British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
Bursting with picturesque islands that inspire and impress, a luxury yacht charter in the BVIs will make your dream Caribbean holiday come true.
A British Virgin Islands yacht charter is made for the waterborne. During a yacht charter in the BVIs, you can expect a balmy climate and steady easterly tradewinds. More than 60 islands are split between the neighboring cosmopolitan US Virgin Islands and the relatively unspoiled British Virgin Islands. The distances between the islands are short, making them ideal for island-hopping adventures. Whether you’re a first-time charterer or traveling with family, the BVIs have ample protected anchorages and endless excursion possibilities.
Throughout the archipelago, you will find coral reefs and sprawling beaches that provide every opportunity for all manner of watersports and total relaxation. Furthermore, if you’re into snorkeling or diving or are a sport fishing enthusiast, the abundance of fish in these waters makes them ideal for you. Combined with your luxury charter yacht, the BVIs make the perfect backdrop for days spent ashore.
A luxury yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands is your dream Caribbean holiday. A fragmented jigsaw of islands lying in the northern Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands have long been a yachtsman’s haven.
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, throughout the centuries, the archipelago has attracted all manner of seafarers. Today, you can join the sophisticated crowd that flocks here for unspoiled landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
Lying at the center of the British Virgin Islands archipelago, the most popular cruising area is the scenic Sir Francis Drake channel. Cruise by hilly green islands and islets and into the channel that offers you steady easterly trade winds and an abundance of sheltered anchorages.
The islands are a canvas of natural beauty, leavened with an enticing mix of old-world charm and luxury resorts.
Your must-visit list includes the largest island in the British Virgin Island chain, Virgin Gorda, and the beach party island of Jost Van Dyke. You can head to the many bars and restaurants that dot the island to unwind before heading aboard your yacht.
In between these lie many more compelling isles, Norman Island, Salt Island, and Cooper Island, to name just a few.
If you’re looking for miles of sparkling sandy beaches, unparalleled dive sites and a constant gentle breeze, you’re in luck. Can’t you just picture yourself there now?
Let your Northrop & Johnson charter expert plan your perfect British Virgin Islands yacht charter, steering you to some of the finest ports and anchorages in the Caribbean.
There are many reasons why you should book a fully crewed yacht charter in the BVIs. Just some reasons include:
There are so many things to do on a BVI yacht charter, which is why it is such an appealing destination. Here are some recommendations:
The RMS Rhone is considered one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean, located just off of Salt Island, Black Point Rock. The 94-meter (310ft) Royal Mail twin-masted sail steamer sank in 1865 and offers a fascinating dive experience. The wreck is also home to a host of marine life.
Sage Mountain is a stunning National Park on Tortola and represents the beginning of the BVI’s conservation journey. Sage Mountain is the highest point in the BVIs, rewarding visitors with spectacular panoramic views of all the islands. There are multiple trails through the park, taking hikers through old-growth forests and Caribbean moist forests. Northrop & Johnson can arrange private guides for those wishing to reconnect with nature and hike Mount Sage.
Anegada is the only coral island in the BVIs and is the archipelago’s most unique island. The island is surrounded by striking coral reefs, underwater cave systems, and tunnel formations. It’s also a great spot for kitesurfing and soaking up the sun on its stunning beaches. The island’s largely isolated ecosystem makes it a great destination to view local wildlife, including rock iguanas and wild orchids. The Settlement is the island’s main township, home to local restaurants and boutiques.
Tender up to Cooper Island Beach Club, famed for its on-site microbrewery and rum bar with over 280 rums. This family owned eco-resort is the ideal spot to spend a sun-drenched day. There’s a beautiful white sand beach, a superb beachfront restaurant, plenty of handcrafted cocktails and micro-brewed beers to enjoy, and a boutique great for shopping for local keepsakes. Just off the beach, there are also some superb coral reefs within easy swimming distance.
Whether the British or US Virgin Islands is best will depend on your personal preferences. Both offer spectacular scenery and cruising grounds, both for motor boats and sailing yachts, wonderful anchorages, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, lush interiors, and multiple islands, islets, and cays to explore.
As you would expect, the British Virgin Islands has a distinct British-influenced culture, while the US Virgin Islands has a strong mix of Caribbean and American cultures.
Reflecting their different governance, driving is on the left on the BVIs – although often the steering wheel is on the right, providing a unique driving experience. In the US Virgin Islands, driving is on the right, like in the US.
Driving is on the left on the BVIs – although often the steering wheel is on the left in the BVI, providing a unique driving experience. In the US Virgin Islands, driving is also on the left.
Finally, US passport holders do not require a passport to travel to the USVIs; however, a valid passport is required for US travelers to enter the BVIs.
The charter brokers at Northrop & Johnson will be able to advise on which island chain to visit based on your unique vacation desires, connect you with your ideal yacht, and craft an incredible charter itinerary for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience.
The best time to cruise the BVIS is during the winter months, when you can expect sundrenched days and wonderfully warm temperatures, with highs averaging around 29C (84F). The warm waters and surrounding seas are calm, making it ideal for making the most of your yacht’s tenders and water toys, while consistent trade winds provide excellent sailing conditions. The Caribbean yachting season typically runs from early October until the end of June, with high season in November, December, and January.
The embarkation point of a BVI yacht charter will depend on your cruising itinerary. Popular embarkation destinations include:
Road Town is the capital of the British Virgin Islands and one of the main hubs for yacht charters.
Nanny Cay is a marina and resort complex on Tortola that serves as a departure point for many yacht charters.
This area is home to another cluster of marinas, making it a suitable option for embarking on a yacht charter.
Located on Beef Island, near the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Trellis Bay is another popular starting point for yacht charters in the British Virgin Islands.
Leverick Bay and Spanish Town are two key areas on Virgin Gorda where luxury yacht charters embark.
The British Virgin Islands has one major international airport – Beef Island Airport – which accommodates both commercial flights and private jets, as well as several smaller airports primarily used for domestic flights. BVI airports are:
The cost of a private crewed yacht charter in the BVIs will depend on several factors, including the size of the charter boat, its onboard amenities, the shipbuilder and year of build, as well as your charter itinerary. Expect an entry price point of around US$50,000 per week, rising to more than $ 1 million for the world’s finest superyachts. Whether you are seeking a motor boat, sailing vessel, catamaran, or mega yacht, the charter brokers at Northrop & Johnson can connect you with your ideal BVI yacht rental. Contact our team today.
Here are some common questions and need-to-know information regarding a BVI crewed yacht charter.
The official currency of the British Virgin Islands is the United States dollar.
English is the official language of the British Virgin Islands. The islands are a British Overseas Territory.
The visa requirements to enter the British Virgin Islands depend on your passport. For US citizens with a valid US passport, a visa is not required to enter the British Virgin Islands. Those entering the BVIs are expected also to show proof of their departure date. The charter experts at Northrop & Johnson will be able to advise on entry requirements.
Find the Perfect Charter Yacht
Search the largest global database of yachts for charter
New To Charter?
All you need to know about yacht charter is in the pages of our expert guide
The Holiday of a Lifetime Awaits
Our charter experts are ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
