Why the BVI is the world's charter capital
The 60-odd islands and cays are perfectly spaced for day-sailing — most passages under 10 miles, sheltered by the island chain from Atlantic swells, and blessed with consistent 15–20 knot trade winds. The Sir Francis Drake Channel — the sheltered waterway between the main islands and the outer cays — is the highway of BVI sailing.
Best anchorages
The Bight, Norman Island — said to have inspired Treasure Island, with excellent snorkelling at the western caves. The Baths, Virgin Gorda — extraordinary granite boulders creating natural pools. Sandy Cay — an uninhabited island with a perfect crescent beach. Soper's Hole, Tortola — well-protected with good provisioning and a lively waterfront.
Must-visit spots
No BVI trip is complete without a stop at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke — rumoured birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail, accessible only by dinghy. Anegada, the BVI's coral atoll, offers world-class bonefishing and the freshest lobster in the Caribbean.
Best time to go
December through April is peak season — trade winds reliable, skies clear, temperatures perfect at 27–29°C. Avoid June through October (hurricane season).
Charter information
Tortola's Road Town has the Caribbean's largest charter fleets. A bareboat for 6–8 people runs $4,000–$8,000/week for a monohull and $7,000–$15,000 for a catamaran in peak season.