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Where to travel

British Virgin Islands by catamaran

Guide to the BVI's most beautiful destinations, coasts and islands

Crystal-clear waters, rich seabed, lush vegetation and expanses of white sand are the main features of this paradise, which is a must-visit aboard a sailboat!

The British Virgin Islands is a true sailing paradise. With a central island Tortola and more than 60 islands and islets all around, it is the ideal place for quiet, relaxing sailing. With deep waters, unlike other Caribbean destinations, these islands are suitable for both adventurous sailing vacations and more relaxing vacations aboard comfortable catamarans. Thanks to the short distances, you will have the opportunity to easily "hop" between islands, changing anchorages even three times in the same day, an ever-changing landscape that will leave you speechless.

In fact, each island is distinguished by the heterogeneity of its cultural and natural beauty. Among the many, you can admire the uniqueness of The Baths, the distinctive Flamingo Pond in Anegada, the bewitching White Bay in Jost Van Dyke, and the summit of Sage Mountain in Tortola.

Best time of year

In the BVI, the climate is typically tropical with high temperatures that tend to be constant throughout the year. The water temperature is also always around 27 degrees. The best months to visit these islands are January to April, corresponding to the dry season, which is characterized by very few disturbances, temperatures of 26 to 30 degrees and regular but not too strong winds. From May to November the rainy season develops, bringing humidity and disturbances with the possibility of hurricanes, especially in September and October..

Travel Ideas

With its beautiful islands, festive atmosphere, and genuinely welcoming locals, the BVI is a perfect destination for active adventure vacations, curious travelers and foodies, and fun-loving people. By virtue of gentle trade winds, easy sight-seeing and short-haul sailing to visit the islands, this archipelago is one of the world's top sailing destinations.

Sustainable tourism

Largely uninhabited, the BVI has as many as 20 National Parks, in addition to many other sites declared protected areas. Of these 20, 19 are on land and are developed among the remnants of ancient rainforest, inhabited by migratory birds and rare species. A marine national park all to visit aboard a sailboat or catamaran that is home to the famous wreck of the Rhone, a British steamship that.

Perfect for

The BVI is the ideal destination both for a honeymoon couple seeking relaxation and intimacy surrounded by natural beauty such as The Baths and Anegada; and for groups of friends interested in spending a few evenings ashore at Jost Van Dyke's sea-view venues. In addition to sailing enthusiasts, these islands also attract lovers of snorkeling, hiking and sustainable tourism as well as those who wish to enjoy rare underwater experiences, thanks to the seabed that holds some of the Caribbean's most fascinating underwater wrecks.

First time on a boat

The gentle, steady winds,calm seas and proximity between islands make sailing conditions in the BVI excellent for first-time sailors. The blowing trade winds not only make the climate mild, but also make it ideal for calm and relaxing sailing.

The archipelago offers all services both logistical and tourist. The best time is during the Easter vacations and the April 25-May 1 bridge, when tourist influx is more limited: ideal for visiting places of unobtainable beauty such as Anegada.

6 places not to miss in the BVI during your sailing vacation

Hike to Gorda Peak
This nature park is a great place to visit to enjoy a day ashore immersed in a pristine corner of the earth's nature. It is also one of the most beautiful places in the BVI for photography.
White Bay in Jost Van Dyke
The most famous beach on the island and one of the most beautiful of all the BVIs. It has the distinction of possessing very white sand. At certain times of the day, because of the sun, its sheen seems to blind the eye!
Anegada and its legends
Be captivated not only by the beauty but also by the myths that surround this island. More than 300 ships are said to have sunk off its coast. There are, in fact, more shipwrecks off Anegada than anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Cane Garden Bay on Tortola
The island's most famous and bustling beach where you can get acquainted with local West Indians and crews from other boats.
Norman Island, in search of hidden treasure
It is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson in writing "Treasure Island" and was the hiding place of a pirate treasure. The four caves offer ideal snorkeling and diving, and one of them extends up to 24 feet below the island.
Spring Bay in Virgin Gorda
In addition to clear blue water, it is home to a distinctive reef that forms a stunning backdrop. A marvelous sight.

Welcome to the catamaran cruise paradise

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4 islands all to discover

Tortola, the island of a thousand colors

The island of Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands and is home to the capital Road Town. The island has a vibrant culture with a mix of African, British and Caribbean influences. It hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Tortola Carnival that celebrates local culture and traditions with musical performances, dance and colorful costumes. On the island you can visit several markets where you can buy local products and museums to learn about the cultural heritage of the BVI.

Tortola is also the yachting capital of the Caribbean. Its white sand beaches, lush landscapes, and charming harbors are features that represent the BVIs to the world.

Virgin Gorda and The Baths

More mountainous, the island of Virgin Gorda possesses the archipelago's greatest curiosity: The Baths. A chaos of large granite boulders that form a maze of caves, natural pools and intimate coves. The island attracts sailors from all over the world for its special anchorages and beautiful bays. Protected national parks around the islands ensure the preservation of its great natural beauty. Many of the BVI's most popular beaches are located right here in Virgin Gorda. Also worth mentioning is Gorda Peak,the highest peak on the island, can be reached by a short hike and offers breathtaking panoramic views. The island has a unique blend of culture, with influences from African, Indian and Spanish origins.

Jost Van Dyke and Cooper Island: the islands of fun

The smallest of the four main islands, Jost Van Dyke offers breathtaking scenery, colorful coral reefs and sugar-colored sandy beaches. This small island is home to Foxy's Bar, world-famous for its end-of-year celebrations; in fact, it hosts one of the biggest and best New Year's Eve parties. It is definitely one of the best beaches for fun and socializing.

Cooper Island, in addition to being known as a diver's paradise due to its proximity to numerous shipwrecks, also offers cues for fun and nightlife. Here you will have the opportunity to go ashore to visit a microbrewery and distillery that boasts the largest collection of rum in the BVI.

Anegada, the coral island

Unlike the neighboring islands of volcanic origin, Anegada is the only coral island in the archipelago. From turpentines and rare orchids to rock iguanas, whitefish and parrotfish, the island is full of wildlife experiences. It is also surrounded by striking reefs, underwater caves and ancient shipwrecks, making it a popular place for snorkelers and divers. It is also home to one of the world's largest horseshoe-shaped coral reefs.

Pratical info

Geography

Located west of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands are the northernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles and divide the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea along with the others. The archipelago consists of 60 islands of various sizes, mostly of volcanic origin. The largest are Tortola on which the capital Road Town is located, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

How to get there

Sailing cruises usually depart directly from Tortola where the BVI's airport, Terrance B. Lettsome Airport. However, there are no direct flights connecting it to Italy, so you will have to stop over in Saint Martin or the United States. Some skippers depart from Saint Martin, which can be reached by direct flight from Paris, and then go up to the BVI, making it easier to arrive and depart.

Getting around

To reach the embarkation port, simply take a cab or book a shuttle. In case of private skippers, it will be possible to ask them for detailed information directly.

Winds

Throughout the winter and spring the trade winds blow, regular and constant winds from the northeast to the southwest that bring relief from the Caribbean heat, as well as creating the ideal environment for sailing.

Ports and marinas

The main marinas are located on Tortola, such as Hodges Creek or Soper's Hole. You will find others on nearby islands, such as Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour or Jost Van Dyke's North Latitude Marina.

Costs

For a week-long catamaran vacation to the BVIs you will have to consider between 1,300 and 2,000 euros per person with all-inclusive service and hostesses on board, depending on the period. While for a sailing cruise with a private skipper, prices can be lower around 1,200 euros per person with half or full board service. The cost of flights also varies and it always pays to purchase them well in advance.

Pratical info

Geography

How to get there

Getting around

To reach the embarkation port, simply take a cab or book a shuttle. In case of private skippers, it will be possible to ask them for detailed information directly.