BVI - at the anchor

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands offer some of the best, most accessible sailing in the world. Every island and harbor has a distinct character, and the 50-plus islands are close enough together that you can change scenery in an afternoon. With consistent trade breezes and line-of-sight navigation, you have endless variety within a short, pleasant sail.

The Moorings base at Whickams Cay II, in Road Town, Tortola is the largest charter base in the world. This scale goes beyond fleet size—it ensures a highly efficient, full-service operation designed to elevate your experience. On-site amenities include a dedicated sail loft, parts shop with full inventory for quick repairs, a large professional laundry facility with pressing services for fast turnaround between charters, and a well-stocked grocery store. Guests also enjoy spa-like showers available 24/7, along with a separate haul-out area capable of servicing multiple yachts simultaneously, complete with shaded workspaces.

Located just six miles from the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport in the heart of the capital, the marina offers everything needed for a comfortable arrival and departure. You’ll find a spacious reception and departure lounge, air-conditioned chart briefing rooms to plan your trip, a restaurant and bar, coffee shop, and a hotel featuring a pool and spa.

The BVI waters are famed for clarity and brilliant color. The beaches are stunning white, with soft sand and warm, inviting water. There’s excellent snorkeling off the beaches, and unique places like the Indians and the Baths on Virgin Gorda are memorable world-class underwater attractions. The days are warm all year, and gentle evening breezes make the beach bars and restaurants even more enjoyable.

Tortola lies at the heart of the British Virgin Islands, serving as the capital city and transportation hub. From Tortola, it’s easy sailing to the other large islands, including Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Norman Island, as well as many smaller or unpopulated islands. You can sail the BVIs end-to-end in one day, but you will spend months exploring all its inlets, coves and beaches.

Jost Van Dyke boasts some of the most famous beach bars in the world, as well as the beautiful Bubbly Pool at the east end. On Virgin Gorda, the Baths are a must-see. Many believe that Norman Island inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, and it’s an excellent stepping-off spot for a day trip to The Indians. Anegada, the most remote and quiet of the large islands, is a place of untouched natural beauty.

Amenities

HIGH SEASON Dec 16 – Apr 15
LOW SEASON Apr 16 – Dec 15
TIDAL RANGE 1 ft 30cm
WATER TEMP DURING HIGH SEASON 77° F 25° C
WATER TEMP DURING LOW SEASON 84° F 29° C
WIND STRENGTH DURING HIGH SEASON 15-20 knots
WIND STRENGTH DURING LOW SEASON 5-12 knots