Motor YachtJOIA The Crown Jewel65m · 12 guests
British Virgin Islands
Yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands
Calm channels, short hops and a different bay every night.
A week in the BVI
The British Virgin Islands are small and close together, set around one sheltered channel. Most hops take an hour or two, the trade wind is steady, and there is a new anchorage for every night of the week.
It is the easiest week in the Caribbean, which also makes it popular. Many larger yachts are based in St Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands, and clear customs on the way in. I plan the days so the best bays are reached early.
When to go
- December to February
- Peak season. Christmas and New Year book early, and the trade wind is at its strongest.
- March to May
- Settled weather, warm water, fewer yachts.
- June to November
- Hurricane season. Most larger yachts leave for the Mediterranean.
Trade winds and hurricane season
The trade wind blows from the east for most of the year, a steady breeze that keeps the heat comfortable. In December and January it can blow harder for days at a time, the local Christmas winds, and winter swells from the north can reach anchorages on the north shores.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. The main season runs from December to May, and that is when I plan BVI weeks.
Two ways to spend a week
Starting points, not fixed plans. The final route follows the people on board and the forecast.
Tortola to Virgin Gorda
The classic week along the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Snorkelling at Norman Island, the wreck of the Rhone off Salt Island, The Baths and a night in the North Sound.
Islands and harbours: Tortola · Norman Island · Peter Island · Salt Island · Cooper Island · The Baths · North Sound
Tortola Jost Van Dyke and the north shore
White sand, shallow clear water and beach bars. Best on calm days, as winter swells can reach these anchorages.
Islands and harbours: Cane Garden Bay · Jost Van Dyke · Sandy Cay · Sandy Spit · Guana Island · Anegada
Anegada is low and ringed by reef. On a larger yacht I check with the captain before promising it.
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Yachts I would consider for the British Virgin Islands
Availability moves weekly. I confirm dates and fit before anything is sent.
Plan a week in the BVI
Dates and guests are enough to begin. I reply personally.