Sail crystal clear waters of British Virgin Islands and visit famous: Virgin Gorda, Pricky Pear Island, Anegada, Beef Island and Jost Van Dyke. Start your sailing vacation from Tortola.
Day 1Road Town
Most of the boat charters in BVI start between 1pm and 5pm. We recommend to all the groceries, thoroughly check the boat and prepare for the next day morning departure.
Day 2Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda)
12 nm3.5 hours
Head to Virgin Gorda and the Baths Marine Park for a snorkel or hike. The Baths are known as geological wonder, comprised of massive granite boulders that appear to tumble into the sea. Enjoy your day exploring Devil’s Bay National Park and then make a short passage to Spanish Town.
Overnight at moorings or in the marina.
Day 3Pricky Pear Island
9 nm3 hours
Relaxed morning and then you may set up sails to Gorda Sound passing by majestic Savannah Bay of Virgin Gorda. Shallow and well sheltered Gorda Sound is great for swimming and snorkeling as well as water sports such as paddle boarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. You may take a mooring near The Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, or anchor west of Prickly Pear Island for a more secluded evening under the stars.
Overnight at moorings
Day 4Anegada
15 nm5 hours
Early morning passage to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. You may try local lobsters and rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel or at Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay. Be careful approaching Anegada, as it surrounded by coral reefs with quite narrow passage.
Overnight at moorings
Day 5Trellis Bay (Beef Island)
20 nm6 hours
Trellis Bay is an appealing small village destination with a small market available for basic provisioning. Scrub Island and Guana Island offer sightseeing and recreation along the beaches.
For the night you may stay at anchor at White Bay or Monkey Point (Guana Island), or pick up a mooring in Scrub Island or Marina Cay.
Overnight at moorings
Day 6Jost Van Dyke
15 nm5 hours
Is a must see destination during your BVI sailing itinerary. Jost Van Dyke is home to number of beach bars and restaurants. You may anchor right in front of White Beach or find a mooring in Great Harbour.
Overnight at anchor or moorings
Day 7Norman Island
12 nm4 hours
One of the most beautiful anchorages in BVI. Probably it was a true inspiration for famous Treasure Island. Here you will find plenty of restaurants and well protected large mooring field.
Overnight at moorings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The bay offers scenic setting, clean beach, and welcoming atmosphere, with highlights like Foxy’s bar and a range of lively restaurants and shops. The ambiance is festive, especially in the evenings, and access ashore is straightforward via dinghy docks. Sailors note the charm and authenticity of the village, though some criticize the high prices and at times unwelcoming service in restaurants and stores.
The bay is peaceful and attractive, with a natural setting valued by sailors. It is less touristy than other bays on Jost Van Dyke and offers an authentic feel, with easy access to Sandy Cay adding further appeal.
This bay offers tranquil atmosphere, pleasant surroundings, and natural beauty such as scenic walking trails to the Bubble Pool. Sailors appreciate clear water and the peaceful setting, making it ideal for relaxation. Some skippers note a cluttered environment with some garbage and construction nearby, which affects the ambiance.
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.
Sailors generally regard this anchorage as paradise-like, with postcard-perfect scenery, a sandy islet, palm trees, and clear water. The setting is iconic and pleasant for picnics or walks ashore.
Sailors generally thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the anchorage, highlighting its stunning beach, crystal-clear water, and pleasant ambience. Day stops are especially popular for swimming and snorkeling, and the friendly welcome at beach bars—especially Patricia's—stands out. However, several Sailors warn that overnight stays can be uncomfortable due to significant swell and rolling at night, making this anchorage best enjoyed during good weather or as a daytime stop.
Francis Bay is valued by sailors for its scenic beauty, tranquil waters, and natural setting. The bay features pristine beaches and offers a peaceful atmosphere compared to nearby Maho Bay. Sailors note good opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking, with rich marine life sightings including rays and turtles.
Sailors appreciate the quality of provisioning, the availability of fuel, efficient customs and immigration services, access to repairs, shops, and several dining options. The bay serves well as a stopover for official formalities or provisioning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
“From St. Thomas to BVI by Ferry”
If you're flying into St. Thomas (STT), plan to arrive no later than 2:30 PM to ensure you have enough time to take a water taxi or ferry over to Tortola, BVI.
Once you arrive in St. Thomas you would then catch the hour-long ferry to Tortola with one of public Water Ferry Options:
www.nativesonferry.co
www.smithsferry.com
www.aquaticrentalsvi.com
Charlotte Amalie Ferry Dock in St. Thomas is just 10 minutes from the Airport. You can also catch the ferry from Red Hook with Aquatic Adventures. You should consider booking your tickets in advance.
Grigory
United States
“Provisioning in the BVI”
Provisioning in the BVI can be ordered online via www.bobbyssupermarket.com
Grigory
United States
“Fly Direct to the BVI from US”
American Airlines now offers direct flights from Miami to Beef Island Airport (EIS) in the British Virgin Islands. Upon arrival, you can easily take a land taxi to the charter base.
Taxi rates are approximately $18 per person from the airport to the base.