British Virgin Islands sailing itinerary
Map of the best ports and anchorages
The best anchorages in British Virgin Islands
(Add an anchorage)Always choose the safest spot with a live ranking of your favorite anchorages in British Virgin Islands. Try zooming in to avoid seaweed fields, then tick to start your list of favourites.
-
The bay is well-protected, with stunning views of the surrounding islands and a crystal-clear turquo… Read more about this listing
-
You’ll appreciate how well-protected the bay is, providing a safe anchorage with good holding in the… Read more about this listing
-
From personal experience, the bay is wonderfully serene, especially if you anchor away from the more… Read more about this listing
The best ports and marinas in British Virgin Islands
(Add a port)Find a berth for the night with a live ranking of your favorite harbors in British Virgin Islands, keeping an eye on the tide and weather forecast. You can also participate by sharing a missing phone number or VHF channel when possible.
-
The marina is right next to a variety of shops and restaurants, including a well-regarded sushi spot… Read more about this listing
-
It’s part of the well-known Moorings brand, which means you can expect a certain standard of profess… Read more about this listing
-
The marina’s location is convenient too, with a small supermarket and a coffee shop right on-site. T… Read more about this listing
- This forum is empty.
- Oh, bother! No topics were found here.
- You must be logged in to create new topics.
Road Town
Road Town, the charming capital of Tortola, is the main island of the BVI. Once you step ashore, you’ll discover pastel-coloured buildings, some of which have stood for over a century, and find everything from modern boutiques to century-old structures that house tiny businesses. But the real charm is in the little details: the weathered stone walls, the old shutters hanging at odd angles, the cool shade provided by overhanging balconies, all telling a story of days gone by.
Visit
The Old Government House Museum, the former residence of the British Governors, offers a peek into the island’s colonial past, complete with period furniture and historical exhibits, giving you a sense of what life might have been like here in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Things to do
The Crafts Alive Village, is a market where local artisans sell their wares. It’s a great spot to pick up some handmade crafts, jewellery, or batik fabrics. The lively atmosphere, with bright stalls and friendly vendors, is a fun place to browse and chat with the locals.
Best ports and anchorages in Road Town
(Add a spot)
-
The marina is right next to a variety of shops and restaurants, including a well-regarded sushi spot... Read more about this listing
-
It’s part of the well-known Moorings brand, which means you can expect a certain standard of profess... Read more about this listing
-
The marina’s location is convenient too, with a small supermarket and a coffee shop right on-site. T... Read more about this listing
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is brimming with laid-back activities that blend effortlessly with its easygoing vibe.
Beach
Tucked away on the island’s north side, Bubbly Pool gets its name because, when the waves crash just right it fills up with frothy seawater, creating a whirlpool effect that feels like a Caribbean Jacuzzi. You can reach it after a short hike and it’s well worth the effort for a refreshing dip.
Bar
Foxy’s Bar, a famous local watering hole that has been serving up good times and great music for decades. Owned by the charismatic Foxy Callwood, this bar has grown into a beloved institution that draws visitors from all over the island. Foxy himself is often on hand to share stories and jokes, and you might even catch an impromptu live performance of calypso or reggae.
Best ports and anchorages in Jost Van Dyke
(Add a spot)
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda has always drawn those seeking a retreat. In the 1960s, the island caught the eye of billionaire Laurance Rockefeller, who built a resort here, helping to put Virgin Gorda on the map for luxury travelers. Despite this, the island has retained a grounded, unpretentious feel. Unlike the more developed islands, it still hums with the rhythm of the natural world, where goats wander casually along the roads, and chickens dart into bushes as you pass.
Visit
The remnants of a 19th-century Copper Mine is a window into the island’s industrial past. The old stone structures, standing stark against the blue of the sea, offer a haunting reminder of the people who worked here, extracting copper from the rocks under the blazing sun. You can walk among the ruins, imagining the clang of tools and the heat of the furnaces in an otherwise quiet corner of the island.
Beach
The Baths is a stunning geological wonder where giant granite boulders create hidden tidal pools, caves, and tunnels just waiting to be explored. It’s one of those rare places where you can swim, snorkel, and climb, all within a stone’s throw of each other. The shallow pools, fed by the tide, are perfect for children too. As you wander through, you might hear tales about pirates once using the hidden coves as a stash for their loot — a little bit of myth that makes this spot feel even more magical.
Hiking
The Virgin Gorda Peak National Park offers some of the best views on the island. The trail snakes through a tropical forest, winding its way up to the highest point on Virgin Gorda.
Best ports and anchorages in Virgin Gorda
(Add a spot)Cooper Island
Tucked between Tortola and Virgin Gorda, the island’s name carries echoes of its past, a nod to the copper mining that once took place nearby in the 19th century, though today, the vibe is decidedly more about relaxation than industry. Back in the day, Cooper Island was a hideout for pirates who found refuge in its secluded bays. These waters were notoriously tricky to navigate, but for those who knew their way around, the island provided the perfect spot to stash treasure or lay low while Royal Navy ships patrolled nearby.
Things to do
On land, Cooper Island’s main draw is the Cooper Island Beach Club, an eco-friendly resort that blends seamlessly with the island’s laid-back atmosphere. Built with sustainability in mind, the resort is powered by solar energy and has its own desalination plant. Visitors often swing by for a bite at the beachfront bar, where cold drinks, fresh seafood, and island-inspired cuisine are served with a view that’s hard to beat.
Best ports and anchorages in Cooper Island
(Add a spot)
-
The bay is well-protected, with stunning views of the surrounding islands and a crystal-clear turquo... Read more about this listing
Norman Island
The island is rumoured to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. For centuries, sailors and explorers have been lured by stories of treasure buried deep beneath its rocky soil. In the 18th century, reports of gold coins discovered on the island sparked wild imaginations.
Visit
Norman Island Caves are a must-see. These naturally formed sea caves have been carved out over centuries by the relentless rhythm of the ocean, creating a labyrinth of hidden passages that beg to be explored. The caves are perfect for snorkeling, as they shelter tropical fish darting in and out of the rocks. Locals love to tell tales about pirates using these same caves to hide their loot, with some even claiming that secret passageways lie deep within the caverns.
Bar
The floating bar and restaurant Willy T has become something of an iconic stop for sailors. You’ll often find a party on deck, with music, good food, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes after a day of pirate’s island exploration.
Best ports and anchorages in Norman Island
(Add a spot)
-
You'll appreciate how well-protected the bay is, providing a safe anchorage with good holding in the... Read more about this listing
-
From personal experience, the bay is wonderfully serene, especially if you anchor away from the more... Read more about this listing
History
These islands, in the heart of the Caribbean, weren’t always the serene paradise they seem today. The Spanish Empire first laid claim to the islands, but soon the British, Dutch, and French were drawn in by their strategic position.
One of the most famous characters to roam these waters was Blackbeard, the fearsome Edward Teach. He used the Virgin Islands as a hideaway, taking advantage of coral reefs and hidden coves to ambush unsuspecting ships. In fact, Norman Island, named after a privateer, is thought to have been the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Today, Norman Island is known for its caves, where modern explorers can snorkel or dive, imagining treasures still lurking just beyond reach.
By the 1660s, the British had solidified their hold on the Virgin Islands, but they had their challenges. These islands were far from the big trading hubs, which meant the early settlers had to be tough, farming what they could on rugged land. With the sugarcane boom in the 18th century enslaved Africans were unfortunately also brought here, and the sugar mills started dotting the islands. In places like Cane Garden Bay, the remnants of these sugar estates still stand today.
But for much of their early history, the BVI were somewhat overlooked compared to the nearby Leeward Islands, which had greater agricultural wealth and trade. It wasn’t until the 20th century, with tourism and finance blooming, that the BVI came into their own.
Formalities
Boat Clearance
Clearance formalities for entry and exit from the islands of the Caribbean are mandatory for all pleasure boats, whether for personal or professional use, arriving or departing by sea. The clearance must be pre-filled online at https://www.sailclear.com/ before proceeding to the customs office. In the BVI, unlike other islands, all crew members must go to the customs office during the entry procedures.
More info at: https://bvi.gov.vg/content/clearing-vessels
Application for Virgin Islands VISA:
Government of the Virgin Islands
Other ressources
Noonsite.com maintains an updated worldwide database of formalities for pleasure crafts. Click here for more details.
Topography
Many areas around the islands of the BVI are designated marine parks, with mooring buoys available to protect the coral and reduce anchoring impact. Choose your buoy carefully to avoid getting too close to the reefs, as some are better suited for catamarans. It’s important to check the condition of the mooring before committing, especially after storms. Most mooring fields operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early in the day helps ensure a secure spot.
Sailing season in British Virgin Islands
The Caribbean Sea is known for its tropical and semi-tropical climate, where warmth and humidity reigns. Year-round the region’s climate is shaped by the trade winds, which blow consistently from the east or northeast, helping to temper the heat while offering a steady breeze that has long been favoured by sailors.
Dry Season (December to May)
The dry season, from December to May, is characterised by warm, sunny days and cool nights. The skies are mostly clear, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures hover around a comfortable 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The sea remains warm, but the atmosphere feels lighter, the winds more reliable, and the danger of tropical storms subsides. This period sees consistent trade winds and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for sailing.
Wet season (May to December)
This period sees an uptick in humidity, and with it, frequent, sometimes intense rainfall. While the downpours rarely last long, they can be fierce, particularly in the afternoons. Tropical storms and hurricanes are a significant feature of the Caribbean’s climate during this time.
Hurricanes
The official hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from 1 June to 30 November, but within that, there are variations. On rare occasions, hurricanes can occur as early as May. The hurricane season peaks between August and October.
These powerful systems develop over warm ocean waters, where sea temperatures soar to around 80°F (27°C) or higher in the summer months. These hurricanes move westward or northwestward, often gaining strength before barreling toward the islands, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain. The southern Caribbean islands, closer to South America, tend to be less affected by hurricanes, but they are not immune.
FAQ
Tap water in British Virgin Islands is generally safe to drink, but it can vary from one area to another, especially in more remote islands. It is advisable for visitors to rely on bottled water or purification methods if they are unsure or have sensitive systems.
The fuel available in British Virgin Islands is typically reliable and adheres to international standards. Diesel and gasoline are available at various fueling stations and marinas throughout the islands.
In marinas across the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the standard voltage is 110 volts with a frequency of 60 Hz. This is consistent with the electrical standards used in the United States. If you're traveling from a country with different electrical standards, you may need a voltage converter or plug adapter to ensure compatibility with your equipment.
Clearance formalities for entry and exit from the islands of the Caribbean are mandatory for all pleasure boats, whether for personal or professional use, arriving or departing by sea. The clearance must be pre-filled online at https://www.sailclear.com/ before proceeding to the customs office. In the BVI, unlike other islands, all crew members must go to the customs office during the entry procedures.
More info at: https://bvi.gov.vg/content/clearing-vessels
The prevailing winds in the Caribbean Sea are the northeast trade winds, blowing consistently throughout the year. These winds are strongest during the dry season, offering excellent sailing conditions. In the wet season, the winds can become more variable, with occasional squalls. During this period, Grenada experiences heavier rainfall, which tends to be sporadic but intense. Sailing becomes less predictable, with the added risk of tropical storms, and sailors must closely monitor the formation of hurricanes.
The official hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from 1 June to 30 November, but within that, there are variations. On rare occasions, hurricanes can occur as early as May. The hurricane season peaks between August and October.
While the BVI is generally considered a safe sailing destination, it’s wise to lock up and stow gear securely when anchoring. There have been occasional reports of tender theft, so taking basic precautions can go a long way in ensuring a peaceful stay.
Do you have a question about sailing in British Virgin Islands?
A recent news? An event? Anything specific? Join the conversation on British Virgin Islands Sailing Group!Regions & Islands of British Virgin Islands
