British Virgin Islands

Chartering a Yacht in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

The British Virgin Islands are undeniably one of the world’s leading sailing capitals. With calm, crystal-clear waters, consistent trade winds, short passages between dozens of idyllic islands and cays, and abundant sheltered anchorages, the BVI offers an unparalleled, easy-to-navigate cruising experience. It is overwhelmingly preferred as a charter starting point and boasts a generous fleet of yachts and comprehensive infrastructure tailored for charter operations.

Why go there?

A charter in the BVI is all about island hopping, snorkeling, and relaxing in stunning natural surroundings. Don't miss exploring The Baths on Virgin Gorda, a geological wonder of massive granite boulders forming grottoes and tidal pools perfect for swimming and exploring. Snorkel the vibrant reefs at Norman Island's "The Caves," reputedly inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, or swim with turtles at Jost Van Dyke's White Bay. For lively beach bar culture, head to Foxy's Taboo or Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from your deck in Cane Garden Bay or Great Harbour.

While less about grand festivals, the BVI offers vibrant local events:

• Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival (late March/early April): A major international sailing event based out of Nanny Cay.
• BVI Poker Run (May): A fun, high-energy powerboat event combining racing with a treasure hunt.
• Emancipation Festival (early August): A significant public holiday with parades, music, and cultural events across the islands.

How to get there?

Yes, there is an international airport in the BVI: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island (connected by bridge to Tortola). However, due to its runway length, it cannot accommodate direct transatlantic or large continental US flights. Visitors typically fly into St. Thomas, USVI (STT) and then take a short ferry to Tortola.

If you wish to fly straight into BVI these international and local airlines serve Terrance B. Lettsome International:

• American Airlines (from Miami)
• United Airlines (from Newark)
• Delta Air Lines (from Atlanta)
• JetBlue (from San Juan, Puerto Rico)
• Spirit Airlines (from Fort Lauderdale)
• InterCaribbean Airways (connecting various Caribbean islands)
• Cape Air (from San Juan, Puerto Rico)
• Winair (from St. Maarten)

For those arriving by yacht:

• From St. Martin: Approximately 90 nautical miles (167 km) - Average sailing time: 15-18 hours
• From Antigua: Approximately 170 nautical miles (315 km) - Average sailing time: 28-34 hours
• From St. Kitts: Approximately 120 nautical miles (222 km) - Average sailing time: 20-24 hours

Marina facilities:

BVI has numerous well-equipped marinas, particularly on Tortola, which serve as the primary bases for charter operations. These facilities are perfectly suited for yachts up to 24 meters and much larger.

Main Marinas on Tortola:

• Nanny Cay Resort & Marina (Tortola):
• Services: Fuel dock, water, shore power, high-speed Wi-Fi, full-service boatyard (haul-out, repair, maintenance), chandlery, laundry, customs & immigration clearance, supermarket, restaurants, swimming pool, 24/7 security.
• Accommodation: Accommodates a vast number of vessels, including superyachts, with berths and mooring balls.
• Village Cay Marina & Hotel (Road Town, Tortola):
  • Services: Fuel, water, shore power, Wi-Fi, customs & immigration (close by), showers, laundry, chandlery, restaurants, and security. Very convenient for access to Road Town amenities.
  • Accommodation: Berths for a wide range of vessels, including those up to 24 meters and larger.
• Moorings/Sunsail Base (Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola):
  • Services: As major bareboat charter companies, they offer comprehensive services including fuel, water, shore power, dedicated guest services, provisioning assistance, maintenance, and check-in/out procedures for their fleets.
  • Accommodation: Dedicated docks for their extensive fleet of charter yachts.
• Trellis Bay Market & Marina (Beef Island):
  • Services: Smaller marina with fuel, water, and proximity to the airport and local shops. Good for quick stops.
  • Accommodation: Berths and mooring balls for smaller to mid-sized yachts.

Other islands also have smaller marinas or abundant mooring fields (e.g., Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda, Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke) with limited services but excellent access to attractions.

What food to expect?

BVI cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh seafood, local produce, and comforting Caribbean flavors. Expect plenty of freshly caught fish, often grilled or fried, and served with rice and peas, plantains, or provisions. Conch fritters are a ubiquitous and popular appetizer, as are Johnny Cakes (fried dough cakes). For a true local experience, try Roti (a savory wrap with curried meat or vegetables) or Callaloo Soup (a hearty green soup). The local rum is excellent, and rum cocktails like the famous "Painkiller" (from Jost Van Dyke) are a must-try.

Restaurants cater heavily to yacht charterers, with many located directly on the waterfront or easily accessible by dinghy. Quality ranges from casual beach bars serving excellent fresh fish to more upscale dining. Iconic spots like Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, Pirate's Bight and Willy T (a floating bar) on Norman Island, and Leverick Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda offer convenient dinghy access and lively atmospheres.

Provisioning advice:

The BVI offers good provisioning options, especially on Tortola. Charter companies often offer pre-provisioning services where you can order online and have groceries delivered directly to your yacht before your arrival.

On Tortola, the main supermarkets are:

• Riteway Food Markets (various locations including Road Town and Nanny Cay): These are the largest and best-stocked supermarkets, offering a wide range of international and local products, fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and a good selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
• Pusher's Superette (Road Town): Another good option for general groceries.

For specialty items and fresh local produce, you may find smaller local stores or roadside vendors. On other islands like Virgin Gorda, Buck's Food Market and Rosy's Supermarket in Spanish Town provide good options for mid-trip top-ups. Given the ease of access to provisioning, it's often more practical to provision once you arrive in the BVI.

Language and currency:

The official language of the British Virgin Islands is English.
The official and widely accepted currency is the US Dollar (USD).

Visa requirements:

• US Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 30 days (extendable).
• Canada Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 30 days (extendable).
• UK Passport Holders: No visa is required.
• EU Passport Holders: Generally, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days.

It is always advisable to check the latest entry requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before traveling, as regulations can change. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and you have proof of onward/return tickets.