The British Virgin Islands are among the Caribbean's premier sailing destinations — pristine anchorages, steady trade winds, short passages, and a welcoming maritime culture create ideal conditions for yacht chartering. This 7-day, ~100-nm circuit from Tortola explores the full diversity of the BVI archipelago: the dramatic granite formations of Virgin Gorda (The Baths), the flat coral atoll of Anegada, the legendary beach bars of Jost Van Dyke, and the protected anchorages of Norman Island and Peter Island. The route is manageable for sailors of all skill levels, with most passages under 15 nautical miles and well-protected anchorages throughout.
Your VoyageTortola (Road Town) to Virgin Gorda (Yacht Harbour)
Twelve nautical miles east from Road Town, Tortola's primary port, to Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. Road Town is the BVI's administrative and commercial center, with full provisioning, customs facilities, and all services. Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour offers protected anchorage, marina services, and restaurants. The passage is straightforward and typically completed in two hours. Virgin Gorda's eastern anchorage positions the boat for exploration of The Baths the following day. Afternoon/evening arrival allows time to settle and provision if needed.
Virgin Gorda to Anegada
A day spent at Virgin Gorda exploring The Baths — a natural wonder of massive granite boulders forming grottos, pools, and passages accessible to wading. The seawater is crystal-clear, pools are warm, and the geology is unmatched in the Caribbean. A dinghy trip or short walk from Yacht Harbour provides access. The western side of Virgin Gorda (Leverick Bay) offers an alternative anchorage on the windward coast, suitable for day sailing and snorkeling. Gorda Peak National Park (mountain interior) offers hiking and island views. The day is typically spent anchored, diving, snorkeling, and exploring either The Baths or the island's interior.
Anegada to Jost Van Dyke
Eighteen nautical miles north to Anegada, the northernmost BVI. Anegada is uniquely flat — a coral atoll rising only 28 feet above sea level, surrounded by pristine reefs. The island is sparsely populated and retains an authentic, undeveloped character. Loblolly Bay (north shore) and Setting Point (south shore) offer distinct anchorages. The reefs surrounding Anegada are world-class for snorkeling, with coral formations, rays, turtles, and abundant fish. The island's interior has a population of wild horses and donkeys. Fresh-water pools and natural springs exist but are seasonal. Passage to Anegada requires careful navigation (shallow reefs), but professional pilots and local guides are available.
Jost Van Dyke to Norman Island
Twenty nautical miles west-northwest to Jost Van Dyke, a small island famous for beach bars and a laid-back island culture. The primary anchorages are Great Harbour and Little Harbour. Jost Van Dyke has limited development — a few small guesthouses, restaurants, and beach bars constitute the main settlement. Soggy's, Foxy's, and other waterfront establishments are iconic gathering places for visiting sailors. The island's beaches are sandy and pristine. Snorkeling from the beaches is exceptional. The passage from Anegada may be rougher if significant swell is present, but typically is manageable.
Norman Island to Peter Island
Fifteen nautical miles southeast to Norman Island, an uninhabited island famous for wreck diving and pirate lore. The primary anchorages are Pirates Bight (south shore) and The Bight (western anchorage). Norman Island's main attraction is the wreck of the RMS Rhone's sister ship, the metal-hulled freighter that sits in 70+ feet of water and is open to divers. Snorkeling and shallow diving are possible around the island. Pirates Bight offers excellent holding and a small beach bar. The passage from Jost Van Dyke is straightforward and typically completed in 2–3 hours.
Peter Island to Cooper Island
Eight nautical miles south to Peter Island or nearby Cooper Island. Peter Island is a private resort island with a protected anchorage at Deadman's Bay. Visiting yachts typically anchor off the resort's beach; confirm current policies with the resort or your charter company. The anchorage is excellent, the beach is pristine, and a small settlement of resort staff provides basic facilities. Cooper Island is a nearby alternative offering similar anchorages and better provisioning (small bar, restaurant, water station). The passage is very short and allows for leisurely sailing or motoring.
Cooper Island to Tortola
Twenty-one nautical miles west-southwest back to Tortola, completing the circuit. The return passage to Road Town typically requires 3–4 hours. Arrival in Road Town allows time for final provisioning, fuel, and preparation for charter disembarkation. The passage retraces elements of Day 1, offering a reverse perspective on the islands. Late afternoon arrival is typical, allowing an evening in Road Town before crew disembarkation.
Season
November through April is ideal — trade winds are steady (12–18 knots northeast), visibility is exceptional, and the sea state is manageable. May through October is the Atlantic hurricane season; not recommended for the BVI.
Wind conditions
Consistent northeast trade winds prevail. Most passages are either downwind or beam reaching. The northern coast of Tortola and Jost Van Dyke can experience wind shadow and turbulent conditions if winds are strong. Navigation and timing flexibility help optimize conditions.
Protected area regulations
Parts of the BVI are protected marine reserves. Some areas prohibit anchoring; mooring buoys are provided. Commercial and recreational fishing regulations apply — verify current policies with BVI Customs or your charter company.
Provisioning
Road Town (Tortola) is the main provisioning hub with full supplies. Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, and Cooper Island have limited shops or bars. Plan provisioning in advance; many islands lack supermarkets.
Customs & immigration
The BVI is a British Overseas Territory. US, EU, and Commonwealth citizens generally have visa-free access for short stays. Check current requirements before arrival. Customs clearance is required at Road Town or other official ports of entry.
Mooring fields
Several islands have mooring buoy systems (e.g., Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Norman Island). Mooring is often mandatory in protected areas. Day-use and overnight mooring fees apply; these are usually collected by local representatives or incorporated into charter costs.
Snorkeling and diving
Snorkeling is excellent throughout. Reefs are healthy, fish abundance is high, and visibility typically exceeds 60 feet. SCUBA diving is popular; a PADI certification is required. Dive shops operate in Road Town and Yacht Harbour.
Navigation
The BVI are well-charted and relatively easy to navigate. Distances between islands are short, and natural depth warnings (reef colors) are visible in clear water. GPS, updated charts, and a good depth sounder are essential tools.
Anchoring
Most anchorages have excellent holding in sand. Pre-positioned mooring buoys are used in many protected areas. Always verify depth, holding, and any regulatory requirements before anchoring.
This itinerary is a suggestion.
Your captain will adapt the route based on weather, wind conditions, your preferences, and current BVI marine regulations. Verify mooring availability, protected area access, and any seasonal changes before departure.
| Day | From | To | NM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tortola (Road Town) | → | Virgin Gorda (Yacht Harbour) | 12 |
| 2 | Virgin Gorda | → | Anegada | 18 |
| 3 | Anegada | → | Jost Van Dyke | 20 |
| 4 | Jost Van Dyke | → | Norman Island | 15 |
| 5 | Norman Island | → | Peter Island | 8 |
| 6 | Peter Island | → | Cooper Island | 6 |
| 7 | Cooper Island | → | Tortola | 21 |
| Total | 100 | |||
