Tortola sits at the centre of the British Virgin Islands, which means short, line-of-sight passages, sheltered water and a dense network of mooring buoys. For most crews this combination keeps planning simple and days flexible.

The BVI is truly a sailor's paradise, renowned for its calm seas and pristine waters, making it an ideal destination for a BVI charter. The stunning islands that surround Tortola offer breathtaking scenery and countless opportunities for exploration, adding to the appeal for yacht charters.

From Road Town you step straight onto the Sir Francis Drake Channel, with predictable trade winds and bays that are easy to enter in daylight. It’s an approachable place to start if you are new to chartering, and a comfortable return for experienced sailors.

Yacht Charter Tortola: Why the British Virgin Islands Work

Consistent trade winds and line-of-sight sailing

Most itineraries run along the Sir Francis Drake Channel, where the turquoise waters and nearby islands temper swell and enable straightforward, visual navigation between stops. Trades generally sit in a moderate range and the sea state inside the channel stays manageable for mixed-experience crews.

Sheltered anchorages and managed mooring fields

You’ll find many protected bays and National Parks Trust day-use moorings at popular snorkel sites. These reduce anchoring stress and protect reefs. Overnighting on park moorings is not permitted, so plan to pick up a regular mooring or anchor in sand for the evening. A parks permit is required to use day-use buoys. The moorings market in the BVI is well-developed, offering a range of mooring options, permits, and services that cater to the needs of visiting sailors.

Centrally located bases and shore services

Road Town concentrates charter docks, provisioning and simple transfer links, with well-equipped marinas such as The Moorings Yacht Club Resort and Nanny Cay providing pre- and post-charter amenities. The Moorings Yacht Club Resort features boutique shops, the Island Roots Coffee Shop, and several dining options including the Moorings Yacht Club Restaurant, yacht club hotel restaurant, and yacht club restaurant. Guests can enjoy leisure facilities such as a swimming pool with lounge chairs, poolside service, and spa services. The resort also offers water sports rentals and dedicated spaces for private events. Experience relaxed island living throughout your stay at the yacht club.

British Virgin Island Culture and History

The British Virgin Islands are steeped in a vibrant culture and fascinating history, shaped by centuries of seafaring, trade, and island life. As you explore the Virgin Islands on your BVI yacht charter, you’ll discover a welcoming community with deep island roots and a unique blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. Local festivals, such as the lively BVI Music Festival, offer a chance to experience the islands’ musical traditions and joyful spirit firsthand. History buffs can step ashore to visit sites like the Old Government House Museum, where the story of the British Virgin Islands unfolds through artifacts and exhibits. Traditional crafts, including boat-building and pottery, are still practiced today, reflecting the enduring connection between the people and the sea. Chartering a yacht in the BVI isn’t just about the sailing—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Virgin Islands culture and history, making every stop on your journey more meaningful.

British Virgin Islands BVI Geography and Climate

The British Virgin Islands are a breathtaking archipelago of around 40 islands and cays, scattered like emeralds across the turquoise Caribbean Sea. From the dramatic granite boulders of Virgin Gorda’s Baths to the lush hills and white sand beaches of Tortola, the islands are renowned for their natural beauty and crystal clear waters. The climate is reliably tropical, with year-round warm temperatures and steady trade winds that create ideal sailing conditions for both seasoned sailors and first-timers. The best months to visit are December through April, when the weather is at its most comfortable and the skies are clear. The geography of the British Virgin Islands makes for smooth sailing and easy line-of-sight navigation, with countless hidden coves and secluded anchorages waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the BVI’s natural beauty and perfect sailing conditions make it a true sailor’s paradise.

Getting to Your BVI Yacht Charter: Beef Island Airport and Road Town

Most visitors fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, then transfer roughly 9–14 km by road to Road Town. Taxis are the standard option and take about 15–20 minutes in normal traffic.

BVI Sailing Conditions: Sir Francis Drake Channel Basics

The Sir Francis Drake Channel runs between Tortola, the southern out-islands and Virgin Gorda, forming a natural sailing corridor. The channel is renowned for its warm waters, which enhance the comfort and enjoyment of sailing in the BVI. Depths and hazards are charted, entrances are well described in official pilotage, and most passages between popular bays are short. This geography, paired with the regular trade-wind pattern, is why the BVI is repeatedly described as an easy sailing destination.

Boat Types for Yacht Charter Tortola

Catamaran charter BVI

Catamarans are the most common choice for a BVI yacht charter. Twin hulls reduce heel, large cockpits suit groups, and shallow draft helps you approach sandy shelves and secluded beaches. If your plan prioritises swim stops and relaxed lunches on board, a catamaran keeps days low-stress.

Sailing yacht charter BVI

Monohulls reward trimming and helming, point well upwind and typically deliver a lower cost per berth than an equivalent catamaran. For smaller crews who enjoy the sailing itself, they remain a strong option.

Power catamarans charter BVI

Power cats help you connect more distant stops on a short week. They trade sail handling for speed between bays. Fuel planning is simple, and you still benefit from catamaran deck space.

Bareboat charter BVI, skippered or crewed yacht charter

• Bareboat charter BVI suits qualified skippers who want independence; the BVI’s short legs and sheltered water make it accessible.

• Skippered charter BVI adds a professional captain while you handle the rest.

BVI Sailing Itinerary: 7 Days from Tortola

This carefully curated itinerary offers short legs and focuses on protected water, providing a thoughtful balance of relaxation and adventure. Adjust for weather, daylight and mooring availability.

Day 1: Road Town to Norman Island

Depart mid-afternoon for The Bight. Snorkel the Caves or the Indians on a park day-mooring earlier in the day; shift to a night mooring or sandy bottom for the evening.

After a day of snorkeling, guests can unwind with delicious rum cocktails at one of Norman Island's lively beach bars.

Day 2: Norman Island to Cooper Island

Head to Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island for clear water and an easy dinghy ride ashore. Day-use buoys mark nearby snorkel spots; observe park rules.

Day 3: Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda (The Baths) to North Sound

Arrive early at The Baths National Park for the boulders and swim-throughs, then continue to North Sound for flat water and resupply. The area is also renowned for its excellent scuba diving opportunities among vibrant reefs and diverse marine life.

Day 4: North Sound to Anegada (weather window)

If conditions and your charter agreement allow, make the longer, open-water leg to low-lying Anegada. Enter via the marked channel and plan an unhurried daylight approach.

Day 5: Anegada to Cane Garden Bay (Tortola)

Return to Tortola’s north shore for a swim and an easy evening.

Along the beach in Cane Garden Bay, visitors can also experience lively island bars, perfect for enjoying the vibrant local nightlife and social atmosphere.

Day 6: Cane Garden Bay to Jost Van Dyke

Stop at White Bay for a midday swim, then overnight in Great Harbour or quieter Little Harbour. Moorings are first-come; arrive early.

Day 7: Jost Van Dyke to Soper’s Hole or Road Town

Refuel and return to base in good time for checkout.

Passages on this loop are typically 30 minutes to 3 hours, leaving plenty of daylight for snorkelling and shore time. Highlights Near Tortola for BVI Yacht Charters

Norman Island Caves and the Indians

These park sites offer accessible snorkelling with abundant reef life. Use the white day-use buoys only, then relocate for the night.

Virgin Gorda: The Baths and North Sound

The Baths’ granite boulders and tide pools make a distinctive morning stop, while North Sound provides calm water and multiple anchorages.

Jost Van Dyke and Tortola’s north shore

White Bay and Cane Garden Bay are classic swim-and-relax stops with short approaches in settled weather. Plan early arrivals for mooring availability.

Where to Start: Road Town Marinas and Services

Moorings Yacht Club, Road Town

This flagship base combines charter docks with on-site hotel rooms, pool, showers and dining, which is convenient if you’re arriving late or want an easy first morning before casting off.

Nanny Cay Marina

Southwest of Road Town, Nanny Cay adds hotel rooms, chandlery, fuel, pump-out, water and a broad set of yard services in a naturally sheltered basin. It’s a useful technical stop during or after your week.

Cost of Chartering a Yacht in the BVI

Chartering a yacht in the British Virgin Islands offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. For those seeking independence, a bareboat charter typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 per week, depending on the size and type of yacht, as well as the season. If you prefer a more luxurious experience, a crewed yacht charter—with a professional crew to handle sailing and onboard service—can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per week. Additional expenses such as provisioning, fuel, and mooring fees usually add $1,000 to $3,000 per week to your total. Despite these costs, a BVI yacht charter delivers amazing sailing experiences and the freedom to explore the Virgin Islands at your own pace. Many charter companies offer specials and discounts throughout the year, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best value for your dream charter.

Practicalities for a Relaxing Yacht Charter Tortola

Moorings, permits and park rules

• National Parks Trust day-use moorings are for daylight only at sites such as The Indians, The Caves and The Baths; obtain the required parks permit through your operator or at designated offices.

• For overnighting, use standard mooring fields or anchor in sand where permitted, avoiding coral and seagrass. Seamanship habits in the channel

Reef early when breeze builds, keep a lookout for ferries and coastal traffic, and plan arrivals for early afternoon to secure a mooring in popular bays. Pilotage guidance for the channel and Road Harbour is available in official sailing directions.

Provisioning and fuel

Fuel, water and groceries are available in Road Town and Virgin Gorda. Marinas such as Nanny Cay and The Moorings base list on-site services useful for turnaround days.

When to go

The BVI is a year-round destination with warm air and sea temperatures. Peak season typically spans December to April with more boats on moorings; shoulder months often bring warmer water and a slightly quieter scene. The trade-wind pattern is a constant feature, with sailing described by local operators as predictable and well suited to families and first-timers.

Bareboat Charter BVI: Skipper Experience and Briefings

Charter companies will assess your sailing résumé for bareboat bookings. Before departure, expect a technical handover and local area briefing that covers VHF practices, park permits, buoy colours and common pilotage notes. If your group prefers to focus on downtime, adding a professional skipper keeps the private-yacht feel while simplifying manoeuvres.

Sample Packing and On-Board Routines

• Soft bags stow more easily in cabins.

• Reef-safe sunscreen and rash vests help in strong sun.

• Snorkel safety: post a lookout and keep the dinghy clear of swimmers at day-use sites.

• Water and power: cats with generators and watermakers extend time away from docks; otherwise schedule a mid-week top-up at a marina.

• Waste: use holding tanks near shore and follow local discharge guidance.

Book your Yacht Charter Tortola with Boataround

Compare a diverse fleet of sailing catamarans, monohulls and power cats departing Road Town, Tortola, filter for bareboat, skippered or crewed options, and see transparent pricing and inclusions in one place. When your route across the Sir Francis Drake Channel is sketched and your dates are set, book your BVI yacht charter with Boataround for straightforward planning and support before you step on board and throughout your week on the water.

Catamaran charter in Tortola

Charter a catamaran and explore Tortola! Prices start from 653 лв. per day. Experience the authentic charm of Tortola by renting one of our 268 available catamarans. Multihulls in Tortola offer you ultimate comfort and space and are ideal for a relaxing family holiday. With great stability, catamarans are easy to sail and a pleasure to live a holiday afloat.

It’s ideal for a family with children as it can anchor in a bay just a few meters from the shore at a depth of only 2 meters.

Our fleet of catamarans in Tortola includes popular brands such as Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot and Bali.

Catamarans in Tortola range from 11 to 32 m (36.1 to 105 feet) in length. Whether you’re an experienced sailor seeking a bareboat catamaran charter, or a novice desiring a skippered catamaran, we ensure a seamless and memorable sailing experience.

These are some of the best places to charter a catamaran in Tortola:

• Catamaran rental Nanny Cay Resort & Marina
• Catamaran rental Soper’s Hole Marina
• Catamaran rental Marina Tortola