What to know about British Virgin Islands.
Forty islands within line of sight. Glass-flat water and the easiest first charter in the world.
If you have never chartered before and you want to, the BVI is where you go. Forty islands within line of sight inside a single chain, glass-flat water in the lee, thirty-six named anchorages within a thirty-mile triangle, and trade winds that show up at 9am like clockwork.
The standard week
Start in Tortola at Road Town. Day one: Norman Island and the Indians (snorkelling, Pirates of the Caribbean). Day two: Cooper Island. Day three: Virgin Gorda — the Baths in the morning, North Sound for the night. Day four: Anegada (the lobster, the empty beach). Day five: Jost Van Dyke (White Bay, Soggy Dollar). Day six: Sandy Spit and back across to Tortola for the return.
What it costs, all-in
For a typical 45m motor yacht in March: base $100,000/wk + APA $30,000 + gratuity $12,000 = roughly $142,000 all-in.
Frequently asked.
Why is the BVI the world's most popular charter ground?
Forty islands within line of sight, glass-flat water inside the chain, thirty-six anchorages within a thirty-mile triangle, reliable trade winds 15–20 knots, and a captain who is never far from a safe overnight. Ideal first charter.
When should I charter in the BVI?
November through April. December–April is peak; Christmas and New Year carry 50–80% premiums and must be booked 12–18 months out. November is the desk's value pick — warm water, full crews, lower rates.
What does a BVI charter cost?
Entry (30m sailer) from $25,000 per week. Mid (45–55m motor) $80,000–$160,000 per week. Top (70m+ flagship) $300,000–$400,000+. APA 30%, gratuity 10–15%, BVI cruising tax (modest) handled by the desk.
What are the must-stop anchorages?
The Baths at Virgin Gorda. Anegada for the lobster lunch. White Bay, Jost Van Dyke for the painkillers at the Soggy Dollar. Cooper Island for the sunset. Foxy's Bar at the inner harbour at Jost. North Sound for the protected overnight.