Discovering British Virgin Islands

Begin your British Virgin Islands yacht charter in Tortola, the largest island in the archipelago and one of the Caribbean's best-known yachting hubs. Beyond its bustling harbour and excellent facilities, the island rewards exploration with white-sand beaches, inviting waters and beautiful tropical scenery. Head inland to Sage Mountain National Park for panoramic views and lush walking trails, spend the afternoon snorkelling along the coast, or discover Tortola's relaxed restaurants and bars for a taste of local island life.

Cruise northwest from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke, a small island renowned for its easy-going atmosphere and spectacular natural surroundings. Lush hills give way to powder-soft beaches and brilliant turquoise waters, while peaceful bays provide idyllic anchorages for visiting yachts. Spend the day swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing on the beach before enjoying the island's famously laid-back hospitality ashore.

Leave the volcanic landscapes of the other British Virgin Islands behind as you cruise towards Anegada, a low-lying island formed from coral and limestone. Surrounded by an extensive horseshoe-shaped reef, Anegada is known for long white-sand beaches, clear shallow waters and a wonderfully unhurried atmosphere. Explore the coastline, stop at a casual beach restaurant or spend the afternoon snorkelling in the surrounding turquoise sea.

Inland, Anegada's salt ponds provide an important habitat for the island's growing flamingo population, while its distinctive ecosystem supports native wildlife including turtles and the endangered Anegada rock iguana. With its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity, the island offers a very different perspective on the British Virgin Islands.

Cruise south towards Virgin Gorda, the third-largest of the British Virgin Islands and a destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes and secluded coastline. The island's distinctive name, meaning "Fat Virgin", is traditionally attributed to Christopher Columbus, who is said to have thought its silhouette resembled a reclining woman.

Virgin Gorda combines beautiful beaches, sheltered anchorages and peaceful coves with some of the BVI's most memorable natural attractions. A visit to The Baths is essential: enormous granite boulders line the shoreline, creating a maze of natural pools, hidden passages and sea-filled grottoes waiting to be explored.

Continue through the waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel towards Norman Island, a destination steeped in tales of pirates and hidden treasure and often associated with the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Its sheltered bays, rugged coastline and clear waters make it a particularly rewarding stop when explored by yacht.

Anchor in The Bight and spend the day snorkelling or diving in the surrounding waters before heading ashore to discover the island's hiking trails. Later, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the waterfront at Pirates Bight, where Caribbean dining and views across the anchorage provide a fitting end to the day.

A short cruise brings you to Peter Island, one of the largest private islands in the British Virgin Islands and a peaceful retreat surrounded by clear Caribbean waters. Its largely undeveloped landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for exploring nature trails and enjoying the island's flora and fauna, while picturesque Deadman's Bay invites long afternoons beside the sea. Back on the water, snorkelling and diving offer opportunities to discover colourful marine life and spot sea turtles in the waters surrounding the island.

Return to Tortola for another opportunity to experience the island beyond its renowned yachting facilities. Explore the green interior and elevated trails of Sage Mountain National Park, seek out a quiet stretch of coastline for swimming and snorkelling, or spend the afternoon discovering local restaurants, shops and the relaxed atmosphere ashore. With sheltered bays and beautiful beaches around the island, Tortola provides an ideal setting for the final full day of your British Virgin Islands yacht charter.

Conclude your journey in Tortola with a leisurely final morning on board. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the harbour, take a last swim in the warm Caribbean waters or head ashore for a final taste of island life before disembarkation. From its established yachting infrastructure to its beaches, tropical landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, Tortola provides a natural beginning and end to eight days exploring the British Virgin Islands by yacht.