Luxury Yacht Charters in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

The sailing capital of the Caribbean

 

The Perfect Cruising Ground

Over fifty islands and cays, consistent winds and fabulous weather çreate a sailors paradise

 

The Soggy Dollar Bar

The Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Home of the infamous ‘Painkiller’ rum drink. One of the many bars and restaurants out there to be discovered in the British Virgin Islands

 Luxury Yacht Charters in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

 

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British overseas territory, to the east of Puerto Rico. The main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays (most of which are uninhabited) create the perfect cruising ground for a yacht charter vacation.

The BVI is known as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, with consistent winds, fabulous weather, and the islands close enough to navigate by sight; it is a sailor’s paradise. From the main capital island of Tortola, there is incredible variety in a cruising area that is about 32 miles long and 15 miles wide. Beautiful crystal clear water and many protected reefs, ship and plane wrecks, results in fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving, the highlight being the wreck of HMS Rhone, which is listed frequently among the world’s ten best wreck dives.

The BVI is an excellent choice for a family vacation – all of the Islands are only a short sail away and there are endless quiet anchorages for swimming, water-sports or just relaxing.

Top Tips for Getting The Most From Your Yacht Charter In The BVI

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Top Tips for Getting The Most From Your Yacht Charter In The BVI

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Cruising in the BVI (British Virgin Islands)

To the east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands comprises of around sixty tropical Islands, most of which are uninhabited and completely unspoiled. This British Overseas Territory makes up the Virgin Islands Archipelago; combined with the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands.

Arguably one of the most famous sailing destinations in the world, few can resist “Natures Little Secret” once experienced. It is hard to find anywhere to beat the warm trade winds, sheltered waters, white sand beaches fringed with palm trees and laid back beach bars which make a sailors true paradise.

 

 

What you need to know …

Arrive either early morning or late afternoon to soak up the ambiance and avoid the crowds at The Baths on Virgin Gorda.

Avoid the day-trippers and visit the beautiful White Bay, home of the Soggy Dollar Bar, late afternoon on a weekday.

Recreational fishing permits are required for visitors – it’s an easy process with an ID card and a nominal fee, but this must be completed before you leave port.

If you are planning on sailing between 31st July and 31st October don’t expect to find fresh Lobster, as it is illegal to catch or sell lobster during this time for conservation measures.

If you are considering Foxy’s for New Year’s Eve plan on arriving up to two days early to get a good anchor spot.

Activities

Due to the abundance of brilliant coral reefs in shallow, protected waters the BVI was voted as one of the top ten locations in the world to learn to scuba dive. With over 80 dive sites to choose from the scuba diving appeals to beginners and experienced divers alike. Highlights include the wreck dive of RMS Rhone, according to Frommers its one of the worlds top shipwrecks to explore. The ill-fated RMS Rhone sailed for the last time on Oct 19 1867 and sank near Salt Island during a hurricane. Now the site of the wreck it’s a go-to dive for intermediate to advanced divers.

Hiking through the graceful grottos and granite boulders of “The Baths” on Virgin Gorda, is undeniably one of best experiences in the BVI. These smooth boulders, some the size of houses, look as if they could have been scattered by the hand of a giant. The climb through takes no more than half an hour but it is a magical discovery tour courtesy of Mother Nature.

Anegada is protected by the third largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, and it offers some of the best snorkeling in the BVI. The miles of un-spoilt white sand beaches offer escapism & some wonderful photo opportunities and if you are lucky you’ll catch sight of the colony of pink flamingos. You can’t visit Anegada without experiencing fresh lobster grilled beachside with the sand between your toes.

If you are the kind of person who takes their running shoes on vacation Peter Island offers a 7-mile loop over the top of the Island and provides absolutely stunning views as well as some killer hills. Or you can take the sunset shuttle & a bottle of champagne to catch the views regardless.

For the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation Peter Islands hosts a purpose built 10,000 square foot Spa including 10 indoor treatment rooms, two outdoor bohios, couples suites, a beach-side Jacuzzi and tranquility garden, all with spectacular views of Big Reef Bay.

Whether you are offshore hooking into a trophy marlin or you’re combing the shallows fly-fishing for world-class bonefish, local guides always know where the fish are biting, and there’s ample opportunities in the BVI.

Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, Jost Van Dyke is the site of one of the most enjoyable and raucous New Years Eve parties in the Caribbean known locally as “Old years night”. Revelers come from all around the Caribbean to enjoy the two-day festivities with live bands and flowing drinks.

As far as beach bars go it’s hard to beat the chilled out vibe of the Soggy Dollar Bar aptly named because there is no dingy dock and so most people swim ashore. It’s easy to loose track of time on the fine white sand, under the coconut palms sipping the famous “pain-killer” cocktails.

Experience a family friendly full moon party with steel drums, Moko Jumbies, Reggae bands, a Caribbean Buffet and spectacular fireballs at Trellis Bay, Beef Island.

British Virgin Island (BVI) – Yacht Charter Highlights

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

Grottos, natural swimming pools, Mother Nature’s wonderland.

 

Nelson's Dockyard

Anegada

Fresh lobster grilled beachside, miles of un-spoilt beaches, pink flamingos
Shirley Heights

Full Moon Party

Moko jumbies, fire balls, family friendly party

 

Jost Van Dyke

Soggy Dollar Bar, painkillers, dancing at Foxy’s

 

Planning Your Yacht Charter in the BVI

 

A crewed yacht charter is the ultimate indulgence – for some a once in life-time experience, for others a yearly ritual exploring new locations and exciting destinations only accessible by boat. Along with the captain we’ll assist in planning a comprehensive itinerary prior to your charter based on your interests and requests, as well as pointing out the “must sees” in the area.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is reached via Antigua from the UK and via Puerto Rico if travelling from US / Canada, there are a number of scheduled flights as well as private charter companies servicing this area, we will happily assist with recommendations and reservations.

If travelling via the US you can fly to St Thomas and travel to the BVI via public ferry or private water taxi. We will assist with water taxi reservations to ensure that your transfer is smooth and stress free.

Contact our charter specialists and we will guide you through the booking process including assisting with airport transfers and pre charter hotel recommendations.

Choosing A Luxury Yacht & Crew

Once we have discussed your preferences in detail we will present selections of online yacht brochures with photos, menus and crew details and will continue to do so until we find the perfect match for you in terms of size, style & budget.

If you have firm dates in mind we’ll confirm availability with the owner and place a courtesy hold on your dates whilst your charter agreement is prepared and signed. It’s a good idea to have a second choice in mind, especially for busy holiday periods when yachts book up quickly.

We recommend booking your charter at least six months in advance to ensure that we secure your preferred yacht. Some of the most sought after yachts will book one year in advance for certain weeks or events. It is always possible to accommodate last minute bookings however we do recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Twice a year we personally inspect the yachts and spend time with the crew to ensure that we are representing only the very best.

When to go

The BVI offers the best cruising in the Caribbean at Christmas & New Year – with protected waters and an abundance of anchorages whether you are looking to party or get away from it all the BVI ticks all the boxes.

Spring Regatta is typically at the end of March, early May and expect to see the Sir Francis Drake Chanel full of spirited yachting and the bars full of sailors.

The BVI offers excellent cruising fromNovember through to August with a permanent fleet of fully crewed yachts.

More Caribbean Yacht Charter Destinations

 

Hint – If you’re finding it hard to decide on a single destination why not enjoy a multi-island cruise ? Get in touch and we’ll help you plan your perfect itinerary…

Planning a sailing vacation in the Caribbean ?

We’re the experts in luxury yacht charters throughout the Caribbean. From the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to the Grenadines, we have first hand knowledge of every yacht, every crew, and every anchorage. We’re fully accredited members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association which means you can book your charter with confidence.

LUXURY CREWED YACHT CHARTERS IN THE CARIBBEAN

“I just wanted to thank you for the greatest trip of a life time!!

This trip out did our greatest expectations! The crew was amazing, tailoring to our every wish. The food was above 5 star and it was incredible to us how this could be accomplished with such a small kitchen. Each day was better than the next and we have never been more relaxed in our lives. If anyone ever needs a reference please do not hesitate to have them call us. I hope one day we can take this trip again.

The Haltmans

Let Us Arrange the Sailing Vacation of a Lifetime in the BVI !

Charter with confidence – Independent Yacht Charter is a member of the Charter Yacht Broker Association.