BVI yacht charters cost $22,000–$300,000 (€20,000–€278,000) per week. Season runs November–April. No charter tax, no VAT. Best anchorages: The Baths, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada. Budget 30% APA.
British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter Guide 2025
Prices shown in USD and EUR. EUR figures are approximate at $1 ≈ €0.93.
The British Virgin Islands are the world's premier charter sailing destination — a compact archipelago of 60+ islands and cays in the northeastern Caribbean, protected by Sir Francis Drake Channel and offering some of the most accessible, beautiful, and diverse anchorages on earth. With no charter tax, excellent provisioning, and flat-water sailing, the BVI is the ideal first charter and a perennial favourite for experienced charterers.
Nov–Apr
Season
$22k–$300k/wk
Base rate
30–35%
APA
None
Charter tax
BVI islands and anchorages
Tortola
Road Town · Cane Garden Bay · Josiah's Bay
The BVI capital and main provisioning hub. Road Town has several well-stocked marina provisioners. Cane Garden Bay is a picture-postcard anchorage with palm-fringed beach and beach bar. The eastern end provides access to Virgin Gorda.
Best for: base, provisioning, nightlife
Virgin Gorda
The Baths · North Sound · Gorda Sound
The Baths — giant granite boulders forming cathedral-like pools — are the BVI's signature attraction. Best visited early morning before day-trippers arrive. North Sound and Bitter End are excellent for water sports. Saba Rock is a famous gathering point.
Best for: The Baths, North Sound sailing
Jost Van Dyke
Great Harbour · White Bay · Little Harbour
Home of the Soggy Dollar Bar (birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail) and Foxy's — two of the Caribbean's most famous beach bars. White Bay has an outstanding sandy beach. Jost Van Dyke is car-free and one of the most authentically Caribbean islands in the BVI.
Best for: beach bars, local culture
Anegada
Setting Point · Loblolly Bay · The Horseshoe Reef
40nm north of Tortola, Anegada is the BVI's coral island — flat, remote, and completely different in character. The Horseshoe Reef is one of the Caribbean's largest. Lobster straight from the trap is the local specialty. Advance reservations required for overnight anchoring.
Passage: 2–3hr from Tortola. Worth it.
BVI charter rates by vessel size
USD is the standard contract currency. EUR shown at $1 ≈ €0.93 for reference. No charter tax in the BVI.
| Vessel size | Type | Rate/week (USD / EUR) | Total inc. 30% APA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–40m | Sailing | $22k–$45k / €20k–€42k | $29k–$59k / €27k–€55k |
| 35–45m | Motor | $30k–$70k / €28k–€65k | $39k–$91k / €36k–€85k |
| 45–55m | Motor | $70k–$140k / €65k–€130k | $91k–$182k / €85k–€169k |
| 55–65m | Motor | $120k–$220k / €112k–€205k | $156k–$286k / €145k–€266k |
| 65m+ | Motor | $200k–$300k / €186k–€279k | $260k–$390k / €242k–€363k |
BVI charter — FAQ
Why are the BVI the most popular Caribbean charter destination?
The British Virgin Islands combine protected flat-water sailing (Sir Francis Drake Channel), 60+ world-class anchorages within a compact area, simple navigation, excellent provisioning infrastructure, and no formal entry requirements for most nationalities. A beginner captain can deliver a world-class charter experience here. The BVI is also tax-friendly — no charter tax, no VAT.
How much does a yacht charter in the BVI cost?
BVI charter rates range from $22,000 (~€20,000) per week for a 35m sailing yacht to $300,000 (~€278,000) per week for a 65m+ motor yacht. A mid-range 40–50m motor yacht typically runs $70,000–$140,000 (~€65,000–€130,000) per week plus APA of 30–35%. The BVI is comparable in price to other Eastern Caribbean destinations.
What are the best anchorages in the BVI?
The Baths at Virgin Gorda (granite boulders forming sea pools) is the BVI's most famous site. The Bight at Norman Island (said to inspire Treasure Island). Great Harbour at Jost Van Dyke — home of the Soggy Dollar Bar. Anegada (reached by a separate 40nm passage) has the Caribbean's best lobster and pristine reefs. The Indians rock formation for snorkelling.
Can I sail from the BVI to the USVI on the same charter?
Yes — the USVI (St Thomas, St John) are just 10–15nm from Road Town, Tortola. A combined BVI–USVI itinerary adds variety: St John's unspoilt National Park beaches complement the livelier BVI scene. Port clearance is required at each border. USVI charters are subject to a 6% USVI charter tax. Your captain handles all customs.
When is hurricane season in the BVI?
Atlantic hurricane season runs officially June 1 through November 30. The BVI charter season runs November through April (winter). Most charter vessels relocate to the Mediterranean for the summer. Some operators accept shoulder season charters in May and November at reduced rates. The BVI was significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma (2017) — all infrastructure has been fully rebuilt and the fleet has returned.
Is there tax on BVI yacht charters?
The British Virgin Islands applies no charter tax and no VAT to crewed charter contracts — one of the most tax-efficient charter jurisdictions in the world. A BVI Business Licence is required for the operating company. Some anchorage fees and National Parks Trust permits apply (collected via APA). Confirm with your broker at contract stage.