Why Sail The BVI
Warm sheltered waters and dozens of palm-studded islands has made the BVI the sailing capital of the Caribbean.
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a novice, there are many ways to experience the BVI’s unsurpassed sailing waters. From full service marinas, to buzzy beach bars and secluded bays we can also help you explore the British Virgin Islands’ diverse ports of call. Without a doubt, a sailing adventure awaits you The BVI.
Sailing The BVI? Some Favorite BVI Ports of Call
Sailors will never run out of beautiful spots to anchor, moor or dock their yacht in the British Virgin Islands. Some anchorages are quiet bays with few boats and nothing but pelicans and gulls to keep boaters company. Others are the locations of popular beach bars and restaurants with a party like atmosphere and hardy island food and drink. This sample itinerary starts in the Sir Francis Drake Channel across from Road Harbour and heads upwind to Virgin Gorda then back downwind along Tortola’s north shore and surrounding islands.
Sail Along The BVI’s Sir Francis Drake Channel
Road Harbour: This large sheltered harbour is located in Road Town, the BVI’s capital city. It is the location of several marinas; restaurants either on the water, or just a short walk away are located here. Several large supermarkets make Road Town a good location for provisioning.
Great Harbour and Little Harbour. Both of these deep bays are found on the north side of Peter Island and afford a sheltered overnight stopover. If you are lucky, you might spot a sea turtle or a ray while there.
Deadman’s Bay on Peter Island is just a short sail from Road Harbour and has a beautiful white sand beach dotted with palms. The Peter Island Beach Resort is currently closed.
Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island: Mooring balls are available here, as is a beachside bar and restaurant. It is a popular overnight anchorage and mooring balls are available.
Sail Virgin Gorda & North Sound
The Baths: Grab a mooring ball, swim or dinghy into the beach and explore the world-famous rock formations that edge the shore. There is a beach bar with picnic tables, lockers and restroom facilities.
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour is a large marina with ample dock space in Spanish Town. Nearby amenities include restaurants, shops and banks. Taxis are available to take you to the Baths and elsewhere in Virgin Gorda. Spanish Town is a good base to provision on Virgin Gorda.
The Dogs: A group of rocky uninhabited islands is a favorite of divers and snorkelers.
Leverick Bay: There is a small marina here, a restaurant and shops.
Saba Rock: The small island perched on a craggy hill has a hotel, restaurant and popular bar.
Bitter End Yacht Club: One of North Sound’s original resorts and location of several restaurants and beach bars. Currently under reconstruction.
Prickly Pear: There is a wide swath of beach and a bar and restaurant on this national park.
Sail to Trellis Bay and Marina Cay
Marina Cay: The hotel and beach bar are now closed, but there are moorings, a small sand beach and a snorkeling area.
Trellis Bay: An art studio, craft shop, and several restaurants are located on this protected semi-circular beach on Beef Island.
Tortola, Jost Van Dyke & Norman Island, BVI Favorites
Sandy Cay. This is not an overnight anchorage, but is a good day spot. The desert like island has a beautiful beach and a nature trail.
Diamond Cay: On the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke, there is a beach bar with a dock. The Bubbly Pool rock formation is a short walk away.
Little Harbour: this sheltered bay on Jost Van Dyke is a calm anchorage with several waterfront local restaurants specializing in seafood and lobster along the waterfront.
Great Harbour: This Jost Van Dyke anchorage has an laid back Caribbean vibe, and a number of beachfront watering holes along its sandy beach. A customs and immigration office are located here.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke. A popular day anchorage, White Bay has a number of swim up to the beach restaurants and bars.
Cane Garden Bay on Tortola’s north shore is undoubtedly, Tortola’s most popular overnight anchorage and mooring spot. There are numerous beachfront restaurants, come with local music.
Soper’s Hole. This is a gateway to the West End of Tortola. There is customs and immigration facility on the Tortola side, and mooring balls and several marinas and restaurants on the Frenchman’s Cay side across the harbour.
Norman Island Bight: This sheltered bay is a good overnight anchorage with numerous mooring balls. There is a restaurant on the beach and a floating restaurant just off shore. The Caves, often called the treasure caves because of rumors of buried treasure here, are a popular snorkeling spot.
Sail on Your Own on a BVI Bareboat
Other charters are “bare” that is you, your family and friends are the crew. The BVI was one of the first sailing destinations to promote bareboating in a big way, and it’s easy to see why. The close layout of the islands is perfect for tooling around the sea without worry; no anchorage is further than an hour or two from the next, and within the confines of the islands, the roughest the water usually gets is a brisk chop. Whether crewed or bare, the best part of being on a boat is that the entire BVI is at your disposal, from the remotest anchorages to some of the area’s popular bays, beaches and beach bars.
Crewed Charter Boats, Sail the BVI with Help
For many island visitors, the BVI is about the water. Many spend their entire vacation at sea aboard one of the territory’s large selection of charter yachts. For those who like to leave the driving to someone else, there is a handsome collection of fully crewed yachts that come complete with skipper, cook and mate. These boats, either sailing yachts or power yachts can be luxurious: monohulls, or wide catamaran and trimarans with comfortable cabins, luxurious salons and fresh prepared gourmet meals. Crewed charters can blend the comfort of luxury vacations with the spirit of adventure travel, and the nautical skills and local knowledge of an experienced captain.
BVI Day Sail Boats
Even die-hard landlubbers can easily discover the seduction of sailing by taking a day trip. Sailing aboard one of the BVI’s dozen or so day charter boats is an ideal way to experience these special islands and visit places that you would not be able to reach otherwise. Day charter boats, which come in both sailing and powerboat models, usually provide lunch and snorkel gear, and knowledgeable crews offer interesting insights into island history and lore. The typical day sailboat leaves the dock around 9am and returns between 4 and 5pm. Some will do half-day and sunset sails as well. Popular destinations include the Norman Island Caves, The Baths and Jost Van Dyke, although some boats will suit the itinerary to their guest’s preference.
Explore The BVI with a Power Boat
From small but serviceable hard bottomed rubber boats to zippy 30-footers with consoles, an increasing number of power boats are available for rental by the day. Power boats allow you to explore a maximum number of islands and anchorages in just a few hours. For those who have power boat driving experience boats can be rented bare – you drive it yourself. Others will come with a captain, allowing guests to relax and just enjoy the scenery. Gas is not included in the rental of most power boats.
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