This Caribbean Yacht Playground Has Flamingos, Shipwrecks, and World-Famous Beach Bars

Scattered across the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands (widely known as the BVIs) comprise over 60 pristine islands and cays that have earned their reputation as the world’s super-yacht charter capital. This volcanic archipelago offers something rare: reliable trade winds and remarkably close island proximity that make it equally welcoming to first-time charterers and seasoned sailors alike.

The sheltered waters reveal a paradise of contrasts—secluded white-sand beaches give way to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life and historic shipwrecks, while lush inland trails lead to legendary watering holes. Most islands remain small and uninhabited, their undeveloped landscapes beckoning exploration by yacht. Others, like Richard Branson’s renowned Necker Island, host exclusive luxury resorts that elevate the experience to new heights.

For the optimal cruising experience, plan your voyage during the dry winter season from December through April. The classic seven-day charter launches from Tortola, the largest and most developed island, before venturing to the archipelago’s crown jewels: Virgin Gorda’s dramatic boulders, Jost Van Dyke’s laid-back beach bars, Anegada’s remote coral atoll, and intimate gems like Cooper and Norman Islands.

What follows is your essential guide to the BVI’s must-visit destinations—from iconic landmarks to hidden treasures that reveal why these islands remain the Caribbean’s premier yachting playground:

Explore the Charter Capital

Most yacht charters begin in the island of Tortola, and before leaving the island, it is well worth taking a full day to explore the picturesque and vibrant capital of Road Town. A hub for exploring the BVIs, Road Town is where yachts flock, and the harbor is lined with shops and restaurants. Here, you can also get a taste for the island’s culture and history by visiting the old Fort Burt ruins. Wandering around this yacht charter capital, you may also come across several colonial buildings like the Old Government House Museum, giving you an insight into the island’s heritage. 

Get Under the Water

The BVI’s crystalline waters aren’t just beautiful from the surface—they conceal an underwater realm that ranks among the Caribbean’s finest. From haunting deep wrecks to shallow reefs, the diversity of dive sites ensures every level of diver finds their perfect depth. The crown jewel is undoubtedly the RMS Rhone, resting off Salt Island since 1867. Off Norman Island, the Indians’ dramatic rock pinnacles and Cistern Point’s submerged caves offer otherworldly formations. For those newer to diving—or anyone who prefers the simplicity of snorkeling—Anegada’s gentle reefs and The Aquarium near Virgin Gorda deliver equally mesmerizing encounters.

Discover ‘The Baths’

Famously known as the image most associated with the BVI, the Baths are the island’s most popular natural attraction—and they absolutely deserve the recognition. Located on the southern tip of Virgin Gorda, the third-largest island, this collection of massive granite boulders forms a natural labyrinth of rock pools, tunnels, and grottos. The Baths are perfect for hiking through, taking a dip, snorkeling in the pools, and enjoying the beautiful beaches like Devil’s Bay.

Ride the Wind & Waves

Thanks to the steady trade winds and endless stretches of sea, the islands are a haven for both beginners and seasoned kitesurfers. Spots in Anegada with wide, sandy beaches and shallow lagoons are perfect to learn, and the more experienced riders can head to Virgin Gorda’s North Sound with downwind runs between the islands. Sandy Spit at Jost Van Dyke is another great launch location from a boat. 

Sip Sundowners at Iconic Watering Holes 

After endless activities or a day of relaxation, there are plenty of places throughout the island chain to enjoy a rum punch or two. Jost Van Dyke, in particular, is an island renowned for its vibrant party scene and world-famous bars. In Great Harbor, you will find Foxys, an iconic spot hosting legendary parties throughout the season, including New Year’s Eve, and serving up delicious cocktails. Over in White Bay is the world-renowned beachfront Soggy Dollar bar. Known widely for inventing the ‘Painkiller’ cocktail and getting its name from visitors who swim ashore from their boats. At Norman Island, be sure to check out Willy T’s bar in Bight anchorage, an esteemed floating boat bar. Particularly loved by yachties is the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda, a sailor’s hub resort, where you can try out their craft cocktails from the upstairs lounge at sunset. 

Experience a Day as a Pirate 

Said to have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island, Norman Island has long been associated with the pirate world. For those charter groups with children on board, it’s a great spot to live out your day as a pirate, The uninhabited island is full of lush hiking trails, deserted beaches, and hidden bays and coves, all providing a perfect backdrop for a pirate adventure, treasure hunts, and the discovery of its gems. 

Sample Rums at an Old Distillery 

Tortola is home to the Callwood Rum Distillery, one of the oldest in the Caribbean and the only distillery in operation within the BVI. Take a guided tour of this historic spot to learn about the traditional rum-making processes of the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, rum is still made in oak casks and copper pots before being bottled and labeled. Finish off with sampling the offerings from white to aged rum varieties. 

Meet Resident Flamingos

Flamingos were reintroduced to the BVI in the 1980s, when they were nearing extinction, as part of a wildlife sanctuary program. Such a program led to the breeding on Guana Island and Anegada. The private Guana Island on a BVI yacht charter itinerary is one of the most unspoiled of the island chain. Full of powder white sand beaches, hiking trails spanning the mountains, and a flock of flamingos to meet, Guana is an excellent spot to explore. With its salt ponds, Anegada is a natural habitat for flamingos; today, they are well protected and can be spotted from the lookout platform at South Flamingo Pond. 

Visit a Rescue Animal Sanctuary 

As well as flamingos, there are plenty of other creatures to meet while chartering in the BVI. Just off the south coast of Tortola, you will find the privately owned Buck Island. Part of the Aerial resort, you can visit Redemption Ranch, the on-site animal rescue sanctuary, home to a variety of animals like horses, tortoises, and zebras. The focus here is on utilizing the rescued animals for a healing and wellness experience, offering unique therapeutic activities such as equine therapy. Anchor in Bar Bey and tender ashore to visit this haven, enjoying a ranch tour and getting up close encounters with the animals.

Relax on the Many Beaches 

The islands are surrounded by calm and sheltered waters thanks to the surrounding islands and reefs, making the beaches ideal for relaxation and swimming. The sand in the BVI has a soft, powdery texture that epitomizes paradise. White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, in particular, is known for this. Anegada, the northernmost island, has some incredible beaches like Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay. There is also Sandy Spit on Anegada, a tiny, uninhabited sandbar that is perfect for privacy and relaxation. You will never be short of a beach or two to explore; other notable options are the secluded Spring Bay in Virgin Gorda and family-friendly Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. 

Hike the Varied Trails

While the BVI may conjure up an image of beaches and watersports, there are also plenty of excellent hiking options ashore. Throughout the islands, there is a varied terrain, ranging from coastal paths to peaks.  For the highest elevation, head to the Sage Mountain National Park on Tortola, with forest trails and panoramic views. Another summit hike can be enjoyed on Virgin Gorda; the Gorda Peak National Park offers incredible views of the North Sound. On Norman Island, you can choose to hike the hilly ridge route to Money Bay, beginning from The Bight anchorage. More gentle and family-friendly hiking options can be found on the northeastern side of Tortola, along the Lambert Beach Trail or the trails through Mount Healthy National Park, where you will come across 18th-century sugar plantation ruins.