Travel to the Virgin Islands (BVI) by yacht

Swaying palms, sheltered bays, and warm Caribbean waters create the iconic sailing grounds of the Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands, split between the U.S. and British territories, are a stunning Caribbean destination perfect for a yacht charter. With more than 90 islands scattered across crystal-clear waters, they offer endless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. Famous for their beaches, the Virgin Islands boast powdery white sand, rocky coves, tide pools, and secluded bays ideal for anchoring. Snorkeling and diving are top-tier, with easy access to vibrant coral reefs and historic shipwrecks right from your yacht.

Local Tips

Visit less-famous islands – While there’s more than enough to see and do on the “big” islands, like St. Thomas and Tortola, be sure to take some time to island hop to lesser-known islands such as the uninhabited Dog Islands and Ginger Island.

Give yourself time to shop – It can be a lot of fun to shop in the Virgin Islands, from the upscale boutiques along Charlotte Amalie’s Main Street to local markets like the weekly BVI Farmers Market in Road Town.

Bring your passport—it’s not needed for U.S. Virgin Islands travel from the mainland or Puerto Rico, but required for visiting the British Virgin Islands.

Reasons to charter a yacht to the Virgin Islands (BVI) versus staying in a hotel

On a luxury yacht charter, the Virgin Islands offer limitless possibilities, but it’s impossible to fully experience the wealth of activities available in the Virgin Islands when staying in a hotel. One of the chief advantages of a yacht is mobility. Rather than being tied down to a single hotel, city, or island, the entire archipelago is your playground. You can travel among bustling marinas and secluded beaches, sheltered coves, and open cruising grounds with ease, never spending two nights in a row in the same place unless you want to do so.

Why sail with us?

Exceptional yachts and effortless journeys.

Carefully curated

A selection of quality yachts to suit any adventure

Global collection

Options for every corner of the world

Experienced crew

All charters include a chef, captain, and housekeeping

Premium protection

Up to $1B in insurance coverage

Things to do in the Virgin Islands (BVI)

Waterlemon Cay

This exceptional snorkeling spot is ringed with coral reefs and abundant marine life.

The Baths

A network of tide pools, grottoes, and tunnels with some of the best British Virgin Islands’ snorkeling and swimming.

Charlotte Amalie

Cobblestone streets and Dutch Colonial architecture, historic forts, an open-air market, and excellent bars and restaurants.

Lindquist Beach

This strip of powdery white sand within Smith Bay Park is accessible only by sea or an unmarked road — a perfect uncrowded spot for yachters.

Rhone National Marine Park

Off the uninhabited Salt Island’s shore, the RMS Rhone wreck (1867) is a top dive site for adventurous yachters on a Virgin Islands sailing trip.

Road Town

The city is convenient to several excellent beaches and inland attractions like hiking trails and canopy tours.

Virgin Islands National Park

The majority of St. John is preserved as a national park with more than 20 miles of hiking trails through lush forests and historic ruins.

Places to eat and drink in the Virgin Islands (BVI)

Eat Oceana Restaurant Bistro

A chic, modern space overlooking the St. Thomas waterfront, this exceptional fine dining restaurant presents local seafood and craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Eat Morgan’s Mango

Conceived to reflect the melting pot of Caribbean cultures and flavors, this colorful St. Johns eatery with vibrant ambiance, live music, and fresh local flavors is a favorite of travelers and locals alike.

Eat CocoMaya

Serving a fusion of Asian and Latin cuisines, this stylish but casual restaurant on Virgin Gorda offers stunning tropical scenery and expertly prepared Caribbean cocktails.

eAT The Dove

A casual fine dining experience awaits at this sleek spot on the island of Tortola, which offers multi-level outdoor dining and cuisine that emphasizes fresh seafood.

CLUB Cooper Island Beach Club

Part of an eco-resort on Cooper Island, this beach club includes an excellent fusion restaurant with sea views, plus an upscale rum bar where guests can choose among more than 350 varieties of rum.

Drink Soggy Dollar

A legendary spot on Jost Van Dyke, this waterfront bar invites guests to anchor their boats along the coast and swim ashore to enjoy its famous Painkiller cocktails.

When to visit

Choosing when to take your yacht charter to the Virgin Islands depends on many factors, including the weather and anticipated crowds. Consider these key factors as you plan your Virgin Islands getaway.

Summer Season

May – September

Spring

One of the most popular seasons to visit the Virgin Islands, spring offers warm seas and favorable sailing weather. Early spring tends to be a bit less stable in terms of weather, with occasional strong winds, but rain is rare. This is also a busy time of year, with many winter travelers still visiting from colder northern regions.

Summer

Late spring and early summer is considered a shoulder season in the Virgin Islands. The weather is typically beautiful, with hot days and mild nights. Crowds are slimmer than in spring. Fewer people plan yacht charters in late summer due to the arrival of hurricane season.

Winter Season

October – April

Fall

The fall months are the off-season in the Caribbean. The chances of hurricanes are highest during August, September, and October, and many businesses that cater to tourists are closed. November is a great month to beat the crowds, as the weather is more settled and attractions begin to reopen.

Winter

Starting in December and extending through March, the winter months are the busiest in the Virgin Islands, thanks to holiday travel and beautiful weather with low humidity. The islands fill up with visitors from northern climes, and charters often book up in advance. This is an excellent time to visit if you plan ahead and don’t mind crowds.

Festivals/events in the Virgin Islands (BVI)

New Year’s Day Festival

Taking place on January 1, the annual New Year’s Day Festival includes live music, colorful parades, and traditional dancing on multiple islands across the British Virgin Islands.

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

One of the Caribbean’s premier sailing events this festival takes place at the end of March, and the congregation of boats makes it a thoroughly enjoyable time for a yacht charter.

St. Thomas Carnival

The month-long carnival season comes to a head with an explosive celebration on St. Thomas. One of the biggest events in the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Carnival, typically happens in April, though dates vary.

Virgin Islands Music Festival

This massive music festival spans three days at the end of May in the British Virgin Islands.

St. John Celebration

Traditionally held in June and early July, the St. John Celebration commemorates Emancipation Day and Independence Day. It culminates with a grand parade and fireworks on the 4th of July.

Crucian Coconut Festival

An annual celebration of food, art, culture, and agriculture, the Crucian Coconut Festival welcomes visitors to St. Croix each December.

How to get to the Virgin Islands (BVI)

Plane

Major U.S. Virgin Islands airports are Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. Flights depart from U.S. locations on American Airlines and Delta. Direct flights from the U.S. reach the British Virgin Islands via Terrance B. Lettsome Airport on Tortola. Flying from Canada, Europe, or South America requires a connecting flight.

Boat

Arriving by boat is possible, though the options are more limited. You can book a yacht charter from elsewhere in the Caribbean and sail to the Virgin Islands. Sailing between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico is a popular route. Ferries frequently travel between the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands. Ferry service between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico is not available.

All Yachts for Charter in Virgin Islands (BVI)

FAQ about the Virgin Islands (BVI)

What is it like to charter a luxury yacht to the Virgin Islands?

The Virgin Islands are ideally suited for yacht travel, with roughly 90 islands, islets, and cays that are mostly close enough together that sailing among them is not difficult. Weather is warm throughout the year, and rainy days are few and far between, especially in spring. Ports and marinas throughout the region accommodate yachts of all sizes, and anchoring is easy in many secluded bays and coves.

When is the best time of the year to charter a luxury yacht to the Virgin Islands?

Winter and early spring are generally considered the best seasons for a luxury yacht charter in the Virgin Islands, though some travelers like to beat the crowds by booking a charter in late spring and early summer or at the very end of the fall season.

What language is spoken in the Virgin Islands?

English is the most widely spoken language in the Virgin Islands, and virtually everyone you meet is likely to speak at least some English. Spanish is also fairly common, and you may hear a variety of regional Creole dialects.

Is it easy to island hop between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands?

Yes, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands are separated by the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The distance between St. Thomas and Tortola is just 29 kilometers, making it easy to explore both on the same luxury yacht charter.