🇦🇼 Aruba 🇦🇺 Australia🇵🇹 Azores🇧🇸 Bahamas🇧🇿 Belize🇧🇲 Bermuda🇧🇶 Bonaire🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands🇮🇨 Canary Islands🇰🇾 Cayman Islands🇺🇸 California🇨🇻 Cape Verde🇨🇱 Chile🇨🇴 Colombia🇨🇰 Cook Islands🇨🇷 Costa Rica🇨🇺 Cuba🇨🇼 Curacao🇩🇴 Dominican Republic🇩🇲 Dominica🇪🇨 Ecuador🇸🇻 El Salvador🇫🇯 Fiji🇵🇫 French Polynesia🇪🇨 Galapagos🇬🇮 Gibraltar🇬🇵 Guadeloupe🇬🇹 Guatemala🇺🇸 Hawai'i🇭🇳 Honduras 🇮🇹 Italy🇯🇲 Jamaica🇰🇮 Kiribati🇵🇹 Madeira🇲🇹 Malta🇲🇶 Martinique🇲🇽 Mexico🇲🇸 Montserrat🇲🇦 Morocco🇳🇨 New Caledonia🇳🇿 New Zealand🇳🇮 Nicaragua🇳🇺 Niue🇵🇦 Panama🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands🇵🇹 Portugal🇵🇷 Puerto Rico🇧🇶 Saba🇼🇸 Samoa🇸🇧 Solomon Islands🇰🇳 St. Kitts and Nevis🇪🇸 Spain🇹🇴 Tonga🇹🇳 Tunisia🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos🇻🇮 US Virgin Islands🇺🇸 USA East Coast🇻🇺 Vanuatu🇻🇪 Venezuela🇼🇫 Wallis and Futuna

BVI

1. Introduction to the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

  • Setting the Scene: A brief on the allure of the BVIs, including unique geography, the steady trade winds, and a welcoming maritime culture.
  • Ideal for Yachts: Why the BVIs stand out as a destination for experienced cruisers who own their yachts, emphasizing exploration beyond the main charter routes.

2. Navigational Insights for Yacht Owners

  • Key Ports and Anchorages: Dive into top ports like Road Town, Soper’s Hole, and the Yacht Harbour at Virgin Gorda, detailing mooring availability, facilities, and local contacts.
  • Weather Patterns and Seasons: Discuss seasonal wind variations, hurricane season, and tips on safe anchoring and navigating currents for those familiar with their own yachts.
  • Regulations: Outline customs, immigration processes, and cruising permits for yacht owners.

3. Iconic Destinations and Hidden Gems

  • Main Attractions: Describe famed spots like The Baths, Anegada’s beaches, and Norman Island’s caves. Include tips on where to dock or anchor and nearby services.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path: Highlight lesser-known spots, like Diamond Cay, Salt Island, and Monkey Point, which are often bypassed by charter companies.

4. Cruising Culture in the BVIs

  • Connecting with Other Yacht Owners: Tips on where to meet fellow cruisers, such as local yacht clubs, waterfront cafes, and marinas known for friendly communities.
  • Supporting Local Businesses: Insights on recommended local eateries, marine supply stores, and boat maintenance services that support independent yacht owners.

5. Practical Tips for Longer Stays

  • Provisioning and Refueling: Locations for groceries, refueling, and fresh water access; tips for extended voyages, including popular spots for local produce.
  • Marine Services: Information on the best spots for repairs, dive services, and yacht detailing.
  • Staying Connected: Options for WiFi and cell coverage, plus where cruisers can expect to find quiet spots with minimal connectivity for true seclusion.

6. Environmental Responsibility and Community Initiatives

  • Sustainable Sailing: Encourage practices like mindful anchoring and minimizing waste. Tips on where to dispose of waste responsibly in the BVIs.
  • Conservation and Volunteering: Outline any ongoing efforts, such as coral restoration and beach clean-ups, where yacht owners can contribute.

7. Seasonal Events and Local Festivities

  • Sailing Events: Feature local regattas or festivals, such as the BVI Spring Regatta, and what yacht owners can expect during these times.
  • Local Celebrations: Share notable cultural events in the BVIs that give a deeper connection to the area and its people.

This outline ensures coverage of essential details, from practical insights to unique, immersive experiences that resonate with seasoned yacht owners looking to savor the BVIs at their own pace.

MARINAS

🇻🇬 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Tortola:

  • Nanny Cay Marina: Located between Road Town and West End, Nanny Cay offers 180 berths, a boatyard, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and various marine services.
  • Village Cay Marina: Situated in Road Town, this marina provides 106 slips for vessels up to 190 feet, along with amenities like a hotel, restaurant, pool, and provisioning options.
  • Soper’s Hole Wharf & Marina: Found on the western side of Tortola at Frenchman’s Cay, Soper’s Hole features 43 slips, 18 moorings, dining, shopping, and other facilities.
  • Hodges Creek Marina: Located in Maya Cove, this marina offers docking facilities and serves as a base for several charter companies.
  • Penn’s Landing Marina: A tranquil, private marina in Fat Hog’s Bay, East End, providing a range of yacht and boat services year-round.
  • Road Reef Marina: Positioned in Road Town, offering docking facilities and marine services.
  • Fort Burt Marina: Also in Road Town, providing docking and related amenities.

Virgin Gorda:

  • Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour: Located in Spanish Town, this marina offers docking facilities, a boatyard, shopping, and dining options.
  • Leverick Bay Resort and Marina: Situated in North Sound, Leverick Bay provides slips, moorings, fuel, water, and resort amenities.
  • Bitter End Yacht Club: Located in North Sound, offering docking facilities and resort services.
  • Saba Rock Resort: A small island resort in North Sound with docking facilities for guests.

Scrub Island:

  • Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina: This private island resort offers a 55-slip marina accommodating vessels up to 170 feet, along with luxury resort amenities.

Peter Island:

  • Peter Island Resort & Yacht Harbour: Located on Peter Island, offering docking facilities and resort services.

Anegada:

  • Anegada Reef Hotel Marina: Provides limited docking facilities primarily for guests of the hotel.

WEATHER

WIND

SWELL WAVE

BVI HISTORIC HURRICANE TRACKS

PILOT CHARTS

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS  Pilot Charts provide historic points and aggregated information of  wind flows, air and ocean temperatures, wave heights, rain, barometric weight, and climate conditions at various seasons. This data was acquired from oceanographic and meteorologic perceptions over hundreds of years starting in the late eighteenth century. These diagrams are planned to help mariners choose routes around and approaching Cuba with respect to the normal climate and sea conditions using prevailing seasonal wind information.

PORTS OF ENTRY

🇻🇬 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

DOCUMENTS

MUST SEE

1. The Baths, Virgin Gorda

  • Why Visit: A geological wonder with massive granite boulders forming natural pools, caves, and grottos.
  • Best Time: Early morning in winter (November–March) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.

2. Gorda Peak National Park

  • Why Visit: Offers panoramic views of the islands and is home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Best Time: December–April for clear skies and ideal hiking conditions.

3. Anegada Island

  • Why Visit: Known for secluded beaches, salt ponds, and the Caribbean’s best lobster.
  • Best Time: November–April to avoid intense summer heat.

4. Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

  • Why Visit: Pristine beach with clear waters, lively beach bars, and local restaurants.
  • Best Time: December–March for the most vibrant beach scene.

5. Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay

  • Why Visit: A beautiful beach with crystal waters, famous for its beach bars, including the Soggy Dollar Bar.
  • Best Time: November–April, especially around New Year’s for Foxy’s Old Year’s Night party.

6. Norman Island

  • Why Visit: Known for excellent snorkeling, especially at the Caves and the Indians.
  • Best Time: May and October for fewer crowds and calm waters.

7. Rhone National Marine Park

  • Why Visit: Explore the wreck of the RMS Rhone, one of the most famous Caribbean dive sites.
  • Best Time: Year-round for diving, with November–April offering the best conditions.

8. Sandy Cay

  • Why Visit: Tiny island with a lush interior, hiking trails, and untouched beaches.
  • Best Time: December–April to avoid high temperatures.

9. Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola

  • Why Visit: Secluded and beautiful, it’s a favorite for snorkeling and beach lounging.
  • Best Time: Early morning in December–March for peace and quiet.

10. Cooper Island

  • Why Visit: Known for its eco-resort, good snorkeling, and vibrant coral reefs.
  • Best Time: November–April for ideal weather and water conditions.

11. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, Jost Van Dyke

  • Why Visit: A legendary spot with live music and great Caribbean vibes.
  • Best Time: December–March, with New Year’s being a particularly festive time.

12. Bubbly Pool, Jost Van Dyke

  • Why Visit: A natural “jacuzzi” formed by waves rushing through rocks.
  • Best Time: Visit between November–April when seas are calmer, for safer exploring.

13. Peter Island

  • Why Visit: Pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling, especially Deadman’s Bay.
  • Best Time: December–April for the best beach conditions.

14. Saba Rock

  • Why Visit: Small island resort known for dining, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but more festive in winter months (November–April).

15. Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

  • Why Visit: Anchoring spot for those visiting local bars and exploring the island.
  • Best Time: December–March, when the harbor is lively yet not overly crowded.

16. Long Bay Beach, Tortola

  • Why Visit: Beautiful stretch of sand with fewer crowds, perfect for beach walks.
  • Best Time: Morning hours in November–April.

17. Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda

  • Why Visit: A quaint town with shops, restaurants, and a historic copper mine.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but more vibrant December–April.

18. Scrub Island

  • Why Visit: Known for luxury resorts, excellent snorkeling, and pristine beaches.
  • Best Time: December–April to enjoy the best resort experience.

19. Anegada’s Horseshoe Reef

  • Why Visit: Largest coral reef in the Caribbean and a paradise for divers.
  • Best Time: February–April for calm seas and good visibility.

20. Little Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

  • Why Visit: A peaceful bay with excellent dining, including fresh seafood.
  • Best Time: November–April for ideal dining and relaxation conditions.

21. Mount Sage National Park

  • Why Visit: Highest peak in the BVIs, offering incredible hiking trails.
  • Best Time: November–April for cool temperatures.

22. Salt Island

  • Why Visit: Known for salt ponds and the wreck of the RMS Rhone.
  • Best Time: November–April for historical exploration and diving.

23. Marina Cay

  • Why Visit: Small island with calm waters, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
  • Best Time: Year-round, though busiest from December to March.

24. Belmont Bay, Tortola

  • Why Visit: Remote bay with beautiful waters and scenic views.
  • Best Time: Late spring (April–May) or early fall (September–October) for solitude.

 

REPAIRS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

1. B&G Marine Services

  • Location: Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola
  • Services: Yacht management, mechanical and electrical repairs, metal fabrication, shipwright services, and refits.
  • Phone: +1 284-345-2656
  • Email: ted.reshetiloff@bgbvi.com
  • Website: bgbvi.com

2. Marine Maintenance Services BVI Ltd.

  • Location: Road Town, Tortola
  • Services: Main engine and generator replacement, air conditioning installations, refrigeration and watermaker repairs, electrical services, and hydraulic press system operations.
  • Phone: +1 284-494-3494
  • Email: Contact via website
  • Website: superyachtservicesguide.com

3. Aquadoc

  • Location: Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola
  • Services: Authorized service agent and dealer for Fischer Panda generators and Spectra Watermakers; certified Kohler Generator repair facility; electrical works, refrigeration and air conditioning, inboard and outboard motor maintenance.
  • Phone: +1 284-346-7643
  • Email: aquadocmarine@surfbvi.com
  • Website: superyachtservicesguide.com

4. A&J Marine

  • Location: Virgin Gorda
  • Services: Yacht maintenance, management, charter vacation itinerary planning, guest services, and BVI maritime compliance assistance.
  • Phone: +1 284-541-6861
  • Email: info@aandjmarine.com
  • Website: aandjmarine.com

5. Pitt Marine

  • Location: Leverick Bay Marina, Virgin Gorda
  • Services: Chandlery, marine supplies, yacht services, dockside support, project management, and maintenance support.
  • Phone: +1 284-547-3636
  • Email: Contact via website
  • Website: pittmarine.com

6. SS Marine

EMERGENCIES AND SAR INFO