British Virgin Islands Travel Information & Planning Guide

Airport  

• Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)
• Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) – you will need to take the Ferry or Private Water Taxi into Tortola

Servicing Airlines:

• American Airlines
• Liat
• InterCaribbean Airways
• Silver Airways
• Cape Air

Please note that you will be required to pay a $10 USD tourist tax in cash upon arrival. You will need to keep your receipt for the remainder of your stay. (Please note: this ‘tax’ is an Environmental & Tourism Levy payable at ALL ports of entry (ferry and clearing in by boat too), not just the airport: Environmental & Tourism Levy

Ferry

The St. Thomas ferry connection operates daily between St Thomas and the British Virgin Islands. Reservations can only be made directly with the ferry companies and schedules are released around 3 months in advance. We recommend pre-booking your ferry tickets to ensure a smooth transit and to avoid disappointment. 

When booking your ferry please ensure that you are allowing yourself enough time to get through security and customs at the airport, this can take up to 2 hours.

Ferry Services departure tax of $20 per person will be applicable.
Learn more about current BVI ferry options

The following ferry companies operate between St Thomas and Road Town Tortola

• Native Son Ferry
• Smiths Ferry
• Road Town Fast Ferry 

Private Water Taxi options include:

• Island Time
• Dolphin Shuttle
• Chill Out Charters

There is also an option to leave from Road Town, Tortola to go into Red Hook, St Thomas by:

• Aquatic Rentals

The Moorings can assist with arranging your transfers on Tortola which should be booked and paid in advance. Please send your travel details to our Pre-Travel team to assist you with this. If you have a pre-booked transfer, the local driver, from our dedicated transfer provider, Wheatley’s, will be advised of your name and arrival time and carry a The Moorings sign to identify themselves to you at the pick-up location.

The cost of the ride is per person:  

From Tortola airport (EIS) to the base (or return) – 30min:  

• Shared: $16 pp  
• Private: 1-2 pax $50pp; $25 per additional passenger  
• VIP: 1-2 pax $100pp; $50 per additional passenger   

From the Ferry Terminal to the base (or return):

• Road Town – Shared: $8pp  
• Road Town – Private: 1-2 pax $19pp; $10 per additional passenger  
• West End – Shared: $16pp  
• West End – Private: $25pp   

Take this opportunity to pre-book your premium transportation from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Beef Island) to The Moorings Yacht Club on Tortola, for a stress-free travel experience. You will benefit from:

• No delays waiting for taxis to arrive, or fill up with random travellers.
• Air-conditioned mini buses, from Beef Island direct to The Moorings Reception area
• Reliable on-time service

If you are flying into Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) in St Thomas, you will need to continue to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, by either public ferry or private water taxi.

As a general guide, guests arriving in St Thomas before approximately 4:00pm should be able to connect with a same-day ferry to Tortola, subject to ferry schedules and border processing times.

We recommend allowing up to two hours to clear immigration, collect baggage and travel from the airport to the ferry terminal.

If your flight arrives after approximately 4:30pm, ferry options become very limited and an overnight stay in St Thomas is usually recommended before travelling to Tortola the following day. Many guests choose to stay near Charlotte Amalie, close to the ferry terminal, restaurants and shops.

Several ferry operators provide daily services between St Thomas and Road Town, Tortola, and tickets should be booked directly with the ferry company.

Schedules are typically released around three months before travel, and advance booking is recommended.

Private water taxi services are also available for guests seeking a faster and more flexible transfer.

Please note that St. Thomas Port Tax: A $20 USD Port Tax is required for anyone leaving St. Thomas traveling to Tortola, BVI. This can be paid in cash at the Ferry desk upon check-in.
Private Water Taxis will assist their passengers by guiding them through the payment process at check-in.

Once you arrive at the Road Town ferry terminal in Tortola, we can arrange a taxi transfer to the base. Please send your ferry arrival details and number of passengers to our Pre-Travel team to assist you with this.

For more information including tariffs, please visit BVI Tourism/taxi-services.

Major car rental agencies, such as Hertz and Budget, as well as local ones, are available on Tortola. The client will need a BVI license, obtainable with a valid driver’s license for $10 USD per driver.

Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

BVI Customs – Ecard Application

Travelers are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form which will be available between 72 and 36 hours prior to your arrival in The British Virgin Islands.

Once the form is completed, the Immigration and Customs receipts are to be saved to your mobile device or printed and presented to Immigration and Customs upon arrival.

Note: If you have booked a private water taxi, please contact your relevant taxi provider for the information you will need to complete the form.

Start application here

• Environmental Levy: paid in cash upon arrival – approx. $10 per person
• BVI Cruising permit: included on your charter invoice
• National Parks Permit: included on your charter invoice
• Virgin Island Search and Rescue (VISAR): included on your charter invoice
• Overnight mooring fees: approx. $55 per night (although this can vary, with prices up to USD 65 per night at places like Peter Island).
• Departure Tax: paid in cash to Customs at the ferry dock – approx. $20 per person

Your boarding time is at 12:00pm

A Sleep Aboard is available as a pre-paid extra and can be organised in advance of your arrival to the base with your vacation planner. Your boarding time is brought forward to 6pm of the day prior to your charter start date.
Please note customers boarding at the 6pm boarding time will only sail out the following morning.

Chart and Safety Briefings – Online:
The Chart and Health & Safety briefings for this base are available online, please view them before arrival, the link is found in your MyAccount and as part of your pre-departure emails. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.

Chart Briefing – In-person:
An additional mandatory in-person chart briefing will be provided in the chart briefing room at: 9.30am / 12pm / or 4pm daily.
Guests arriving later than 4pm, who miss the final briefing, must please attend the 9.30am session the following morning.

Yacht Briefing:
The yacht or boat briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht after boarding. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.

All briefings are mandatory.

If you arrive after office hours, a sign will be left at the gate with security, on the office door and on the yacht with the client’s name and booking number. 
Please ensure you have submitted your arrival details via your MyAccount. This enables the base to prepare for your charter and monitor any delays or other disruptions that could affect your arrival.

Disembarkation Times:

• 11:00am – Sailing Charters
• 10:00am – Power Charters

Before leaving the yacht, please complete your debrief form and allow 15-20 minutes for an onboard debrief to report any maintenance issues or damage experienced during your charter. Please remove all food, rubbish and personal belongings, return any borrowed equipment and leave the yacht clean and tidy. The base reserves the right to charge for yachts left in an unacceptable condition.

At the airport, you will need to pay the $20 departure tax, $5 for under 6 years old, which can be paid in cash or by credit card.

Provisioning

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

Coolers  

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Only one per boat.

Mobile phones  

Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region.  Guests can purchase a SIM card from Digicel if needed.

Music/iPods  

While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity

The standard voltage on all our yachts is 12 volts and you will find plenty of USB sockets throughout the yacht. Throughout the yacht you can also find plenty of 110V AC outlets, standard USA 3 pin outlets (can also take 2 pin USA plugs). To use them, your yacht either needs to be connected to shore power, or be equipped with an inverter, or have the generator running. Most of our catamarans have a generator and inverter, however, be mindful that it depends on the model you booked.

We recommend packing an adaptor or two if you plan to bring local appliances. 

Wi-Fi 

Wi-Fi is now available on all Exclusive and Exclusive Plus yachts in the BVI. For an additional fee, Wi-Fi can be added to Club yachts. Please visit our extras page for more information.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

No formal certification is required to sail in the BVI, however all skippers chartering a Moorings yacht are required to complete our Sailing or Power Resume to confirm that they have the necessary skills to sail in this region.
If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Moorings skipper to travel with you – at your own expense.

Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. The base offers secure storage; however, they will not accept liability for items left in the bags. Luggage stored during charter should be empty. If you are leaving your luggage for the duration of the week, please remember to collect your luggage before departure. The Moorings cannot take any responsibility for any eventual damage or loss to the items left in storage.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices
• Please bring your own Snorkel and Snorkel Mask & fins will be provided by the base 

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt, and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean.

For top tips and advice from our sailing experts on what you need to bring with you, check out our ultimate packing list ahead of your BVI yacht charter

The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/drone-users-are-subject-aviation-rules

A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

CHILDREN:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

DO NOT OVERESTIMATE YOU ABILITY

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different. 

BVI have a range of interesting diving spots, but it is not permitted to dive independently. Rendezvous diving is advisable, which can be booked through local operators on the islands. SailCaribbean have an office on our base – they are a PADI 5-star IDC centre offering rendezvous diving at various points throughout the BVI, for certified and non-certified divers. Sailcaribbeandivers.com

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your holiday. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them. 

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.

The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance, through our partner, Campbell Irvine Insurance, for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings holiday.

• At least 9 days and 100 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
• Level 1 destinations offer the easiest cruising grounds with line-of-sight navigation. Lazy line mooring or mooring balls are common.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. This rating scale is designed as a guide based on the prevailing conditions during the most popular season. View here for more information.

Sailing Requirements
To sail in the BVI a formal sailing license is not mandatory, but you will need to complete our online Sailing or Power resume/ CV and achieve a Level 1 rating to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Moorings skipper to travel with you – at your own expense.

The skipper’s time is booked from 12 pm to 12 pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6 pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12 pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight, and must have his own cabin. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For one-day “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the checkout skipper’s time is booked from 6 pm to 6 pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you on how to contact the base, the return to base procedures, and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills, and navigation in general. For one-day check out skippers, it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Download The Moorings’ BVI Cruising Guide here.

Gratuity and industry expectations
A gratuity is expected and is typically given to the skipper at the end of the charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion.

The Moorings
Wickhams Cay II
PO Box 139, Road Town
Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Reception Opening Hours

Open 7 days a week.

• October – July: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
• August – September: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Evening staff remain on duty until all scheduled flights have arrived.

• The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel – Ocean View & Marina View Rooms
• Amara Spa
• Shower facilities
• Restaurants & Bar
• Swimming Pool
• The Moorings Market – supermarket
• Selection of shops
• Water sport rental
• Sail Caribbean Divers – dive equipment rental

For more detail about facilities available at the marina, please visit: THE MOORINGS YACHT CLUB

Dock Facilities

• Fuel Dock
• Bow Moorings  

We offer Full Fuel Flexibility.
Our fuel flexibility is simple and flexible. You are in control of your fuel consumption throughout your trip, with stress-free options available upon your return, allowing you to relax and savour your time on the water.

You will start your bareboat charter with a full tank of fuel, with the option to use as little or as much fuel as you need. At the end, you can return your boat with a full tank or pay for any fuel used (at the local marina price).

Exceptions:

• Crewed Charters – Fuel included in your charter package.
• Skippered Charter Packages – Fuel included in your charter package.

In the BVI we’ll fill it for you after you have disembarked, and in other bases we’ll assist you to fill up at the end of your trip and then take care of returning your boat to her berth.

Refueling –
Follow the return instructions and contact the base on VHF Channel 12 before docking.
A staff member will check your fuel usage after arrival.
The base will refuel the yacht for you.

Yes. There are areas within the BVI where extra caution is required or which may need to be avoided, referred to in our eGuide as Red and Amber Zones. These will also be covered during your in-person chart briefing. Please refer to the eGuide for full details of these areas and any cruising restrictions.
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require a two-person minimum on board.

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

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

The BVI National Parks Permit allows your yacht to use the day-use mooring buoys located within the BVI’s protected marine parks, including popular sites such as The Baths, The Indians, The Caves, Monkey Point and The Dogs. These moorings provide access to some of the best snorkelling and diving areas in the BVI while helping to protect the coral reefs from anchor damage. Please note that National Park moorings are for day use only and cannot be used overnight. 

The BVI National Parks Permit fee is included on your charter invoice at the time of booking. 

Entry fees for attractions such as The Baths are payable separately on arrival.

Most overnight stops in the BVI will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays. There is a colour system for buoys and flags in the national parks which is as follows:

• White buoys with a blue stripe – for overnight stays, 45$ USD; first comes, first served.
• Blue buoys – for dinghies only. There is a rope between two blue buoys which you are supposed to use when tying your dinghy.
• Yellow buoys – for diving boats only.
• Red small buoys – for day stays only, 90-minute stop.
• Orange large buoys – BoatyBalls.

Boatyballs are the large orange buoys bookable online at boatyball.com, for the day of the arrival. They usually are booked up by 7am and are more expensive than the white buoys. Do not pick up a Boatyball unless you have made a reservation.

If you plan to visit the USVI on a charter, please announce your intention to your Holiday Planner before you go, so we can advise on the procedure and paperwork required. Please note, we cannot guarantee that it will be possible to visit the USVI during a BVI charter.

If you’re planning to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) during your charter, it’s important to be aware of the necessary customs and immigration procedures.

• The USVI, comprised primarily of: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are outside of BVI jurisdiction, and any entry into USVI waters requires specific steps to remain compliant with BVI regulations.
• To help you avoid any issues and ensure a smooth journey, we’ve outlined the key requirements below:

Please note: If your itinerary remains solely within BVI waters, the following does not apply.

If you plan to visit the USVI during your charter, you are required to officially clear out of the BVI before departure, and clear back in upon return. This process must be completed in person at a designated BVI Customs and Immigration office, and your vessel must leave the territory within 24 hours of checking out.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You will need the following when visiting the Customs office:

• Boat Registration Document
• Commercial Vessel Registration License (CRVL)
• Cruising Permit
• Parks Permit (if applicable)
• Passports for all guests

Step 2: Register with SailClear

Before arriving at the Customs office, you must create a SailClear account and submit your departure or arrival notification online at: https://www.sailclear.com. Please note: Sailclear can be done on the same day you plan to clear out.

Instructions:

• Create an account using your email.
• Enter vessel, and crew.
• Submit a Departure Notification before leaving for the USVI
• Submit an Arrival Notification before returning to the BVI
• An email confirmation will be sent with your Notification ID, which you must present at Customs

Step 3: Visit a BVI Customs Office In Person

BVI Customs Offices are located at:

• Road Town, Tortola
• West End, Soper’s Hole, Tortola
• Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

You must present your Notification ID and supporting documents at the time of check-out/check-in.

On Arrival in the USVI

You will also need to check in with USVI Customs and Immigration. Available locations include:

• Cruz Bay, St. John
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

You will need your passports and vessel documentation.

Please note: Visiting USVI waters without properly clearing out and back in can result in penalties. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us stay in compliance with BVI regulations. This information will also be reviewed during your base briefing, and copies are available at our front desk.

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 
• Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
• Penn’s Landing 
• Marinas – Virgin Gorda 
• Leverick Bay Resort 

• The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel (Tortola) 
• Nanny Cay Resort and Marina (Tortola) 
• Leverick Bay Resort (Virgin Gorda)  
• Maria’s By The Sea 
• Treasure Isle Hotel 
• Nanny Cay Hotel

Scotiabank, Chase Manhattan, CIBC (will exchange foreign currencies) and Banco Popular.

Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Located on Blackburn Highway in Road Town.

Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

There are several great restaurants situated at or nearby our Moorings base in Tortola. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat before your BVI yacht charter or a final meal before heading home, here are some of our recommended nearby restaurants:

• Moorings Yacht Club (MYC) Restaurant – at the base
• Moorings Yacht Club (MYC) Pool Bar – at the base
• Charlie’s Bar & Restaurant – at the base
• Brandywine – approximately 15-minute taxi ride
• Bananakeet – approximately 25-minute taxi ride
• Pusser’s – approximately 5-minute taxi ride

Restaurants closed during September – Low Season.
If you decide to travel in low season there is likely to be a limited choice of restaurants to eat ashore and you should provision accordingly. This would be a perfect time of year to enjoy a BBQ off the back of your boat.

The Moorings Provisioning

Online Provisioning is available. Order your provisioning in advance and enjoy more time on the water. Online orders must be placed 5 days prior to your departure date. 
Visit our online BVI Provisioning Store

Late Evening Arrivals
If you are scheduled to arrive at the base late in the evening, we strongly recommend placing an online provisioning order in advance. Restaurants and food service outlets may be closed by the time you arrive, and provisioning ahead of time ensures that refreshments and meal essentials are available onboard when you board your yacht.

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

Local Supermarkets

The Moorings Market, located on the property, is your one-stop shop for all your provisioning needs.

There are also a number of grocery stores within walking distance, or a short car ride from the base, for example RiteWay, OneMart, Bobby’s, and The French Deli. 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.

 What

Tours

Take a tour of the island 

Explore the cruising ground from high up in the mountains. Hire a taxi and go for a drive through many of the steep hills. 

Brandywine Bay 

Taxi out to this Tortola restaurant for one of the best fine dining experiences in the BVI. With stunning views, lush décor and a mouthwatering array of Mediterranean cuisine, Brandywine is an excellent setting for celebrating a special occasion or simply commemorating your first or last night in Tortola. Popular menu items include Moules a la Mariniere (steamed mussels in white wine), lobster and fennel salad, lamb shank and filet mignon.

Explore North Shore 

Take a taxi out to the north shore and explore an array of beautifully secluded beaches like Smuggler’s Cove and Long Bay Beach.

Zipline

Gear up, lock in and whiz through the hills overlooking Tortola on a fun-filled zip line tour. It’s a thrilling experience that’s perfect for the entire family. Front desk reception can arrange zip line excursions for customers as needed.

Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. SUPs, 1-, and 2-man kayaks, noodles and floats are some of your options. Your added toys will be waiting on your boat upon arrival.You are also 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 (SCD) 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.

If you are interested in an unforgettable diving experience, please visit Sail Caribbean Divers to see prices and instructions on how to book. If you have any queries regarding the diving packages on offer, please email info@sailcaribbeandivers.com.

Rendezvous Diving
Enjoy the best of BVI diving without having to organise your own dive equipment. Sail Caribbean Divers can meet you and your yacht at a convenient rendezvous location in the BVI, bringing everything you need for a guided dive or snorkelling experience.
Rendezvous locations currently include Cooper Island, Hodges Creek, Norman Island and Peter Island, with other locations available on request. Your dive site will be selected based on your location, weather and sea conditions, and travel time, so specific dive sites cannot always be guaranteed.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying scuba for the first time, Sail Caribbean Divers offers options for different levels of experience:

• Certified divers – Join guided dive trips; proof of certification is required.
• First-time divers – Try scuba with a Discover Scuba Diving experience.
• Returning divers – Refresh your skills before joining a guided dive.
• Snorkellers – Join the trip and explore from the surface.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from The Moorings are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. The Moorings does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk and The Moorings shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by The Moorings.

Snorkelling

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

• Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling
• One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water
• When snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby

Fishing 

If you plan to fish during your BVI charter, anyone aged 18 or older who will be fishing must have a valid recreational fishing licence. Licences are issued by the BVI Ministry of Conservation & Fisheries and are valid for one month. We recommend applying for your licence in advance through Sail Caribbean Divers, as processing can take up to 10 business days.

Please note:

• Fishing is permitted using rod, reel, line and fishing hooks only.
• Spearfishing is prohibited.
• Lobster, turtles, conch, whelks, sharks, rays, snapper and other bottom-dwelling fish may not be taken.
• Billfish, including marlin, sailfish and swordfish, are catch-and-release only.
• A maximum of 30 lbs of fish per boat may be caught or kept.
• Fishing rods with a spinning or trolling reel and tackle can be added to your charter. Please contact our Pre-Travel team to arrange this.

For licence applications and further information, visit Sail Caribbean Divers – Fishing.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

General Conditions

During the winter months (Nov. to Jan) the wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots. The Christmas winds can produce 25-30 knots for several days at a time. In February the winds move to the east and by June it changes to the southeast at 10-15 knots. September & October the trade winds are at its weakest and the weather can be less settled. By November the high pressure system around Bermuda starts to stabilise and 15-20 knot breezes become the norm.  Local seas are “relaxed” seas and generally in the 3-4 foot range.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

In the British Virgin Islands, the tide range is very small: 12 inches – 18 inches (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.

Client can obtain the weather situation at any time by listening to the maritime weather forecasts. Weather updates are given hourly during severe weather.

• ZBVI 780 kHz AM 8:00am daily and up-date every hour on the ½ hour.
• V.H.F. WX 03 (not available in all areas)
• WVWI 1000 Khz AM 7:55 a.m. daily
• FM99 99.5 Mhz AM 7:55 a.m. daily
• WOSO 1030 Khz AM every hour daily
• Weather Fax call 284 496 6900

At The Moorings, we’re passionate about preserving the beauty of the oceans we explore. Through Our OCEAN Promise, we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint and support the communities that make each destination so special. From more responsible operations to cleaner cruising practices, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

You can make a difference too. Before you depart, pack a reusable water bottle, choose to support local businesses, and anchor mindfully to help protect the waters we all enjoy. Small choices make a big impact.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise

UTC/GMT -4 hours

Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands 

Tel: +1 284-852-6020 | 1-800-835-8530     

E-mail:   info@bvitourism.com(link sends e-mail)

• Area: 59 sq. miles (153 sq. km.)  
• Population: 18,000   
• Official Name: British Virgin Islands 
• Capital City: Road Town on Tortola  
• Official Languages: English  
• Religion: Christian  
• Government: British Dependent Territory   
• Climate: Tropical with its rainy season from June through November. For more information, view this destination’s Cruising Conditions.

US Dollars and US traveler’s checks are used throughout the BVI. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places.

A 10 to 15% tip is standard at restaurants, taxis, etc., as well as $1 USD per bag for bellhops.