Explore the captivating British Virgin Islands (BVI) with an unforgettable sailing journey that begins in Road Town. Nestled on the island of Tortola, Road Town serves as an ideal starting point for your adventure.
Day 1Road Town
Most boat charters in the BVI typically commence between 1 pm and 5 pm. It's advisable to procure groceries, conduct a thorough inspection of the vessel, and prepare for departure the following morning.
Day 2Peter Island
8 nm2 hours
A brief sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel lies Pelican Island, renowned alongside its neighbor, Peter Island, for exceptional snorkeling, diving, and aquatic activities. With an abundance of marine life and picturesque coves, both islands offer idyllic settings for relaxation.
Stay overnight at moorings.
Day 3Cooper Island
6 nm2 hours
Noteworthy for its sea turtle habitats, Salt Island beckons experienced sailors with its scenic bays. Cooper Island promises a leisurely escape, boasting the renowned Cooper Island Beach Club and a breathtaking sunset view over the islands.
Stay overnight at moorings.
Day 4Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda)
7 nm3 hours
Venture to Virgin Gorda and explore the Baths Marine Park, a geological marvel featuring massive granite boulders cascading into the sea. Delight in snorkeling at Devil’s Bay National Park before making way to Spanish Town for the night.
Stay overnight at moorings or in the marina.
Day 5Gorda Sound
9 nm3 hours
Embark towards Gorda Sound, passing the majestic Savannah Bay of Virgin Gorda. This sheltered haven offers ample opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports, with options to moor near The Bitter End Yacht Club or anchor for a serene evening.
Stay overnight at moorings.
Day 6Anegada
15 nm5 hours
Begin the day with an early passage to the coral island of Anegada, renowned for its flamingos, salt ponds, and pristine beaches. Indulge in local delicacies like lobster and rum smoothies before anchoring for the night.
Stay overnight at moorings.
Day 7Scrub Island
20 nm6 hours
En route to Scrub Island, pause at the Dogs Islands for a refreshing swim or sunbathing session. Conclude the day at Scrub Island, where you can either relish the amenities of Scrub Island Resort and Spa or dine beneath the starlit sky.
Stay overnight at moorings.
Day 8Cave Garden Bay
10 nm3 hours
Anchored at one of the region's preferred spots, Cave Garden Cay boasts the BVI's finest beach and a local rum distillery offering tantalizing samples.
Stay overnight at anchor.
Day 9Norman Island
12 nm4 hours
A picturesque anchorage reminiscent of Treasure Island, Norman Island offers numerous dining options and a well-protected mooring field.
Stay overnight at moorings.
Day 10Road Town
6 nm2 hours
Return to the base in Road Town.
Optional Stops Along the Route
Road Town Bay north
Anchorage
Sailors consistently highlight that this Road Town anchorage is especially practical for logistics—including customs, provisioning, and access to shops and services. Although the setting is not the most scenic, with cruise ships and commercial docks reducing the ambiance, the site’s functionality is valued by sailors. Shore access is easy via several marinas, and key amenities are conveniently nearby.
This anchorage provides easy access to town and customs, with ample provisioning opportunities and attractions such as historical houses. Marina staff are friendly. The environment is mostly quiet apart from occasional ferry/shuttle passages and, at times, visits from cruise ships; weekends can see more maritime traffic.
Feedback on this marina is mixed. Sailors value its central location, easy access to shops, the ferry, and essential services, especially for customs or provisioning. Despite its shortcomings, the marina can still be practical for a short stop.
Sailors often highlight the proximity of essential services—including supermarkets, shops, a sailmaker, and a gas station. However, water quality is often criticized, with reports of unpleasant odors and oil slicks. The environment itself is not particularly scenic, but the anchorage stands out for its practicality and easy access to amenities.
Sailors generally describe the anchorage as welcoming and practical, particularly valued for its convenience regarding provisioning and formalities. The environment is pleasant, though at times a bit choppy. The infrastructure is sufficient for a comfortable stay, though there are minor organizational issues (buoy payment, lack of dedicated dinghy dock).
Sailors generally speak positively about Nanny Cay Marina, describing it as welcoming, well organized, and well equipped, with amenities such as a pool, restaurants, and shops. The professional, helpful staff and practical location make it a comfortable base for longer stays.
This secluded anchorage receives considerable valued for its pristine natural setting and peaceful atmosphere. The clear water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and viewing marine wildlife. Access to shore is possible via a small pontoon or through the beach.
This anchorage is one of the most beautiful and peaceful in the Caribbean, with unspoiled nature, crystal-clear water, turtles, rays, and colorful fish. It feels secure and comfortable while still offering a natural setting.
This anchorage is wild, quiet, and pleasant, valued for its natural, unspoiled environment and tranquil atmosphere. The water is crystal clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The bay offers remoteness from busy places, with little sandy beach but plenty of opportunity for water activities like snorkeling and diving.
Sailors describe this anchorage as pleasant, featuring a new bar and restaurant, a pool, and a beach. The atmosphere is known as beautiful, clean, and welcoming. Ocean 7 restaurant stands out for its service and food quality and is open from Thursday to Monday.
Sailors describe the anchorage as a peaceful and pleasant bay with clear water, beautiful scenery, great sunsets, and abundant birdsong. The natural surroundings and quietness are well valued, even if a few find the place a bit 'sterile' or lacking interest beyond anchoring. Access to shore is available via dinghy with some facilities nearby, and there are a few restaurants or resorts in the area.
Sailors describe this anchorage as a beautiful, natural spot valued for its tranquility and unspoiled setting. While the site lacks facilities and does not offer many onshore activities, it offers peaceful atmosphere, stunning surrounding cliffs, and excellent snorkeling opportunities with abundant marine life. Sailors appreciate the pleasant anchorage and the chance to observe wildlife.
Sailors generally appreciate the anchorage for its pristine natural setting, tranquility, and crystal-clear water. It is spacious, peaceful, and offering close contact with nature. Turtle sightings, sandy beaches, and beautiful scenery are noted.
Sailors generally view this anchorage positively, describing it as beautiful, serene, and peaceful, especially for technical stopovers and overnight stays. The colors at dusk are a recurring highlight. Ongoing hotel construction is noted but does not significantly reduce the bay’s appeal.
Sailors view this bay as a charming and tranquil spot, well suited for a peaceful stopover. The water is clear and the surrounding nature encourages relaxation, with opportunities for pleasant hikes nearby. The bay’s serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it a valued destination for its anchoring quality and environment.
The bay is valued as a very attractive destination, featuring a beautiful beach and excellent onshore facilities, including a beach club, bars, coffee shop, and restaurants known for their food and service quality. Several sailors appreciate easy access to wreck diving at Salt Island and a variety of activities such as snorkeling at Cistern Point and popular happy hours. The beach club and bars are commended for their atmosphere and menu, though several note prices are on the higher side.
Sailors often describe this anchorage as superb, offering a preserved natural environment and crystal-clear water ideal for diving and snorkeling. Sailors also note its excellent underwater scenery, with abundant fish and corals, and a generally peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle typical of busier anchorages. Access ashore is not mentioned as an issue, and it is favored for short, tranquil stays.
Sailors often note its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. Descriptions note calm nights, excellent panoramic views, and abundant wildlife. Sailors particularly appreciate the wild character, pristine beach, and opportunities to hike around the island for beautiful vistas.
This anchorage is valued for striking natural setting and the popularity of snorkeling over the RMS Rhone wreck and vibrant reefs. Access is noted as very easy, and the area remains peaceful and away from crowds. However, several Sailors note the wreck has become much more broken up and is therefore less interesting for diving than in the past.
The majority of Sailors describe this anchorage as pleasant and well equipped, offering several choices for dining and relaxation. The restaurants and beach at Marina Cay are often cited, contributing to a warm atmosphere. However, some lament recent changes in bar and restaurant management, citing reduced authenticity or lower service quality compared to the past.
This anchorage offers generally known as peaceful and wild, with calm and clear water under proper wind conditions. The surroundings are beautiful, particularly near the beach, and abundant wildlife can often be observed on shore. However, some Sailors mention an unpleasant odor from a nearby stagnant pond, which can detract from the experience.
Sailors appreciate this anchorage for its clean water, peaceful surroundings, and relaxed atmosphere, especially after activities or arrival from nearby Spanish Harbour. The bay works well as a quiet, simple stop.
Sailors speak positively about this anchorage. Sailors appreciate the site's beauty, the well-preserved natural setting, and excellent snorkeling opportunities, with plenty of marine life around the bay. The accessibility of the sandy area for anchoring is appreciated by most sailors.
This anchorage is known for its striking beauty, white sand, and clear water, making it attractive for swimming and snorkeling. Sailors highlight the peaceful, scenic atmosphere and beach setting. Some mention daytime activity, but the natural environment remains the main appeal.
Sailors appreciate its picturesque location, easy access to the beach, a lively atmosphere with numerous bars and restaurants, and recreational opportunities like paddle boarding and surfing. However, some find it overly commercial or tourist-oriented and not suited to those seeking a quiet or remote environment. The anchorage offers amenities and vibrant setting, rather than isolation or tranquility.
This anchorage is a beautiful and dreamy spot, a deserted island that embodies the charm of the area, and a must-visit location with a stunning white beach and turquoise waters. The natural setting is well valued. However, some Sailors feel the site is overrated, advising that it is best for a lunch stop or a brief walk rather than a prolonged stay.
The bay offers picturesque bay, crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and stunning scenery, offering Sailors a memorable experience. Several hiking trails provide impressive views, enhancing the stay. Multiple restaurants and bars, notably Willy T’s and Pirate’s Bight, receive good impressions from sailors for food quality, service, and friendly atmosphere.
The anchorage is valued for consistently beautiful, calm, and peaceful, featuring crystal-clear water with natural attractions like caves, pebble beaches, and excellent snorkeling. Sailors highlight vibrant marine life, including turtles, rays, barracuda, nurse sharks, and many fish. It is valued for being more relaxed compared to busier nearby bays, and swimming or snorkeling around the caves and along the coast is considered a highlight.
This anchorage is known for outstanding snorkeling, with abundant marine life including fish, turtles, and coral. The rocks, arches, and caves make the setting especially impressive and rewarding to explore.
Share your thoughts & ideas about sailing from Road Town
We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! Share with fellow sailors recommended marinas or coordinates of anchorages to stay for the night or even your favorite restaurant, winery or oyster farm.
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Grigory
United States
“Provisioning in the BVI”
Provisioning in the BVI can be ordered online via www.bobbyssupermarket.com