British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter Guide

Stepping ashore from your private yacht on the British Virgin Islands (BVI) you will be met by a kaleidoscope of crystalline blue seas, white sands, lush green forests, and colourful marine life. A British Virgin Islands yacht charter is the perfect way to experience the idyllic Caribbean – gentle trade winds, beautiful coves, and world-class marinas make the islands great for sailing, and being the most developed of the Caribbean Islands you will find many sophisticated dining and shopping opportunities. The temperature rarely dips below 26°C, so these islands make a great remedy for the winter blues – take the opportunity to relax and recharge on a BVI cruise, sipping a chilled rum cocktail in the Caribbean sun on the deck of your yacht afloat on a cyan sea.

Best Time To Visit: The temperature and rainfall of BVI do not vary much throughout the year, and the area is largely unaffected by hurricanes, meaning any time of year offers very pleasant sailing.

Key Cruising Areas: BVI offers hundreds of options for sailing, as the 50 plus islands are filled with countless coves, reefs, and stunning beaches. Some highlights include Cane Garden Bay where you can visit the sugar cane plantations and rum distillery; and Salt Island where the resident turtles and octopuses will greet you at the famous wreck dive.

Don’t Miss: If you’re seeking adventure sail to Tortola – the largest island. Here you can dive, snorkel and play some tennis, before a hike through the rainforest up Sage Mountain to be rewarded with glimpses of the exotic birdlife, and the stunning view back over Tortola and the nearby islands.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Jost van Dyke is the smallest of the BVI with the biggest personality. Although it only has 25 permanent residents it is a lively destination, filled with great bars and eateries. In the Great Harbour alone you will find five restaurants. Try Corsair’s restaurant for a lobster dinner, then head to Foxy’s Tamarind Beach Bar to get the night started with a rum cocktail.

Best Local Dish: Surrounded by sea, it is unsurprising that the best local cuisine is seafood. For a traditional meal served in style, sail to the exclusive resort of Guana. Through orchards of coconuts and mangoes, and past the resident iguanas, you will find the Queen’s Terrace restaurant. Order the grilled swordfish, along with one of their famous cocktails.

Local Culture: The culture of the BVI is one of the close-knit communities, high spirits, and music. A high point of the BVI cultural calendar is the August Festival when you will be treated to displays of music, colourful costumes, and lively parades.

Best Beach: With over 60 islands encircled by powder-white beaches, you are spoilt for choice on BVI. Shallow reefs make the secluded Smuggler’s Cove tricky to navigate, meaning that the day-trip charter crowds are avoided, and the snorkeling is excellent. Take a tender in to explore the corals, and relax on the beach with a backdrop of conical green hills.

IYC recommends: Virgin Gorda is a must-see of the BVI – huge granite boulders known as The Baths sit along the water’s edge, creating grottos and caves and incredible photo opportunities. Hike the trail through the boulders and stop in the bar for a drink with a bird’s eye view. Afterward, find a quiet anchorage in the North Sound and jump in to explore the hidden sea caves. Top the day off with an evening spa and a fantastic meal at Oil Nut Bay.