The British Virgin Islands are made up of more than 60 stunning islands and islets at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter and island hop the BVIs.
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Sailing British Virgin Islands
With beautiful islands, a lively party atmosphere and genuine Caribbean welcome from locals, these islands are popular for good reason.
A BVI boat charter allows you to enjoy what is arguably one of the best sailing destinations in the world. With near-constant gentle trade winds, easy line-of-sight navigation and short leg voyages between islands, it is a favorite of novice and seasoned sailors alike. With year-round balmy temperatures, lush green hillsides and dazzling white sandy beaches, the BVI is a near-perfect vacation destination.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
Get to know the islands
When it comes to things to do in the British Virgin Islands, there’s just so much to see, snorkel, dive and swim. Learn about our top 10 BVI dive sites and how to hire watertoys in the BVIs.
The geological wonder known as The Baths is a spectacular sight, with towering granite boulders strewn across the beach to form a labyrinth of paths leading to hidden pools and grottos. This is an idyllic backdrop for your vacation photographs.
Best snorkel spots BVIs
During your British Virgin Islands yacht charter, sail to the Caves, the Indians, Fallen Jerusalem or Monkey Point to see tropical aquatic life by snorkel or scuba. Easily hop between uninhabited islands, resorts and beachside villages, dining at waterside restaurants and shopping at local boutiques.
Make the 11-mile sail from North Sound to experience an entirely different landscape at the “sunken island” of Anegada, with its highest point at only 28 feet. The lobster dinners here are not to be missed.
The British Virgin Islands are also known for some of the best beach bars in the world, including the Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke. Whether you want to relax or meet the locals, the BVIs offer choice and well-equipped marinas.
Our base is at the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina. If you need help planning your charter, check out our inspirational itineraries section and our blog. Get in touch with our team to find out more.
What our customers say
“The advice, care, and tolerance of our questions (and requests) was over the top. Thank you for making us feel welcomed and explaining away our concerns.”
Greg (British Virgin Islands)
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. Find out more about our British Virgin Islands bareboat fleet.
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. Find out more about our British Virgin Islands skippered charters.
British Virgin Islands by the cabin charters
Enjoy the BVIs without any planning, sailing or cooking with our guaranteed departure by the cabin charters. We do everything so you don’t have to. Just reserve your own private cabin and bathroom. Find out more about our British Virgin Islands cabin charters.
British Virgin Islands crewed charters
Take your vacation to a new level of luxury with our personalized British Virgin Islands crewed charters. Hire your own private luxury yacht and relax while our captain and chef look after you and your guests. Find out more about our Caribbean crewed charters.
If you’re a strong swimmer, visit this natural wonder by boat and swim to shore 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.
Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. Try the native lobster and rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel, or conch at Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay.
One of our top things to do in the BVIs is to explore the Caves on Norman Island before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck, RMS Rhone that sank in 1867. This is also a renowned diving spot and one of the most popular in the BVIs
If you’re lucky enough to be vacationing during a full moon, don’t miss this lively yet family-friendly beach party, complete with music, food, drinks and flaming fireball sculptures.
Carry on to Jost Van Dyke while you’re sailing the British Virgin Islands, moor at White Bay and swim up to the beach to try one of the famous Painkiller cocktails from the Soggy Dollar Bar. At Great Harbour, Foxy’s and Corsairs beach bar and restaurant have a lively atmosphere.
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 BVIs have pleasant weather for most of the year.
Temperatures in the BVIs 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 charters. The low season is summer time when it is less crowded. The hurricane season is between June and October, which is also the wettest month.
The average temperature in the British Virgin Islands is around 85°F all year round. August is the hottest and sunniest month and sea temperatures are warmest in September.
What are the sailing conditions in the British Virgin Islands?
The sailing conditions for 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 line of sight navigation.
British Virgin Islands wind systems include the trade winds season between November and June and the famous Christmas winds in December/January, which can keep you going for several days.
Winds are mainly from east or northeast, 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 be careful when you’re on your BVI boat charter.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
Our BVI Base Manager, (details in the Downloads section), will be pleased to welcome you on arrival to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.
To get to your British Virgin Islands sailing trip, you’ll need to fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), Beef Island, Tortola. There are international flights via San Juan, St. Martin, Antigua and other local connections.
On arrival, it’s just a short walk or two-minute taxi ride to the Trellis Bay ferry dock where you can catch the free shuttle service to Scrub Island. It operates at 45 minutes past the hour between 6:30am until 10:45pm. It runs at 30 minutes past the hour from Scrub Island. The journey takes 10 minutes. Additional complimentary or private shuttles can be organized/booked, please contact customer service for advice.
From the USVIs, you can book a private ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Scrub Island with Dolphin Water Taxi and Ferry. They will also help you with your custom documentation in Road Town where you will not have to get off the ferry.
You can also book one of the many ferries from the US Virgin Islands to Road Town, Tortola. We recommend you book a taxi to take you from Road Town to Trellis Bay (around 45 minutes) to pick up the shuttle to Scrub Island. If you need help with your taxi transfer, please contact our customer service. Taxis are also available in front of the ferry dock.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
The British Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico. More specifically, they form part of the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles.
The language spoken in the British Virgin Islands is English.
The currency in the British Virgin Islands is the US Dollar (USD).
When you leave or return to the British Virgin Islands 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.
The documents you need to sail the British Virgin Islands include a valid US passport for the duration of stay. Non-US citizens visiting the US Virgin Islands need a passport and a visa.
Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.
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.
There is free Wi-Fi in our marina. Some of our fleet have a router on board and you will be able to connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot while on your British Virgin Islands yacht charter – you can pay per day or per week. There is internet access in some cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots, but you may need to pay.
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.
You can find British Virgin Islands weather forecasts on WindGuru.com website.
There is plenty of choice for provisioning in the British Virgin Islands, please refer to the base guide.
Please only take soft bags and not suitcases as they are too cumbersome on board.
The electrical current in the British Virgin Islands is 110V.
The dialing code for the British Virgin Islands is +1 284.
Watertoys, such as paddleboards, kayaks, double kayaks, pool floats, etc, 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
Love snorkeling, diving or fancy relaxing onshore in some of the region’s most famous restaurants and bars? Check out our BVI yacht charter itineraries, as we have it covered.
Day 1: Overnight at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina BVI and get to know your boat. You can relax and grab a bite to eat at the resort bar and use the resort facilities.
Day 2: Head to Virgin Gorda and the Baths Marine Park for a snorkel or hike to Devil’s Bay through the maze of giant boulders on the beach and grab a bite at Top of the Baths on the way. Make for North Lee Bay, Fallen Jerusalem, for amazing swimming and snorkeling among vibrant marine life. End the day at Virgin Gorda’s “North Sound” and enjoy drinks and dinner at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina. You can also stock up on water and ice there.
Day 3: Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. Try the native lobster and rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel or conch at Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay. In November, you can join in the fun of the famous two-day lobster festival.
Day 4: Visit Monkey Point, Guana Island, for amazing snorkeling and turtle spotting. The National Park moorings are still there.
Day 5: Make for Sandy Cay National Park and anchor off White Bay, Jost van Dyke, to visit the array of famous bars. Visit the Soggy Dollar Bar to try their infamous painkiller cocktail, or head to Foxy’s and Corsairs at Great Harbour.
Day 6: Sail to Soper’s Hole and grab a bite to eat at Pusser’s Landing or Omar’s Cafe. Sail around to the Indians Marine Park for snorkeling, near Peter Island, and overnight anchor at Norman Island’s mooring balls at The Bight, Kelly’s Cove, Privateer Bay and Soldier Bay or anchor in deep water at Benures Bay.
Day 7: Explore the caves on Norman Island before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck, RMS Rhone that sank in 1867. Head to Cooper Island and Cistern Point for snorkelling or Hallovers Bay.
Day 8: Back to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, to disembark.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
Day 1: Overnight at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina BVI and get to know your boat. You can relax and grab a bite to eat at the resort bar and use the resort facilities.
Day 2: Enjoy snorkeling at the caves at Norman Island for brilliant underwater exploration. You can use the mooring balls at The Bight, Kelly’s Cove, Privateer Bay and Soldier Bay or anchor in deep water at Benures Bay.
Day 3: Navigate to Virgin Gorda in the morning, explore the large boulders and water caves known as The Baths. Eat at the Top of the Baths restaurant, continue through to Devil’s Bay beach and spend in the night in Gorda Sound. You can dine at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina in “North Sound”.
Day 4: Take the time to get to know Gorda Sound and sail onwards around Prickly Pear Island to Eustatia Sound, which has fantastic anchorages. Head over to North Lee Bay, Fallen Jerusalem, for vibrant marine life and clear snorkeling.
Day 5: Find healthy coral at the Coral Gardens, Dog Islands. There’s plenty of fish off the Great Dog coast, where you can use the red mooring balls. At George Dog, snorkel on the south-west side and visit Kitchen Point beach.
Day 6: Carry on to Jost Van Dyke, moor at White Bay and swim up to the beach to try one of the famous Painkiller cocktails from the Soggy Dollar Bar. At Great Harbour, Foxy’s and Corsairs beach bar and restaurant are also open for a lively atmosphere.
Day 7: Spend the morning at Jost Van Dyke before heading over to Peter Island to snorkel at the Indians. You can moor at Deadman’s Bay, Whelk Bay, White Bay, Key Bay and Great Harbour.
Day 8: From Peter Island, take your time while heading back to the base for one last night.
Day 9: Back to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, to disembark.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
Day 1: Overnight at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina BVI and get to know your boat. You can relax and grab a bite to eat at the resort bar and use the resort facilities.
Day 2: Get in a great day of sailing to Peter Island to snorkel the Indians’ underwater paradise. You can find anchorages at Deadman’s Bay, Whelk Bay, White Bay, Key Bay and Great Harbour.
Day 3: Enjoy another BVI top snorkeling spot at the caves, Privateer Bay, Norman Island. Dine at Pirates Bight restaurant or The Club and use mooring balls at Kelly’s Cove and Soldier Bay. It’s nice and peaceful at Benures Bay.
Day 4: You need to visit White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, where you can swim up to the beach and relax with a famous Painkiller cocktail. Try Foxy’s, a famous BVI bar, or Corsairs beach bar at Great Harbour too.
Day 5: Head over to Monkey Point, Guana Island, to find vibrant marine life that is perfect for snorkeling.
Day 6: Make your way to the Dog Islands and snorkel at the Coral Gardens to find healthy coral. There’s plenty of fish off the coast of Great Dog, where the red mooring balls are still intact. At George Dog, snorkel on the south-west side and visit Kitchen Point beach.
Day 7: Explore Virgin Gorda in the morning with its large boulders and water caves known as The Baths. Eat at the Top of the Baths restaurant, continue through to Devil’s Bay beach and spend in the night in Gorda Sound. You can dine at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina in “North Sound”.
Day 8: Spend the day exploring Gorda Sound and sail around Prickly Pear Island to Eustatia Sound, which has beautiful anchorages.
Day 9: Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. Try the native lobster and rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel or conch at Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay. In November, you can join in the fun of the famous two-day lobster festival.
Day 10: Head to Cooper Island and Cistern Point for snorkelling or Hallovers Bay.
Day 11: Head to the Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck RMS Rhone that sank in 1867. It’s a popular diving spot in the BVIs.
Day 12: Sail to Sandy Cay National Park and then sail onwards to moor at Diamond Cay, Little Jost van Dyke, before heading to Sandy Spit.
Day 13: Head back to base for your final night via Soper’s Hole, where you can grab lunch at Pusser’s Landing or enjoy a coffee with free Wi-Fi at Omar’s Cafe.
Day 14: Back to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, to disembark.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
Before you set sail on a BVI charter, download and read this information to make your trip as hassle-free and smooth as possible.
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