British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter

At The Moorings, our BVI sailing itinerary starts in Tortola and takes you to the BVI’s must-see places! Travel windward on a British Virgin Islands yacht charter and catch the steady trade winds as they carry you to nearby destinations. Starting at Cooper Island, our route will guide you around Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Trellis Bay, Great Harbour and The Bight.

Navigation is a breeze between islands lined with protected bays and sounds formed for easy anchoring. Throughout the islands, you will find any of your requirements just a short trip away, from onboard provisions to onshore restaurants and a night out. With The Moorings’ base in Road Town, Tortola, you are assured of receiving the support you need to make your trip, from beginning to end, a smooth cruising experience. Those new to the chartering scene will find the tranquil seas and easily plotted courses of the British Virgin Island a perfect place to build upon their experience. 

Our BVI itinerary blends the best of both worlds: secluded anchorages and beautiful sunsets, with a bit of laid-back beachside bars, meaning there’s something for everyone!

It truly couldn’t be easier to navigate your way around the BVI and explore its magnificent islands. Whether you’re staying for a week or longer, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the BVI’s main islands and discover their hidden gems.

On your BVI yacht charter, you can spend days relaxing on the golden sands and snorkelling in the turquoise waters, whilst still having enough time to sail around the islands and moor up to explore!

Some of the best islands to visit during your BVI yacht charter include Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, according to BVI expert and Commercial Operations Manager, Mark Figgins: “Anegada, a secluded out island 24km north of Virgin Gorda, is a perfect morning’s sail away. 38sq km of white sandy beaches with a population of just 450 people, its reefs are littered with marine life, conch & lobster. 

“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. 

“Virgin Gorda, the second largest island has lots to explore from the famous natural beauty of the baths to the many spots littered in the north sound, 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.

“Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands, is just 8sq km, and 8km NW of Tortola. Famous for its laid back vibe, glorious sandy beaches and famously home of the Soggy Dollar bar & home of the painkiller cocktail. Or try local Sandy Cay, your own private island for a romantic afternoon under a palm tree.

“Not far from the Bubbly Pools on 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”. 

It depends on how much of the British Virgin Islands you want to explore during your idyllic yacht charter as to how many days is enough. If you want to uncover the treasures of each of the BVI’s main islands, you may choose to book for longer than if you’re planning on staying mostly within the Sir Francis Drake Channel for most of your charter.

We think a week is a great amount of time to sail around the BVI because you have plenty of time to relax and unwind, while also being able to enjoy the adventure of visiting different islands.

BVI expert and Commercial Operations Manager, Mark Figgins, has shared his top things to do in the BVI:

• While the famous places like Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke are known world-wide, there is nothing like jumping into its shining water, dollar bills in hand, and walking up to the bar dripping in line as you proudly exchange them for a painkiller. Some things are a must.
• Navigate the labyrinth of natural rock formations at The Baths national park.
• Snorkel the unique underwater features off Norman Island at the Indians or the Caves.
• Enjoy fresh-caught lobster at the edge of the world at a local beachside restaurant.
• Spend time in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, home to signature ports of call such as the Bitter End Yacht Club, Leverick Bay Resort & Marina, Saba Rock, and Oil Nut Bay.
• Uncover hidden coves and breathtaking marine life as you go scuba diving or snorkelling in the BVI. 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
• A visit to Callwood rum distillery, for example, is a special way to learn about the island’s history while you taste the products of the land. From there, tuck into a table at the aptly named Indigo Beach House at Cane Garden Bay.

Setting sail as a couple? Mark says: “Couples love the island of Anegada. Rent a moke or a scooter, and the island is yours to explore. At Cow Wreck Beach, there are two bars and restaurants worth a visit. The sunny yellow Cow Wreck Beach Bar offers food, drinks, and a relaxed setting. 

“Nearby is Tipsy’s, where bright Caribbean colours light up the white sands. Sip your painkiller while swinging with your loved one on the adult sized swings overlooking the water.  This is one iconic spot in the BVI that still feels like a secret.

The ultimate chill spot, fun in the sun, and excellent snorkelling, Anegada is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that steals the heart of anyone who makes the sail to discover it.” 

If you plan on spending hours in the crystal clear waters of the BVI, take a look at our water sports options to see which water toys may be available to you during your BVI yacht charter.

The Moorings Yacht Club, is your comfortable retreat in the heart of Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). As our flagship base, this resort offers a unique blend of relaxed island living and top-notch facilities. 

The Moorings Yacht Club Resort offers a range of facilities for a comfortable and relaxing stay. These include a Swimming Pool with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and poolside service; Complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the resort; Showers & Restrooms for freshening up; The Moorings Market & Deli for stocking up on essentials or grabbing a snack; Boutique Shops for unique gifts, clothing, and more; Water Sports Rentals offering kayaks, paddleboards, and other water activities; Transfers for seamless transportation to and from the resort; Laundry Facilities with easy access and the option to have your laundry done for you; Event Spaces including meeting rooms, banquet areas, and the Moorings Yacht Club Restaurant for private events; such as Island Roots Coffee Shop, Charlie’s Bar & Restaurant, and The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel Restaurant; and Amara Spa, where you can enjoy a range of spa services including massages, facials, and acupuncture, with the option to book your treatment in advance.

Learn more about The Moorings Yacht Club on our official website.

You’ll be pleased to know that the BVI has fantastic sailing conditions all year round, making it a brilliant place to enjoy a relaxing yacht charter. Like our other Caribbean destinations, the BVI is a beautiful place to escape the cold winter weather and chase the winter sun! For alternative winter sun sailing destinations, explore our ‘Where to sail in December‘ guide.

The high season in the BVI is considered to be between December and April, where you’ll experience sunny weather, warm waters and incredible sailing conditions. Learn about the best time to sail in the Caribbean.

Location may not be everything but in the British Virgin Islands, it’s what makes cruising so pleasurable. With its stretch of islands in the northeastern part of the Caribbean, charter guests can expect beautiful blue waters flowing into shaded caves and onto soft-sand beaches. Coral reefs surround the coast in an array of colours and are home to just as colourful marine life. 

Further inland bars, shops and restaurants spill through the winding streets and timeless villages are filled with the famous laid-back island ambiance. 

Whether you want to spend your days exploring and discovering new wonders, or living life in complete serenity, there’s something for everyone. According to BVI expert and Commercial Operations Manager, Mark Figgins: “When you really want to unplug, although the BVI is arguably the most popular sailing destination in the world, it still offers seclusion for those who know where to find it. If you dream of waking up in calm, aquamarine waters off a secluded beach, you can do just that at Guana Island’s White Bay”.