British Virgin Islands Sailing Itinerary

A British Virgin Islands sailing itinerary is extremely flexible – your vacation, your choice. The Caribbean cruising ground presents myriad opportunities for enjoyment. It’s possible to go wherever the wind dictates, then pick up a mooring or drop the hook at a secluded anchorage to pass the hours snorkeling or exploring the best beaches in the BVI.

Our BVI sailing itineraries at a glance

Our BVI 7 day sailing itinerary and Power charter itinerary both cast off from our base at Wickhams Cay II and set sail around:

Cooper Island
Virgin Gorda Island
Anegada
Marina Cay
Cane Garden Bay
Great Harbour
The Bight

Our BVI 10 day sailing itinerary offers you the opportunity to explore all of the above destinations, as well as:

North Sound
Trellis Bay
West End

Each of our BVI sailing itineraries showcases the very best that the British Virgin Islands has to offer, from breathtaking beaches and incredible snorkeling spots to delicious local cuisine and vibrant Caribbean culture.

Which BVI sailing itinerary should you choose?

Whether this is your first time exploring the waters around the BVI, or your 50th, you might be wondering which of our bespoke BVI sailing itineraries you should choose ahead of your vacation.

Each one is unique, although we know whichever BVI charter itinerary you choose, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

7-day BVI sailing itinerary

Our BVI 7-day sailing itinerary offers the quintessential sailing experience loved by families, friends and couples alike. You’ll explore some of the best places to sail in the Caribbean aboard one of our catamarans or monohulls and enjoy plenty of opportunities for adventure, along with the chance to unwind and relax on golden beaches.

Want to take your BVI 7-day sailing itinerary to the next level? Book a Power charter and follow our BVI 7-day Power itinerary instead. Faster, more powerful and technologically advanced, you’ll cruise around the BVI in style aboard one of our sensational Power yachts and reach your destinations quicker which gives you more time for uncovering each island’s treasures. Learn more about the benefits of chartering a Power catamaran.

10-day BVI sailing itinerary

Fallen in love with the sound of the BVI and want to spend as much time as possible discovering its wonders? We also have a BVI 10-day sailing itinerary, offering 3 extra days for exploring and relaxing.

All that’s left to do is browse our BVI sailing itineraries, find out the best time to sail in the BVI and book your yacht charter today. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Choose Itinerary

Tortola Power Charter – 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1

Cooper Island

Cooper Island, located a short 6 nautical miles from The Moorings base at Road Town, is a beautiful island with a protected anchorage at Manchioneel Bay, and plenty of activities to offer. Ashore, Cooper Island Beach Club is the main attraction – a small resort with a restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, boutique, and lovely outdoor lounge area.

The beach bar and lounge face west, making this the perfect place for enjoying a cocktail while watching a stunning Caribbean sunset. The beach and calm waters make Manchioneel Bay well-suited for water sports, and nearby Cistern Point offers excellent snorkeling and turtle watching.

Mooring

Anchoring in Manchioneel Bay, the main harbor of Cooper Island, is not recommended due to poor holding ground. However, numerous moorings are available for a fee, making it a convenient option for sailors. It is advisable to arrive early as these mooring balls are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For added convenience, you can pre-book mooring balls through BoatyBall.com starting at 7 a.m. each morning. Dinghy dockage is provided on the jetties flanking the Cooper Island Beach Club.

Things to do

If you’re a keen snorkeler, you’ll love exploring the vibrant marine life at Cistern Point, known for excellent snorkeling and turtle watching. If scuba diving is more your thing, join an excursion with Sail Caribbean Divers, who offer dives suitable for all skill levels, including trips to the historic HMS Rhone wreck. Afterwards, we recommend refueling at:

Cooper Island Beach Club: Enjoy a meal at the island’s main attraction, featuring a restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, and boutique. The dinner menu includes options like Conch Fritters, Seared Beef Fillet Tataki, Cauliflower Steak, Tomato Glazed Fish of the Day, and Caribbean Spiny Lobster.

Facilities

Facilities at Cooper Island include water, ice, and Wi-Fi, making it a convenient stop for sailors. Dining and leisure options are well-catered for, with restaurants, bars, and a coffee shop available at the Cooper Island Beach Club. Visitors can also browse the boutique and gift shop for unique finds. Scuba diving enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site dive shop, Sail Caribbean Divers, which offers guided excursions. Electricity and laundry services are also provided, ensuring a comfortable stay.

British Virgin Islands Sailing Itinerary

Day 2

Virgin Gorda Island

Venture toward the island of Virgin Gorda, home of the world-famous Baths. The Baths are as pristine as ever, including the famous pathway leading through the giant boulders to Devil’s Bay. Top of the Baths Restaurant is open with its delightful panoramic views.

Mooring

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor offers slips for secure docking, which are recommended for safety. If you prefer, there are also moorings available just outside the marina at Spanish Town. To ensure availability, it is best to call ahead and reserve a slip. Dinghy dockage is available for visitors staying on moorings outside the harbor, making access to nearby facilities straightforward.

Things to do

Once you’ve explored the famous rock formations, tunnels, pools, and caves at The Baths, take the chance to sit down at one of these great restaurants:

Top of the Baths Restaurant: Savor a meal with panoramic views. This restaurant serves a mix of Caribbean and international dishes, including grilled mahi-mahi, seafood pasta, and hearty breakfast platters
Snapper’s Bar & Grill: Accessible by dinghy or taxi, offering a delightful dining experience. This is a casual spot offering freshly grilled snapper, jerk chicken, and coconut shrimp, all served with Caribbean-inspired sides. Try the signature rum punch.
CocoMaya: A 10-minute walk from Spanish Town, perfect for relaxing with a cocktail and meal. They combine Asian and Latin influences with Caribbean flair, featuring dishes like sushi rolls, miso-marinated black cod, and Thai green curry. Make sure to try the passionfruit margaritas.

Facilities

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor offers a range of facilities, including slips for docking, ice for cooling needs, and garbage disposal services. Provisions are available in the nearby town, along with Wi-Fi access for those needing connectivity. Additional amenities include water and fuel, which can be refilled at the marina. Visitors can also enjoy the convenience of dining and shopping options, such as the new Snapper’s Bar & Grill and Coco Maya, which is a short walk from Spanish Town.

North Sound

Find quiet in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda when you round Mosquito Island and chance upon this hushed retreat. The area is home to a number of peaceful beaches and snorkeling spots. You can also visit the recently reopened bar and restaurant Saba Rock, a must-see for sailors.

Day 3

Anegada Island

Get underway early and enjoy a scenic cruise to Anegada, a charter-favorite that remains just as charming as the last time you visited. Sparsely populated and rural, Anegada is 11 miles long, low, and flat, quite unlike any of the other islands in the BVI. The balmy trade winds gently sweep across its sandy shores, swaying the palms and rustling through the boughs of the pines. Anegada Reef Hotel can also assist in organizing taxi transportation to get the most out of your time on the island.

The day’s sailing

3 Hr Sailing time
13 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.

Mooring

Mooring options at Anegada include those in the inner harbor, which are available for a fee. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are offered, providing flexibility for visitors. Anchoring is also possible in both the inner and outer harbors, where the holding ground is reported to be good. Dinghy dockage is available, making it easy to access the shore for activities and dining.

Things to do

Explore Anegada like a local by renting a car, bike, or scooter. With its pristine beaches, flamingo-filled salt ponds, and world-famous lobster, every corner of this island promises a new discovery. There are also taxicabs to get you where you want to go. Loblolly Bay on the north shore is known for its spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear water. Bones Bight and Cow Wreck beaches are also world-class beaches, perfect for catching some rays. When you’re ready for a meal, there are plenty of great options (it’s best to bring cash in case credit cards aren’t accepted, and make reservations where possible):

Cow Wreck Beach Bar: Enjoy lunch with friendly locals. This family-run bar is renowned for its relaxed vibe and serves some of the best conch fritters in the Caribbean
Big Bamboo: It’s a perfect place to stop for a cocktail or snack while enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches.
Anegada Reef Hotel: Delight in famous Anegada lobster; reservations recommended.Known for its delightful preparation of the famous Anegada lobster, this hotel offers a charming dining setting. Reservations are recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on this local delicacy.
Potter’s by the Sea: Experience local cuisine in a charming setting. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, making it a favorite among visitors.
Wonky Dog: Savor delightful dishes with a unique flair. The restaurant offers a diverse menu and is praised for its friendly service and vibrant ambiance.

Facilities

Anegada’s facilities include ice, basic provisions, and internet access, ensuring a comfortable visit for yacht travelers. The Fun in the Sun Market is open for stocking up on essentials, and ice is available at Li’l Bits store or Anegada Reef Hotel. Mooring services are provided in the inner harbor, with options for both BoatyBall and first-come, first-served arrangements. Those looking to explore ashore will find dining options at the Anegada Reef Hotel and nearby establishments, while transportation options such as car, bike, or scooter rentals are available for exploring the island.

Anegada

From a distance the low-lying land of Anegada doesn’t rise from the ocean but rather reaches out amid a sea of blue. Here you can walk by salt ponds on the west side of the island and find yourself among pink Caribbean flamingos that have made this piece of the Caribbean their home for more than a decade. The aroma of wild orchids, pines and palm trees is carried on the breeze and across this isle formed of coral and limestone. A favorable southeasterly wind will help carry you from Virgin Gorda making for a pleasant passage to the northern island.

Day 4

Marina Cay

Scenic and quiet, Marina Cay is a sheltered anchorage nestled behind a protective reef. Cruising in Marina Cay waters brings you to the north end of Tortola and the smaller isles that bejewel its picturesque coast.

Mooring

A small number of moorings are available at Marina Cay for a fee, offering a tranquil and sheltered anchorage. The holding ground in this area is reliable, making it a secure spot for overnight stays. Dinghy dockage is available, ensuring easy access to the island’s dining and shopping amenities.

Things to do

If you’re looking for activities to keep you busy, you won’t be disappointed. Snorkeling is excellent behind Marina Cay, and you canenjoy the spectacular view from the Robb White House, the highest point on the tiny island. If you want to try scuba diving, Dive BVI can help you out. Dining options include:

Robb White House: Make the most of the views at this bar and grill offering a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes and cocktails.
Beachside Restaurant: Tuck into some jerk chicken, baby back ribs, crispy snapper sandwiches or sweet cane-rum-glazed wings, with a Caribbean cocktail.

Facilities

Marina Cay offers a variety of amenities, including fuel, water, and ice to meet the needs of sailors. Garbage disposal services and laundry facilities are available, ensuring convenience for longer stays. Visitors can take advantage of showers and enjoy dining options at the hilltop Robb White House or the beachside restaurant. Additionally, the marina features a Pusser’s Company Store for shopping and a dive shop for organizing scuba excursions.

Day 5

Cane Garden Bay

Sail around the northern end of Tortola, bound for Cane Garden Bay. Rum enthusiasts may want to arrive earlier for a lunch on the beach and a visit to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Two splendidly secluded stretches of sand will catch your eye as you near Cane Garden Bay. Sandy spit and Sand Cay are tiny islands where you can anchor carefully and swim or dinghy ashore, often with only a few palm trees for company.

Mooring

Cane Garden Bay has a plentiful supply of mooring balls available for a fee, with excellent holding ground that ensures security for anchored vessels. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are options here. A public dinghy dock is provided, offering easy access to the beach, restaurants, and other attractions.

Things to do

Aside from swimming, enjoying windsurfing or kayaking (rentals are available from Pleasure Boat), plan a trip to Callwood Rum Distillery. You’ll need to ask permission before exploring the grounds, but you can also take advantage of the opportunity to purchase some locally produced rum! For more food and drink options, we recommend:

Quito’s Gazebo: This beachfront restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Caribbean and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy dishes such as grilled seafood, jerk chicken, and vegetarian options. The venue is known for its live reggae music, with performances by Quito Rymer himself on select nights.
Paradise Club Lounge Bar & Restaurant: Located on the beach, this establishment is recognized for its traditional Caribbean breakfast, brick-oven pizza, and daily drink specials. The venue also hosts DJs and themed events, including monthly full-moon parties.
Myett’s Garden & Grille Restaurant: This restaurant offers a varied menu with options like lobster, shrimp, pasta primavera, and soups. The establishment is praised for its excellent menu and great service.
Indigo Beach House: Situated in Cane Garden Bay, Indigo Beach House provides a good lunch stop with a menu that includes Mexican, British, Greek, Deli, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Bar, and Pub cuisines.

Facilities

Cane Garden Bay provides excellent facilities for visitors, including ice, high-speed internet, and a variety of provisioning options. The public dinghy dock makes it easy to access the shore. Beachgoers can explore the many restaurants and bars that line the bay, each offering unique menus and atmospheres. Those seeking activities will find opportunities for windsurfing and kayaking, with rentals available nearby.

Cane Garden Bay

The sights and sounds of Cane Garden Bay don’t just invite, they pull you in. Here beaches stretch into the green landscape and island shops make for an ideal stopover. The bay is an easy-access point at the northern side of Tortola and presents some of the area’s best views. Adventure junkies have been known to linger here where prime windsurfing and kayaking conditions abound, and the ocean welcomes many divers.

Day 6

Great Harbour

Just to the north and west of Tortola, the heights of Jost Van Dyke rise majestically from a turquoise sea. With a population of a little more than 200, the island’s character is distinctly rural. No British Virgin Islands vacation is complete without a visit to Jost Van Dyke, which harbors some of our favorite seaside establishments. Great Harbour is an excellent overnight anchorage and is home to the famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar & Restaurant.

Mooring

Great Harbour offers numerous moorings available for a fee, with good holding ground providing a secure anchorage. Since the harbor can become crowded, especially during peak seasons, sailors should ensure they have sufficient swinging room when anchoring. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are available. Dinghy dockage is conveniently provided for easy access to shore.

Things to do

It’s all about the food and drink on Jost Van Dyke, because a BVI charter wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Foxy’s, one of the more famous restaurants in the Caribbean. It’s located on the eastern end of the beach and has built a reputation in the last 40 years as a hugely popular party Mecca for world cruisers. Aside from Foxy’s, you’ll also want to try:

Cool Breeze Café: A cozy café offering complimentary Wi-Fi, along with a selection of breakfast and lunch options. Guests can enjoy freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and local coffee blends.
Corsair’s Beach Bar & Restaurant: Provides an extensive menu throughout the day, featuring fresh seafood and classic Caribbean dishes. Specialties include lobster, shrimp, pasta primavera, and soups. The bar serves a range of cocktails and local beers.

A short hop to the west is White Bay, where you’ll also find:

Soggy Dollar Bar: Famous for inventing the Painkiller cocktail, this Caribbean beachfront bar offers a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of tropical drinks. The menu includes items like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, perfect for a beachside meal.
Hendo’s Hideout: A relaxed beachfront venue serving Caribbean-inspired cuisine and refreshing beverages, perfect for unwinding by the sea. Dishes include jerk chicken, grilled fish, and conch fritters, accompanied by signature cocktails.
Gertrude’s Beach Bar: Known for its laid-back vibe, Gertrude’s offers authentic local dishes and a welcoming environment. Guests can savor traditional Caribbean fare such as roti, fried plantains, and fresh seafood, along with cold beers and rum punches.
Seddy’s One Love Bar & Grill: Renowned for its lively atmosphere, this spot features live music and a menu of Caribbean favorites. Offerings include BBQ ribs, grilled lobster, and vegetarian options, complemented by a selection of tropical drinks.

Facilities

Great Harbour offers essential facilities such as water, fuel, and ice at the main dock. While provisions may be limited, the harbor’s location provides easy access to nearby dining and entertainment options. Those looking for connectivity will find Wi-Fi available at select locations like Cool Breeze Cafe.

Sandy Cay

On your way to Jost Van Dyke, you’ll find beautiful Sandy Cay, a small deserted island perfect for enjoying snorkeling, onshore exploring and an on board lunch with a view.

Day 7

The Bight

Norman Island, with its popular anchorage “The Bight”, lies on the east side of Flanagan Passage with St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands just across from it to the west. Hilly, scenic, and popular for its superior snorkeling locations, Norman Island is a highly-recommended stop on any BVI charter.

Mooring

The Bight at Norman Island has a large number of mooring balls available for a fee, making it a popular and easily accessible anchorage. Anchoring is possible in the northeast or southeast portions of The Bight outside the mooring fields, but using a mooring ball is often more convenient and reduces concerns about swinging room or dragging anchor. Dinghy dockage is available at the Pirate’s Bight restaurant and bar for added convenience.

Things to do

The caves at Treasure Point are a very special snorkeling location. You can swim inside the flooded indentations in the island with an underwater flashlight and observe teeming sea life in the shallow water. Just above the surface, the interior walls of the caves shimmer in purple and rust colored orange. Nearby Pelican Island and The Indians is another major BVI snorkeling and scuba diving location. For dining and cocktails, try:

Pirate’s Bight Restaurant: Offers a relaxed dining experience with a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, fresh salads, and hearty entrées. Popular choices include grilled seafood, jerk chicken, and vegetarian options. For drinks, their signature cocktail, “Pirate’s Irma Punch,” is a must-try.
Willy T: This is a legendary floating bar and restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and adventurous spirit. The menu includes items like fish tacos, BBQ ribs, and burgers, perfect for a casual meal onboard. Drinks are a highlight, with tropical cocktails such as rum punches and painkillers fueling the party vibe. By day, it’s a laid-back spot; by night, it transforms into a vibrant hub with music and dancing.

Facilities

Although The Bight does not have facilities for yachts such as provisioning or refueling, it remains a favorite destination for its stunning anchorage and surrounding attractions. Pirate’s Bight Restaurant provides food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, with dinghy dockage available for ease of access.

The Bight

Words such as unforgettable, breathtaking, and tranquil come to mind when visiting The Bight on Norman Island. From Road Town travel south to anchor among the sheltered coasts that lead to the famous Treasure Point with its four flooded caves. Enter the shallow stream of the northernmost cave that extends 70 feet into the rock and opens into a naturally formed cavern. Don a mask and flippers to follow the trail of your flashlight under the cool water. Above, the deep colors of the overhanging walls arch into darkness and form an intriguing entrance for passing travelers.

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