British Virgin Islands Travel Information & Planning Guide

Airport
Tortola’s airport is situated at Beef Island, at the eastern end of Tortola. Airport Code: EIS. Beef Island Airport to Wickhams Cay II Marina: – Taxi ride: 30 mins

Flights
For storage aboard, we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. You must not include in Checked Baggage: money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports, and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed and submitted. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.

Ferry

Find latest schedules: https://www.bviports.org/ferry

Sunsail can assist with arranging your transfers on Tortola which should be booked and paid in advance. Please send your travel details to our Pre-Travel team to assist you with this. If you have a pre-booked transfer, the local driver, from our dedicated transfer provider, Wheatley’s, will be advised of your name and arrival time and carry a Sunsail sign to identify themselves to you at the pick-up location. 

The cost of the ride is per person: 
From Tortola Airport (EIS) to the Base (or return) – 30min:  

• Shared: $16 pp  
• Private: 1-2 pax $50pp; $25 per additional passenger  
• VIP: 1-2 pax $100pp; $50 per additional passenger   

Ferry Terminal to the Base (or return):

• Road Town – Shared: $8pp  
• Road Town – Private: 1-2 pax $19pp; $10 per additional passenger  
• West End – Shared: $16pp  
• West End – Private: $25pp   

Take this opportunity to pre-book your premium transportation from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Beef Island) to Sunsail on Tortola, for a stress-free travel experience. You will benefit from:

• Air-conditioned mini buses, from Beef Island direct to Sunsail Reception area
• Reliable on-time service
• No delays waiting for taxis to arrive, or fill up with random travellers.

St. Thomas Transfers

• If you are landing into St Thomas in the morning or before 4 pm (approx.) you should be able to take the ferry to Tortola.
• If you are arriving later than 4:30 pm or wish to spend a night at St Thomas, we recommend staying at the Emerald Beach Resort. This hotel is within the downtown area of Charlotte Amalie, where you can walk to various restaurants and duty-free shops. If you are flying in the day before your 6 pm charter start, we would highly recommend that you enjoy a day in St Thomas prior to arriving at the Sunsail base.
• If you travel via St. Thomas, enjoy the benefits of the BVI Tourism Board Meet and Greet service. Staffed with a professional team of tourism ambassadors, the USVI Greeter Program is structured to accommodate guests who seek connections to taxis, ferries, seaplane, luggage inquiries, and more. The service is accessible from kiosks stationed in the Cyril E. King Airport and the Edward Blyden Marine Terminal in Charlotte Amalie. The program is in place throughout the week, serving guests from the United States, South America, Canada, Europe, and the wider Caribbean.
• We are unfortunately no longer able to offer a taxi service unless it has been pre-booked with the sales office prior to arrival. If you choose not to pre-book a taxi and have no other transportation arranged, then you will need to take the first government taxi available at the posted government rates.
• For more information including tariffs, please visit http://www.bvitourism.com/taxi-services.

Please Note: The St. Thomas ferry connection is currently operating with two ferries a day with limited capacity. Until further notice reservations can only be made directly with the ferry companies. Learn more about current BVI ferry options.

All boats are prepared, as per the booking, for a 6 pm boarding time. The first evening is a sleep aboard where you will have the time to unpack provisions and settle into your boat.

The following morning you will receive an on-board boat briefing that is mandatory and takes approx 1 hour. You are also required to attend a chart briefing.

If you have provided arrival details later than 5 pm, the night manager will be on the base to meet you. If we do not receive arrival details, (and there are no confirmed times for arrival) a message will be left on the front door indicating the location of your boat on the dock.

Please Disembark by 11 am

Before disembarkation please complete your debrief form which is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip; this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms, we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and refrigerator of food and throw away, return any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

At the airport, you will need to pay the $20 departure tax, $5 for under 6 years old, which can be paid in cash or by credit card.

• The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel – Ocean View & Marina View Rooms
• Amara Spa
• Shower facilities
• Restaurants & Bar
• Swimming Pool
• Nearby local supermarkets
• Selection of shops
• Water sport rental
• Sail Caribbean Divers – dive equipment rental

For more detail about facilities available at the marina, please visit:

Yacht Briefing:

• Upon boarding, you will be shown the basic operations of the yacht – lights, aircon, and head usage.
• A full boat briefing will be conducted as soon as a boat briefer is available.
• Please note, if you are arriving after 6pm, you may receive this briefing the following morning.

Chart Briefing:

• A mandatory face to face chart briefing will be provided in the chart briefing room at: 9.30am / 12pm / or 4pm daily.
• For all guests arriving later than 4pm, who miss the final briefing, please attend the 9.30am session the following morning.

In addition, please also watch the online chart briefing prior to arrival.

We would highly recommend that all clients’ pre-pay fuel due to the high volume of boats returning to the marina and requiring fuelling on any given day.

Experience Level

Level 1

• At least 5 days or 100 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
• Level 1 destinations offer the easiest, most forgiving sailing, ideal for novices and less experienced sailors. Lazy line mooring, line-of-sight navigation and calm conditions mean you won’t sail outside your comfort zone.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. This rating scale is designed as a guide based on the prevailing conditions during the most popular season. View here for more information.

Sailing Requirements

To sail in the BVI a formal sailing license is not mandatory, but you will need to complete our online sailing resume and achieve a Level 1 rating to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Sunsail skipper to travel with you – at your own expense.

The skipper’s time is booked from 12 pm to 12 pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6 pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12 pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight, and must have his own cabin. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the checkout skipper’s time is booked from 6 pm to 6 pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you on how to contact the base, the return to base procedures, and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills, and navigation in general. For one-day check out skippers, it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Download Sunsail’s BVI Cruising Guide here.

Gratuity and industry expectations
A gratuity is expected and is typically given to the skipper at the end of the charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion.

BVI: All the British Virgin Islands, including Anegada and the US Virgin Islands (Chase boat coverage and a 4-hour guarantee are not offered if you visit Anegada and USVI).

For Bareboat Charter with Sunsail Crew NO sailing in the US Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands.

Not all Sunsail yachts or sailboats are permitted to sail into the USVI. If you wish to sail into the USVI you must be a US citizen, resident, or have a US Visa which has to be obtained before arrival in the Caribbean. You must also submit a request ahead of time if you wish to sail to the USVI since it is outside our 4-hour guarantee area.

Rest of Caribbean: No further than 20 miles out from Puerto Rico to Grenada, excluding Saba, Montserrat, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago.

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.

A valid passport & crew list is compulsory for clearance.

• Checking out of BVI by boat: paid to Customs Office, $20 per person
• Checking into the BVI by boat: paid to Customs Office, $7.30 approximately
• Environmental Levy: paid upon arrival, $10 per person
• Departure tax and security: paid at the airport, up to $20 per person
• Departure tax: paid on the ferry, $20 per person
• Cruising permit: paid on the invoice, $6 per person per day
• Chartering from another country into the BVI’s, Customs will charge cruising tax on entry into the BVI set as $6 – $16 per person per day, depending on the yacht’s home port.
• National Parks Day Time Mooring Permit: paid on invoice $25 – $55 per boat, per week.
• Nighttime moorings: $30 per night (Although this can vary, with prices up to USD 65 per night at places like Peter Island).
• Virgin Island Search and Rescue (VISR): $2 per person.

Moorings Fees + Taxes
Most overnight stops in the BVI will be at mooring buoys/anchors as opposed to alongside quays. Fees are currently approx $30 – $40.

If you are sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip please have a member of your party contact the Sunsail base manager as soon as possible.

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents, and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets, and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

Children:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be Aware of your Surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look Out for Others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party, and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do Not Overestimate your Ability

• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open-water swimming can be very different.
• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming techniques.

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat onboarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are traveling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

Online Provisioning

Order your provisioning in advance and enjoy more time on the water. Online orders must be placed 5 days prior to your departure date. If within 5 days of your charter, there are local supermarkets located near the base as well as throughout the islands.

Late Evening Arrivals

If you are scheduled to arrive at the base late in the evening, we strongly recommend placing a provisioning order in advance. Restaurants and food service outlets may be closed by the time you arrive, and provisioning ahead of time ensures that refreshments and meal essentials are available onboard when you board your yacht.

As well as the three restaurants on the base, there are numerous restaurants a short taxi ride away from the base. Most restaurants within the BVI close at 10 pm

• The Moorings Yacht Club: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (at the base)
• Charlie’s: lunch and dinner (at the base) 
• Ginny’s: coffee and sandwiches (at the base) 
• Pussers Road Town – 5-minute taxi

For more information on restaurants in Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost van Dyke, and other islands please speak to our base team who will be happy to provide information and recommendations.

Restaurants closed during September – Low Season

If you decide to travel in low season there is likely to be a limited choice of restaurants to eat ashore and you should provision accordingly. This would be a perfect time of year to enjoy a BBQ off the back of your boat.

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants/bars and for other services undertaken during your vacation. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this to the bill.

Allamanda Gallery

The Allamanda Gallery showcases the photographic artwork of Amanda Baker, who has been capturing the British Virgin Islands  (in all its hues) since her arrival as a delivery crew on a Moorings 432 in 1988. After ten years of ownership, operating a private charter boat based in Tortola, she launched Virgin Portraits Photography and opened the first “Allamanda Gallery” in 2007 in Road Town. In July 2021, she opened Allamanda Gallery #5 located opposite Charlie’s at Sunsail base, offering an array of prints, books & souvenirs, as well as customizable metal prints, canvases, and beautiful scenic photographs all available to ship worldwide. Unique teak framing and creative displays are her forte’.

Supermarkets

There is a deli and provisioning facility available at the base. Supermarkets are located in Road Town. Supermarkets are generally open daily and the hours of operation vary based on the day of the week as well as low or high season.

The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel 

Located at the Sunsail base, The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel invites you to stay a few days on land. All rooms are fully equipped with air-conditioning, basic cable TV, refrigerator and local phone service. To book your stay at The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel, or for more information regarding pricing and availability, please speak with a Sunsail Vacation Planner or request a room online.

Around our Moorings base in Tortola, you’ll find a selection of fantastic accommodation options, including:

• The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel (Tortola)
• Nanny Cay Resort and Marina (Tortola)
• Leverick Bay Resort (Virgin Gorda) 
• Maria’s By The Sea
• Treasure Isle Hotel
• Nanny Cay Hotel

Located on Main Street, Road Town; Tel: 284 494 3701.  Mon. – Fri: 8:30am/4:30pm, Sat.: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Note: A postbox is available at The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel front desk.

Yoga by Yoganimity
Suitable for all levels, this flowing Hatha yoga class will teach you the fundamentals and foundations of yoga asanas (poses), to develop strength and flexibility in both body and mind. Creative sequencing and synchronizing breath work will have a calming effect on your nervous system leaving you feeling energized and centered.  Private classes are available on request. Classes take place on the deck in the garden by the pool. Mats provided – $15 per class. Schedule is available at the front desk.

Diving
Sail Caribbean Divers is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, offering rendezvous diving at various points throughout the BVI, for Certified and Non-Certified Divers.

If you are interested in an unforgettable diving experience, please visit Daily Dive Trips – Sail Caribbean Divers to see prices and instructions on how to book. If you have any queries regarding the diving packages on offer, please email info@sailcaribbeandivers.com.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from Sunsail are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. Sunsail does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk and Sunsail shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by Sunsail.

Snorkeling
We are unable to provide masks and snorkels to our customers, fins are available if you wish to use them. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Fishing
If you plan to fish in the BVI, you will need to obtain your recreational fishing license directly from Sail Caribbean. For instructions on how to apply for a fishing permit, please visit Sail Caribbean Divers.

Please take note of the following:

• Once granted the fishing permit, it is only valid for one month.
• Taking lobster and spearfishing (any method) are prohibited.
• It is illegal to have billed fish in one’s possession or to have more than 30 lbs by weight in one’s possession per boat.
• Please note: certain fishing activities are subject to Captain approval and prevailing conditions, particularly on Crewed charters. 

Watersports for rent
We offer 1-man kayaks, 2-man kayaks, beginner SUPs, intermediate SUPs, and floats for rent.

Find out more information about what’s included on your yacht.

Historical Weather (Averages by Month)

At Sunsail, we’re committed to protecting the oceans we love through Our OCEAN Promise – a sustainability initiative focused on reducing our impact and supporting coastal communities. Across all our destinations, we take steps to tread lightly: from minimizing waste and emissions to promoting responsible travel practices.

You can help too. Before you set sail, consider packing a reusable water bottle, choosing to support local businesses, and raising the sails whenever possible to reduce engine use. Together, we can make every voyage a little kinder to the planet.