Sailing the British Virgin Islands: a guide to paradise

We're all on a quest for a slice of paradise, aren't we? Imagine if it actually existed right here on Earth. Well, it does - in the form of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). It's a place that's almost too good to be true, with its relaxing vibe, endless sunshine, breathtaking views, and fantastic sailing opportunities. Why not let yourself get lost in the beauty of this amazing spot for a little while?

Before we dive into the specifics of various locales and yachting aspects, let's first get a general sense of the area, its unique features, and local customs. It's always good to be prepared, as it leaves no room for unexpected surprises.

The British Virgin Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. It comprises 50 islands and islets, 15 of which are still inhabited. The largest of these are called Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. The largest island, Tortola (54.4 km²), is home to their capital, Road Town. The shores of the BVI are washed by the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. The islands are bordered by the U.S. Virgin Islands to the west and Puerto Rico, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis to the east.

Tourists will find it convenient that English is the official language in the British Virgin Islands.

Despite being a British Overseas Territory, the British Virgin Islands use the US dollar as their currency. This simplifies things for tourists, as there's no need to search for a currency exchange – dollars are readily accepted. Be mindful that most goods, including food, are imported, leading to higher prices. Additionally, a 10% service charge is commonly added to your restaurant or hotel bill. This charge serves as a tip and is essentially mandatory,.

European Union citizens can travel to the British Virgin Islands using just their passport, without the need for a visa. The region is served by several international airports. The most frequented is the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, situated on Beef Island and linked to Tortola. This is followed by the Virgin Gorda Airport on Virgin Gorda Island, and the Auguste George Airport on Anegada Island. For ease of travel, a connecting flight from London is recommended, as the UK's historical ties with the British Virgin Islands often result in more convenient flight options. However, travelling via Paris or other major European airports is also a viable option. It's also useful to note that the British Virgin Islands operate in the GMT-4h time zone.

The British Virgin Islands have warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 25 °C to 28 °C, with a rather tropical humid climate prevailing. However, there can be days when the temperature reaches up to 32 °C or below 23 °C. In general, the climate is pleasant for holidays and the sea temperature is great for swimming and snorkelling all year round. Trade winds often blow in this area, so even when it's hot, the temperature feels bearable. The period from September to November is considered the rainiest, with the possibility of hurricanes or storms between June and November. The high season therefore runs from December to May, making it ideal for a winter holiday! Discover why you should go yachting in winter.

Compared to other Caribbean territories, the healthcare system in the British Virgin Islands is of a very high standard. The capital, Road Town, boasts a large general hospital equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs. Additionally, smaller outpatient clinics on the other islands provide basic healthcare services.

No special vaccinations are required for this area. If you are travelling from Central Africa and Latin America, the local authorities may require a yellow fever vaccination. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus and meningitis are generally recommended. Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a risk as in other tropical destinations, so carrying mosquito repellent is recommended.

But don't forget your travel insurance. At yachting.com, we can arrange travel insurance or skipper's liability insurance in addition to yacht deposit insurance and trip cancellation insurance. For more information about yachting.com insurance, click here.

Did you know that there are over 15 species of orchids in the British Virgin Islands? In addition, there are a large number of other plants, birds, aquatic animals that you can admire in one of the terrestrial or aquatic nature parks. Good news for those who can be wary of wildlife — not too many dangerous creatures live in the British Virgin Islands. Apart from the 'usual' sharks, barracudas or sea urchins on the seabed, there's not much to surprise you beneath the waves. On land, a scorpion or tarantula might be considered a danger, but attacks on humans are rare.

Gastronomy enthusiasts, from gourmets to gourmands and bon vivants, will find a rich culinary scene in the British Virgin Islands. The national cuisine primarily features fish and seafood, including conch, alongside mushrooms and vegetables. Influenced slightly by British culinary traditions, the food here is often steamed, grilled, or seasoned with curry and jerk spices. A standout is the lobster in garlic butter, regarded as the national specialty. Notably, the Anegada Lobster Festival on Anegada Island draws thousands of seafood lovers. And for drinks, the local Caribbean rum, especially in a Painkiller cocktail, is a must-try.

Now we know about the most important aspects of the British Virgin Islands, let's focus on yachting and the specifics of sailing in this region. After all, the British Virgin Islands are considered one of the top sailing locations in the world.

We don't know where this myth came from, but some sailors believe that you need two skippers to operate a boat in the British Virgin Islands. In reality, just one skipper with a valid licence is sufficient for navigating a conventional charter sailboat or catamaran. However, if you prefer having a professional skipper on board, simply reach out to our sales team during your booking process, and they will take care of all the necessary arrangements for you.

In the British Virgin Islands, as in many exotic locations, catamarans are the preferred choice for chartering. There are several reasons for this. The double-hulled structure of catamarans offers a lower draft, crucial for navigating areas with coral reefs close to the surface. This design allows you to sail closer to the beach, providing an authentic Caribbean experience. Additionally, catamarans are valued for their stability and comfort, as well as their large water and fuel tanks, which are especially handy in remote areas where refueling options are scarce. Unlike places such as Croatia, the yachting infrastructure in terms of jetties and marinas is less developed in the British Virgin Islands. This makes catamarans an even more attractive option for exploring the secluded bays, beaches, and unique spots that you can have all to yourself. So, we recommend that you stick to a catamaran and choose two hulls for your cruising adventures in this region.

The yachting infrastructure in the British Virgin Islands is quite different from what you might be accustomed to in European destinations like Croatia. Here, marinas and jetties are relatively scarce, and it's often necessary to book them well in advance. The common practice is to anchor in the bay rather than using the anchor-shore method with a long land-line, as is typical in places like Greece. In this region, the norm is to simply anchor in the classic style, embracing a more traditional and perhaps adventurous yachting experience.

You won't get bored in the British Virgin Islands. Apart from sailing and the usual pleasures such as swimming in the sea, sunbathing or partying on board, you can and are highly recommended to go snorkelling or diving. There are diving bases on the islands where you can rent professional equipment. But if you have your own snorkel or ABC kit, bring it. Many interesting fish and other animals live on the local coral reefs. In addition, there are underwater wrecks, such as the Chikuzen shipwreck near the East End area. Check out what inhabits the Caribbean coral reefs to discover what you'll be looking forward to when snorkelling in the British Virgin Islands.

Fishing is also a popular activity with sailing. For this you will need to take out a permit, which costs around $45. Once you have it, you might reel in impressive catches like a large barracuda. For surfing enthusiasts, the British Virgin Islands offer great spots, with Apple Bay renowned for having some of the best waves in the Caribbean. It's definitely worth checking out. If kitesurfing is more your style, Anegada Island is the place to be. For those who enjoy nightlife, the islands have plenty of beach clubs, with the most popular ones located in the Cane Garden Bay area on Tortola, perfect for party and disco lovers.

The weather in the British Virgin Islands is consistently holiday-like, with temperatures seldom dropping below 25°C. As a result, there's no need to pack a lot of warm clothing such as jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, or thermal undershirts. However, it's still a good idea to bring along a windbreaker or a waterproof jacket. The weather can be unpredictable, and you might encounter a sudden rain shower, so it's best to be prepared for any brief changes in weather.

Expect no large supermarkets on the smaller islands and that you will often be at anchor. So stock up on enough food and water for the whole crew before setting sail.

There are a lot of coral reefs in the area. Keep a really close eye on the depth sounder, or send a crew member to the bow to report any coral under the surface.

Where to head in the British Virgin Islands and what are the must-see locations?

Tortola Island is brimming with attractions. Beyond its range of hotels and restaurants, the island is known for its vibrant open-air nightclubs, especially around Cane Garden Bay, where you can enjoy a rum cocktail in a lively atmosphere. A stroll through the centre of Road Town, the capital, is a must for those interested in colonial architecture. Key attractions include the North Shore Shell Museum, the renowned Pusser's Company Store famous for its rum, and the Callwood Rum Distillery. Nature lovers will be drawn to the botanical garden, home to a variety of exotic plants, the lush Sage Mountain Rainforest, and the historic Fort Recovery, dating back to 1640. For a quieter experience, secluded beaches like Brewer's Bay and Smuggler's Cove offer a peaceful retreat away from the tourist spots.

Virgin Gorda is the second largest island. The beaches here are divine, with Savannah Bay, Mahoe Bay, Pond Bay and Spring Bay among the best. The island is also home to many luxury resorts and exclusive places, which is why American royalty, celebrities and movie stars flock here to spend their holidays. A big attraction is a place called The Baths — salt ponds amongst granite boulders, great for snorkelling or relaxation. Climbing enthusiasts can climb the boulders.

Anegada stands out as the only one of the four largest islands in the British Virgin Islands that is of coral origin, making it notably flat. The island boasts stunning beaches that are long, with gentle slopes, perfect for romantic strolls. A great way to explore Anegada is by renting a motorbike, as the island's size allows for it to be circled in just a day. The highlight of Anegada is its diving and snorkeling opportunities. The Horse Shoe Reef, a site where many boats have met their fate, is a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts. Here, divers and snorkellers can discover a variety of shipwrecks, including British, Spanish, and pirate vessels. There are hundreds of sunken ships around, with the most famous being the wreck of the British mail steamer Rhone, lying at depths of 9 to 27 metres and even partially visible to snorkellers.

The island of Jost Van Dyke is steeped in legend and named after the famous pirate. The island's coastline offers a large number of hidden coves waiting to be explored. On the mainland you will find the ruins of sugar cane mills. The island is famous for its parties, but they are usually held on the yachts themselves, with two renowned bars on the shore.

The smaller islet is famous for its turtle cove. Near the island, boats were deliberately sunk by the government to create an artificial coral reef to attract divers. The locals call this place "wreck alley".