Sailing in the British Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands consist of four beautiful main islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke) with more than fifty other smaller islands. On many of them you could even imagine yourself alone in the world. Plenty of possibilities where you can snorkel and dive at beautiful coral reefs. This part of the Caribbean is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world. Most islands are only 1 to 2 hours away from one another. The weather is lovely through most part of the year and there are stable winds.

The sailing capital of the BVI is Tortola. Here you’ll find beautiful white beaches, nice bars and you can dive to find sunken shipwrecks. Forget the standard to-do lists and try to celebrate your holiday like an islander. Rest on the beach, enjoy the beautiful views and get to know the Caribbean cuisine.

What to expect in the British Virgin Islands

The only downside to the BVI is that they’re not right next door to most. Furthermore, this is one of those areas that has it all (including a good fleet of sailing yachts for hire). Almost any photo of the waters and beaches in this area can go straight to a poster on the wall in any office on a drizzly Monday afternoon, before the traffic jams start again...

And meanwhile in the British Virgin Islands... it's sunny, because the area is subtropical and has hardly any seasons; there is a north-easterly wind, force 3 to 4; the bars on the beach are just opening; someone snorkels in crystal clear water while a large bass swims lazily by; a sailing yacht anchors in an otherwise deserted bay; a family can board one of the many sailing yachts or catamarans that are rented here.

Climate in the BVI

With an average annual temperature of 26.5 °C, the BVI are very attractive to escape the cold of the European winters. The climate in the British Virgin Islands is subtropical and tempered by the trade winds. There is little difference between summer and winter at these latitudes. Also, not much rain and the small differences in precipitation between the British Virgin Islands isn’t significant, even for sea sailors. At night, the temperatures are comfortable and lower than during the day. Hurricanes can occur in the months of June to November, so the rental season for the British Virgin Islands is mainly from December to May.

Sailing difficulty in the BVI

It is a yachtsmen's paradise and easy to navigate nearly everywhere. The area is suitable for relaxed family holidays, but also offers space for the adventurous sailor who wants to get off the beaten track. Sailing in the BVI is simply very diverse. Visit pristine coves that can only be reached by boat. In the Caribbean, you can count on a constant easterly wind of 4 to 6 Beaufort and a calm wave. The best time to sail in the Caribbean is from mid-December to May, exactly when it's autumn or winter for the Europeans.

Boat license and certificates

There are no obligations to be in possession of a boating license or something similar when you want to sail in the British Virgin Islands. We do recommend taking it with you to demonstrate to local customs or port police. If you do not have a sailing license, the skipper and helmsman are required to prepare a sailing resume to demonstrate that they have sufficient sailing experience.

Accessibility of the BVI

The main airport is at Beef Island. Sailing yacht rental takes place on many small islands (for a complete overview, search for the Leeward and Windward Islands) but Point a Pitre and Tortola are the most important. The only downside to the British Virgin Islands is that they are not right next door. There are no direct flights to Tortola, most sailors with destination BVI fly to Sint Maarten. Feel free to ask for our help with booking your flight, we are happy to be of service!

Popular destinations in the BVI

Below is a selection of the most popular locations where you can rent a beautiful boat:

Boatrental in Tortola
Boatrental in Antigua
Boatrental in Grenada

Possible sailing routes

If you like sailing and want to make the most of your holiday, Tubber has mapped out the best sailing routes for you. How do we handle that? There is always a pattern to be found in the routes. This way we always get the most out of your holiday! In the BVI there is a sea of possibilities and we certainly encourage free sailing! But of course, we also recommend which places you want to see when you go sailing in the BVI.

Day 1 – Norman Eiland

The island has a fantastic snorkeling area. Are you really an explorer? Then take a look at the unique caves on the island, maybe you will discover a new cave! After a long day of new impressions, it is time for a snack and a drink. Where better to do this than at Willie T, a floating restaurant.

Day 2 – Great Harbour

No vacation on the BVI is complete without a visit to one of the most well-known restaurants in the Caribbean, Foxy's. There are plenty of bars to enjoy one of the many live bands while enjoying a cold drink. It is located on Jost Van Dyke Island, the smallest island of the British Virgin Islands.

Day 3 – Cane Garden Bay

One of the most beautiful ports of the BVI, with beautiful beaches in the bay and views of the green-covered mountains. There is plenty to do in the bay, such as swimming, windsurfing or kayaking. If you want to enjoy the many beautiful views, you can also visit one of the many restaurants and bars. Can you picture it already? Enjoying a snack and a drink, with a beautiful view and a good live band in the background.

Day 4 – Marina Cay

Do you like snorkeling? Then do it again the Marina Cay is really worth a visit. Climb all the way to the top of the mountain and enjoy a meal while overlooking the island.

Day 5/6 – Virgin Gorda Island

It is recommended to stay here for a few days as it is one of the largest islands of the BVI. And fear not, there is plenty to do! Visit The Baths, where you can snorkel and swim in the clear blue water between the many rock formations and in the caves.

Day 7 – Cooper Island

Cooper Island has a beautiful beach, where you can swim under the sun and practice water sports. The highlight of this island is Cooper Island Beach Club, where you can enjoy a snack and a drink.

Sailing bareboat in the BVI

The offer varies, but mainly consists of sailing yachts and catamarans. Through Tubber you can rent a boat in the BVI and discover the beautiful waters and coastlines.

Do you have little or no sailing experience? No problem, go sailing with a skipper. It’s ideal that the skippers know everything about the most beautiful ports, bays and places of interest in the area. This way you see and experience things that aren’t in the travel magazine!

Flotilla sailing in the BVI

You can book a sailing yacht in the BVI with friends, family or your family and sail along in the flotilla, which consists of a maximum of 10 sailing yachts. Flotilla sailing in the British Virgin Islands is a perfect way to sail with your own company. Always beautiful weather, beautiful nature, a northeastern trade wind and a group of pleasant people, you’ll find it all here.

Let yourself go!

Fantastic locations, beautiful sailing weather and the relaxed Caribbean holiday feeling. Trade a cold winter for a wonderful vacation in the British Virgin Islands with Tubber. With an abundance of destination options, sailing here is truly a memorable experience.

More information about the BVI

Want to know more about this location? Our charter experts are ready to inform you all about this location. With years of experience, they can tell you everything about the British Virgin Islands and any other sailing location around the world.