British Virgin Islands (BVI) Sailing Itinerary
British Virgin Islands (BV) Sailing Itinerary
Have you ever dreamed of sailing through paradise with the wind guiding your journey? Reliable trade winds, easy line-of-sight sailing, and beautiful sun-warmed scenery make our BVI charter itinerary one of the world’s best Caribbean sailing experiences.
Embark on a bareboat or skippered or flotilla sailing holiday and discover the splendid variety of the British Virgin Islands, where you’ll swim with turtles above vibrant reefs, lounge on unspoiled white sand beaches and kick back in friendly waterside bars.
Choose from two different BVI sailing itineraries below:
- 1-Week Sailing Itinerary
- 1-Week Flotilla Sailing Itinerary
How to plan a BVI sailing itinerary
As you prepare to set sail on an aquatic adventure around the BVI, you might be thinking about how best to plan your British Virgin Islands sailing itinerary. This is where we come in. We have created bespoke BVI sailing itineraries that will enable you to experience the very best of the BVI.
You can either follow them exactly or use them as inspiration for your own BVI charter itinerary. The choice is completely yours.
Our three top tips for creating your own BVI sailing itinerary:
- Do your research – With over 50 islands, islets and cays to explore, there are countless opportunities for fun in the BVI so you need to do your research before creating your BVI itinerary.
- Discuss with everyone – Whether you’re setting sail with family, friends, a large group or as a couple, your BVI itinerary must reflect everyone’s wants and needs.
- Understand cruising grounds – If this is your first time sailing in the BVI, or anywhere for that matter, it’s important to understand everything from cruising conditions to difficult passages. Take a look at our blog to find out more about learning to sail in the BVI. Never chartered a yacht before? Check out our sailing schools which can support you with becoming comfortable on the open waters.
Our BVI sailing itineraries at a glance
Our BVI 7 day sailing itinerary starts at our base at Wickhams Cay II and offers you the opportunity to explore:
- Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
- Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda
- Anegada
- Trellis Bay, Tortola
- Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
- The Bight, Norman Island
Our 50th anniversary flotilla BVI sailing itinerary also starts at our base at Wickhams Cay II but differs slightly:
- Cooper Island
- Virgin Gorda
- Free Sailing Day which gives you the freedom to build your own BVI itinerary for the day
- Jost Van Dyke
- Norman Island
All that’s left to do is choose your ideal BVI sailing itinerary and learn more about what you can expect to get up to do during your idyllic yacht charter. Will you pick our BVI 7 day sailing itinerary or BVI 50th anniversary flotilla itinerary?
Choose Itinerary
BVI one-week updated itinerary
Wickhams Cay II to Spanish Town
Leaving from our base at Wickhams Cay II, you’ll embark on the first leg of your Caribbean sailing adventure. Cruise east from Tortola toward Virgin Gorda, with the sun warming the deck beneath your feet. Your first stop on your BVI charter itinerary: The Baths! This famous, awe-inspiring geological wonder is comprised of massive granite boulders that appear to tumble into the sea. Spend time exploring with a short hike to the restaurant and bar at the “Top of the Baths”, or discover the magical path leading through the boulders to Devil’s Bay. Later, a short sail northward takes you to Spanish Town where you can go ashore and enjoy shopping or a waterfront dinner. The day’s sailing- 3.5 Hr Sailing time
- 11 Nautical miles
Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Hiking, Hire a car, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi ,Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bike hire, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Laundry, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Spanish Town to Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda
From Spanish Town, you’ll trace a meandering path northwards towards Gorda Sound. Sail the length of majestic Virgin Gorda, passing broad Savannah Bay, before rounding the headland and entering Gorda Sound. A shallow, sheltered sound surrounded by reefs and islands, Gorda Sound is great for swimming and snorkeling as well as water sports such as paddle boarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Book a slip or pick up a mooring for an evening at Leverick Bay Resort, The Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, or anchor west of Prickly Pear Island for a more secluded evening under the stars.Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Sunbathing, Hiking, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Restaurants, Provisioning, Car hire, Bars, Fuel, Ice ,ATM
Gorda Sound to Anegada
A little over 15 miles to the north of Gorda Sound, the island of Anegada awaits your arrival. Enjoy a prolonged spell of blue water sailing as you leave Virgin Gorda in your wake and cruise through the blue to this flat coral atoll. Sparsely populated and teeming with wildlife, Anegada is a must-see for nature lovers. Visit the Salt Ponds to view Anegada’s resident flamingos, and keep an eye out for the rare ground iguanas that live only here and on Guana Island. The day’s sailing- 13 Nautical miles
- 5 Hr Sailing time
Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Watersport, Sunbathing, Hiking, Paddle boarding, Swimming, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Restaurants, Provisioning, Car hire, Bars, Ice
Anegada
A little over 15 miles to the north of Gorda Sound, the island of Anegada awaits your arrival. Enjoy a prolonged spell of blue water sailing as you leave Virgin Gorda in your wake and cruise through the blue to this flat coral atoll. Sparsely populated and teeming with wildlife, Anegada is a must-see for nature lovers. Visit the Salt Ponds to view Anegada’s resident flamingos, and keep an eye out for the rare ground iguanas that live only here and on Guana Island. The day’s sailing- 0 Hr Sailing time
Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Watersports, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Hire a car, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Exploring
Facilities
Taxi, Restaurants, Provisioning, Car hire, Bike hire, Bars, Laundry, Ice, Gift Shop
Anegada to Trellis Bay
Your next stop is on the east end of Tortola, where you’ll find quaint Trellis Bay. There is a small market available here for basic provisions. A highlight at Trellis Bay are the monthly full moon parties featuring fire balls on the water and live entertainment. Scrub Island and Marina Cay are open, you have the option of picking up a mooring at Marina Cay. Another serene overnight option is nearby White Bay on Guana Island. Here, you can enjoy a stunning sunset and walk the pristine white sand beach. Guana Island is private, but you’re free to explore along the shore up to the high-water line. The day’s sailing- 19 Nautical miles
- 6 Hr Sailing time
Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Sunbathing, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Taxi, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Ice
Trellis Bay to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
To the northwest of Tortola you’ll find Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main British Virgin Islands. Jost Van Dyke is a must on any BVI charter intinerary. Leave Cane Garden Bay in your wake as you sail past little Sandy Cay, heading for the southern shores of Jost Van Dyke and the welcoming anchorage of Great Harbour. Great Harbour and nearby White Bay offer some of the best bars and nightlife in the BVIs, so enjoy lounging on the beach and snorkeling in the sea by day and sipping rum cocktails to the sound of live music by night. Adventurous sorts can hike into the tall, rainforest covered hills behind Great Harbour. The day’s sailing- 17 Nautical miles
- 5 Hr Sailing time
Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Shopping, Paddle boarding, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi, Taxi, Restaurants, Bars, Fuel, Ice, Gift Shop
Great Harbour to The Bight, Norman Island
Sail the border between two countries as you navigate The Narrows separating St. John from Tortola. Pick your way between Great Thatch and Little Thatch islands before bearing southeast towards The Bight at Norman Island. Norman Island is said to be the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, and many visitors still explore the coves and bays in the hope of discovering long forgotten pirate booty. The day’s sailing- 10 Nautical miles
- 3 Hr Sailing time
Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Hiking, Swimming, Exploring
Facilities
Restaurants, Bars
Wickhams Cay II
Use your final day of your BVI charter itinerary to return to our base at Wickhams Cay II. The journey will take you past Peter Island, with its multitude of bays, coves and reefs, so take the opportunity to stop off and explore. Take your time and return to base at your own pace or hurry back early to spend the day exploring Tortola—it’s entirely up to you. The day’s sailing- 6 Nautical miles
- 2 Hr Sailing time
Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Hiking, Hire a car, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi ,Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bike hire, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Laundry, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
BVI '50th Anniversary' one-week flotilla
Wickhams Cay II (50th Anniversary)
Your unforgettable flotilla holiday begins at our Sunsail BVI base. Explore the marina and its facilities such as the bar, swimming pool, shops, and more. Enjoy welcome drinks that evening prior to a free night where you can head for dinner, we can recommend restaurants for you.Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Sunbathing, Shopping, Swimming, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bike hire, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Laundry, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Cooper Island
Cooper Island, located a short 6 nautical miles from The Moorings base at Road Town, is a beautiful island with a protected anchorage at Manchioneel Bay, and plenty of activities to offer. Ashore, Cooper Island Beach Club is the main attraction – a small resort with restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, boutique, and lovely outdoor lounge area. The beach bar and lounge face west, making this the perfect place for enjoying a cocktail while watching a stunning Caribbean sunset. The beach and calm waters make Manchioneel Bay well-suited for water sports, and nearby Cistern Point offers excellent snorkelling and turtle watching.The day’s sailing
- 7 Nautical miles
- 1.5 hr Sailing time
Mooring
Anchoring option
Things to do
Sunbathing, Shopping, Swimming, Exploring
Facilities
WiFi, Restaurants, Dive Shop, Bars, Ice, Gift shop
Virgin Gorda (Baths | Spanish Town | North Sound)
First stop, The Baths! This famous, awe-inspiring geological wonder is comprised of massive granite boulders that appear to tumble into the sea. Spend time exploring with a short hike to the restaurant and bar at the “Top of the Baths”, or discover the magical path leading through the boulders to Devil’s Bay. There are day-use moorings outside the baths for those who want to stop along the way. If you prefer to stay dry, sail to Leverick Bay where you can book a slip or pick up a mooring for an evening at Leverick Bay Resort, and take a taxi to the Baths.The day’s sailing
- 12 Nautical miles
- 3 hr Sailing time
Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Sunbathing, Shopping, Swimming, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Restaurants, Provisioning, Car hire, Bars, Ice
Free Sail
Today is your day to shine. Put your sailing skills to the test and gain confidence on the water with your free sailing day. Choose a longer or shorter sail. Book a slip or pick up a mooring for an evening at The Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, or anchor at Trellis Bay for a more secluded evening under the stars.Things to do
Sunbathing, Shopping, Swimming, Exploring
Jost Van Dyke
To the west of Tortola you’ll find Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main British Virgin Islands. Leave Cane Garden Bay in your wake as you sail past little Sandy Cay, heading for the southern shores of Jost Van Dyke and the welcoming mouth of Great Harbour. Great Harbour and nearby White Bay offer some of the best restaurants, bars and nightlife in the BVIs, so enjoy lounging on the beach and snorkelling in the sea by day and sipping rum cocktails to the sound of live music by night. Adventurous sorts can hike into the tall, rainforest-covered hills behind Great Harbour.Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Sunbathing, Swimming, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi, Taxi, Restaurants, Bars, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop
Norman Island
Steeped in Pirate history, Norman Island is the perfect stop for yachtsmen seeking adventure and maybe even a little buried treasure! Visit the infamous Willy T bar for an evening of fun, or seek shelter from the Bight’s noise on anchor or on Kelly’s cove mooring buoys nearby. Snorkel the caves at Treasure Point and you’re likely to see a vast array of marine life, rumoured to be the spot where pirates hid their bounty, snorkel along the mouths of the four caves and you’ll spot an abundance of small colourful fish. If all the balls are taken, move along to Privateer Bay where you can anchor or pick up one of their balls and dinghy back.The day’s sailing
- 12 Nautical miles
- 2.5 hr Sailing time
Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Swimming, Exploring
Facilities
Restaurants, Bars
Wickham’s Cay II – BVI Flotilla
Use your final day to return to our base at Wickhams Cay II. Take your time and return to base at your own pace or hurry back early to spend the day exploring Tortola—it’s entirely up to you. This night will be our final evening and the lead boat will organise either dinner or drinks ashore where prizes will be given out related to the weeks activities. We head back to the base to return your yacht, along the way enjoy the beautiful sail and scenery.The day’s sailing
- 6 Nautical miles
- 1.5 hr Sailing time
Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Hiking, Hire a car, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bike hire, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Laundry, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
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