Charter bases on Tortola
Nearly all BVI charters start on Tortola. The biggest bases cluster around Road Town (home to The Moorings and Sunsail's large operation), with Nanny Cay and Hodge's Creek Marina also major departure points. These are full-service marinas with fuel, provisioning, chandlery and briefing facilities — you'll typically sleep aboard the first night at the base before setting off.
The best mooring fields
The BVI is defined by its mooring fields rather than marina berths — you pick up a ball for the night at anchorages scattered across the islands.
| Location | Highlight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Bight, Norman Island | Willy T floating bar, snorkelling | Big, popular mooring field |
| Cane Garden Bay, Tortola | Classic beach bars | Sheltered north-coast bay |
| The Baths, Virgin Gorda | Iconic granite boulders | Day moorings; can be rolly |
| Bitter End, Virgin Gorda | Resort, dinghy sailing | North Sound, well protected |
| Jost Van Dyke | Foxy's & Soggy Dollar bars | White Bay & Great Harbour |
The Boaty Ball system
Most BVI moorings are now reservable in advance through the Boaty Ball app rather than first-come-first-served. In high season, balls at popular spots can be snapped up within seconds of release each morning, so it pays to plan your overnight stops and book early in the day. This is the single biggest practical change to BVI cruising in recent years, and worth understanding before you go.
Practicalities
No formal sailing licence is required, but you must submit a sailing resume demonstrating relevant experience. The BVI charges a cruising tax (about $4 per person per night) and national park permits for moorings in protected areas like The Baths. Provisioning is easy at the Road Town bases. If your experience is light, a skipper for the first day or two eases the learning curve.