6 reasons to explore the BVI on a catamaran for your next sailing holiday

Explore one of kind harbours and bays, walk along stunning beaches, explore the famous shipwrecks around the islands, and bask in the unique natural beauty!
Board a spacious catamaran, that allows a most comfortable sailing experience possible!
The weak draft of catamaran allows them to venture into much shallower waters than monohull sailboats - this means that there is an unrivalled level of freedom.

Ideal for sailing holidays for families or a group of friends - with numerous catamaran holiday listings offering whole boat booking options.
As a catamaran has less movement at sea than a monohull sailboat, it is perfect for first time sailors, reducing any concerns about sea sickness.
Experience the special wildlife opportunities available throughout the BVI - watch sea turtles, green iguanas, and pelicans in the bays of Tortola, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda!

The best destinations to visit during your sailing holidays in the British Virgin Islands:

The best beaches in the BVI

The volcanic archipelago of the British Virgin Islands are home to some of the finest beaches - each with their own unique charm and qualities. Virgin Gorda is particularly graced with stunning beaches including The Baths, Prickly Pear, Spring Bay, and Savannah Bay - some describe the Virgin Gorda beaches as the most beautiful and pristine in the world. Other jaw-dropping beaches of the islands include Josiah’s Bay, Smuggler’s Cove, and Long Bay Beach of Tortola, the Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Beach of Anegada, and the White Bay of Jost Van Dyke. Across the BVI waters are crystal clear and coastlines are dotted with sea caves and unique wildlife sightseeing opportunities.

Tortola: the heart of the archipelago

The capital island the BVI, Tortola, is also the yachting capital of the Caribbean. It’s white-sand beaches, lush green landscapes, and charming harbours are characteristics that represent the British Virgin Islands to the world. Tortola has a variety of water sports and fishing facilities, and is also the hub for museums and cultural heritage in the British Virgin Islands including the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, Fort Burt, and the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens.

Anegada: the island of natural wonder

Anegada is the only coral islands of the volcanic chain of the archipelago - the coral reefs that surround the islands, along with the wild beaches, and natural springs are the special components that characterise this island. For travellers looking to discover and experience the local wildlife of the BVI, Anegada is a must visit. From turpentine trees and rare orchids to rock iguanas, bonefish, and parrotfish - the island is beaming with opportunities for wildlife experiences.

Virgin Gorda: beautiful beaches and a special culture

The island of Virgin Gorda attracts visitors from all across the world for its special anchorages and pretty coves. Protected National Parks around the islands ensure that the vast natural beauty is treasured. Many of the most popular beaches of the BVI are located on Virgin Gorda and Gorda Peak, the island’s highest peak, offers stunning panoramic views. The island has a unique blend of culture, with influences of African, Inidan, and Spanish descent.

All you need to know about sailing holiday in the British Virgin Islands

The best time to go on a sailing holiday in the BVI

Sailing holidays in the British Virgin Islands are best from November to April, during the European winter. This offers the opportunity to escape the colder part of the year, and to instead exchange it for a tropical sun and life aboard a sailboat.

How much does it cost for a Caribbean?

It can be more accessible to board a sailboat or catamaran sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands than you might think, for budgets of all inclusive experiences beginning from around €1,200 per person. This budget of such a holiday can be broken down into 3 parts: the plane ticket, the catamaran or sailboat, and the float cash (food, fuel, marina costs, etc). The price of your BVI sailing holiday depends on the period, the services onboard (with or without cook and hostess), and whether it is a sailboat or catamaran. A catamaran sailing holiday in the BVI can be significantly more expensive than a sailboat trip given the higher level of comfort. You can find spots onboard catamaran holidays from €600 on Sailsquare and all-inclusive holidays from €1,000.

Transport options to the British Virgin Islands

The main airports of the BVI are the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport, of Beef Islands, Auguste George Airport, of Anegada, and Taddy Bay Airport of Virgin Gorda. Transport pricing can vary depending on the seasons, with some peak in price around the Christmas holiday period. Transport to and from the British Virgin Islands may be significantly cheaper during the months of November and January.

Holiday concierge service

There is a sailing experience available for all. If you are in need of a little help to find the right holiday for you, you can use our holiday concierge service for free.