Chartering in the BVI: Top Spots and Hidden Gems
The BVI – a collection of over 60 picture postcard pretty islands – is a world-renowned sailing destination. The water is crystal-clear and the trade winds are steady. Each anchorage, just a short sail away from the next, ranges from the pristine to the lively. Chartering a sailboat here allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems, unspoiled beaches, and vibrant marine life.
Even though I’ve spent many enjoyable hours on the water, it can be hard to recommend where to go, because there are so many wonderful places to choose from. So, here are just a few ports of call you won’t want to miss. But don’t forget, there are many more!
Tortola
The largest island in the BVI, Tortola is where the majority of charter yacht companies are based. So, it is a no-brainer that the starting point for many sailing charters is Tortola. Before setting sail, take some time to explore Road Town, the island’s capital. I’m a history buff so I would visit the Old Government House Museum, but if you want to shop, a popular shopping area for visitors is Craft Alive. Forget a sunhat or need a sarong? The village is comprised of a series of small and colorful West Indian-style buildings. It has a distinct Caribbean feel and lots of souvenirs and tropical wear.
Tortola’s Pier Park is another popular shopping area. It is where the cruise ships come in but don’t let that deter you. Glitzy jewelry shops, clothing boutiques and an electronic shop can be found here. On the other hand if gardens is you thing, check out the tropical beauty of the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens.
Outside of Road Town, Sopers Hole at West End has buoys, docks, fuel, restaurants and shops. A bit further east on the north shore, Cane Garden Bay is a stunning anchorage with calm waters, lots of waterfront bars with music most nights and a sandy horseshoe shaped beach for sunning and swimming.
Jost Van Dyke
I would make Jost Van Dyke next on the itinerary since it is an easy sail from Cane Garden Bay. Known for its laid-back vibe and colorful beach bars, Jost Van Dyke is a must-visit island. Drop anchor at White Bay and enjoy the powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Here, you’ll find the iconic Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay, famed for its Painkiller cocktail. Next door Hendo’s Hideout is an open-air hardwood structure with loungers and bright orange beach umbrellas.
Another go-to spot is Great Harbour, where you can enjoy live music and fresh seafood at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Or, check out any of the other beach bars that you will come across along the way where both visitors and “locals” hang out. Also check out the nearby desert islands of Sandy Cay and Sandy Spit.
Norman Island.
Steeped in pirate lore, Norman Island is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The island offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, especially at The Caves and The Indians, where you’ll find vibrant coral and a variety of tropical fish. The Bight, is a calm anchorage and is the location of the open-air Pirates Bight Restaurant, which sits on a deep stretch of white sand. Or, dinghy out to the Willy T, a floating “pirate ship” also in the Bight, for tropical drinks and a casual meal on its roomy deck.
Virgin Gorda
The Baths at Virgin Gorda are famous for its unique rock formations. These massive granite boulders create hidden grottos and pools that are perfect for exploring. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the drama of this natural wonder. Don’t miss the short hike to Devil’s Bay, a stunning beach just beyond the rocks.
After the Baths, sail further upwind to North Sound, a protected anchorage and home of some of the BVI’s best known resorts. The nautically flavored Bitter End Yacht Club, Leverick Bay and Saba Rock, are all great places for lunch or dinner. Necker, a private island and celebrity hangout owned by Virgin Airlines magnate Richard Branson, can also be found here.
Anegada
Anegada, the northernmost island in the BVI, is a coral atoll known for its remote beauty and diverse marine life. The island’s Horseshoe Reef is the fourth-largest barrier coral reef in the world, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. Visit Loblolly Bay for a quiet beach experience, and don’t leave without trying the local lobster at the Anegada Reef Hotel or the Anegada Beach Club. While here, rent a car or take a taxi to discover the islands’ unique wildlife including dozens of flamingoes and a nursery housing juvenile Anegada Rock Iguanas, an endangered species indigenous to Anegada.
Plan Your Route: The BVI is best explored at a leisurely pace. Plan to spend a few days at each destination, allowing time for snorkeling, hiking, and enjoying local culture.
What to Bring: Sunscreen is essential, of course. You might also want to pack away mosquito repellent, although ocean breezes keep most away. Clothing wise, you will need little more than bathing suits, board shorts and a coverup for the boat. Shorts and a tee shirt will get you into almost every sand-in-the-toes beach bar and waterside restaurant. Still, ladies might like to take along a sundress or loose pants for dinner out at one of the resort restaurants. And guys, long pants are optional at most places.
And don’t forget the snorkel gear. The waters are teeming with marine life, so make sure you have the equipment to explore the reefs and caves.
Chartering a sailboat in the British Virgin Islands offers an unparalleled experience of freedom and exploration. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on secluded beaches or the thrill of snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, the BVI promises an unforgettable voyage.
