The British Virgin Islands are one of the most popular yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean and Tortola is home to the world’s largest fleet of charter cruises. You can choose between Skippered or bareboat charters, motorized or sailing boats, monohulls or catamarans as well as crew, luxury, or mega cruises. There is something for everone in the BVI. The short distances between the islands, often only 2 to 3 hours, make the British Virgin Islands perfect for first-time charter cruises.

Is British Virgin Islands expensive?

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are British overseas territories, located north of the Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. They are part of the Leeward Island chain. Approximate coordinates are 18 ° 20 ‘N 64 ° 40’ W. The Archipelago Virgin Islands comprise the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

The British Virgin Islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate, which is moderated by trade winds. The temperature remains fairly stable throughout the year with daily maximums of around 29 ° C in summer and 25 ° C in winter. The BVI averages about 115 cm of rain per year, although this is higher in the hills and drier beaches. The wettest months are September to December. The British Virgin Islands are in an area that can see storms from June to October and this effectively limits the sailing season to November – May.

Among the many attractions in the British Virgin Islands are; many white sandy beaches; baths on Virgin Gorda, snorkeling on a reef near Anegada; famous bar on Jost Van Dyke Island.

The British Virgin Islands include the main islands of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola and Virgin Gorda along with more than fifty other small islands and cays. Small islands including; Beef Island, Cooper Island, Ginger Island, Great Camanoe, Great Thatch, Guana Island, Mosquito Island, Necker Island, Norman Island, Peter Island, Salt Island. Only some fifteen islands are inhabited. The BVI is mostly volcanic in origin and has rugged hilly terrain. Anegada is an exception and is a flat island of limestone and coral. Tortola is the largest of the islands, about twelve miles long and three miles wide. Road Town, on Tortola, is the capital of the islands. The British Virgin Islands have a total population of around 22,000 people.

BVI Yacht Charters

The Virgin Islands are considered strategic holdings, but they are also planted when there are favorable economic conditions. Britain introduced sugarcane which became the main crop and source of foreign trade. Slaves were brought from Africa to work on sugarcane plantations and affluent islands until the growth of sugar beet crops in Europe and the United States reduced sugarcane production significantly.

Mooring is growing in popularity throughout the British Virgin Islands to prevent anchors from dragging underneath and damaging important reefs. While cynics will tell you it’s also about increased revenue and at $ 30 a night it’s hard not to sympathize with this point of view. The overnight mooring is on the 18 “white ball. Other mooring buoys will be encountered while sailing on the BVI and color coded as follows;

Orange – Non-dive, day use only.
Yellow – Commercial submarines only.
Big Yellow – Commercial vessels or vessels over 55 ‘in length
White – Non-commercial vessel, only for day diving use.
Blue – For dinghy use only

Also note that there is a time limit of 90 minutes on all tetheres.

The main port of the British Virgin Islands is Road Town, on Tortola. And most charters will begin and end here. Village Cay Marina is one of the full-service marinas available on Road Harbor offering fuel, water, ice, provision, laundry, shower facilities, beauty salon and spa. There is a freshwater pool, a restaurant and a waterfront bar. Other marinas on Road Town Harbor include Fort Burt Marina and Inner Harbor Marina. There is also another full-service marina on Nanny Cay that offers another starting point for charter cruises. Nanny Cay Marine Center has amenities including a shower, water, gift shop, laundry, ice and fuel, supplies, storage lockers, and two restaurants. There is also a dive shop, mechanical repair, cooling, welding and a 24-hour boat chase service. Take time at the beginning or end of your yacht charter to explore Tortola. Wandering around the island’s steep and winding mountain roads offers breathtaking views. Some of the best beaches in the entire BVI are located in Cane Garden Bay and Long Bay, on the north shore of Tortolas. The restaurants at Tortola are highly respected throughout the Caribbean. Shopping and nightlife tend to be low key, however a selection of small clubs playing local music can be found in Road Town and in the beach bars around Tortola.