The Ultimate BVI Sailing Guide - Routes, Tips & Moorings

Begin with this loop: Tortola → Jost Van Dyke → Virgin Gorda, then back to Tortola. With reliable forecasts and moorings booked in advance at world-famous Soper’s Hole and Cane Garden Bay, this plan keeps most sailing under four hours and puts you near easy shore stops and beach-friendly coves.

From there, study conditions and tailor your days. Prefer early exits when the trades are steady, and anchor near white-sand beaches with palm-fringed shores. On Jost Van Dyke, White Bay has a long, sandy beach and a world-famous beach club scene, perfect for a quick swim, a bite, and a sunset drink. The most sheltered spots lie along Cane Garden Bay and the North Sound, where turtles surface near the reefs as you snorkel along the reef and the water turns turquoise.

Pack lightly for shore days: a compact backpack, reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof map, and a few snacks. If you have time, plan a morning visit to the RMS Rhone shipwreck near Salt Island and snorkel around its hull, then paddle into a palm-shaded cove for a dip in the pool. The magic of the BVI feels truly vibrant, with white-sand coves and the sound of water lapping at the hulls.

Moorage choices align with crew size: small groups can anchor off Cane Garden Bay and use private moorings or a sailing club for social sails, while larger crews lean toward North Sound's protected moorings. We sailed these routes countless times with crews of all sizes, so trust that the scheduling and anchors you choose make a big difference. When you sail between islands, monitor reliable forecast updates from your club and adjust course early; arrive at anchorages before dusk to keep the water calm and the reef visible near the hull. After you settle in, the surrounding water glitters with color as you plan the next leg of the voyage.

With this approach, you gain flexibility to savor turtle sightings, shipwreck highlights, and long, sun-drenched afternoons on white-sand beaches. Have a plan, then let the wind steer you toward palm-shaded coves, a welcoming pool at a resort, and the magic of a truly hospitable sailing club community as you sail from island to island.

Why Choose the British Virgin Islands for Your Next Sailing Holiday

Start with a 7–9 day loop based in Tortola as your home base; easy hops between sheltered bays along the archipelago yield a perfect balance of exploration and luxury, with straightforward provisioning in dollar terms.

Expect exceptional sailing days, safe moorings, and efficient check-in processes that keep time on the water. The northeastern trade winds tend to ease in the afternoon, letting you plan generous sails and still have poolside moments after you drop anchor.

• Easy routes and many anchorages: a compact archipelago means exploring spots such as deadmans, the Baths on virgin Gorda, and other sheltered coves without long crossings.
• Rentals and costs: a broad fleet covers day boats to luxury catamarans; weekly bareboat rentals commonly range from about 1,500 to 3,000 per week in dollar terms, depending on boat size and season; crewed charters start higher. Check with operators for current rates and inclusions.
• Luxurious options and care: choose from poolside resort stays or private charter experiences with master cabins; many setups suit couples and families seeking comfort after sailing.
• Ease of planning: clear channels, well-marked moorings, and licensed operators keep the focus on the spot and shore experiences rather than logistics.
• Authentic island experience: warm hospitality, fresh seafood, and the chance to grab a quiet afternoon nap on a sandbar or in a secluded cove.

For a smooth start, check weather windows, confirm provisioning plans, and chat with a willy skipper who can tailor the plan to your crew's pace and interests, ensuring a truly virgin sailing holiday.

Day-by-Day Route Options for a 5–7 Day Sail

Start with a five-day loop Tortola → Norman Island → Virgin Gorda North Sound → Anegada → Jost Van Dyke → Tortola. This route keeps your pace comfortable, offers immersive reef snorkeling, and leaves a buffer for weather across your week. For a 6–7 day trip, add Guana Island or Salt Island to extend exploring, keeping evenings atmospheric and your luxury options on hand with exclusive moorings and all-inclusive dining where available. Looking for the perfect balance of relaxing lounging, snorkeling, and sailing? This loop delivers it whether youre chasing reefs or social evenings across the chain, with a costa rica vibe in the tropical landscape.

Day 1: Tortola to Norman Island. Start from Soper's Hole and set a short course toward The Bight. Snorkel The Indians reef before a sunset drift along the rocky coves. Evening ashore or on deck, you can check the fresh catch at the local anchorage and enjoy a quiet start to your trip with a touch of pirate lore.

Day 2: Norman Island to Virgin Gorda North Sound. Move to Leverick Bay or Saba Rock, with a mid-morning hop through turquoise waters. Snorkel around Mosquito Island or Prickly Pear for vibrant reef life, then settle into an exclusive mooring. An atmospheric evening in the North Sound gives you options for a casual dinner or a resort-style service check for the next day.

Day 3: Virgin Gorda North Sound to Anegada. A longer crossing, typically 18–25 nm, but with steady trade winds it feels smooth and rewarding. Anchor near Setting Point or Long Bay, then enjoy a freshly caught lobster lunch and a walk along the white sand. The scene has a costa rica vibe–lush backdrop, clear water, and friendly beach bars–perfect for an easy trail walk or shoreline exploration after snorkeling.

Day 4: Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. From the calm flats of Anegada, head to Sandy Cay and White Bay for snorkeling and beach lounging. Drop anchor at Great Harbour and spend the evening at Foxy’s or a quieter spot, soaking in the sunset and swapping stories with other crews. This day blends reef immersion with laid-back island charm, ideal for a social but relaxed pace.

Day 5: Jost Van Dyke to Tortola West End. A short return leg allows a relaxed finish with a final check of local shops and a sunset dinner at Soper's Hole or Road Town. If conditions allow, squeeze in a quick snorkel near the Rhone wreck off Salt Island, or simply enjoy lounging on deck as you glide into the harbor for the week’s finale.

Day 6–7 (optional): Extend the loop. Add Salt Island for Rhone wreck snorkeling and a hike along the shore, then swing back toward Tortola via Beef Island or Trellis Bay for a final world-class evening. This extra time gives you a second reef-rich day, a new shore scenario, and more opportunities for private services ashore, making it easy to tailor the trip to your pace, whether you want more hiking, more snorkeling, or more luxury touches.

Best Weather Windows and Seasonal Winds

Book your BVI getaway in the dry season (December through April) for steady NE trades and calm anchorages. This window delivers warm days, clear sightlines, and predictable hops between islands, making every passage smoother and more enjoyable.

The typical wind in this window sits around 15-22 knots from the NE, with occasional gusts to 25-28 on exposed passages. Seas run about 1-2 meters offshore, easing in protected coves to a comfortable chop. Mornings often show glassy ponds and sweet light, while afternoons bring a reliable sea breeze that helps you cover better distances with minimal fatigue. The scenery is iconic, and the time you spend in marinas or at a resort dock adds refreshment to the getaway.

Seasonal window by months: December through February NE trades hold 18-24 knots; March–April push toward 20-25 knots. May brings warmer days and more variable winds; dont schedule long ocean hops then unless you have a tight forecast window spanning several days. The hurricane season runs June through November; dont take major passages in open water during that period unless you have a dedicated weather window and local guidance.

Sample routing keeps you close to shelter: Tortola to Virgin Gorda, then to Anegada, with short hops of 20-40 minutes between protected anchorages, leaving time for snorkeling and playing. In Tortola, you can arrange a grocery stop at Road Town or Soper's Hole, then anchor in coves or stop at marinas along the way. The salt ponds on Anegada host flamingos, offering an iconic sight at dawn–definitely a sweet moment for your islands photos.

Moorings and Anchoring: Safe Spots to Tie Up

Head for established mooring buoys in sheltered bays whenever possible; they offer predictable swing and reliable holding, enabling crews to relax and enjoy relaxation while sharing the area with others without crowding.

Within this area along the coastline there are named spots around Tortola and Norman Island, such as Soper's Hole, The Bight, Cooper Island and Trellis Bay, where bases provide safe moorings or sheltered anchorage.

Anchor on a flat seabed–prefer sandy or mud bottoms with good holding, avoiding weed beds or rocky patches near the coastline. Drop calmly and set with at least 7:1 scope in typical conditions; in 15–25 knot winds extend to 7:1 or more. Test hold by gently reversing for 10–15 meters and observe for 5 minutes; adjust if necessary.

Respect the area: give other boats 10–15 meters of swing room; if the space is crowded, align with the prevailing wind and move as needed to avoid tangling lines. If you want quiet, seek a bayside corner with less traffic. Keep the saloon clear for crew movement and maintain clean decks so others aren't bothered by gear or lines. Jot a quick note about scope and position in your log to improve navigation for the next anchors.

Head out by paddleboard to explore sandy coves and flat reefs within minutes. Spent a day cruising along the coast? Paddle out to nearby beaches for a quick reset. From your anchor, discovery opens up as you move along the coast; there are paradises where you can land for a relaxing break with your crew. If you plan well, you gain more flexibility and can enjoy navigation-friendly routes that connect named coves and bays.

Hidden Gems: Harbours, Bays, Caves, and Iconic Spots

Begin your day at The Baths, Virgin Gorda, where smooth water slips through carved boulders and caves invite exploration. Arrive yourself before the crowds and spend two hours weaving between granite walls, swimming in tidal pools, and spotting reefs. After, sip a local coffee and sample fresh dishes from a nearby beach shack, then get back aboard for the next stop.

The Bight, Virgin Gorda, offers a sheltered harbor with a few moorings off the reef. The flat, calm water is ideal for a relaxed snorkel and only a short dinghy ride to shore. The cove offers easy access to reefs and quiet coves for exploring, with a few puerto-style eateries serving seafood dishes that pair well with a cold drink. If you want a coastal walk, a short trail leads to elevated views over the bight.

Next, Soper's Hole in Tortola’s West End welcomes you with a boutique puerto vibe. A handful of moorings keeps boats close to shore, and you can stroll to boutique shops, a bakery, and seafood stalls. For cabins on land or a night aboard, you’ll find options nearby, all with a calm, welcoming vibe. Want to keep the pace steady? Plan a gentle morning here, then head toward the next hidden gem and arrive ready to push onward.

For pirates-and-reef lore, head to Norman Island and the Pirate Cave. Exploring the sea-carved passages through caves beside reefs reveals sheltered pockets where water swirls between boulders. The island also hosts small beaches with soft sand and simple, well-kept cabins ashore. Local dishes are often prepared on board or ashore, giving you a taste of island life as you paddle back to the main route.

On Jost Van Dyke, you’ll find iconic spots kept intimate: a shallow pool at the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, and a short tender ride to Foxy’s for sunset vibes. Moorings offshore keep your boat secure while you stroll to the bars and beaches. This leg suits adventures with a morning of reef-snorkeling followed by afternoons of laid-back shore time, the kind that fits plan and pace.

Close to Tortola, a quiet stretch around portland rewards careful crafting: calm coves with clear water and reef flats invite exploring. The area keeps a handful of moorings and little-visited bays that feel made for intimate mornings. If you want to extend your route, map a loop that passes The Baths, Soper's Hole, Norman Island, and a stop at portland before returning to Tortola. You will arrive back with a notebook full of fresh dishes to try ashore and a few new coves to revisit on future trips.

Provisioning, Fuel, and Port Logistics for a Hassle-Free Charter

Plan provisioning two weeks before check-in. Build a constant, modular pantry that covers a 7‑day bareboat charter with 4–6 crew: pasta 4–5 kg, rice 4–5 kg, canned tomatoes 12–16 cans, beans 12–16 cans, tuna or sardines 8–12 cans, coffee 1 kg, cooking oil 1.5 L, and a compact spice kit. These staples let you cook simple meals without daily shopping. Explore fresh markets in Road Town, Trellis Bay, and Soper’s Hole the day after arrival to fill greens, fruit, dairy, and proteins, prioritizing produce with a short shelf life. Plan to serve about 2–3 meals per person per day and keep a 2–3 day buffer for perishables. This planning reduces stress and keeps the night watches steady as you sail towards peak anchorages.

Fuel planning: for a typical 40–44 ft bareboat, carry 60–80 gallons of diesel on board as reserve, plus 20–30 gallons in a portable can for remote hops. Expect engine use mainly for docking and island hops; at cruising speeds around 5 knots under power, burn roughly 0.8–2.0 gph depending on RPM. If you motor 1–2 hours on several days, budget about 1.5–3 gallons per day; weekly total typically falls in the 14–28 gallon range. In practice, a week of sailing and short motor legs usually requires more than a couple of dozen gallons, so keep the reserve to cover longer hops. When you arrive for check-in, confirm current diesel prices at Road Town Fuel Dock or local docks; prices commonly run around $4–5 per gallon. Log starting and ending fuel levels for each leg to maintain a steady plan for the week.

Port logistics: pre-book moorings in preferred bays, especially during peak season. At check-in, verify documents, port dues, and docking windows. In Tortola, Road Town and Cane Garden Bay give quick access to shore services; in Virgin Gorda, the North Sound mooring fields offer multiple options. If you rely on moorings, expect a short queue around midday; plan to arrive mid‑afternoon to secure a spot. Pre-arrange provisioning drop-off to the boat if the base supports it, ensuring a smooth transition from check-in to sailing. After arrival, perform a quick systems check: water-maker, refrigeration, and batteries, so the crew stays steady through the first night on the water. The pool of local service providers can handle minor repairs and fuel receipts; keep copies for your records and for reorders with josiahs and thomas if mid‑charter needs arise.

Supply contacts and workflow: for long-life items, rely on josiahs for canned goods and dry staples, and on thomas for fresh produce and local specialties. Call ahead to confirm stock and delivery windows; many shops offer morning deliveries or in-slip service, making the transition from check-in to sailing seamless. Maintain a compact shopping list and a simple log of what you’ve used and what you still need, so the crew can focus on exploring the archipelago instead of chasing supplies. These routines keep provisioning tight, fuel on hand, and port moves smooth as you sail through the BVIs under a clear, constant plan.