Rent a boat in Tortola
Yacht types available in Tortola
Catamaran charter
Sailboat charter
Power boat charter
Trimaran charter
Most affordable boats for rent in Tortola
Most popular Sailboat rentals in Tortola
Popular catamarans charters in Tortola
Tortola Yacht charter options
Tortola sailing itineraries
We've curated top-notch sailing itineraries in Tortola, perfect for week-long sailing vacations or longer. Our recommendations are tailored to average 3-5 hours of sailing per day, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the joys of your sailing vacation without any unnecessary stress.
Tortola BVI 7 days sailing itinerary
Tortola BVI 10 days sailing itinerary
Cost of boat rental in Tortola
Tortola Yacht Charters
Welcome to Tortola, the sailing charter capital of the Carribean. This lush, mountainous island is the largest and most popular of the British Virgin Islands. The rocky coastlines are picturesque; the sailing conditions are ideal for beginners; the food and fun never stops. At 12 Knots, we love booking sailing charters in Tortola because our skippers come back happy every time. As seasoned sailors of the British Virgin Islands ourselves, we transform the experience to accommodate your every need. Whether you’d like a yacht charter or bareboat charter in Tortola, 12 Knots can help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
Sailing Conditions in Tortola
The British Virgin Islands are one of the most coveted places to sail in the world. Not only is the island home to many tourist-friendly communities, but the winds and waters offer ideal sailing conditions year-round. The tradewinds consistently blow between 10 to 20 knots throughout the year. In the summer months they typically range between 10-15; during the wintertime higher wind speeds reaching between 25-30 are possible. The winds in the British Virgin Islands consistently blow from the East. This makes planning your sailing schedule much easier.
The calm waters also play a part in favorable sailing conditions in Tortola. Seas are generally in the 3-4 foot range, meaning you can expect a relaxed and enjoyable trip from island to island. While you can generally expect favorable climate in Tortola, we recommend using a weather and wind forecast app to keep track of sailing conditions day-to-day. Monitoring wind and weather conditions at mooring allows for an easier experience while underway.
Weather watch is a critical element in our 12 Knots sailing school. We teach students how to adjust to different wind speeds and sea conditions so they can be prepared for whatever the BVI has in store. Click here to learn more about the 12 Knots sailing school.
Best Times to Vacation in Tortola
When planning a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands, weather conditions are the most important factor to consider. While sailing events on the island and coinciding tourist fluctuations may influence your decision, the heat and hurricane season will make the greatest impact on your Tortola boat charter experience.
Most BVI sailing trips are scheduled between late October (after the worst of the hurricane season) until the New Year, and between mid-April to the end of May. During these seasons, you are less likely to experience extreme heat, storms, or overcrowding on the islands due to tourism. The summer can offer beautiful weather, but it also brings the highest probability for hurricanes as well as overcrowding due to tourism.
The annual BVI Spring Regatta And Sailing Festival are held in late March to early April, which may be of interest to experienced sailors. There are several other regattas and sailing events held in the British Virgin Islands, so check your calendar to see which you may want to take part. Less experienced sailors can also enjoy the BVI’s Fireball Full Moon Parties, which are held every month in Tortola. These parties welcome all Tortola tourists to enjoy local food, music, and the island nightlife in a truly unique atmosphere.
Sailing Difficulty Level
The British Virgin Islands are a wonderful sailing destination for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The islands are incredibly sailor-friendly, offering a variety of mooring options and marinas that are well-maintained. However, during the sailing season these fill up quickly, so be sure to book your site hours in advance to ensure you have a place to stop and stay.
Due to the strong, stable winds, sailing in Tortola is beginner-friendly. Those with experience on the water can handle sailing between islands fairly easily throughout the year. However, if you have no seafaring experience, you don’t have to miss out on the experience of sailing the Carribean. Our crewed yacht charter offers you the peace of mind to sail with an experienced skipper by your side.
Not sure if you’re ready to tackle the open water? Enroll in the 12 Knots sailing school for a refresher course on everything you’ll need to know before your trip. We offer three different sailing school packages for those of all experience levels. Visit our sailing school page for more information.
Main Charter Bases
Tortola is a very popular yacht and bareboat charter destination for 12 Knots. We offer a variety of sailboat, catamaran, yacht, and other boat rentals for those looking to add a bit of Carribean adventure to their lives. Some of our most popular charter bases include:
- Wickhams Cay II Marina
- Road Town Tortola
- JY Harbour
- Nanny Cay
- And many more
You are guaranteed to find a sailing vacation package that fits your needs with 12 Knots. When choosing to sail with us, you’ll have a variety of boat options, as well as crewed charters and sailing school packages to help you tackle the Carribean seas head-on.
Boat Types For Charters
12 Knots offers a variety of boat rentals in Tortola. Depending on your previous sailing experience and confidence on the water, you may be well-suited for one of these types of sailing charters:
- Sailing yacht
- Powerboat
- Catamaran
- Gulet
- Trimaran
We have over 747 yachts and boats available for sailing in Tortola and throughout the British Virgin Islands. Click this link to make a reservation today.
Other Information About Tortola Sailing
Before you book your sailing charter in Tortola, you’ll want to gather basic information about it and the surrounding British Virgin Islands. Even if you are an experienced sailor, a bit of preparation is required to make your boat charter a dream vacation.
- Official currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Passport Requirements: Citizens of the U.S., Canada, and most European countries require a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation. Citizens of select European countries may also require a visa.
- Best months to visit: November, December, March, April
- Average daily cost to visit Tortola: $90 - $260
- Medical information: U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not apply in the British Virgin Islands. It is recommended that you purchase supplemental coverage if your insurance provider does not cover overseas medical bills. Divers beware: the British Virgin Islands does not have a hyperbaric chamber for diving emergencies.
With this information in mind, there is no reason why you can’t plan an enjoyable and safe trip to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Contact 12 Knots today to learn more!