BVI YACHT CHARTER & BOAT RENTAL

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.