The British Virgin Islands are one of the most exciting places in the world to be on the water. The sea is calm for much of the year and the islands sit close together, which makes island-hopping a breeze. There is always a new cove or beach to enjoy as the sun goes down.
You don’t need your own yacht to explore the BVI. Regency Yacht Charters has been arranging crewed charters since 1983, and we believe the BVI is one of the best places in the world for the experience. This guide explains how to find the right charter yacht, where to begin your trip, and how a week of island-hopping usually plays out.
Islands and cays to explore
Typical hop between islands
Weekly catamaran rates
Why the British Virgin Islands Are Ideal for Island-Hopping
The island chain has more than 60 islands and cays, and most of them lie close together. Many hops between islands take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, so you spend your time enjoying pristine shorelines instead of staring at an empty horizon.
Our British Virgin Islands destination page outlines a sample week of around 60 nautical miles, with much of the sailing in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the stretch of water between Tortola and the smaller islands to the south.
These islands shelter you from the open ocean. Protected anchorages and steady easterly trade winds keep the water calmer, which is why we often recommend the BVI for families with children.
Charter Yachts BVI: Catamarans, Motor Yachts, and Sailboats
The right type of yacht depends on how fast you want to move, who you’re traveling with, and how you like to spend your days on the water.
Catamarans
Catamarans make up a big part of our BVI fleet. Guests love them because they stay stable even in stronger winds, and two hulls mean more room to spread out in the cabins and on deck. Catamarans also sit high on the water for great views. Our crewed catamarans range from about 45 to 80 feet and accommodate 6 to 12 guests.
Motor Yachts
Choose a motor yacht if you want to cover more water quickly. You don’t depend on the wind, so on a motor yacht charter, BVI destinations like Anegada are quicker to reach.
Sailing Yachts
Sailing yachts are for travelers who want to experience the Caribbean at a slower, classic pace. Nothing compares to the feel of a boat under sail. Ask our team about the sailing yachts available for a charter sailboat BVI trip.
Every charter yacht in the British Virgin Islands booked with us comes with the crew you need, including a captain and a chef or steward. Larger yachts carry additional crew to look after everyone in your party.
Where BVI Charters Start: The Tortola Marinas
Most BVI charters begin at one of Tortola’s marinas, such as Nanny Cay, Village Cay in Road Town, or Soper’s Hole at West End. Fly in, and your charter team will help coordinate the transfer to your yacht.
Sample Charter Stops: Norman Island, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke
Your captain will tailor the route to the weather and your preferences. Here’s what a sample itinerary might look like.
Norman Island
Norman Island is often the first stop thanks to its proximity to Tortola. Snorkel The Caves at Treasure Point and enjoy the views from the anchorage at the Bight.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is famous for The Baths, where giant granite boulders form pools and passages you can wade through. Toward the eastern end of the island, the sheltered waters around Prickly Pear and Eustatia offer excellent reefs.
Anegada
Anegada feels completely different from the other islands. It’s a low, flat coral island ringed by Horseshoe Reef. It takes longer to reach, but many charter guests think it’s well worth it.
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is a favorite final stop thanks to its famous beach bars, including Foxy’s and the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay, before heading back to Tortola.
Boat Charters BVI: A Week Aboard or a Boat for a Day
You don’t have to spend a full week aboard to experience the islands. If you’d rather rent a boat, BVI operators also offer day trips and small boats by the hour. Most of our guests, however, book a full week. Their yacht becomes their transportation, hotel, and restaurant in one, with the chef handling the cooking and the captain handling the navigation.
Most yacht rentals in the British Virgin Islands booked with us are all-inclusive, typically covering meals, house brand drinks, and water sports gear.
Planning Your Charter With Regency
Our team will learn about your group, your dates, and the experience you want, then match you with the right yacht. Weekly rates for our crewed catamarans start at around $15,000, and a deposit (typically 50%) reserves your yacht.
Find Your BVI Charter Yacht
Browse our fleet of BVI charter yachts or talk to our team about dates, group size, and the week you have in mind.
Prefer to talk it through? Call a charter specialist at 1-800-524-7676.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in a charter yacht rental?
On most all-inclusive BVI charters, the price includes the crew, meals, house brand drinks, and water sports gear. Premium alcohol, off-yacht activities, and crew gratuity are usually extra.
Is sailing experience required?
No. Every crewed charter yacht booked with us comes with an experienced captain and crew.
How many nights should a BVI charter be?
We recommend 7 nights, and charter rates are typically quoted by the week.
