US Virgin Islands: itinerary through paradise
Discover the US Virgin Islands by private yacht. Explore St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and luxury at every stop.
A British Virgin Islands yacht charter is the epitome of Caribbean sailing.
With steady trade winds, line-of-sight navigation, and dozens of postcard-perfect islands, the BVI offers effortless cruising in one of the world’s most celebrated yachting grounds. From the famous Baths at Virgin Gorda to the quiet anchorages of Anegada, each stop promises turquoise waters, sun-drenched beaches, and laid-back charm. Follow our sample itinerary and discover the rhythm of the BVI by sea.
Tortola is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands, and is one of the best known yacht spots in the Caribbean. The busy harbor is the charter yacht capital of the Caribbean and with good reason – along with some interesting ruins and the fabulous National Park at the top of Mount Sage, Tortola offers spectacular powdery white, sandy beaches offering wonderful snorkeling opportunities with fantastic restaurants & bars.
The third largest island of the BVI, Virgin Gorda is located about 12 miles from Tortola. The name Virgin Gorda is said to have been given by Christopher Columbus, who thought the shape of the island resembled a shapely woman lying on her side, giving rise to the name "Fat Virgin".
This is the quintessential Caribbean destination, with natural beauty, national parks, unspoiled beaches, safe anchorages & quiet coves to explore. One of the island's best sites is The Baths, an unusual geological formation of huge granite boulders lying on the beach, which form scenic grottos and pools.
Splash in the sea, soak up the flaming sunsets, and snorkel your way through shimmering coral gardens as you fall into island time on Cooper Island. This 480-acre island is home to a private resort and marina perched on Manchioneel Bay. It’s a naturally located stop en route to The Baths. There's a beach for sprawling, a coast for kayaking, and even a rum bar.
The eco resort that occupies Cooper Island is barefoot bliss, and just opposite you can find Wreck Alley, a popular diving site.
Peter Island lies 4km from Tortola, and is a key stop on Caribbean luxury charters. It is the largest private island in the BVI. It is largely underdeveloped, featuring only one hotel, and nature trails and walks are abundant, with wonderful fauna & flora. Deadman's Bay beach is idyllic, diving and snorkeling here is sublime and you can spot various species of turtle around the island.
Norman Island is on the edge of the Frances Drake Channel, lying close to Tortola and Peter Island. Legend has it that treasure is buried here and it is rumored to be the island behind Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'.
Bight is one of the most scenic harbours, offering over 100 moorings, and with spots to dive and snorkel, or set off on some fantastic hiking trails. No stop here is complete without a visit to Pirates Bight, an oceanfront pavilion-style beach club & restaurant.
Pastel shades against brilliant hues of blue, Soper’s Hole will keep you enchanted long after you leave. If you are seeking the most beautiful anchorages in the BVI, Soper’s Hole tops the list. This dreamy anchorage can be found on the western side of Tortola, close to Frenchman’s Cay.
There’s a lively laid back vibe to this marina, with buildings painted and adorned with charming shutters and ornate balconies. A glut of gorgeous laidback eateries, cafes, boutiques, and bustle can be found around the charming harbor, along with world-famous spots for sipping punchy frozen cocktails.
Nearby, there’s every opportunity to snorkel and dive in the blissful blue seas or to explore nearby coves and beaches strung like pearls.
Fourteen acres of tropical sand and sea make up the aptly named island of Sandy Cay. This island is impressive for all the usual reasons - bright seas, soft sand, and a velvet green blanket covering the land. Yet, Sandy Cay also takes it a step further. Impressive native species and wetlands that are rich with local birdlife make for a fascinating landscape.
The eastern side of Sandy Cay is volcanic, while the West is home to a coral atoll. These juxtaposing geological setups create an island with so much to see. Home to scores of fascinating tree varieties and over 90 different varieties of flora, the island is free from mammals but you will see plenty of crabs, lizards, and shoals of fish murmuring through the clear waters.
Named after an early Dutch settler, Jost Van Dyke is a small picturesque island northwest of Tortola. At 4 miles long, the island is home to only a few hundred permanent residents and is known for its idyllic yacht anchorages.
Its lush green forests, powdery beaches, and turquoise waters soothe any soul.
Gorgeous Guana Island may be small but it's an epic ecological reserve brimming with endemic wildlife, gauzy blue waters, and near perfect beaches. Considered to be the most private and exclusive of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is close by and The Baths of the Virgin Gorda easily accessible too. The landscape that coats Guana is as lush as can be - all tropical green foliage and flamingos. There’s incredible hiking for those wanting to explore the cool interiors and several palm-thronged beaches to choose from.
Along with flamingos you can make friends with local donkeys, sunbathe alongside tortoises and watch giant iguanas move slowly into the shade of the trees. Free from any kind of commercialism, Guana Island is as close to untouched Caribbean as you can get.
Returning to Virgin Gorda, this time to the North Sound. Spend time at leisure and savor the laid-back pace of life before disembarkation and onward travel.