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Exploring the British Virgin Islands
Escape to unspoiled landscapes and pristine beaches on a British Virgin Islands yacht charter. Hop the many islands, sailing calm, blue waters, and experience the rare natural beauty of the BVI archipelago from the comfort of a luxury yacht charter.
Places to visit
With many locations to visit on a British Virgin Islands yacht charter, there are experiences on offer to suit a range of interests. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or enjoy local culture, we’ve listed some of the great things you can see and do on the BVI below.
Tortola
As the largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is the perfect starting point for a yacht charter. Here you’ll find a perfect balance of modern comforts and natural beauty.
This mountainous volcanic island is topped by Mount Sage (543 m), whose sloping hills descend into Sage Mountain National Park. This area is perfect for hikers, with rainforest trails leading to impressive views across the surrounding islands. Tortola’s beaches are famed for their enticing waters and soft white sands. Cane Garden Bay is an exciting social hub, with beach bars, restaurants, and live music. Alternatively, Smuggler’s Cove or Brewers Bay offer a more secluded escape, ideal for snorkelling.
Head to the capital, Road Town, to experience the island’s more energetic side, set around the natural Road Harbour. Discover 18th-century architecture, engaging museums, and peaceful botanical gardens.
For shopping and waterfront dining, you can explore Wickham’s Cay Marina or Soper’s Hole, thought to be the home of the notorious pirate Blackbeard.
Experience the British-Caribbean culture during street festivals, regattas, and parades, especially during the Emancipation Festival (July – August). Sip cocktails at beachfront bars and enjoy traditional music.
Virgin Gorda
Sail east from Tortola and you’ll reach one of the most beautiful islands in the region, Virgin Gorda. The area is famed for its dramatic landscape, granite formations and clear waters. Often termed the “Gem of the Caribbean”, Virgin Gorda is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking an upscale, luxury retreat. From rugged hills to serene bays and national parks, there are tranquil areas in abundance.
One of the must-see spots here is The Baths National Park, where enormous granite boulders create natural pools and tunnels that open up to stunning beaches. It is celebrated worldwide as a geological wonder and a premier snorkelling and hiking destination. Other great areas for adventure include Gorda Peak National Park, for trails through rare dry tropical forest, and Savannah Bay and Pond Bay, where you can enjoy unspoiled beaches and snorkelling among reefs.
The island’s atmosphere is tranquil, yet it also offers upscale resorts, beachside restaurants, and bars. The main hub, Spanish Town, hosts local markets, artisan boutiques, and relaxed cafés.
If you love nature-rich islands and adventurous cruising, you might also consider a yacht charter in the Windward Islands. Explore more fantastic scenery, from volcanic peaks to lush rainforests. Speak to our charter team to find out more.
Anegada
For a more unique, secluded experience, take a trip to Anegada. This low-lying coral island feels distinctly different, with its endless white beaches and shallow waters. This spot is ideal for those seeking untouched nature and solitude.
Surrounding the island is Horseshoe Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean. With abundant marine life and historic shipwrecks, snorkelling and diving are a dream here. Highlights here include Loblolly Bay, known for calm, crystal-clear waters, and Cow Wreck Beach, where soft sands and laid-back beach bars invite long, lazy afternoons by the sea.
Jost Van Dyke
Close to Tortola is the small but lively island of Jost Van Dyke. Perhaps the most sociable of the islands, it’s known for its beach bars, restaurants, and welcoming community.
The island offers beautiful anchorages, ideal for swimming or snorkelling, where you can enjoy quiet coves. Nearby Sandy Cay offers a scenic escape, while Little Harbour provides a peaceful spot for those seeking calm.
Alternatively, head to iconic spots like White Bay, home to the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar, or experience the heart of island life at Great Harbour, with restaurants, music, and a spirited social scene.
Cooper, Norman & Peter Islands
Just south of Tortola, you’ll find a series of islands including Cooper, Norman, and Peter Islands. Each is a great stop for a BVI yacht charter, offering exploration, calm anchorages, and vibrant reefs. Their close proximity makes them ideal for relaxed island-hopping. Between trips, you can enjoy beachside dining, quiet coves, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
Take a trip to Cooper Island Beach Club, an eco-conscious resort offering fine dining, craft cocktails, and front-row sunset views. Enjoy the serene anchorage at Peter Island’s Deadman’s Bay, or dive the legendary sites at Norman Island’s Caves and the Indians, where marine life mingles with pirate lore.
If you’re interested in extending your trip, why not yacht charter the US Virgin Islands? These nearby islands offer more culture, pristine national parks, and lively island experiences that complement the BVI perfectly.
Culture and history
Callwood Rum Distillery – Tortola
Visit one of the oldest rum distilleries in the Caribbean. Tour rustic buildings, see old copper stills, and taste the local Ardunel Rum. Aragorn’s Studio and Full Moon Party – Beef IslandFor art lovers, visit the arts and cultural centre of Aragorn’s Studio in Trellis Bay. Here you can view the gallery of carvings, paintings and crafts or witness famous fireball steel balls.
Frequent events, markets and workshops welcome visitors, with the Full Moon Party being the most celebrated. This festival, to celebrate Caribbean culture, features fire art installations, live music, food, and drink that light up the bay.
The Copper Mine Ruins – Virgin Gorda
Tour the 19th-century copper mine ruins and protected park. Built by Cornish miners in 1837, the remains overlook stunning coastal views, while offering insights into British industrial history in the Caribbean.
Festivals
Anegada Lobster Festival – Anegada
Foodies will enjoy this festival that spans multiple island beach bars, serving fresh lobster with live music and a lively atmosphere.
BVI Emancipation Festival – Tortola
This two-week festival celebrates the abolition of slavery in 1834 and showcases the islands’ rich African and Caribbean heritage. It takes place each year, in late July or early August and includes parades, street food, live music, and traditional “fungi” bands.
If history and culture are a key interest to you, then you might also enjoy a Leeward Islands yacht charter. Here, you explore more islands that tell unique stories through centuries-old forts, plantation houses, and colourful cultural celebrations.
Nature and adventure
The Baths – Virgin Gorda
Visit the maze of giant granite boulders, rock tunnels, grottoes and pools. Swim, snorkel or climb the caves and enjoy the nearby beach at Devil’s Bay.
Gorda Peak National Park – Virgin Gorda
Hike the trails through tropical and dry forests, spot rare plants, birds and lizards, and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation tower.
Snorkelling – Norman Island
Experience some of the best snorkelling spots in the Caribbean at The Indians and Norman Island caves. Enjoy clear waters, colourful reefs, abundant marine life and calm currents.
Norman Island is also said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, with its mystical caves that shimmer with light reflections inside.
Horseshoe Reef – Anegada
Discover the Caribbean’s largest barrier reef, with vibrant coral, tunnels and a rich array of marine life. Here, you can spot turtles, stingrays, parrotfish, and nurse sharks.
The reef includes sheltered beaches like Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Beach, for a peaceful retreat in beautiful surroundings.
Cane Garden Bay – Tortola
This famous beach offers white sands, turquoise waters and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling, or relaxing in the nearby restaurants and cafés. Head here for the nightlife, with bars like Myett’s and Quito’s Gazebo for cocktails, fresh seafood, and live Caribbean music.
The British Virgin Islands’ vibrant reefs and calm, clear waters make it a paradise for snorkellers and divers. If you enjoy this kind of adventure, you might want to yacht charter The Bahamas. Here you can experience colourful coral gardens and marine life that attracts visitors from across the globe.
Cuisine and Nightlife
Soggy Dollar Bar – White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
One of the most iconic bars in the BVI, located on the beautiful sands of White Bay. Its signature ‘Painkiller’ cocktail is a must-try, while you enjoy the sun, sea and lively atmosphere.
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar – Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
Head to this legendary spot to enjoy smoky BBQs, live music and cocktails. This laid-back bar regularly hosts parties and festivals and is loved for its tradition and community spirit.
Cooper Island Beach Club – Cooper Island
For a refined retreat, visit the eco-friendly resort of Cooper Island Beach Club. You can enjoy fresh seafood, craft beer, and tastings from the Caribbean’s largest rum bar.
Willy T Floating Bar & Restaurant – The Bight, Norman Island
This iconic party boat is loved by travellers for its lively atmosphere and unique experience. Enjoy fresh seafood, burgers, and Caribbean specialities from the kitchen and a range of tropical cocktails at the bar.
CocoMaya – Virgin Gorda
For a truly elegant experience, try CocoMaya, located on the waterfront. Offering Asian-Latin fusion cuisine in an atmospheric setting. You can enjoy fire pits, beachfront lounges, and sunset views all while sipping cocktails.
To start your BVI yacht charter adventure, get in touch today. You can fill in our enquiry form, give us a call on +44 (0) 1489 557 755 or email info@princessyachtcharter.com, and we’ll get your booking started.
Plan your trip
A luxury yacht charter is a chance to explore new places, but making sure you have all the necessary travel information ahead of your trip allows you to make the most of it. To help you prepare for a British Virgin Islands yacht charter, we’ve included all the essential travel information below.
Seasons
The peak season for a British Virgin Islands yacht charter is between December – April, when temperatures are between 21 and 31°C. This is the busiest period, with lively marinas and restaurants.
For fewer crowds and temperatures between 26 to 31°C, visit between April and June or in November.
Currency
The US Dollar (USD) is the accepted currency in the region.
Languages
The primary language is English. You may also encounter Spanish and Virgin Islands Creole spoken in some areas.
How to charter a yacht in the British Virgin Islands
You can access the British Virgin Islands by flying into Antigua and taking a local transfer to Tortola. Once you’ve got your base, chartering a yacht in the British Virgin Islands is the best way to see everything on offer, from the fine dining to the fantastic beaches.
Princess Charter offers a variety of yachts for charter, ranging from 20 metres to 100 metres in length.
To start your adventure, you can fill in our enquiry form, give us a call on +44 (0) 1489 557755 or email info@princessyachtcharter.com, and we can get planning.
FAQ
What do I need to know before booking a British Virgin Islands yacht charter?
All you need to decide is when you wish to travel, who will join you, and where you’d like to go. Our dedicated Princess Charter team will take care of the rest. We’ll design a bespoke itinerary to suit you, match you with the ideal yacht, and organise your crew.
How do I secure my booking for a yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands?
You can contact our friendly booking team, and we’ll start making the arrangements. You can contact us via our enquiry form, call us on +44 (0) 1489 557 755, or email info@princessyachtcharter.com.
How do I find the right yacht for a British Virgin Islands yacht charter?
Based on your travel arrangements, our team will pair you with the most suitable yacht from our luxury fleet.
Why choose Princess Yacht Charter for my charter?
Over 50 years of experience has taught us that every detail matters. At Princess Charter, our yachts set the standard for excellence, offering supreme comfort and absolute privacy. Our expert crews and ongoing support mean every Princess Charter is an experience as exceptional as your destination.