BVI Yacht Charters
With beautiful isles, a lively party atmosphere and genuine Caribbean welcome from the locals, The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the ideal location for a Caribbean yacht charter. In fact, with gentle trade winds, easy line-of-sight navigation and short leg island hopping voyages, it’s arguably one of the best sailing destinations in the world.
What’s on this pageHighlights
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Line-of-sight sailing
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The Baths of Virgin Gorda
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World-famous beach bars
Sailing British Virgin Islands
BVI boat charters give you the chance to explore more than 60 idyllic islands and islets at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles. With year-round balmy temperatures, lush green hillsides and dazzling white sandy beaches, the BVI is a near-perfect vacation destination, loved by novice and seasoned sailors alike.
When it comes to things to do in the British Virgin Islands, there’s so much to see and warm Caribbean waters in which to snorkel, dive and swim. During BVI yacht charters, you can easily hop between uninhabited islands, resorts and beachside villages, dining at waterside restaurants, shopping at local boutiques and kicking back at some of the world’s best beach bars.
From our base is at Hodges Creek Marina, make the 11-mile sail north to experience the ‘sunken island’ of Anegada, or visit the geological wonder known as The Baths, with towering granite boulders forming a labyrinth of paths leading to hidden pools and grottos.
Available charter types
Things to do in the British Virgin Islands
Taste the cuisine on Anegada
Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. But be sure to try the native lobster and rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel, and delicious conch at Big Bamboo in Loblolly Bay.
Dive at Rhone Marine Park
One of our top things to do in the BVI is to explore the Caves on Norman Island, before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the wreck of the steamer RMS Rhone, which sank in 1867. This is also one of the most popular dive sites in the BVI.
Fireball Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay
BVI yacht charters during a full moon give you the opportunity to be part of this lively yet family-friendly beach party, complete with music, food, drinks and flaming fireball sculptures.
Embrace the Jost Van Dyke beach bar scene
While you’re sailing the British Virgin Islands, moor at White Bay in Jost Van Dyke and swim up to the beach to try one of the famous Painkiller cocktails at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Or soak in the lively atmosphere at Great Harbour, Foxy’s and Corsairs beach bars.
Explore the Baths National Park
If you’re a strong swimmer, visit this natural wonder by boat and swim ashore to explore the maze of natural rock formations on Virgin Gorda during your BVI sailing vacation. Enjoy a meal at the Top of the Baths restaurant.
Weather insights
When is the best time to go to the British Virgin Islands?
The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between December and May, when trade winds are the most steady and temperatures are comfortable, although the BVI do have pleasant weather for most of the year.
Temperatures in the BVI are around 77°F to 82°F all year round. August is the hottest and sunniest month and sea temperatures are warmest in September, ideal for BVI yacht charters. The low season is summertime, when it is less crowded. The hurricane season is between June and October, which is also the wettest month.
What are the sailing conditions in the British Virgin Islands?
The sailing conditions for the British Virgin Islands are excellent for novice sailors, with gentle and near constant winds most of the year, calm seas at 3 to 4 feet and easy line-of-sight navigation.
BVI wind systems include the trade winds season between November and June, and the famous Christmas winds in December and January, which can keep you going for several days.
Winds are mainly from the east or north east, depending on the time of year, and the sailing area is less crowded when the winds are lighter. Groundswells can occur between December and March after particularly strong winds, so do be careful when on your BVI boat charter.
Sailing British Virgin Islands with Dream Yacht Charter
BVI charters
Sail the British Virgin Islands and enjoy one of the world’s most special sailing destinations. Choose from our bareboat yacht charters and cutting-edge catamarans and monohulls.
British Virgin Islands skippered charters
Can’t sail? Hire a skipper and make the most of your vacation by sailing the islands of the BVI. Your skipper will sail you and your guests while you relax.
British Virgin Islands by the cabin charters
Enjoy the BVI without any planning, sailing or cooking with our by the cabin charters. We do everything, so you don’t have to. Just reserve your own private cabin and bathroom.
British Virgin Islands crewed charters
Take your vacation to a new level of luxury with our personalized BVI crewed charters. Hire your own private luxury yacht and relax while our captain and chef look after you and your guests.
British Virgin Islands Easy Crewed charters
Sail aboard a private yacht with your friends and family with our easy to book and affordable Easy Crewed packages – skipper and water toys included! Choose your own itinerary, with the flexibility to add on a hostess/cook for meals if you’d like.
BVI sailing itinerary
Take a look at our British Virgin Islands sailing vacation suggestions
7-day itinerary BVI
9-day itinerary BVI
14-day itinerary BVI
Useful information for yacht charters in British Virgin Islands
Where are the British Virgin Islands located?
The British Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico, forming part of the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles.
How can I get to the British Virgin Islands from the US?
To start your British Virgin Islands sailing trip, fly into Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island in Tortola. Our base at Hodges Creek Marina is 15 minutes by taxi from the Beef Island airport.
Or fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, and take a 45-minute ferry transfer into Road Town, Tortola, which is 15 minutes by taxi to our Hodges Creek Marina. Customers coming from St. Thomas, can also choose to take a private Water Taxi to Hodges Creek.
There are international flights via San Juan, St. Martin, Antigua and other local connections.
What language is spoken in the British Virgin Islands?
The language spoken in the BVI is English.
What is the currency for the British Virgin Islands?
The currency in the BVI is the US Dollar (USD).
What are the customs restrictions for the British Virgin Islands?
When you leave or return to the BVI by private or charter boat, customs and immigration clearance at your entry port is mandatory. There are customs offices for clearing in and out at Road Town and West End on Tortola, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke.
What documents do I need to sail?
To sail the British Virgin Islands you will need a US passport valid for the duration of stay. Non-US citizens visiting the BVI need a passport and a visa.
Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.
How do I get around the British Virgin Islands?
You can get around the British Virgin Islands easily waving down one of the many taxi mini-vans. Taxis do not have meters, so be sure to agree your price before you get in. If you rent a car, limousine, bicycle or motorbike, drive on the left-hand side and be aware the roads are in variable condition.
What is the Wi-Fi like in the British Virgin Islands?
There is free Wi-Fi in our marina and some of our fleet have a router on board, so you will be able to connect to the internet while on our BVI yacht charter. There is internet access in some cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots, but you may need to pay.
What regulations are there?
Night sailing is not allowed without authorization of the base manager. A cruising permit and National Marine Park permit are mandatory and you will need to pay for them at our base. Mooring buoys from the National Park are for daily use only.
A fishing permit is required to fish in the BVI. Visit the government website for details.
Please note that due to regulations enforced by the BVI authorities it is not allowed to take your charter boat from the British Virgin Islands to the US Virgin Islands (and vice versa).
Where can I find weather forecasts in the British Virgin Islands?
You can find British Virgin Islands weather forecasts at Windguru.com
What provisioning is there in the British Virgin Islands?
There is plenty of choice for provisioning in the British Virgin Islands. Please refer to the base guide.
What baggage can I take on my British Virgin Islands sailing vacation?
Please only take soft bags as suitcases are too cumbersome on board.
What is the electrical current in the British Virgin Islands?
The electrical current in the British Virgin Islands is 110V.
What is the dialing code for the British Virgin Islands?
The dialing code for the British Virgin Islands is +1 284.
Where can I hire watercraft?
Watercraft, such as paddleboards and kayaks, can be pre-booked through us. Fishing gear and permits, as well as diving equipment, can be booked directly through our partner, Last Stop Sports.
FAQ
See all our FAQsWhy should I book with Dream Yacht?
Dream Yacht Worldwide is now the world’s leading yacht charter company and offers you:
- A diverse fleet of yachts with a wide variety of models and manufacturers to suit every type of sailor.
- We have +60 exciting destinations and we’re a pioneer in finding new sailing grounds.
- You can be assured of our commitment to customer service excellence.
- You’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome from our base teams who will share regional tips, recommendations and advice.
- We’re also a trusted seller of new and used boats and an innovator in charter management options – sailing is our business.
What licenses do I need to hire a yacht and sail myself?
The skipper of a yacht has primary responsibility for the safety of the crew and yacht at all times. Many destinations require just relevant experience demonstrated by a sailing resume.
To charter in the Mediterranean, it is mandatory that you hold a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities for bareboat charters in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Malta, Montenegro and Turkey. Other destinations that require a license include Madagascar, Seychelles, Thailand, Brazil and Sweden. For Belize, the port authority will issue a certificate of competency and an application is made on arrival.
You must take your proof of competency and original certificate with you on your charter. We advise you to contact our team about your qualifications and destination requirements before booking.
By accepting the yacht contract you are confirming that you and/or members of your crew are capable and competent to sail the yacht in the conditions and cruising area of the charter. We reserve the right not to hand over the yacht if, after inspection, it is the opinion that the charterer is not, or may not be competent to be in charge of the vessel.
What is a skippered yacht charter?
A skippered yacht charter is when you rent one of our boats for you and your guests and a professional skipper sails it for you. No sailing experience is needed.
You will need to choose a yacht with a cabin for your skipper to sleep in as they are responsible for your yacht for the duration of your charter. We will find the skipper for you once you have found your perfect destination and yacht.
You will need to pay for your skipper’s food. You can invite the skipper to dine with you on board or out at a local restaurant.
What is the difference between crewed and by the cabin charters?
Our by the cabin charter charters offer exciting destination tours on a set itinerary crafted by our destination experts. You can book a double cabin and private bathroom and will share the boat with other guests who have booked the other available cabins. You will be looked after by a professional skipper and hostess with itineraries ranging from three to 11 nights. There is a set menu and included meals and drinks vary depending on location.
Can you tell me about your yachts?
Our super premier yachts are less than 12 months old from their first charter date, while premier yachts are less than three years old from their first charter date. Our yachts are well maintained and undergo regular, scheduled technical inspection.
In case of emergency, you can rely on our hotline, at any time, seven days a week. If you experience a technical failure affecting major and important parts of the yacht, we will repair the failure within four hours of receiving your call during working hours (8am to 5pm). If you lose more than four hours (during working hours), we will compensate you for one full day. If the repair takes more than one day, we will provide you with a similar boat or compensate you on a pro-rata basis. If restrictions to this guarantee apply in specific areas, this will be detailed during the charter check-in at the base.
Do I need insurance?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.
We will insure the vessel throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.
The following options are available in limited locations:
- Security Deposit: This varies on the size of the boat and when the boat is returned without damage it is refunded.
- Damage Waiver: The charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of booking, as well as a reduced damage deposit on embarkation that is refundable upon completion of the charter should no damage occur.
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Simply wonderful! Fred + Isabelle were so accommodating and did so much for us. Isabelle’s food was incredible. Thank you so much!
Laura
Exumas CabinGreat class. Very professional and great service!
Thomas
Antigua BareboatJust what we needed to get out of a year of lockdown, see new places and connect with nature. Highly recommended for your next sailing adventure!
Johan
St. Martin BareboatExcellent cruise and wonderful stay on board. Skipper attentive, very pleasant and very professional.
Maxime
Guadeloupe SkipperedI have just returned from another fantastic week of sailing at your base in Pula and would like to thank everyone involved for making this possible at such short notice and without any problems.
Mathias
Guadeloupe BareboatThe marina itself is a perfect base with super facilities! The Lagoon 42 was in good condition and the skipper was fantastic and knew the area very well.
Jonathan
Croatia SkipperedWhat an EXCELLENT experience. We just returned from a week long charter with skipper from Corfu, sailing around the beautiful islands of the Ionian Sea. Paxos, Antipaxos and the old town of Corfu were beautiful and the secluded bays we got to visit thanks to our local skipper Nicholas were simply stunning. Fly and Flops was yesterday – we will only charter with Dream Yacht for the foreseeable future.
David
Greece SkipperedOur group of 10 had a WONDERFUL time in French Polynesia from May 21-28, 2022! The food was fantastic: captain and cook, husband and wife: Henry and Mehee (sp) were amazing and the whole experience on board was a dream! We can’t wait to book another trip through Dream Yacht
Katie
Tahiti Crewed PremiumDream Yacht provided a great sailing experience for my extended family on 2 monohulls from Scrub Island. The boats were in very good condition and perfectly prepared, the staff friendly and helpful. I had worked for a number of charter companies over the years but Dream Yacht is one of the
Charlie
British Virgin Islands BareboatI am in the Maldives right now and having the time of my life. Captain Jack and the crew are professional, safe and fun! The boat is optimal and the food is delicious. The chef even bakes CAKE! The beds are surprisingly comfortable and we sleep 9 hours every night. If you like island hopping, there is no better option than Dream Yacht. We will be booking Tahiti next year.
Cynthia
Maldives CabinThe new boat was in perfect condition and best condition for exploring bays and islands. I could never have imagined that this could be so much fun and enjoyable and we are already looking forward to the next upcoming trip in the Ionian Sea.er.
Vytautas
Scandinavia BareboatBaja is now my favorite place. There was something for everyone: sailing under northerly winds with mostly calm evenings, snorkeling, fishing, secluded sandy beaches, pelican feedings, being greeted by barking sea lions, and exploring the geology of Ispiritu Santo Island. Dream Yacht Base La Paz provided competent professional support with a well-equipped and maintained boat. We were wonderfully cooked by an on-board chef arranged with Dream Yacht, which meant more free time for all of us. An unforgettable vacation and adventure connected with nature.
Taiyoko
Mexico Crewed PremiumAll the staff were fantastic and made our trip a memorable one. Incredibly friendly and welcoming, the food was fantastic. The service throughout the trip was always top notch!
Tommy
Thailand CabinAbsolutely recommendable. Perfect service. Will charter again and recommend Dream Yacht Charter anytime.
Zahradnik
Turkey BareboatI just returned from 3 weeks of fantastic sailing with my family on one of your catamarans in Sardinia. My thanks to our skipper Simone and Daniela, our cook.
Giles
Sardinia SkipperedFor a first cruise as a skipper, the Mediterranean is perfect. The service of Dream Yacht is too!
Thomas
France BareboatWe had an incredible trip and got engaged on our very first night of sailing! We will surely come back one day. We were beginners, we were guided very well and that gave us a lot of confidence.
George
Australia BareboatThe experience on board far exceeded our expectations. Isabelle provided exceptional three course meals. Her creativity and delicious meals were incredible. Thomas was an excellent skipper, he “felt” our needs. Thanks guys!” Spira, bareboat with crew in New Caledonia.
Spira
New Caledonia Crewed PremiumOnce again a fantastic sail with a great crew. Thanks again to a great captain and cook. Was totally fantastic.
Connie
Seychelles CabinA very excellent sailing vacation – especially the crew was fantastic. I would sail with Dream Yacht again and highly recommend them.
Mark
Guadeloupe BareboatI loved the vacation and am not sure this trip can ever be topped. Everything about it was incredible. The captain and crew were great, helpful, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. We loved it.
Trina
Greece Crewed PremiumWe just returned from one of your Lagoon 52F’s last week in St. Thomas! We had the trip of a lifetime sailing around St. Thomas and St. John!
Megan
US Virgin Islands BareboatWhat’s new?
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