10 Day Tortola Sail Yacht Charter Itinerary

Cooper Island

An idyllic first stop on your 10 day BVI sailing yacht charter, Cooper Island is located a short 6 nautical miles from The Moorings base at Road Town. This beautiful island has a protected anchorage at Manchioneel Bay, renowned for its turquoise waters, tranquil atmosphere and exceptional natural beauty. The beach and calm waters make Manchioneel Bay well-suited for water sports, and nearby Cistern Point offers excellent snorkeling and turtle watching.

Anchoring in Manchioneel Bay, the main harbor of Cooper Island, is not recommended due to poor holding ground. However, numerous moorings are available for a fee, making it a convenient option for sailors. It is advisable to arrive early as these mooring balls are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For added convenience, you can pre-book mooring balls starting at 7 a.m. each morning. Dinghy dockage is provided on the jetties flanking the Cooper Island Beach Club.

Mooring

Anchoring in Manchioneel Bay, the main harbor of Cooper Island, is not recommended due to poor holding ground. However, numerous moorings are available for a fee, making it a convenient option for sailors. It is advisable to arrive early as these mooring balls are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For added convenience, you can pre-book mooring balls starting at 7 a.m. each morning. Dinghy dockage is provided on the jetties flanking the Cooper Island Beach Club.

Things to do

• If you’re a keen snorkeler, you’ll love exploring the underwater treasures of Cistern Point, where you’ll also come face to face with majestic sea turtles.
• If scuba diving is more your thing, join an excursion with Sail Caribbean Divers, who offer dives suitable for all skill levels, including trips to the historic HMS Rhone wreck.
• Enjoy a meal at the island’s main attraction, Cooper Island Beach Club, featuring a restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, and boutique.

Spotlight On…

Cooper Island Beach Club

A must-stop attraction for anyone exploring the BVI on a sailing yacht charter is Cooper Island Beach Club, a small resort with a restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, boutique, and lovely outdoor lounge area. The beach bar and lounge face west, making this the perfect place for enjoying a cocktail while watching a stunning Caribbean sunset.

The dinner menu includes options like Conch Fritters, Seared Beef Fillet Tataki, Cauliflower Steak, Tomato Glazed Fish of the Day, and Caribbean Spiny Lobster.

Facilities

The facilities at Cooper Island are excellent, whether you need to stock up on charter essentials or want to browse for gifts to take home with you.

Facilities include: Water, ice, WiFi, restaurants, bars, coffee shop, boutique, gift shop, on-site dive shop, electricity and laundry services.

Virgin Gorda

On day two of your BVI sailing charter, venture toward the island of Virgin Gorda, home of the world-famous Baths. This natural wonder is an unusual formation of granite boulders, where the sea washes in between the huge rocks, and large pools have been created where shafts of light play on the water. The Baths are as pristine as ever, including the famous pathway leading through the giant boulders to Devil’s Bay.

As you start day three, sail the length of majestic Virgin Gorda, passing broad Savannah Bay, before rounding the headland and entering Gorda Sound. A shallow, sheltered sound surrounded by reefs and islands, Gorda Sound is great for swimming and snorkelling as well as water sports such as paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

The Day’s Sailing

Day 2

• 1 Hr Sailing time
• 6 Nautical miles

Day 3

• 1.5 Hrs Sailing time
• 8 Nautical miles

Mooring

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor offers slips for secure docking, which are recommended for safety. If you prefer, there are also moorings available just outside the marina at Spanish Town. To ensure availability, it is best to call ahead and reserve a slip. Dinghy dockage is available for visitors staying on moorings outside the harbor, making access to nearby facilities straightforward.

Things to do

• Explore the famous rock formations, tunnels, pools, and caves at The Baths, then savor a meal with panoramic views at the Top of the Baths restaurant where you can enjoy a mix of Caribbean and international dishes.
• If you want to stay active during your yacht charter, hike up to Gorda Peak and take in the breathtaking views on the BVI.
• Watch the sunset while enjoying Caribbean delicacies such as freshly grilled snapper and jerk chicken at Snapper’s Bar & Grill. 
• For a fusion of flavours, head to CocoMaya, a 10 minute walk from Spanish Town. They combine Asian and Latin influences with Caribbean flair, featuring dishes like sushi rolls, miso-marinated black cod, and Thai green curry.
• You can also visit the Bitter End Yacht Club, and check in at the Quarterdeck building, where you can grab a refreshing Painkiller cocktail before heading upstairs. 

Spotlight On…

Find quiet in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda when you round Mosquito Island and chance upon this hushed retreat. The area is home to a number of peaceful beaches and snorkeling spots. 

It is also ideal for couples, according to Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager: “Virgin Gorda has lots to explore from the famous natural beauty of The Baths to the many spots littered in the North Sound. There’s so much to choose from for couples depending on the vibe for the day. Saba Rock offers excellent Caribbean cuisine and cocktails, and nearby, Bitter End Yacht Club is an icon in the BVI”.

The Baths

It is essential you include The Baths as a stop on your 14 Day BVI yacht charter. This natural wonder is an unusual formation of granite boulders, where the sea washes in between the huge rocks, and large pools have been created where shafts of light play on the water.

If you’re looking for spectacular natural beauty, there’s no better place than The baths, with one TripAdvisor saying: “The natural beauty of the Baths, with its hidden pools, tunnels, and sunlit grottos, made the entire visit feel like an adventure. It’s a destination that truly lives up to the hype, and I’d recommend it to anyone seeking a mix of relaxation and awe-inspiring scenery”.

Facilities

As one of the largest islands in the BVI, Virgin Gorda is one of the best places to access facilities and stock up on essentials during your yacht charter.

Facilities include: Slips for docking, ice, garbage disposal services, provisioning, WiFi, water, fuel, dining, and shopping.

Anegada

Get underway early and enjoy a scenic cruise to Anegada, a flotilla-favorite that remains just as charming as the last time you visited. Sparsely populated and rural, Anegada is 11 miles long, low, and flat, quite unlike any of the other islands in the BVI.

The balmy trade winds gently sweep across its sandy shores, swaying the palms and rustling through the boughs of the pines. With its pristine beaches, flamingo-filled salt ponds, and world-famous lobster, every corner of this island promises a new discovery.

The Day’s Sailing

• 5 Hr Sailing time
• 23 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.

Mooring

Mooring options at Anegada include those in the inner harbor, which are available for a fee. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are offered, providing flexibility for visitors. Anchoring is also possible in both the inner and outer harbors, where the holding ground is reported to be good. Dinghy dockage is available, making it easy to access the shore for activities and dining.

Things to do

• Explore Anegada like a local by renting a car, bike, or scooter. Walk by salt ponds on the west side of the island and find yourself among pink Caribbean flamingos that have made this piece of the Caribbean their home for more than a decade.
• Experience spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving at Loblolly Bay on the north shore, and head to Bones Bight and Cow Wreck beaches, two world-class beaches, perfect for catching some rays. 
• When you’re ready for a meal, there’s something for everyone. Wholesome, family-run Cow Wreck Beach Bar has some of the best conch fritters in the Caribbean. One of the best places to try the famous Anegada lobster is at Anegada Reef Hotel (book in advance as this local delicacy is in-demand). For a lively, vibrant dining experience, head to Potter’s by the Sea or to Wonky Dog.

Spotlight On…

Loblolly Beach

According to Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager, Loblolly Beach is one of the BVI’s best hidden gems that needs to be seen to be believed: “Anegada is surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, among the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean.  Bring your snorkel gear along and head for Loblolly Beach. The coral heads are so close to the shoreline, you simply walk into the water, and immediately the show begins. You can snorkel for a few minutes or all day, never tiring of the marine life and clear turquoise waters. When you’ve worked up an appetite, walk over to Big Bamboo restaurant for some beach side refreshment.”

Facilities

As one of the main four islands in the BVI, Anegada’s facilities are exceptional, ensuring you can spend more time having fun with the rest of your flotilla than worrying about where to stock up on essentials. Facilities include:

Ice, basic provisions, internet access, Fun in the Sun market, dining, car, bike and scooter rentals, and taxi services.

Trellis Bay

Quaint Trellis Bay welcomes you with a distinctly local vibe complete with Aragorn’s Studio artisan market. If you are visiting the BVI during a full moon, the Trellis Bay Full Moon parties are a special highlight featuring fire balls on the water and live entertainment.

Across the channel from Trellis Bay, Marina Cay is the ultimate Caribbean hideaway, offering spectacular views, moorings and an outdoor patio lunch. You may also visit Scrub Island Resort for a selection of restaurants and resort amenities.

The Day’s Sailing

• 5 Hr Sailing time
• 23 Nautical miles

Mooring

A number of moorings are available for a fee. Holding ground is good.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available at Trellis Bay.

Things to do

• Spend the day at Monkey Point, Guana Island. The snorkeling is excellent, and nearby beaches make a lovely backdrop for paddle boarding.
• Head to White Bay and pick up a mooring to enjoy the solitude and a spectacular sunset.
• Paddle or kayak through the breathtaking mangrove forests of Beef Island. Their beauty needs to be seen to be believed.

Spotlight On…

White Bay

Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager believes White Bay is one of the best places in the BVI to switch off and unwind: “When you really want to unplug, although the BVI is arguably the most popular sailing destination in the world, it still offers seclusion for those who know where to find it. If you dream of waking up in calm, aquamarine waters off a secluded beach, you can do just that at Guana Island’s White Bay. 

“The beach is private, which eliminates crowds, and the destination is exquisite, quiet, and unbelievably beautiful. In the evening, sunsets splash across the sky contrasting brilliant blue water with bright orange, pink, and lavender hues. Evenings spent here are peaceful and quiet, inviting you to disconnect from distractions and simply soak in the beauty.”

Beef Island

From the gorgeous mangrove forests to the incredible Long Bay Beach, Beef Island offers exceptional natural beauty, sensational landscapes and sandy shores, perfect for your sailing charter.

Whether you want to sunbathe and relax on pristine sands or swim and snorkel in crystalline waters, Long Bay Beach on Beef Island is one of the best beaches in the BVI, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “The beach was out of a postcard, absolutely stunning. We were able to rent chairs & an umbrella. Food, drinks & restrooms are available. You can take a nice walk on the beach too. It wasn’t crowded at all.”

Facilities

The Trellis Bay Market has a range of facilities available to make day 6 of your BVI yacht charter smooth sailing.

Facilities include ice, drinking water, basic provisions, breakfast and BBQ lunch, and garbage disposal facilities.

Cane Garden Bay

Sail around the northern end of Tortola, bound for Cane Garden Bay. Rum enthusiasts may want to arrive earlier for a lunch on the beach and a visit to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Two splendidly secluded stretches of sand will catch your eye as you near Cane Garden Bay. Sandy spit and Sand Cay are tiny islands where you can anchor carefully and swim or dinghy ashore, often with only a few palm trees for company.

The Day’s Sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 10 Nautical miles

Mooring

Cane Garden Bay has a plentiful supply of mooring balls available for a fee, with excellent holding ground that ensures security for anchored vessels. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are options here. A public dinghy dock is provided, offering easy access to the beach, restaurants, and other attractions.

Things to do

Aside from swimming, enjoying windsurfing or kayaking (rentals are available from Pleasure Boat), plan a trip to Callwood Rum Distillery. You’ll need to ask permission before exploring the grounds, but you can also take advantage of the opportunity to purchase some locally produced rum! For more food and drink options, we recommend:

• Quito’s Gazebo: This beachfront restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Caribbean and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy dishes such as grilled seafood, jerk chicken, and vegetarian options. The venue is known for its live reggae music, with performances by Quito Rymer himself on select nights. 
• Paradise Club Lounge Bar & Restaurant: Located on the beach, this establishment is recognized for its traditional Caribbean breakfast, brick-oven pizza, and daily drink specials. The venue also hosts DJs and themed events, including monthly full-moon parties. 
• Myett’s Garden & Grille Restaurant: This restaurant offers a varied menu with options like lobster, shrimp, pasta primavera, and soups. The establishment is praised for its excellent menu and great service.
• Indigo Beach House: Situated in Cane Garden Bay, Indigo Beach House provides a good lunch stop with a menu that includes Mexican, British, Greek, Deli, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Bar, and Pub cuisines.

Facilities

Cane Garden Bay provides excellent facilities for visitors, including ice, high-speed internet, and a variety of provisioning options. The public dinghy dock makes it easy to access the shore. Beachgoers can explore the many restaurants and bars that line the bay, each offering unique menus and atmospheres. Those seeking activities will find opportunities for windsurfing and kayaking, with rentals available nearby.

Cane Garden Bay

The sights and sounds of Cane Garden Bay don’t just invite, they pull you in. Here beaches stretch into the green landscape and island shops make for an ideal stopover. The bay is an easy-access point at the northern side of Tortola and presents some of the area’s best views. Adventure junkies have been known to linger here where prime windsurfing and kayaking conditions abound, and the ocean welcomes many divers.

Great Harbour

Just to the north and west of Tortola, the heights of Jost Van Dyke rise majestically from a turquoise sea. With a population of a little more than 200, the island’s character is distinctly rural. No British Virgin Islands vacation is complete without a visit to Jost Van Dyke, which harbors some of our favorite seaside establishments. Great Harbour is an excellent overnight anchorage and is home to the famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar & Restaurant.

The Day’s Sailing

• 0.5 Hr Sailing time
• 6 Nautical miles

Mooring

Great Harbour offers numerous moorings available for a fee, with good holding ground providing a secure anchorage. Since the harbor can become crowded, especially during peak seasons, sailors should ensure they have sufficient swinging room when anchoring. Both first-come, first-served moorings and BoatyBall reservations are available. Dinghy dockage is conveniently provided for easy access to shore.

Things to do

• It’s all about the food and drink on Jost Van Dyke, because a BVI charter wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Foxy’s, one of the more famous restaurants in the Caribbean. It’s located on the eastern end of the beach and has built a reputation in the last 40 years as a hugely popular party Mecca for world cruisers.
• Start your day off right by enjoying breakfast at Cool Breeze Café (and also take advantage of their complimentary WiFi), and for lunch, try Corsair’s Beach Bar & Restaurant where you can savor the freshly caught seafood.
• Island hop to unspoiled White Bay and unwind on a stunning beach before sipping Painkiller cocktails at Caribbean beachfront bar, Soggy Dollar Bar. We also love Hendo’s Hideout for its beachfront views, Gertrude’s Beach Bar for its laid-back vibe and Seddy’s One Love Bar & Grill for its live music.

Spotlight On…

The Bubbly Pools

For a truly remarkable experience that showcases the best of the BVI’s natural beauty, the Bubbly Pools on Jost Van Dyke is the place to visit, according to Mark Figgins, our BVI Commercial Operations Manager: “Pick up a mooring ball at Diamond Key, and take the dinghy ashore. The path leads past a colorful sign that reads, Jost Van Dyke, a fabulous and little known photo op. 

“From there continue a short way up along a well marked path.  At the top, you find a natural pool where waves crash through the rocks with a jacuzzi like effect. The hike is easy, and the experience is such fun. Not far from the Bubbly Pools is Sandy Spit, a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight.”

Facilities

Great Harbour offers essential facilities, brilliant activities and easy access to delicious restaurants and bars.

Facilities include: Water, fuel, ice at the main dock, WiFi at select locations, dining and entertainment options.

West End

Soper’s Hole at West End offers a marina, mooring balls, and a nice selection of shops, bars, and restaurants. Set in a protected bay with a backdrop of Tortola’s lush mountains, Soper’s Hole is picturesque and a great place to experience local flavor. It’s also in a brilliant location to explore some of the BVI’s top treasures, such as White Bay. 

The Day’s Sailing

• 1 Hr Sailing time
• 6 Nautical miles

Mooring

A number of moorings are available for a fee. Sopers Hole Marina has slips and mooring balls.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

• At Soper’s Hole, discover Pusser’s Landing Restaurant and bar, and Omar’s Fusion offers an eclectic mix of Caribbean and Indian cuisines.
• Sail across to White Bay and spend your afternoon sipping Painkiller cocktails at Soggy Dollar Bar.
• Tortola is home to some of the best beaches in the BVI, from Smuggler’s Cove to Long Bay Beach.

Spotlight On…

Soper’s Hole

A very deep harbor, situated between Frenchman’s Cay to the south and Tortola. This is an ideal place to re-provision or re-fuel your yacht, and there’s also plenty of shopping facilities and restaurants, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “Perfect place to pull in, have breakfast, stock up on provisions and do some shopping. It has been totally rebuilt since the hurricane. Looks fantastic!”

Facilities

Sopers Hole Marina has slips and mooring balls. The grocery store is open and stocked. Captain Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Genaker Cafe are open.

Norman Island

Norman Island, with its popular anchorage “The Bight”, lies on the east side of Flanagan Passage with St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands just across from it to the west. Hilly, scenic, and popular for its superior snorkeling locations, Norman Island is a highly-recommended stop on any 10 day BVI charter.

The Day’s Sailing

• 1.5 Hr Sailing time
• 8 Nautical miles

Things to do

• Enjoy drinks and dining at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant, serving appetizers, salads, entrees and cocktails including Pirate’s “Irma Punch”. 
• Explore underwater treasure as you snorkel at both The Indians and The Caves.
• You can also visit the legendary floating bar and restaurant, Willy T for a delightful lunch and amazing views. Enjoy a laid-back experience during the day, or an upbeat party scene at night.
• Renowned for its mesmerizing canyons and ridges, head to the spectacular diving site Angelfish Reef and experience some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful underwater landscapes.

Spotlight On…

Treasure Point

Travel south to anchor among the sheltered coasts that lead to the famous Treasure Point with its four flooded caves. Don a mask and flippers to follow the trail of your flashlight under the cool water where you can observe abundant marine life in the shallow water. Above, the deep purple and rust-colored orange colors of the overhanging walls arch into darkness and form an intriguing entrance for passing travelers.

If you want to experience child-like wonder and create truly unforgettable memories, the caves are the perfect excursion to add to your 10 day BVI sailing itinerary, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This place makes you feel the excitement of a child. Snorkelling into these caves is so much fun. It is impossible not to imagine finding a treasure chest at the end.”

Facilities

Water, Ice, Restaurants, Bars, WiFi, Provisioning, Showers/Toilets, Electricity, Laundry.