Cooper Island

Cooper Island, located a short 6 nautical miles from The Moorings base at Road Town, is a beautiful island with a protected anchorage at Manchioneel Bay, and plenty of activities to offer. Ashore, Cooper Island Beach Club is the main attraction – a small resort with 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 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, Cooper Island’s main harbour, is not recommended because the holding ground isn’t good. Moorings for a fee are plentiful, but get there early.

Dinghy dockage: Tie up on either of the jetties flanking the Cooper Island Beach Club.

Things to do

Cooper Island has a good beach for swimming and watersports. Enjoy a meal at the Cooper Island Beach Club or shop at the Seagrape Boutique. Scuba buffs will want to check out Sail Caribbean Divers, which offers dive excursions for divers of all skill levels. Of special interest are dives on the HMS Rhone, a mail steamer sunk off the west end of nearby Salt Island during a hurricane in 1867. As is the case at Norman and Peter islands, a motorboat makes early evening rounds in the mooring fields, its cheerful crew offering a variety of provisions for sale, including freshly baked bread and pastries.

Facilities

Cooper Island Beach Club has moorings. No other facilities for yachts are available.

Virgin Gorda Island

Venture toward the island of Virgin Gorda, home of the world-famous Baths. The Baths are as pristine as ever, including the famous pathway leading through the giant boulders to Devil’s Bay. Top of the Baths Restaurant is open with its delightful panoramic views.

The day’s sailing

• 1 Hr Sailing time
• 6 Nautical miles

Mooring

There are mooring balls available at Leverick Bay for a fee. When anchoring, holding is generally good here.

Dinghy dockage: Leverick Bay offers dinghy dockage.

Things to do

The Baths is a major attraction on Virgin Gorda, where you can explore the rock formation’s tunnels, pools, and caves. In North Sound, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities and photo opportunities.

Facilities

Leverick Bay Resort and Marina has slips, ice, garbage disposal, and provisions available.

North Sound, Virgin Gorda

Sail the length of majestic Virgin Gorda, passing broad Savannah Bay, before rounding the headland and entering Gorda Sound. A shallow, sheltered sound surrounded by reefs and islands, Gorda Sound is great for swimming and snorkelling as well as water sports such as paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Book a slip or pick up a mooring for an evening at Leverick Bay Resort, The Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, or anchor west of Prickly Pear Island for a more secluded evening under the stars.

The day’s sailing

• 1.5 Hrs Sailing time
• 8 Nautical miles

Mooring

Anchor, mooring balls, and slips available. BoatyBall is available at Leverick Bay and Saba Rock. Moorings and slips also available at Bitter End Yacht Club.

Things to do

Hiking, Dining, Biking, Beachcombing, Provisioning

Facilities

Grocery, Ice, Restaurants, Trash service, Laundry, Dinghy dock, Bike rental, Internet

Anegada Island

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. The balmy trade winds gently sweep across its sandy shores, swaying the palms and rustling through the boughs of the pines. Anegada Reef Hotel can also assist in organizing taxi transportation to get the most out of your time on the island.

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

Moorings for a fee are available in the inner harbor. FCFS (first come, first served) moorings and BoatyBall are available. Anchorages are located in the inner and outer harbors. Holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

It’s well worth renting a car from one of several companies to fully explore Anegada, or opt for a bicycle or scooter rental instead. There are also taxicabs to get you where you want to go. Loblolly Bay on the north shore is known for its spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving in crystal clear water. Bones Bight and Cow Wreck beaches are also lovely. Fishing on the flats extending eastward from Setting Point is another popular pastime; guides are available for private charters. A sail to the island wouldn’t be complete without savouring the locally caught lobster. Potter’s by the Sea, Anegada Reef Hotel, and Wonky Dog are just a few of your dining options. Not all of the businesses on Anegada accept credit cards, so plan on paying with cash, and be sure to make dinner reservations in advance.

Facilities

Ice, provisions, phones, and Internet access are available. Fun in the Sun Market is open for basic provisions. Ice is available at Li’l Bits store or Anegada Reef Hotel.

Anegada Island

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. The balmy trade winds gently sweep across its sandy shores, swaying the palms and rustling through the boughs of the pines. Anegada Reef Hotel can also assist in organizing taxi transportation to get the most out of your time on the island.

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

Moorings for a fee are available in the inner harbor. FCFS (first come, first served) moorings and BoatyBall are available. Anchorages are located in the inner and outer harbors. Holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

It’s well worth renting a car from one of several companies to fully explore Anegada, or opt for a bicycle or scooter rental instead. There are also taxicabs to get you where you want to go. Loblolly Bay on the north shore is known for its spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving in crystal clear water. Bones Bight and Cow Wreck beaches are also lovely. Fishing on the flats extending eastward from Setting Point is another popular pastime; guides are available for private charters. A sail to the island wouldn’t be complete without savouring the locally caught lobster. Potter’s by the Sea, Anegada Reef Hotel, and Wonky Dog are just a few of your dining options. Not all of the businesses on Anegada accept credit cards, so plan on paying with cash, and be sure to make dinner reservations in advance.

Facilities

Ice, provisions, phones, and Internet access are available. Fun in the Sun Market is open for basic provisions. Ice is available at Li’l Bits store or Anegada Reef Hotel.

Trellis Bay

Quaint Trellis Bay welcomes you with a distinctly local vibe complete with Aragorn’s Studio artisan market. The Trellis Bay Market is open for basic provisions, ice and water. The market is also offering breakfast and BBQ lunch daily. If you are visiting the BVI during a full moon, the Trellis Bay Full Moon parties are a special highlight featuring fire balls on the water and live entertainment.
Across the channel from Trellis Bay, Marina Cay offers moorings and an outdoor patio lunch. You may also visit Scrub Island Resort for a selection of restaurants and resort amenities.

Nearby, White Bay on Guana Island is another excellent overnight anchorage option. By day, snorkel at Monkey Point and enjoy an on board luncheon. Relocate to White Bay and pick up a mooring to enjoy the solitude and a spectacular sunset. Guana Island is private, but you are free to walk the pristine white sand beach up to the high-water mark.

The day’s sailing

• 5 Hr Sailing time
• 23 Nautical miles

Mooring

A number of moorings are available for a fee. Holding ground is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available at Trellis Bay.

Things to do

Spend the day at Monkey Point, Guana Island. The snorkelling is excellent, and nearby beaches make a lovely backdrop for paddleboarding.

Facilities

The Trellis Bay Market has ice, drinking water and garbage disposal facilities available

Leverick Bay

Sail back to North Sound area. Pick up a mooring ball or book a slip at Leverick Bay.
Leverick Bay Resort and Marina is home to the famous Friday night beach BBQ with dancing Moko Jumbies. A pool and bar provide a relaxing retreat, and water sports rentals are available for some fun in the sun. The charming Pusser’s Boutique tempts willing shoppers with nautically inspired attire, jewelry, and accessories.
From Leverick Bay a taxi ride will take you on a tour of the island or bring you to Hog Heaven for Barbeque with breathtaking views all the way to Anegada.
You can also take the dinghy to North Sound Bistro, where visitors are welcomed to the cliffside pool with excellent food and cocktails and friendly service.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hrs Sailing time
• 11 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring: Mooring Balls
A number of moorings are available for a fee. Holding ground is good. The anchorage can get crowded, so be sure you have plenty of swinging room. FCFS (first come, first served) moorings and BoatyBall are available.

Things to do

Watersports, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Diving, Exploring, Sunbathing, Biking, Fishing, Bush walks, Hiking, Shopping

Facilities

Water, Ice, Restaurants, Bars, WiFi, Showers/Toilets, Gift Shop, Dive Shop, Electricity, Laundry

The Dogs/ Guana Island/ Scrub Island

Spend the morning diving into the incredible underwater beauty of the British Virgin Islands. Nearby snorkeling spots include The Dogs, Monkey Point in Guana Island, and Marina Cay. Day use moorings allow you to easily island hop these areas and enjoy their natural splendor.
In the afternoon, settle into a slip at Scrub Island and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Slips need to be pre-booked.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hrs Sailing time
• 10 Nautical miles

Mooring

Things to do

Cane Garden Bay

Sail around the northern end of Tortola, bound for Cane Garden Bay. Rum enthusiasts may want to arrive earlier for a lunch on the beach and a visit to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Two splendidly secluded stretches of sand will catch your eye as you near Cane Garden Bay. 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.

The day’s sailing

• 1 Hr Sailing time
• 12 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings for a fee are plentiful. The holding ground is excellent.

Dinghy dockage: The bay has a public dinghy dock.

Things to do

Aside from swimming, enjoying windsurfing or kayaking (rentals are available from Pleasure Boat), or simply relaxing in the cockpit, the bay’s many beach bars and restaurants are well worth a visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can walk from one to the other, beach crawling to sample specialty rum drinks, pumpkin fritters, conch, and other Caribbean delights. Live music and ‘jump up’ is almost always available in one or more establishments. Quinto’s Gazebo, the Big Banana Paradise Club, Rhymer’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, Stanley’s Welcome Bar, Myett’s Garden & Grille Restaurant, De Wedding, and the Elm Bar and Gift Shop all offer a variety of dining and shopping experiences.

When sightseeing, include a trip to Callwood rum distillery. Ask permission before exploring the grounds and take advantage of the opportunity to purchase some locally produced rum!

Facilities

Ice, showers, laundry facilities, provisions, high-speed Internet access, and other amenities are available at one or more locations.

Sandy Spit/ Sandy Cay/ Diamond Cay

Head out for a piece of paradise that will feel all your own. Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay are two splendidly secluded stretches of sand where you can anchor carefully and swim or dinghy ashore, often with only a few palm trees for company. Visit one or both, and then make your way over to Diamond Cay. Pick up a mooring ball at Diamond Cay.

From the dinghy dock at Foxy’s Taboo, you can do a short hike to the Bubbly Pool where the surf creates a natural jacuzzi. Before cleaning up for dinner at Foxy’s Taboo, slip on your snorkel gear and check out the reef along Diamond Cay where you can see brain corals, sea fans, and countless colorful fish.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hrs Sailing time
• 11 Nautical miles

Mooring

Things to do

Facilities

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

A number of moorings are available for a fee. Holding ground is good. The anchorage can get crowded, so be sure you have plenty of swinging room.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

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 at the eastern end of the beach and has built a reputation over the last 40 years as a hugely popular party Mecca for world sailors. The casual ambience and friendly staff certainly contribute to its appeal, but the other patrons taking a short breather from long ocean passages also play a part in the bar‘s allure.

A short hop to the west brings you to White Bay, home to the Soggy Dollar Bar, so named for the yachties who swim to it from their boats, soaking their dollar notes in the process!

Facilities

Water, fuel and ice are available at the main dock in Great Harbour. Provisions are not available at present.

Soper’s Hole

Wake up leisurely and enjoy some water toys or a swim. White Bay, while a party scene later in the day is peaceful for a swim in the morning. For those who like a little adventure, head over in the morning to Diamond Cay. You can do the short hike to the Bubbly Pool from Foxy’s Taboo. The Bubbly Pool is a natural pool formed in the rock formations where the swell sends waves crashing in to create a natural jacuzzi. Enjoy the bubbly pool or some snorkeling around Diamond Cay.
After Diamond Cay, set sail for Soper’s Hole back on Tortola. Soper’s Hole has plentiful mooring balls, or you can book a slip at the marina.
Omar’s Fusion restaurant is famous for its artful mix of Caribbean and Indian cuisines. Pusser’s Landing is a favorite stop for beverages or snacks.
The anchorage is peaceful and verdant with the afternoon sunlight casting a glow over the mountains.

The day’s sailing

• 1 Hr Sailing time
• 5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Things to do

Facilities

Peter Island

Have some fun sailing down to Peter Island. Once home to an exclusive resort, the island is now quiet and peaceful as it is built back. There are mooring balls outside of a good restaurant called Ocean’s 7. Make a reservation there for dinner and take in the beauty of the peaceful evening. It is recommended to check opening days & hours.

Mooring

Mooring: Mooring Balls

A number of moorings are available for a fee. Holding ground is good. The anchorage can get crowded, so be sure you have plenty of swinging room. FCFS (first come, first served) moorings and BoatyBall are available.

Things to do

Watersports, Paddle boarding, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Swimming, Diving, Exploring, Sunbathing, Biking, Fishing, Bush walks, Hiking, Shopping

Facilities

Norman Island (14 Days)

Norman Island, with its popular anchorage “The Bight”, 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 charter.

Enjoy drinks and dining at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant, serving appetizers, salads, entrees and cocktails including Pirate’s “Irma Punch”. There are plenty of mooring balls available here, and you can enjoy snorkeling at both The Indians and The Caves.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hrs Sailing time
• 9 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring: Anchorage

Moorings for a fee are plentiful. Anchoring in the northeast or southeast portion of The Bight outside the mooring fields is possible, but it’s easier to just pick up a mooring to avoid worries about swinging room or dragging anchor.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available at the Pirates Bight restaurant and bar.

Things to do

Facilities

Water, Ice, Restaurants, Bars, WiFi, Provisioning, Showers/Toilets, Electricity, Laundry