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.
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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 holiday 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 the 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.
Choose charter type below to see available charters options
SailShare
Aqualodge
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 holiday. 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 holiday 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 holiday 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.
BVI sailing itinerary
Take a look at our British Virgin Islands sailing holiday suggestions
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 the US, 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 holiday?
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 FAQsWhat is the cancellation policy for Sail Share?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits.
Our Sail Share cabin cancellation fees are:
- More than 90 days before original embarkation date: 25% of the charter fee
- 89 – 60 days before original embarkation date: 50% of the charter fee
- 59 – 30 days before original embarkation date: 75% of the charter fee
- Fewer than 29 days before original embarkation date: 100% of the charter fee
How flexible is the itinerary for a Sail Share charter?
Our yacht itineraries are designed by our destination experts and are set to showcase the best of the destination’s highlights. They are set and not flexible, even if you book all the cabins.
What happens if the weather changes while sailing on a Sail Share charter?
The skipper may decide to change the itinerary if there is bad weather.
Can I choose which cabin I want when I book a Sail Share?
Choose a double cabin with shared bath, or private bath for an additional fee.
Are there child or age restrictions for Sail Share?
Minimum Age: 16 years old
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