British Virgin Islands (BVI)

BVI YACHT CHARTER & BOAT RENTAL

551 boats available for bareboat or crewed charter
Yachts from professional fleet operators in British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Free cancellation of reservation without obligations within 4 days

Most popular boats For rent in BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)

Top destinations in British Virgin Islands (BVI) for boat rental

  • Tortola

    TORTOLA

    550 boats for charter

    from $1,447 per week

    Rent a boat in Tortola and navigate the serene waters of the British Virgin Islands. Experience unparalleled freedom and adventure, discovering secluded beaches and hidden coves on your own private vessel
  • Road Town

    ROAD TOWN

    2 boats for charter

    from $10,636 per week

    Embark on a maritime adventure in Road Town with our exclusive boat rental services. Explore the vibrant coastlines and tranquil waters of the British Virgin Islands, steering towards an unforgettable journey at sea.

Types of boats available for rent in British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Yacht charter types available in British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Grigory Elisseev
The content has been carefully reviewed in accordance with 12 Knots' Editorial Policy, ensuring accuracy in routes, and services.
Grigory Elisseev, Founder and CEO of 12 Knots, has led the review process. With extensive experience and deep industry expertise, he ensures all information meets our high editorial standards.
Last Updated: 16 May, 2025
All information on this page is regularly reviewed and updated to maintain accuracy and compliance with 12 Knots' high standards. We are committed to providing the most reliable and up-to-date information.

British Virgin Islands (BVI) Sailing itineraries

Below you’ll find ideas for sailing itineraries in the BVI. Both 7- and 10-day routes are thoughtfully planned to ensure optimal sailing distances, safe anchorages, and a relaxed pace to enjoy your sailing vacation.

Tortola BVI 7 days sailing itinerary

Tortola BVI 7 days sailing itinerary

Duration: 7 days
Distance: 89 nm
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.
Tortola BVI 10 days sailing itinerary

Tortola BVI 10 days sailing itinerary

Duration: 10 days
Distance: 93 nm
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.

Cost of boat rental in British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Average yacht charter cost in British Virgin Islands (BVI) starts from $5,983 per week. Graphic below represents fluctuation of charter prices in British Virgin Islands (BVI) during the year, based on a sample of 50 boats ranging from 40 to 50-foot. This graphic shows months with lowest prices during the year as well high season when prices are above average. Before booking the boat at lowest rate, please check sailing conditions as usually best prices are during off season.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

€8,041

€9,225

€9,263

€8,639

€7,375

€6,940

€6,399

€5,547

€5,335

€5,543

€7,067

€8,355

Sailing conditions in British Virgin Islands (BVI)

The best time to sail in the BVI is from November to April. During this season, you'll enjoy fewer rainy days, moderate humidity around 77%, comfortable average temperatures of 25 °C, and steady northeast trade winds between 12 and 20 knots. May to August marks the low season, with slightly higher rainfall and occasional stronger winds. September to October is the peak hurricane season and not recommended for sailing.

Temperature by month

Average air High and Low temperature during the year

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Max t° 28 °C 28 °C 28 °C 29 °C 29 °C 30 °C 30 °C 31 °C 31 °C 30 °C 29 °C 28 °C
Min t° 21 °C 21 °C 21 °C 22 °C 23 °C 24 °C 24 °C 24 °C 24 °C 24 °C 23 °C 22 °C
Max t° 82 °F 82 °F 82 °F 84 °F 84 °F 86 °F 86 °F 88 °F 88 °F 86 °F 84 °F 82 °F
Min t° 70 °F 70 °F 70 °F 72 °F 73 °F 75 °F 75 °F 75 °F 75 °F 75 °F 73 °F 72 °F

Rainy days by month

Average number of days with precipitation during the year.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rainy Days 13 10 10 10 13 13 15 15 15 16 15 14

Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are one of the top sailing destinations in the Caribbean, accounting for 40% of the professional charter fleet in the region. With a stunning selection of over 548 boats available for rent, the BVI offer steady trade winds, warm year-round temperatures, and relatively calm seas. Thanks to line-of-sight navigation and protected waters, this area is ideal for recreational sailing and is often called a “paddling pool” for novice sailors.

Why Charter a Yacht in the BVI

1. Exceptional Fleet Availability. The BVI offer the best selection of professionally maintained charter yachts, from compact sailboats to luxury crewed catamarans. The region’s reputation as a former offshore registration hub made it attractive for global fleet operators. Boats registered under the BVI flag were often more readily accepted by European and international authorities than those flagged in other offshore jurisdictions.


2. Convenience & Technical Support. Major BVI islands—including Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Beef Island, and Scrub Island—are easily accessible by ferry. This connectivity makes technical support during your charter more efficient and cost-effective.


3. Protected Waters. In addition to line-of-sight navigation, the BVI benefit from natural protection by barrier reefs, which block ocean swells and create calm sailing conditions within the island chain—ideal for anchoring and island hopping.


4. Short Distances. The BVI consists of 60 islands and islets, with most located within 15 nautical miles of each other or less. Even Anegada, the most remote island, is only 12 nm from Virgin Gorda. However, due to its flat topography and surrounding reefs, Anegada is hard to spot from a distance—sailors should approach with caution.

Boats for Rent in the BVI

The fleet includes everything from 35-foot sailing boats with 2 cabins to 60-foot luxury crewed catamarans and even power catamarans or trimarans.

  • 73% of the fleet consists of catamarans,
  • 20% are sailboats,

and a smaller portion includes motor yachts.


Major bases are located in Tortola, including Nanny Cay, Hodge’s Creek Marina, and marinas near Road Town.

More than 56% of the professional charter fleet is less than 3 years old, which is excellent considering the total number of boats available.

Most boats are available for a minimum 3-day charter, but we recommend at least 5 or maximum 10 days for a fulfilling sailing experience, given the close proximity of islands.


Boat type

Capacity

Price range weekly

Fleet age in BVI

Sailing Boats 

4-12 people

From $1,600

50% of the boats are ≤ 3 years old

Catamarans 6–12 people
From $3,400
59% are ≤ 3 years old

Power Boats 

8-12 people

From $3,400

42% are ≤ 3 years old

Sailing Requirements in the BVI

A sailing license or certificate is not mandatory for bareboat charter in the BVI, but relevant experience is required. You must submit a sailing resume outlining your most recent qualifications and passages or charters as a skipper.

As a rule of thumb: To rent a 45-foot catamaran, you should have prior experience as skipper on a boat of equal or larger size.

Experience on monohulls usually qualifies you to charter catamarans of a similar size, but not the other way around, since catamarans are generally considered easier to operate.

The larger the boat, the more experience you’ll need to demonstrate during check-in.

Suggested BVI Sailing Itineraries

The most popular option is the 7-day BVI sailing itinerary, which allows you to visit all major islands due to their short distances apart. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, we recommend our 10-day itinerary, which covers the same highlights with additional time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring secluded anchorages.

Practical Travel Tips for the BVI

Direct flights to the BVI are limited, but numerous connecting flights are available from Caribbean hubs like St. Thomas. Ensure your travel documents are in order, and consider travel insurance as U.S. health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not provide coverage here. Early accommodation booking is advised due to the popularity of the sailing season.

Explore the possibilities with 12 Knots and experience the best personalized yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands. Whether you're a novice or an experienced sailor, 12 Knots ensures a seamless and enriching sailing adventure.

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