to browse for gifts to take home with you.

Facilities include: Water, ice, WiFi, restaurants, bars, coffee shop, boutique, gift shop, on-site dive shop, electricity and laundry services.

Virgin Gorda

Sail towards Virgin Gorda and discover The Baths—giant granite boulders creating natural pools and passageways. The route to Devil’s Bay is just as iconic as you remember.Picture-perfect, serene and home to countless hiking, swimming and snorkeling spots, Virgin Gorda is a must-visit destination on any BVI sailing itinerary. 

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
6 Nautical miles

Mooring

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor offers slips for secure docking, which are recommended for safety. If you prefer, there are also moorings available just outside the marina at Spanish Town. To ensure availability, it is best to call ahead and reserve a slip. Dinghy dockage is available for visitors staying on moorings outside the harbor, making access to nearby facilities straightforward.

Things to do

• Once you’ve explored the famous rock formations, tunnels, pools, and caves at The Baths, savor a meal with panoramic views at the Top of the Baths restaurant. This restaurant serves a mix of Caribbean and international dishes, including grilled mahi-mahi, seafood pasta, and hearty breakfast platters.
• Enjoy Caribbean delicacies such as freshly grilled snapper and jerk chicken at Snapper’s Bar & Grill, or visit CocoMaya for a fusion of flavours. They combine Asian and Latin influences with Caribbean flair, featuring dishes like sushi rolls, miso-marinated black cod, and Thai green curry.
• Relax on the unspoiled sands of Spring Bay and admire its sensational beauty. According to one TripAdvisor review: “It is a jaw-dropping beach that makes you feel like you are at the end of the world”.
• Find quiet in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda when you round Mosquito Island and chance upon this secluded retreat. The area is home to a number of peaceful beaches and snorkeling spots.

Spotlight On…

North Sound

Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager, believes Virgin Gorda, and North Sound in particular, is ideal for couples: “Virgin Gorda has lots to explore, from the famous natural beauty of the Baths to the many spots littered in the north sound. There’s much to choose from for couples depending on their vibe for the day. Saba Rock offers excellent Caribbean cuisine and cocktails, and nearby, Bitter End Yacht Club is an icon in the BVI.”

Facilities

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor offers a range of facilities to make your 7 day BVI Power charter as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so you can focus on relaxing and feeling your cares melt away.

Facilities include: Slips for docking, ice, garbage disposal services, provisioning, WiFi, water, fuel, dining, and shopping.

Anegada

Get underway early and enjoy a scenic cruise to Anegada, a charter-favorite that remains just as charming as the last time you visited. Sparsely populated and rural, Anegada is 11 miles long, low, and flat, quite unlike any of the other islands in the BVI. Here you can walk by salt ponds on the west side of the island and find yourself among pink Caribbean flamingos that have made this piece of the Caribbean their home for more than a decade. The balmy trade winds gently sweep across its sandy shores, swaying the palms and rustling through the boughs of the pines.

The day’s sailing

5 Hr Sailing time
23 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.

Mooring

Mooring options at Anegada include those in the inner harbor, which are available for a fee. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are offered, providing flexibility for visitors. Anchoring is also possible in both the inner and outer harbors, where the holding ground is reported to be good. Dinghy dockage is available, making it easy to access the shore for activities and dining.

Things to do

• Explore Anegada like a local by renting a car, bike, or scooter. With its pristine beaches, flamingo-filled salt ponds, and world-famous lobster, every corner of this island promises a new discovery. There are also taxicabs to get you where you want to go.
• Loblolly Bay on the north shore is known for its spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear water. Bones Bight and Cow Wreck beaches are also world-class beaches, perfect for catching some rays. 
• Walk by salt ponds on the west side of the island and find yourself among pink Caribbean flamingos that have made this piece of the Caribbean their home for more than a decade.
• When you’re ready for a meal, enjoy some of the best conch fritters in the Caribbean at family-run Cow Wreck Beach Bar. Delight in the famous Anegada lobster at Anegada Reef Hotel (book in advance as this local delicacy is in-demand). For a lively dining experience, head to Potter’s by the Sea or to Wonky Dog.

Spotlight On…

Loblolly Beach

According to Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager, Loblolly Beach is one of the BVI’s best hidden gems that needs to be seen to be believed: “Anegada is surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, among the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean.  Bring your snorkel gear along and head for Loblolly Beach. The coral heads are so close to the shoreline, you simply walk into the water, and immediately the show begins. 

“You can snorkel for a few minutes or all day, never tiring of the marine life and clear turquoise waters. When you’ve worked up an appetite, walk over to Big Bamboo restaurant for some beach side refreshment.”

Facilities

As one of the biggest islands in the BVI, Anegada’s facilities are second to none. You’ll find everything you need, from basic essentials to bike and scooter rentals that will make your experience even more special. 

Facilities include: Ice, basic provisions, internet access, The Fun in the Sun Market, mooring services, dining options, and transportation (car, bike and scooter rentals).

Marina Cay

Scenic and quiet, Marina Cay is a sheltered anchorage nestled behind a protective reef. Cruising in Marina Cay waters brings you to the north end of Tortola and the smaller isles that bejewel its picturesque coast. The beauty of exploring the BVI on a Power yacht is that it takes less time to reach your destinations, which means you’ll have more time to take in the treasures of Marina Cay.

The day’s sailing

2 Hr Sailing time
21 Nautical miles

Mooring

A small number of moorings are available at Marina Cay for a fee, offering a tranquil and sheltered anchorage. The holding ground in this area is reliable, making it a secure spot for overnight stays. Dinghy dockage is available, ensuring easy access to the island’s dining and shopping amenities.

Things to do

• Snorkeling is excellent behind Marina Cay, and you can enjoy the spectacular view from the Robb White House, the highest point on the tiny island. If you want to try scuba diving, Dive BVI can help you out.
• Cruise across to Trellis Bay where you’ll be met with a distinctly local vibe, complete with Aragorn’s Studio artisan market.
• Tuck into some jerk chicken, baby back ribs, crispy snapper sandwiches or sweet cane-rum-glazed wings, with a Caribbean cocktail at Beachside Restaurant.
• Beachside Restaurant: Tuck into some jerk chicken, baby back ribs, crispy snapper sandwiches or sweet cane-rum-glazed wings, with a Caribbean cocktail.

Spotlight On…

Beef Island

Head across to Beef Island and explore its wonders, from the pristine sands of Long Bay Beach to the gorgeous mangrove forests. 

Long Bay Beach on Beef Island is one of the best beaches in the BVI, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “The beach was out of a postcard, absolutely stunning. We were able to rent chairs & an umbrella. Food, drinks & restrooms are available. You can take a nice walk on the beach too. It wasn’t crowded at all.”

Facilities

Marina Cay offers a variety of amenities, to meet the needs of sailors, ensuring convenience for longer stays. 

Facilities include: Fuel, water, ice, garbage disposal, laundry facilities, showers, dining, and dive shop.

Cane Garden Bay

Sail around the northern end of Tortola, bound for Cane Garden Bay. The sights and sounds of Cane Garden Bay don’t just invite, they pull you in. Here beaches stretch into the green landscape and island shops make for an ideal stopover. Rum enthusiasts may want to arrive earlier for a lunch on the beach and a visit to the Callwood Rum Distillery.

The bay is an easy-access point at the northern side of Tortola and presents some of the area’s best views. Adventure junkies have been known to linger here where prime windsurfing and kayaking conditions abound, and the ocean welcomes many divers.

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
12 Nautical miles

Mooring

Cane Garden Bay has a plentiful supply of mooring balls available for a fee, with excellent holding ground that ensures security for anchored vessels. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are options here. A public dinghy dock is provided, offering easy access to the beach, restaurants, and other attractions.

Things to do

• Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager says: “A visit to Callwood rum distillery is a special way to learn about the island’s history while you taste the products of the land”. You’ll need to ask permission before exploring the grounds, but you can also take advantage of the opportunity to purchase some locally produced rum!
• Sandy spit and Sand Cay are tiny islands where you can anchor carefully and swim or dinghy ashore, often with only a few palm trees for company.
• If you want to enjoy dinner with a view and live music, visit Quito’s Gazebo, known for its beachfront views and reggae music, or Paradise Club Lounge Bar & Restaurant, renowned for its DJs and full-moon parties.
• For more food and drink options, we recommend Myett’s Garden & Grille Restaurant which offers fresh seafood, and Indigo Beach House, known for its diverse menu of Mexican, British, Greek, Deli, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Bar, and Pub cuisines.

Spotlight On…

Sandy Cay and Sandy Spit

As you near Cane Garden Bay, Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager believes two splendidly secluded stretches of sand will catch your eye: “Not far from the Bubbly Pools of Jost Van Dyke is Sandy Spit, a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight. 

“Or try local Sandy Cay, your own private island for a romantic afternoon under a palm tree. Let the botanical trail show you the way through the island, but watch out for the many resident hermit crabs scuttling around!”

Facilities

Cane Garden Bay provides excellent facilities for visitors, from internet access to windsurfing rentals.

Facilities include: Ice, high-speed internet, provisioning, public dinghy dock, restaurants, bars, windsurfing and kayak rentals.

Great Harbour

Just to the north and west of Tortola, the heights of Jost Van Dyke rise majestically from a turquoise sea. With a population of a little more than 200, the island’s character is distinctly rural. No British Virgin Islands vacation is complete without a visit to Jost Van Dyke, which harbors some of our favorite seaside establishments. Great Harbour is an excellent overnight anchorage and is home to the famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar & Restaurant.

The day’s sailing

0.5 Hrs Sailing time
6 Nautical miles

Mooring

Great Harbour offers numerous moorings available for a fee, with good holding ground providing a secure anchorage. Since the harbor can become crowded, especially during peak seasons, sailors should ensure they have sufficient swinging room when anchoring. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are available. Dinghy dockage is conveniently provided for easy access to shore.

Things to do

• It’s all about the food and drink on Jost Van Dyke, because a BVI charter wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Foxy’s, one of the more famous restaurants in the Caribbean. It’s located on the eastern end of the beach and has built a reputation in the last 40 years as a hugely popular party Mecca for world cruisers.
• Start your day off right by enjoying breakfast at Cool Breeze Café (and also take advantage of their complimentary WiFi), and for lunch, try Corsair’s Beach Bar & Restaurant where you can savor the freshly caught seafood.
• Island hop to unspoiled White Bay and unwind on a stunning beach before sipping Painkiller cocktails at Caribbean beachfront bar, Soggy Dollar Bar. We also love Hendo’s Hideout for its beachfront views, Gertrude’s Beach Bar for its laid-back vibe and Seddy’s One Love Bar & Grill for its live music.

Spotlight On…

The Bubbly Pools

For a truly remarkable experience that showcases the best of the BVI’s natural beauty, the Bubbly Pools on Jost Van Dyke is the place to visit, according to Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager: “Pick up a mooring ball at Diamond Key, and take the dinghy ashore. The path leads past a colorful sign that reads, Jost Van Dyke, a fabulous and little known photo op. 

“From there continue a short way up along a well marked path.  At the top, you find a natural pool where waves crash through the rocks with a jacuzzi like effect. The hike is easy, and the experience is such fun. Not far from the Bubbly Pools is Sandy Spit, a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight.”

Facilities

Great Harbour offers essential facilities, brilliant activities and easy access to delicious restaurants and bars.

Facilities include: Water, fuel, ice at the main dock, WiFi at select locations, dining and entertainment options.

The Bight

Norman Island lies on the east side of Flanagan Passage with St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands just across from it to the west. Hilly, scenic, and popular for its superior snorkeling locations, Norman Island is a highly-recommended stop on any BVI Power charter. 

One of the most popular anchorages in the BVI is The Bight, renowned for its picturesque landscape. Words such as unforgettable, breathtaking, and tranquil come to mind when visiting The Bight on Norman Island.

The day’s sailing

3 Hr Sailing time
11 Nautical miles

Mooring

The Bight at Norman Island has a large number of mooring balls available for a fee, making it a popular and easily accessible anchorage. Anchoring is possible in the northeast or southeast portions of The Bight outside the mooring fields, but using a mooring ball is often more convenient and reduces concerns about swinging room or dragging anchor. Dinghy dockage is available at the Pirate’s Bight restaurant and bar for added convenience.

Things to do

• From Road Town travel south to anchor among the sheltered coasts that lead to the famous Treasure Point with its four flooded caves. 
• Nearby Pelican Island and The Indians is another major BVI snorkeling and scuba diving location.
• Enjoy drinks and dining at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant, serving appetizers, salads, entrees and cocktails including Pirate’s “Irma Punch”.
• Head to Willy T, a legendary floating bar and restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and adventurous spirit. The menu includes items like fish tacos, BBQ ribs, and burgers, perfect for a casual meal onboard. Drinks are a highlight, with tropical cocktails such as rum punches and painkillers fueling the party vibe.

Spotlight On…

Treasure Point

Travel south to anchor among the sheltered coasts that lead to the famous Treasure Point with its four flooded caves. Don a mask and flippers to follow the trail of your flashlight under the cool water where you can observe abundant marine life in the shallow water. Above, the deep purple and rust-colored orange colors of the overhanging walls arch into darkness and form an intriguing entrance for passing travelers.

If you want to experience child-like wonder and create truly unforgettable memories, the caves are the perfect excursion to add to your 7 day BVI Power itinerary, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This place makes you feel the excitement of a child. Snorkelling into these caves is so much fun. It is impossible not to imagine finding a treasure chest at the end.”

Facilities

Although The Bight does not have facilities for yachts such as provisioning or refueling, it remains a favorite destination for its stunning anchorage and surrounding attractions. Pirate’s Bight Restaurant provides food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, with dinghy dockage available for ease of access.