Best 8- and 10-Day British Virgin Islands Charter Itineraries | Our Recommendations

Begin with an 8-day Tortola–Virgin Gorda loop to lock in sheltered cruising and full days on the water. meet sheltered channels, locate petite coves along the shore, and anchor near an anse for sunset sails. This setup keeps your home port in Tortola while delivering coral gardens, tropical winds, and easy access to resort-like comforts when you want them.

8-day route, practical layout: Day 1–2 set from Tortola, with a first stop at Soper’s Hole and a morning swing to Cane Garden Bay; Day 3–4 explore Virgin Gorda–The Baths, Bitter End, and the channel approaches–then drop to Anegada for remote beaches and coral walls; Day 5–6 cruise to Jost Van Dyke for White Bay, iguanas, and beach clubs; Day 7 move to Norman Island for caves and sheltered coves; Day 8 finish back in Tortola with a possible short stop at Peter Island or Cooper Island to rinse sails and prepare for disembarkation.

For more comfort, plan 3–5 hours of sailing per leg at typical trades, with longer hops only when winds stay steady. Use mid‑day anchorages for a full shore visit, a tropical swim, and a quick beach walk to keep the pace relaxed and enjoyable.

10-day extension: follow the same Tortola-to-Virgin Gorda core, then add Guana Island for secluded coves and hiking, a second Anegada swing for a second coral‑rich dive, and a return path through Salt Island and Peter Island before finishing back on Tortola. This further schedule adds two to three nights on offshore moorings and more opportunities to immerse yourself in petite inlets, coral gardens, and quiet shore lines. Leg times stay in the 3–5 hour band, tuned to wind quality and sea state, with optional shorter hops if you prefer more beach time.

Carefully pick anchorages that expose the boat to shallow reefs or deeper channels, and participate in shore visits at local beaches to meet guides and rangers who offer short, safe excursions. Cruising in this region, you’ll find that most bays are well protected, even when trades rise briefly, making a tame ride possible for families and first‑timers alike.

Tips to keep the itinerary smooth: base your home port in Tortola for provisioning and quick checks, reserve coveted moorings early, and keep a flexible plan that allows you to swap days around if a preferred beach or covelike anse calls. This approach shows you the best of both sheltered channel hops and open‑water feeling, with more time to immerse in coral, palm‑lined shores, and small plantation ruins you might encounter along the way.

Charter Itinerary Planning for the British Virgin Islands

Start with a four‑day core loop: Tortola → Virgin Gorda → Anegada → Jost Van Dyke, then circle back to Tortola. Keep hops in the 12–25 nautical mile range and limit daytime cruising to 3–5 hours so you can walk on beaches, explore coves, and enjoy the corals along the barrier reefs.

Laid out here is a practical plan that respects wind and channel conditions. They benefit from NE trade winds, typically 15–20 knots, which favor broad‑reach courses between islands. Plan leisurely morning starts and avoid night‑time passages unless the captain is very confident. This approach keeps course corrections simple and reduces risk when navigating busy channels.

1. Day 1 – Tortola to Virgin Gorda
   

   Distance: roughly 12–18 nm. Depart from Trellis Bay or Soper’s Hole, then cruise into North Sound or the lee side for onshore exploring. Walk to The Baths and stroll the coves along Virgin Gorda’s front coast. Snorkel among corals near the reef promontories and cap the day with a sunset at Leverick Bay or a snug anchorage near Gun Creek.

2. Day 2 – Virgin Gorda to Anegada
   

   Distance: about 25–30 nm. Set off with the trade wind at your back and make a steady, relaxed passage to Anegada’s long, white beaches. Onshore there, walk the shorelines and book a lobster lunch at a beach shack. Snorkel in the coral‑head zones off the sheltered coves, then anchor near a protected point for night‑time stars.

3. Day 3 – Anegada to Jost Van Dyke
   

   Distance: 18–25 nm. Head toward Great Harbour and drop anchor near a sheltered onshore point. Enjoy White Bay’s powdery sands and a swimming break with clear water among the reefs. On land, visit a sunset spot and sip spice‑rum cocktails at a laid‑back beach bar. If you want lively evening vibes, Foxy’s on Great Harbour becomes a natural draw.

4. Day 4 – Jost Van Dyke to Tortola
   

   Distance: 6–15 nm. Sail back to Trellis Bay or Soper’s Hole for a final shore walk, perhaps hitting Cane Garden Bay Beach for a final swim. Plan a lunch stop at a resort‑side dock or a local café, then cruise into Road Town for provisioning before the last night aboard.

• Extensions and alternatives: If you wish to continue beyond the Virgins, consider a longer hop into the Grenadines, with Carriacou as a practical staging point. The additional channel crossings offer new sailing angles, longer cruising days, and a spice of culture that contrasts with the BVI’s reef‑rich waters. Distances grow, so check weather windows, fuel, and provisioning before committing to extra days.

• Practical planning tips:

  • Use a front‑loaded plan that favors daytime sailing; reserve night‑time passages for strong, experienced crews only.
  • Keep a reduit contingency plan for unforecasted squalls or gear adjustments; identify two fallback anchorages in case the wind shifts.
  • Check the channel currents when crossing between large anchors; small boats perform best with a conservative speed when entering a busy harbor.
  • Sample local spice flavors and rum at onshore bars, and plan a beach walk at each stop to stretch legs and reset the crew.
  • Choose a sheltered pointe for the final night when possible; this makes landings easier and keeps the crew rested for the last day.

For a balanced pace, treat this as a modular route: they can lengthen each hop by an hour if the wind stays steady, or shorten it during adverse trades. This plan keeps the course flexible, maximizes cruising time between anchorages, and makes it easy to integrate onshore walks, coral snorkeling, and memorable island spice experiences into the cruise.

Best 8- and 10-Day British Virgin Islands Charter Itineraries Our Recommendations; - Day 3 Move to the Rhone

Move to the Rhone at first light on Day 3 to maximize calm-water sailing and snorkeling time; from a Tortola- or Virgin Gorda-based start, ease the boat into the channel and drop anchor off Pointe Rhone for a leisurely afternoon. Unwind as the seam of sea and sky shifts, letting the rhythm of the sail-set pace guide their crew.

Once settled, slip into water for a fantastic snorkel along shallow reefs. The visibility is superb, with schools of damselfish weaving through sunlit coral; photograph-worthy moments await near a paradisiacal shoreline. If you prefer land, a short, mountainous hike yields spectacular views across the islands.

In the afternoon, indulge in a beachside picnic or a quick detour to a nearby remote resort dock to stretch legs. Ask the locals for a césaire-inspired snack, or simply enjoy fresh coconuts and citrus while the crew assists with provisioning. As you pass Tyrell, use the channel to gauge currents and keep the pace leisurely for the day.

For provisioning, send a request to a local shop the night before; have fresh fruit, bread, and ice stock ready on arrival. When seas turn calm, depart early the next morning to continue to the next anchor, but not before a quick swim for peace of mind. If you prefer, raise the anchor by 07:30 and head to the next island to keep your days compact and enjoyable.

These moves provide a balanced pace among your days that blends unwind with discovery, keeping your itinerary flexible and focused on islands with pristine coves. Your crew will thank you, and youre set up to make the most of the 8- and 10-day charter with confidence.

8-Day Route Highlights: 5 anchorages and 2 scenic stops

Anchor at Soper's Hole, West End, on departure day. The stop offers quick provisioning, fresh grouper from the dock, and locals who share hospitality. Between Tortola and the BVIs, the short hop takes about one hour, and you can unwind on deck as the harbor lights glow and the breeze slips through the rigging.

From there, sail to The Bight, Norman Island. The Bight features sheltered water, a great base for snorkeling on the reef, and easy dinghy access to coves. You can find cozy spots for a bite nearby, and it serves as a smart contrast to the more open seas you’ll cruise later that day.

Day 3 brings Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. This grand anchorage delivers a lively, welcoming vibe from locals and a hub forshore hospitality. The deck watches over a protected bay, with short walks to shoreline snack spots and a great option for a sunset sail to the next stop.

Day 4 lands you in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola. North-facing and sheltered, this bay offers a long, inviting beach and a resort atmosphere ashore. It’s easy to unwind on the deck with a cooling breeze, while nearby shops and heritage displays provide a quick cultural contrast to the water’s calm.

Day 5 sails to Cooper Island, a small outpost with a resort-style feel. The anchorage is grand in its simplicity, and the bench-side dining offers fresh coastal fare, including local grouper. The short hop from Cane Garden Bay keeps travel efficient and lets you enjoy a quiet, made-for-relaxation evening on the deck.

Scenic stop: The Baths, Virgin Gorda. Walk through dramatic granite formations, slip between sun-washed pools, and find shade beneath boulder grottos. The north shore views offer a striking backdrop as you unwind and take in the natural features that define the archipelago.

Scenic stop: Pirates Caves near Norman Island. Explore dark passages, swim along crystal-clear passages, and soak up the heritage of seafaring stories that color the region. It’s a fantastic short excursion you can fit in before the final cruise leg back toward departure.

Departure day returns you to base after a smooth pass between the last anchor and your departure. Youre set to reflect on a week that blended great anchorages with two scenic stops, all rooted in british hospitality, excellent places to unwind, and a cruise that leaves you eager to come back for more.

10-Day Extension: 7 stopovers with Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke

Begin with a full day in Virgin Gorda, board your vessel in the west and head to The Baths, a national park where crystal-clear pools form among granite rocks. In the afternoon, explore Bitter End and Saba Rock, then anchor in North Sound for the night and savor fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. This setup creates an ideal balance of nature and comfort right from gorda’s rugged charm to the calm waters of the main route.

Next, sail to Anegada, a flat island famous for long beaches and lobster. Anchor at Long Bay or Setting Point, spend the afternoon snorkeling the Horseshoe Reef, and sample island spice at Cow Wreck Beach Bar. For dinner, dine on fresh lobster with a view of crystal-clear water and pink sunsets. The contrast with Virgin Gorda’s terrain offers a full spectrum of island experiences, also revealing a distinct, laid-back rhythm.

From Anegada, cruise to Jost Van Dyke, the west-end hub for laid-back dining and beaches. Great Harbour anchors peacefully; White Bay invites a easy swim and a bite at the Beach Bar. In the afternoon, visit Foxy’s for a casual lunch, then enjoy a barbecue on the sand and a stroll along the main beach where a parrot often calls from the palms. Also, the sunset here paints a mellow, colorful scene that’s perfect for unwinding after a busy afternoon at sea.

Proceed to Norman Island, where The Bight offers a sheltered mooring and easy dinghy access to the Indians and the famous caves. Snorkel amid glittering schools of fish and explore the underwater walls. This stop adds a natural contrast to the rocky grandeur of Gorda and the easy-going vibe of Jost Van Dyke, enriching the overall mix of the week.

Next, sail to Peter Island for a comfortable, full-featured island break. Peter Island’s coves provide calm water and quick access to resort dining and water sports. The afternoon sun on the sea is ideal for a quick swim, followed by a relaxed dinner at the resort or a casual beach barbecue under stars.

From Peter Island, move to Salt Island to see the rhone wreck, a renowned maritime site. The crystal-clear water around the wreck makes the structure stand out, a vivid reminder of BVIs maritime history. Afterward, short hops take you toward Tortola's Cane Garden Bay for an evening ashore and a laid-back dinner at a local restaurant or a casual bar scene.

Finish the extension on Tortola, where the main island’s rhythm–west coast beaches, lush nature, and lively markets–complements the earlier stops. If you have extra time, consider a quick optional link to Mustique or Martinique for a broader West Indian loop; both options add a touch of celebrity flair and spice to your overall itinerary. Return to your vessel with memories of parrot-dotted mangroves, crystal-clear seas, and the vivid contrast between sheltered bays and open, rocks-studded shores.

Day 3 Move to the Rhone: 4 feasibility checks and alternatives

Recommendation: Pick a morning departure from the capital harbor and aim for a green, protected spot along the Rhone coast where a clear approach lines up with anchorages and a marina for dining and unwind. There are several sheltered bays in the area, so securing one keeps the schedule smooth. If you cannot secure a shelter, switch to a nearby spot with multiple anchorages and easy provisioning.

1) Weather and sea state: Confirm wind under 18 knots, light chop, and a forecast window that minimizes salt spray and keeps the crossing within a safe margin. If the conditions tighten, delay the move and pick a calmer day to avoid fatigue and risk for the crew and equipment.

2) Navigational hazards and anchorages: Plot the route from your current marina to the Rhone, mark Gorda Rocks and other reefs, verify depths, and confirm at least two safe anchorages with protection from prevailing winds. Ensure there is a marina within reach for provisioning, and identify locations that let you unwind after arrival. A clear track and several options reduce pressure during the approach.

3) Logistics and provisioning: Check ordering and delivery of fresh supplies; confirm basils and other greens are available locally, and arrange provisioning and quick meals. The Caribbean coast offers markets with reliable stock, so you can feed the crew without delay. Verify that there is a resort or dining option along the coast and that the marina can accommodate your yacht’s length and draft. This plan gives you flexibility to arrange a smooth stop and keep the crew energized.

4) Time and cost: Calculate transit time, time spent at anchorages, and any waiting for a transit slot if needed. Compare with the remaining legs in your itinerary to avoid squeezing the schedule. If it takes too long or incurs extra costs, consider alternatives like a shorter hop to a nearby green spot with multiple anchorages or rerouting to a different part of the coast that still offers a safe, enjoyable afternoon and keeps the overall plan free from crowding.

Alternatives: If the Rhone move isn’t workable, stay on the north coast for a lighter day and unwind in a sheltered hideaway; pick a nearby marina for a relaxed dining option and quick provisioning, then resume. The second option is a short hop to a green spot with several anchorages, allowing a relaxed afternoon and easy feed before continuing. The third option shifts toward Gorda area for a change of scenery, anchoring among rocks and calmer coves, then moving on the next day. Each path preserves time for flexible ordering and keeps your yacht on a steady Caribbean rhythm.

Provisioning Strategy: 3 shopping sessions, 2 stocking days, and dockside deliveries

Schedule three targeted shopping sessions, two stocking days, and dockside deliveries to guarantee fresh provisions throughout the voyage, from the main quay near Fort-de-France to saint markets along the coast.

Shopping Session 1, Marigot: secure a vibrant array of fruits, such as tropical varieties, plus basils for herb-infused meals, and a tiny reserve of chocolate for a dessert treat. Load from landing stalls along the channel, with above views of the beaches and the mountainous backdrop to guide your selections.

Shopping Session 2, Saint-Louis and Anse: top up with cereals, nuts, dairy, breads, and a curated buffet of ready-to-eat items to cover such time aboard. Add jams and canned goods to extend meals while keeping the setting light and flexible for a dreamy coast itinerary.

Shopping Session 3, village markets near Fort-de-France and Tobagos routes: finalize heavy or long-life items, beverages, and a selection of island specialties. Include a France-inspired touch and a few Anse finds to enrich the menu, ensuring a smooth landing before departure.

Two stocking days: after Session 1 and after Session 2, rotate perishables, refresh greens, and move items into the homes of the fridge and freezer. Use these days to re-check time windows for departures and adjust quantities for the coast ahead.

Dockside deliveries: align with the landing times at the channel, arranging two delivery runs so the main stock lands before departure. Label each crate for quick stowage, keep a reserve for any iguanas sighting along the quay, and place items in the galley and coolers to maintain optimal freshness during the voyage. This approach supports a dreamy experience amid beaches, a mountainous horizon, and a steady rhythm of provisioning above the village life of Marigot and Saint-Louis, with a reliable flow from fort-de-france to the France side and beyond.

Safety, Weather, and Sea Conditions: 2 prep steps and 3 risk checks

Confirm the 7–day BVIs forecast from a national source and complete a full pre-departure safety check on the yacht.

1. Weather and routing readiness
   • Check the forecast 7–10 days ahead and refresh morning and evening; note winds in the 12–22 knot range, sea state 2–4 ft, and squall potential; plan legs that keep you close to shore or sheltered bays for calmer sailing there, especially for charter yachts.
   • Collaborate with Lucien to map a fantastic route that balances sailing time with rest, selecting petite coves and shore hospitality stops at vetted villas along the coast; there is national character in choosing ports with strong hospitality and safe moorings.
   • Document emergency contacts and a hospital fallback route; establish morning watch windows to catch calmer seas and keep a stock of weather gear accessible; источник: BVIs forecast page.
2. Gear, provisioning, and crew readiness
   • Inspect life jackets, life raft, fire extinguishers, VHF, GPS, AIS, and EPIRB; test bilge pumps; verify spare parts and ensure fuel and water reserves (aim for at least 20% fuel margin and water for the crew's needs); check hull, rigging, and anchor gear.
   • Stock galley supplies with spice variety; pack a petite set of ready meals and healthy snacks; assign a small band of crew for watch, tender, and deck duties; include reading material and quiet-time options for the morning or after-dish periods.
   • Confirm remote anchorages and alternative moorings; ensure access to shore for safety or quick rescue; test radio and phone connectivity for shore support; verify that all safety equipment remains ready for use and that a plan exists to reach a hospital if necessary; check for turtles in feeding grounds near coves and plan accordingly.

3 risk checks

1. Weather risk check: If forecast shows sustained winds above 25 knots, gusts over 30 knots, seas over 5 ft, or frequent squalls, delay a leg or switch to a sheltered route near shore; log changes and coordinate with the crew to maintain a strong safety posture.
2. Sea condition risk check: Avoid open-water crossings during high cross-swell and in mountainous coastal areas where gusts funnel along ridges; choose short hops to protected bays and keep a slow, steady speed to reduce strain on the yacht and crew.
3. Operational risk check: Verify all safety gear is up to date, batteries charged, engine in good condition, and spare parts aboard; implement a fatigue-aware watch schedule for the crew; ensure reliable shore contact and a medical plan for remote operations; maintain clear roles for the band and ensure the strength of the crew remains high.