British Virgin Islands Catamaran Charter
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a beacon of natural splendour and Caribbean charm, welcoming travellers from all round the world. Exploring these islands from the vantage point of a crewed catamaran offers unparalleled views of the islands and allows you to visit remote and beautiful locations that are often inaccessible by land. With their pristine white sand clear seas, and lush green landscapes, the BVI offers a sanctuary for relaxation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of secluded anchorages, lulled by the gentle waves.
Yet, beyond its serene shores lies a vibrant underwater world, teeming with colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life, inviting exploration through snorkelling and diving. The islands’ rich history and culture add depth to the experience, with plenty of stories of pirates and hidden treasure. A crewed catamaran charter provides the ultimate freedom to explore these islands at your own pace. Whether basking in the sun on the deck of a catamaran, savouring freshly caught seafood at a beachside shack, or dancing under the stars at a lively beach bar, the British Virgin Islands are captivating, offering an unforgettable journey.
Why choose a crewed catamaran charter in the BVI?
- Due to their popularity in the area, there is a great selection of crewed catamarans to choose from, varying in size and type. The large amount of choice on offer means you can find the perfect catamaran and crew to match your needs.
- Exceptionally knowledgeable crews who know the area intimately. Additionally, there are crews available that are specialised in certain areas such as kitesurfing, marine conservation, diving and those that are more concentrated on family friendly charters. There really is a crew for every group.
- A catamaran’s wide beam and dual hull, make it a very stable choice of sailing vessel. Not only does this appeal to those not used to being at sea, but it also makes them a great choice for special occasion charters for celebrating and dancing.
- The BVI boasts a tempting climate of warm weather and many sunshine hours. Soak up the sunrays from the catamaran’s multiple outside spaces; the flybridge, foredeck or aft deck. The season is long in this area, starting in late November, and ending late June.
- The BVI is the perfect destination for families looking for a family friendly catamaran charter, with its short sailing distances between the majority of islands and overnight stops.
- With easy access from the catamaran, there is no better way of exploring the finest beaches in the BVI but also accessing the water to enjoy water sports. All crewed catamarans have a range of water toys on board to enjoy, from stand up paddle boards to sea bobs and more. Some catamarans offer specialised charters in kite surfing, snorkelling and/or diving.
- Most catamarans in the BVI are run on an all-inclusive basis, this makes a BVI catamaran charter ideal for groups that don’t wish to be fully involved in all of the planning and preparation of their trip. All-inclusive charters mean you have all your meals organised on board and the ship’s bar stocked up for the charter. Guests can still enjoy some meals on shore if they wish and the crew would book the restaurants for them.
BVI Crewed Charters Overview
When organising a crewed yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands, you have the flexibility to create your own itinerary, with the help of your yacht broker and captain, choosing which islands to visit, where to anchor for the night, and how long to stay in each location. This level of flexibility allows for a truly personalized and tailored experience.
The charter season runs from late November through to the end of June, with peak season being between the festive season (Christmas and New Year weeks) and April. The majority of charters in the BVI are for a minimum of a week, with embarkation in Tortola, from one of the island’s marinas: Nanny Cay, Scrub Island or Village Cay. For those wishing to embark on a longer charter, this is indeed possible and enables you to either travel greater distances or spend longer at each location. Some select boats offer options to sail to the US Virgin Islands, depending on the yacht’s licence. If this is something that appeals, let your broker know.
Top Natural Attractions in the BVI:
British Virgin Islands natural attractions
Kite surfing in Anegada
Kite surfing in Anegada, one of the British Virgin Islands’ hidden gems, offers an exhilarating adventure amidst some of the Caribbean’s most pristine natural surroundings. With its shallow, clear waters and consistent trade winds, Anegada provides the perfect conditions for kite surfing enthusiasts of all levels. Beginners can take advantage of the calm, shallow waters near the shoreline to practice their skills under the guidance of experienced instructors, while more advanced riders can rent the gear (or bring their own) and enjoy the thrilling rides and jumps.
Snorkelling in The Indians, near Norman Island
Snorkelling in the Indians offers a wonderful underwater experience in one of the Caribbean’s most captivating marine environments. This cluster of rocky islets, situated near Norman Island, boasts some of the region’s most vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. As you move through the waters, you’ll encounter a display of colours: from delicate corals swaying gently in the current to schools of tropical fish darting through the sea. The shallow reefs provide an ideal habitat for an array of marine species, including parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional sea turtle or stingray.
Diving the Wreck of Rhone
Diving the wreck of the RMS Rhone is an extraordinary adventure that transports divers back in time to explore a piece of maritime history lying beneath the sea of the British Virgin Islands. The RMS Rhone, a Royal Mail steamship, met its tragic fate in 1867 during a hurricane, sinking off the coast of Salt Island. Today, the wreck rests in two main sections, providing divers with a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. The Rhone’s eerie beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit dive site for enthusiasts from around the world. Experienced divers can penetrate the wreck’s interior, navigating through narrow corridors and dark passageways, while less experienced divers can marvel at the spectacle from the safety of the surrounding reefs.
The Baths at Virgin Gorda
The most iconic attraction in the BVI is The Baths, on Virgin Gorda. This unique geological formation of granite boulders strewn along the shoreline, forms a series of enchanting grottoes, tunnels, and pools. Visitors can wander through this otherworldly labyrinth, wading through shallow clear waters and marvel at the towering boulders draped in lush greenery. The Baths are also a popular spot for snorkelling, with vibrant coral reefs and colourful marine life just offshore.
Exploring The Caves at Norman Island
The caves at Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands are a natural wonder that bring explorers into an enchanting underwater world. Carved into the island’s rugged coastline, these extraordinary caverns offer a captivating experience for snorkelers and divers. As the sunlight filters through the water, it illuminates the intricate rock formations and creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadow within the submerged chambers.
Beaches of the BVI
British Virgin Islands top beaches
The British Virgin Islands are known for their stunning and pristine beaches, each with its own unique charm. Here are some notable beaches in the British Virgin Islands, some of which are best accessed by a boat:
White Bay (Jost Van Dyke)
White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is famous for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. It’s a popular spot for beach bars and water activities.
Cane Garden Bay (Tortola)
Cane Garden Bay on Tortola is known for its lively atmosphere, with beachfront bars, restaurants, and live music. The bay is surrounded by lush hills and offers a beautiful setting.
Smuggler’s Cove (Tortola)
Smuggler’s Cove is a more secluded beach on Tortola, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful clear sea. The road to the beach adds an element of adventure to the visit! This beach is not easily accessed by boat unless the sea is completely calm.
Devil’s Bay (Virgin Gorda)
Devil’s Bay is accessible by a scenic hiking trail from The Baths. The beach is relatively small but features pristine white sand and excellent snorkelling opportunities.
Long Bay Beach (Tortola)
Long Bay Beach on Tortola is known for its long stretch of white sand and calm, shallow waters. It’s a great spot for swimming and family-friendly activities. Nowadays, it offers a great restaurant and beach bar.
Josiah’s Bay (Tortola)
Josiah’s Bay is popular among surfers due to its consistent waves. The beach is surrounded by lush hills and provides a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere.
Deadman’s Bay (Peter Island)
Deadman’s Bay on Peter Island is a beautiful and secluded beach with powdery white sand. It’s often considered a tranquil retreat away from the busier areas.
Loblolly Bay (Anegada)
Anegada is known for its flat terrain and unique beaches, and Loblolly Bay is a prime example. It features long stretches of white sand and is known for its calm and shallow waters. This is one of the most beautiful snorkelling areas in the BVI.
Savannah Bay (Virgin Gorda)
Savannah Bay is a serene and unspoiled beach on Virgin Gorda, offering powdery sand and clear waters. It’s a great place for relaxation and solitude.
Remember that the British Virgin Islands consist of numerous islands, each with its own set of beautiful beaches. Exploring the various islands can lead to unforgettable beach experiences.
Top Bars To Visit in the BVI:
British Virgin Islands top bars
- Enjoy a ‘Painkiller’ at Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay
Located on the shores of White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, Island in the British Virgin Islands, the Soggy Dollar Bar is a legend of Caribbean hospitality and relaxation. Renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque setting, the Soggy Dollar Bar has earned its place as a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world. Named after the tradition of patrons arriving by boat and paying for their drinks with wet, saltwater-stained dollars, the bar embodies the spirit of island life. Visitors can kick back in a hammock, while sipping on the bar’s signature cocktail, the Painkiller.
- Experience island life at Foxy’s Bar
Foxy’s Bar, nestled on the shores of Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, is an iconic Caribbean institution renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and warm hospitality. Steeped in island charm and character, Foxy’s has been a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike for decades. Founded by the charismatic Foxy Callwood, the bar exudes a relaxed and welcoming vibe, inviting guests to kick back, unwind, and enjoy the laid-back rhythms of island life. Whether you’re sipping on a tropical cocktail, indulging in freshly caught seafood, or dancing to the sounds of live music under the starlit sky, Foxy’s offers an authentic Caribbean experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
- Enjoy an evening at Saba Rock
Saba Rock nestles on a tiny islet in the heart of the British Virgin Islands, right next to the tip of Virgin Gorda. It offers a unique blend of rustic elegance and natural beauty. Accessible only by boat, Saba Rock welcomes guests with open arms, inviting them to indulge in a truly unforgettable island experience. Dine at the restaurant with fantastic views of the bay (great sunset!) or enjoy the bar upstairs, always with great music and excellent views of Virgin Gorda and the many yachts anchored nearby. Saba Rock is also a great kitesurfing spot.
Top onshore activities to enjoy in the BVI
British Virgin Islands top onshore activities
Sandy Spit
Sandy Spit, a tiny jewel near Jost Van Dyke, is the epitome of a tropical paradise. This uninhabited islet, with its white sandy beach and lush greenery, offers a secluded haven for beach lovers and adventurers alike. With its panoramic views of the surrounding islands, great snorkelling opportunities and stretches of soft sand, it’s the perfect spot for picnicking, or simply soaking up the serenity of the natural surroundings.
Hike in the BVI’s National Parks:
Sage Mountain National Park
Sage Mountain National Park, located on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, is an unspoilt wilderness. As the highest point in the British Virgin Islands, 1,710ft tall, Sage Mountain commands panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the sea below. The park is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, boasting a network of 12 scenic trails that wind through lush tropical forests, past cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flora and fauna. There are towering mahogany trees, ancient ferns, and delicate orchids, sheltering a diverse array of wildlife, including exotic birds and butterflies. Sage Mountain National Park is a testament to the importance of conservation and the safeguarding of our natural heritage for future generations.
Gorda Peak National Park
Gorda Peak National Park, situated on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, is a natural sanctuary that showcases the island’s diverse flora and fauna. At the heart of the park stands Gorda Peak, the highest point on Virgin Gorda at 1,370ft, offers amazing views out of Anegada Island on a clear day. The park is a paradise for hikers, with a network of well-maintained trails that wind through lush tropical forests, past wildflowers, and towering trees. As visitors ascend the peak, they are enveloped in the sights and sounds of the island’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities to spot native birds, lizards, and other wildlife along the way, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Take a guided tour at Callwood Rum Distillery
Callwood Rum Distillery is a historic rum distillery located on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Established in the 18th century, it is one of the oldest rum distilleries in the Caribbean. The distillery produces artisanal rum using traditional methods, including copper pot stills and oak barrels for aging. Visitors to Callwood Rum Distillery can take guided tours of the facility, where they can learn about the rum-making process, explore the historic buildings, and sample various types of rum produced on-site. It’s a popular attraction for tourists seeking a taste of the BVI’s rich rum-making heritage and a glimpse into its colonial past.
Crewed Catamarans 40 – 50ft
Crewed Catamarans 50 – 60 ft
Crewed Catamarans 60 – 80ft
Contact Catamaran Charter Experts at High Point Yachting
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Crewed catamaran charter resources
For further details on making the most of your crewed catamaran charter, explore the following resources: