BVI Sailing Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a sailor’s paradise — renowned for their reliable trade winds, short sailing distances, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or planning your first charter, our ultimate BVI sailing itinerary guide will help you make the most of your adventure. At SEARADAR, we’re dedicated to making your yacht charter experience seamless, safe, and unforgettable.

Why Choose the BVI for Your Sailing Adventure?

The BVI consistently ranks among the world’s top sailing destinations. With over 60 islands and cays, line-of-sight navigation, and protected waters, the region is ideal for both novice and experienced sailors. According to Sunsail, “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.” The compact geography means you’ll rarely sail more than 15 nautical miles between anchorages, allowing for relaxed days and plenty of time to explore ashore.

Key Facts:

Typical BVI sailing distances: 7–15 nautical miles per leg
Average daily sailing time: 2–4 hours
Peak season: December–April (book early for best selection)
Over 20,000 verified yachts available through SEARADAR

Sample 7-Day BVI Sailing Itinerary

Here’s a classic one-week route, perfect for maximizing your time and experiencing the best of the BVI:

Leg	Distance (NM)	Sailing Time
Tortola (Wickhams Cay II) to The Baths	11	3.5 hours
The Baths to Spanish Town	2	0.5 hour
Spanish Town to North Sound	8	2 hours
North Sound to Anegada	15	3–4 hours
Anegada to Marina Cay	15	3–4 hours
Marina Cay to Jost Van Dyke	15	3–4 hours

Distances and times are approximate and depend on wind and weather conditions.

Day 1: Tortola to The Baths, Virgin Gorda

Start your journey from Tortola’s Wickhams Cay II. Sail to The Baths, a geological wonder of granite boulders, caves, and turquoise pools. Moor at the National Parks buoys and swim ashore for a day of exploration. “You can spend the whole day exploring the tunnels, caves and crystal-clear pools through the maze of massive boulders,” notes BVI Yacht Charters.

Day 2: The Baths to Spanish Town

A short hop brings you to Spanish Town, where you can stock up on provisions or enjoy a meal ashore.

Day 3: Spanish Town to North Sound, Virgin Gorda

Sail north to the vibrant North Sound. Leverick Bay offers marinas, restaurants, water sports, and live entertainment. As one expert says, “Leverick Bay has everything that a sailor or landlubber could want.”

Day 4: North Sound to Anegada

Anegada is the only coral island in the volcanic BVI chain, famous for its secluded beaches, vibrant reefs, and fresh lobster. The sail is longer but rewarding — keep an eye out for dolphins along the way!

Day 5: Anegada to Marina Cay

Return south to Marina Cay, a favorite for snorkeling and swimming. Recent changes in local establishments haven’t diminished its charm.

Day 6: Marina Cay to Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke is legendary for its beach bars — Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar Bar are must-visits. Enjoy the laid-back vibe and perhaps a Painkiller cocktail.

Day 7: Jost Van Dyke to Tortola

Complete your loop back to Tortola, stopping at Cane Garden Bay or Great Harbour for a final swim or sunset dinner.

Must-See Destinations on Your BVI Sailing Itinerary

The Baths (Virgin Gorda): Iconic granite boulders, caves, and pools — perfect for hiking and swimming.
Anegada: Pristine beaches, world-class snorkeling, and famous lobster shacks.
Jost Van Dyke: Legendary beach bars and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
North Sound: Marinas, dining, and water sports in a sheltered bay.
Cooper Island, Marina Cay, Cane Garden Bay, The Bight: Each offers unique snorkeling, dining, and anchorage experiences.

BVI Sailing Distances: What to Expect

One of the greatest advantages of a BVI sailing itinerary is the short distances between islands. Most legs are under 15 nautical miles, translating to 2–4 hours of sailing per day. This allows for leisurely mornings, spontaneous stops, and plenty of time to enjoy each destination.

Insider Tip: The BVI’s compact geography makes it easy to adjust your route based on weather or personal preference. “A British Virgin Islands sailing itinerary is extremely flexible – your vacation, your choice. It’s possible to go wherever the wind dictates,” says The Moorings.

Regulations, Safety, and Environmental Guidelines

Mooring: Use National Parks moorings where available, especially at The Baths and popular snorkeling sites. Anchoring is restricted in some areas to protect coral reefs.
Customs and Immigration: All vessels must clear in and out at designated ports. Ensure all documentation is in order before arrival.
Environmental Protection: Respect local guidelines to preserve the BVI’s fragile marine ecosystems. Use mooring buoys and avoid anchoring on coral.
Safety: Monitor weather updates, especially during hurricane season (June–November). Heed local advisories and flag systems for beach access.

For the latest navigation and local information, consult the 2025 edition of “The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands” (source).

Professional Advice for a Seamless Charter

Book Early: The BVI is in high demand, especially during peak season. Reserve your yacht well in advance for the best selection. At SEARADAR, we analyze over 30,000 boats to match you with the perfect yacht — whether you prefer a sailboat, catamaran, or motor yacht. Browse top yachts now.

Provisioning: Stock up in Tortola before setting out, but enjoy local markets and restaurants along the way. Many marinas offer provisioning services, and we’re happy to assist with food orders and special requests.

Flexible Itinerary: Weather, wind, and personal interests can all shape your route. Our 24/7 support ensures you have expert guidance before, during, and after your charter.

Unique Experiences: Don’t miss snorkeling at The Dogs, hiking at The Baths, or a beach barbecue on Anegada. Each island offers its own flavor of adventure and relaxation.

Why Book Your BVI Yacht Charter with SEARADAR?

Personalized Yacht Selection: We match you with the best yacht for your needs, using advanced technology to ensure quality and availability.
Comprehensive Booking Management: From paperwork to payments, we handle every detail — so you can focus on your adventure.
24/7 Support: Our team is always available, before, during, and after your trip.
Flexible Payment Options: Pay by card, bank transfer, or even cryptocurrency.
Best Price Guarantee: Found a better price? We’ll match it.
Loyalty Program: Earn nautical miles cashback on every booking.
Free Cancellation: Enjoy risk-free booking with our free cancellation option (conditions apply).

Join over 1,500 satisfied customers who trust us to make their sailing dreams a reality.

FAQ: BVI Sailing Itinerary

Q: What’s the best time of year to sail the BVI? A: December through April is peak season, with steady trade winds and minimal rainfall. Hurricane season runs from June to November.

Q: How long should my BVI sailing itinerary be? A: Most sailors opt for 7–10 days, which allows you to visit all the highlights at a relaxed pace.

Q: Are there any special regulations I should know about? A: Yes — use mooring buoys where available, clear customs at designated ports, and follow environmental guidelines to protect coral reefs.

Q: Can I book a skippered charter if I’m not an experienced sailor? A: Absolutely! We offer both bareboat and skippered charters to suit all skill levels.

Q: What are the typical BVI sailing distances between islands? A: Most legs are 7–15 nautical miles, or 2–4 hours of sailing per day.

Q: How do I provision my yacht? A: Stock up in Tortola or use marina provisioning services. We can assist with food orders and special requests.

Additional Resources

Ready to start your BVI sailing adventure? Find your perfect yacht with SEARADAR and let us handle the rest. Your ultimate sailing experience awaits!