British Virgin Islands Sailing Itinerary

A British Virgin Islands sailing itinerary is extremely flexible – your vacation, your choice. The 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, swimming, sunbathing, reading, or walking on the beach.

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.

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.

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 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, Cooper Island’s main harbor, is not recommended because the holding ground isn’t good. Moorings for a fee are plentiful, but get there early. Mooring balls here are first come, first served, and bookable ahead of time on BoatyBall.com from 7am on a given morning.

Dinghy dockage: Tie up on either of the jetties flanking the Cooper Island Beach Club.

Things to do

Cooper Island has a good beach for swimming and watersports. Enjoy a meal at the Cooper Island Beach Club or shop at the Seagrape Boutique. Scuba buffs will want to check out Sail Caribbean Divers, which offers dive excursions for divers of all skill levels. Of special interest are dives on the HMS Rhone, a mail steamer sunk off the west end of nearby Salt Island during a hurricane in 1867.

Facilities

Water, Ice, Restaurants, Bars, WiFi, Shop, Gift Shop, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bike hire, Electricity, Laundry

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.

The nearby marina at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor offers Wi-Fi, fuel, water and ice. Radio ahead for a slip on the dock, or take a mooring ball outside the harbor and dinghy in. The grocery store is a short walk, and there are also some restaurants open nearby that can be accessed by dinghy or taxi, including the all new Snapper’s Bar & Grill, and Coco Maya which is a 10-minute walk from Spanish Town. Coco Maya is a great spot to relax with a cocktail and meal.

Mooring

Call for a slip at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. Alternatively, there are some moorings outside the marina at Spanish Town. We recommend a slip for safety.

Things to do

The Baths is a major attraction on Virgin Gorda, where you can explore the rock formation’s tunnels, pools, and caves.

Facilities

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour have slips, ice, garbage disposal, and provisions available in 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.

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. In the center of the island is a series of salt ponds, beautiful and teeming with birds. A flock of pink Caribbean flamingos live on the ponds not far from the anchorages on the western end. Take a taxi or scooter rental to Cow Wreck Beach Bar for lunch, where the locals are always friendly and beaches are world-class. Don’t miss the nearby gift shops. Visit beautiful Loblolly Bay for excellent snorkeling, and stop at Big Bamboo for a cocktail or snack. For a delightful dinner ashore, make reservations at Anegada Reef Hotel, Potter’s by the Sea, or Wonky Dog to tempt your taste buds with famous Anegada lobster. Anegada Reef Hotel can also assist in organizing taxi transportation to get the most 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

Moorings for a fee are available in the inner harbor. FCFS (first come, first served) moorings and BoatyBall are available. Anchorages are located in the inner and outer harbors. Holding is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

It’s well worth renting a car from one of several companies to fully explore Anegada, or opt for a bicycle or scooter rental instead. 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 lovely. Fishing on the flats extending eastward from Setting Point is another popular pastime; guides are available for private charters. A sail to the island wouldn’t be complete without savoring the locally caught lobster. Potter’s by the Sea, Anegada Reef Hotel, and Wonky Dog are just a few of the dining possibilities. Not all of the businesses on Anegada accept credit cards, so plan on paying with cash, and be sure to make dinner reservations in advance.

Facilities

Ice, provisions, phones, and Internet access are available. Fun in the Sun Market is open for basic provisions. Ice is available at Li’l Bits store or Anegada Reef Hotel.

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.

At Loblolly Bay you’ll discover one of the world’s best beaches where the scenery is just as beautiful above water as it is below.

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 for a fee. Holding ground is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Snorkeling is excellent behind Marina Cay. Ashore is a Pusser’s Company Store, where you can shop for a variety of goods. Enjoy a hilltop meal while taking in a spectacular view from the Robb White House, the highest point on the tiny island. There’s also a beachside restaurant. Dive BVI offers scuba diving excursions.

Facilities

Marina Cay Marina has fuel, ice, water, garbage disposal, laundry facilities, and showers.

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. Beach lovers may choose instead to stop for a snorkel or swim. 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 can anchor carefully and swim or dinghy ashore, often with only a few palm trees for company.

Cane Garden Bay has plenty of mooring balls and great restaurants on shore. Quito’s Gazebo has a beachside lunch menu and an indoor restaurant menu. At night live Reggae music accompanies the sunset and friendly service. Watch the schedule to see when Quito himself will play! Next door Paradise Grill is home to the iconic photo opportunity with two swings in the sand behind a sign declaring, “I Love BVI”. Myett’s and Indigo are two more excellent stops for dining and drinks.

Mooring

Moorings for a fee are plentiful. The holding ground is excellent. FCFS (first come, first served) moorings and BoatyBall are available.

Dinghy dockage: The bay has a public dinghy dock.

Things to do

Aside from swimming, enjoying windsurfing or kayaking (rentals are available from Pleasure Boat), or simply relaxing in the cockpit, the bay’s many beach bars and restaurants are well worth a visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can walk from one to the other, beach crawling to sample specialty rum drinks, pumpkin fritters, conch, and other Caribbean delights. Live music and ‘jump up’ is almost always available in one or more establishments. Quinto’s Gazebo, the Big Banana Paradise Club, Rhymer’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, and Indigo House. Myett’s Garden & Grille Restaurant, De Wedding, and the Elm Bar and Gift Shop all offer a variety of dining and shopping experiences.

When sightseeing, include a trip to Callwood rum distillery. Ask permission before exploring the grounds and take advantage of the opportunity to purchase some locally produced rum!

Facilities

Ice, provisions, high-speed Internet access, and other amenities are available at one or more locations.

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 around. Adventure junkies have been known to linger here where prime windsurfing and kayaking conditions abound and the ocean welcomes many a diver.

Days at sea are balanced out by evenings on land where restaurants and bars line the coast and light up the shore. Try something new, like pumpkin fritters or conch, at Quito’s Gazebo, famous for its rum-based Bushwacker. Sink into your chair as the owner, Quito Rymer, entertains the crowds with his singing and guitar playing. You can even hop from place to place to take in the different sounds of calypso, fungi, and reggae that fill the bay.

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. Foxy’s boutique is open and stocked with souvenirs. A short walk from Foxy’s is Cool Breeze cafe, offering Wi-Fi along with breakfast and lunch. Further down the beach, Corsair’s offers a full menu throughout the day. White Bay, just a short cruise from Great Harbour, is a popular day anchorage offering a beautiful beach and snorkeling along the reef. A wide selection of restaurants and bars line the beach, including the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, Hendo’s Hideout, Gertrude’s, Seddy’s One Love, and more.

Mooring

A number of moorings are available for a fee. Holding ground is good. The anchorage can get crowded, so be sure you have plenty of swinging room. FCFS (first come, first served) moorings and BoatyBall are available.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

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. The casual ambience and friendly staff certainly contributes to its appeal, but the other patrons, many taking a short breather from long ocean passages, are also part of the attraction.

A short hop to the west is White Bay, home to the Soggy Dollar Bar, so named for the yachties who swim to it from their boats, soaking their dollar notes!

Facilities

Water, fuel and ice are available at the main dock in Great Harbour. Provisions are not available at this time.

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. Enjoy drinks and dining at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant, serving appetizers, salads, entrees and cocktails including Pirate’s “Irma Punch”. There are plenty of mooring balls available here, and you can enjoy snorkeling at both The Indians and The Caves.

Mooring

Moorings for a fee are plentiful. Anchoring in the northeast or southeast portion of The Bight outside the mooring fields is possible, but it’s easier to just pick up a mooring to avoid worries about swinging room or dragging anchor.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available at the Pirates Bight restaurant and bar.

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.

You can also visit the legendary floating bar and restaurant, Willy T for a delightful lunch and amazing views. Enjoy a laid-back experience during the day, or an upbeat party scene at night.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

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. Swim into the sun-filled ocean as you journey north to Pelican Island and the towering pinnacles of the Indians. Dive below and find yourself surrounded by an abundance of marine life from star coral to sea sponges to brightly colored fish that are just as curious as their swimsuit-clad visitors.

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